Macross Frontier

[Mr March]

New information on Macross Frontier (thanks to kresphy on Macross World)!

A.D.207X, The colonization fleet Macross Frontier is traveling.
On the fleet, some 10 million people live peacefully. There is a TOP IDOL Shery Nome（シェリル・ノーム）.
Ranka Lee meet pilot training student Alto（早乙女アルト）on the way to concert.
However, Macross Frontier are raided by the powerful attack, the peace is broken...
What about Alto? What about MF's people choice?
New Macross Story is continued...

New Pictures!
http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/macrossfrontier-1.jpg
http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/macrossfrontier-2.jpg

Yahoo! :)

[Levon]

Looks good.


What are the chances it will be released in the US as Robotech Frontier?-_-;

[Tama83]

Zero, if whoever licenses it knows what's good for them. Besides, Robotech is Harmony Gold's trademark, remember?

[Ariel Tsuki]

Looks good.


What are the chances it will be released in the US as Robotech Frontier?-_-;

I think we passed the 'Robotech'-ing of the Macross series Stateside.

However, Alto Saotome (?) is enough to pull me in this show. Long-haired ultra bishounen and Macross? I'm pretty much sold.

EDIT: OH. MY. GOD. Is Alto wearing a *pink* ribbon in his hair?! *MOE levels went up*

[Westlo]

To say I'm looking forward to this would be an understatement. I'm seriously hoping Shouji finds the right mix in between the two extremes of Macross Zero and Aquarion for this series. Also hoping for the talented Satelite crew who did Zero, Noein and Hellsing Ultimate to work on this and not the janitors who did Kiss dum.

*checks to see if main character has a guitar*

phew!

[Amuro]

What are the chances it will be released in the US as Robotech Frontier?-_-;

Not every single Macross thread has to be used as an excuse to take shots at Robotech, you know.

In any case, I'm curious as to how this will turn out.. maybe the Macross franchise has more life left in it than is commonly believed?

[SDF/Draven]

I thought the next Macross was gonna be a remake of the original SDF series? This seems to be a sequel to it (even a sequel to Macross Plus)

[Levon]

Not every single Macross thread has to be used as an excuse to take shots at Robotech, you know.


I don't know because I hardly go into Macross threads, you know.

But I don't see whats wrong with taking shots at Robotech because Robotech is bad...

[Bronze21]

Keep us posted MR MARCH...it looks pretty good already.

[Mr March]

Levon
With the official release of the original SDF Macross by ADV and the lack of anything Macross in Robotech Shadow Chronicles, it's clear Macross and Robotech are now totally separate forever more. This is almost ideal in my opinion and I think much better for all the fans. Robotech has basically become just another transforming mecha show anyway, much like the way Southern Cross and Mospeada were created out of the success of the original SDF Macross.

Ariel Tsuki
Now there's a post I never suspected :) Nonetheless, I'm glad you like it. I think the character design for Macross Frontier is quite nice so far. Nothing over the top, which fits in well with the Macross style, and it's interesting.

Westlo
I hear ya, brotha! :) I'm really hopeful for this series and quite excited that it's a television show at last. The CG for Macross Zero was okay, but I'm much more interested in the story for Macross Frontier. The visual elements for most Macross have been strong, so I'm not so worried about that.

The good thing is, no guitar flight sticks :)

Amuro
Yeah, the two are quite separate now, so there's no need to tread over the whole "versus" thing again.

I wasn't aware there was no life left in Macross as a franchise. They haven't stopped making merchandise since the show started in '82 :) However, I suppose from the perspective of most anime fans, any significant length of time between productions tends to inflate the negative aspects of a less than stellar Macross sequel. If a Macross show was produced every year, it'd be easier to forget the bad ones. But then, it wouldn't be Macross if it was pimped out to the max :)

SDF/Draven
I'm not sure where the remake rumor of SDF Macross came from, but that's definitely untrue. Macross Frontier is a sequel for certain. From the date shown (AD 2070-something) it takes place far after the events of Macross Plus in 2040 or even Macross 7 in 2046, which is where the franchise officially left off. Also notice the new Valkyrie is designated the VF-25. Last VF we saw was the VF-22S Sturmvoge IIl as seen in Macross 7, the mass production model of the YF-21 from Macross Plus.

Bronze21
You're welcome! I sure will.

[Westlo]

I seriously also hope that Yoko Kanno steps it up a bit, I was disappointed with her work in Darker Than Black and aside from the GITS SAC series (which is done in a different style for her) she has been nowhere near as good in this decade than she was in the 90's.

I also hope they let Kanno do an intro song to match RahXephon's Hemisphere as opposed to getting the latest jpop/jrock band in an attempt to sell singles.

[loplop]

I just find it funny that the chief character designer is a noted Eroge and Hentai artist for this series. Most notably, Hitozuma Kasumi-san (aka Hills Have Size) . . . a bouncy Macross?

[Suiko Eiji]

One note of house cleaning: The idol's name is Sheryl (Cheryl) Nome, according to the NewType article, not quite Sheri.

Now for the opinion-filled diatribe:

I'm still undecided about Macross Frontier and now seeing some of the preliminary designs doesn't help those reservations any. I really like the design of the New Model Valkyrie VF-25 and I hope there'll be some awesome scenes involving them. I also like the look of Osuma (Ozuma? My eyes are bad and NewType is magazine print) Lee; as I've gotten older, I've begun to appreciate the Roy Fokker type more and more. And I think that's what we need more of, especially in a mecha series aimed at teen boys and men - womanizing, hard drinking, pineapple-salad eating bad *****.

But, on the other hand - Saotome Alto looks pretty ... emo (and pretty, too, I guess XD ). I mean, I guess given the way the character is written and who does the voice (cough cough Hayami Sho plz cough cough), I could see him being a very enjoyable character for me. And Ranka Lee? Just the appearance of a loli makes me squirm because I know they're going to cater to the creepy otaku market, which I think will end up distracting viewers like me from good points of the show and not like it as much as I would sans-loli.

I guess my biggest fear is that the father of all Macross, Kawamori Shouji, is working on this, too, isn't he? Has he found his testicles again? I think he left them back in 1984 to be entirely honest. I don't want MacFron to wind up like Mac 0 - fairly strong start to ending like a BS Greenpeace advert.

[Mr March]

ANN has a great update on their site with some good facts:

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-11-07/macross-f-sequel-with-nue-yoko-kanno-set-for-2008

Enjoy :)

[Suiko Eiji]

I'm still scared. (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=36992) Kawamori is billed as Chief Director but Yoshino Hiroyuki will be doing scripts and screenplay it looks like. Code Geass, with as many good things as I've heard about it, is hard to balance out Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny on your resume...

[Nameless21047]

I agree with Levon, I don't see whats wrong with taking shots at Robotech its just not fair..

[Westlo]

I'm still scared. (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=36992) Kawamori is billed as Chief Director but Yoshino Hiroyuki will be doing scripts and screenplay it looks like. Code Geass, with as many good things as I've heard about it, is hard to balance out Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny on your resume...

Hiroyuki is billed as being part of the script writing team fr Destiny but I'm pretty sure most of the power was with Fuduka's wife Chiaki Morosawa. The animation director pretty much blamed her for all those recaps due to the lateness of the scripts.

As for the loli can people at least watch it before they complain, reminds me of all the whining about Nia being introduced in Gurren Lagann which wasn't nowhere near justified. Let's strap a G cup on her instead so she can be like the Dragonaut girls.

[Mr March]

Westlo
Never heard Yoko Kanno's work in Darker Than Black, but even the best can't create a hit every time. I will agree that the J-Pop themes have been killed and the horse beaten more than I care to comment. Shows like Ghost in the Shell SAC and The VIsion of Escaflowne were really welcome departures musically and I wish more anime would follow that example and attempt different scores as well.

I'm not worried about lolicon in Macross Frontier. Even at it's worst in the Macross franchise (which would be Macross 7), it never really became a major issue for me. I found Mylene easy enough to ignore. But then again, I think very little of Macross 7, so perhaps it's easier for me to dismiss lolicon in that show because I'm dismissive of the show in general :)

loplop
The original SDF Macross had it's fan service as well, just not all that much of it. The infamous shower scenes, which is now an anime cliche, is such an example. Though I'm hoping that the fan service in Macross Frontier is kept in check :)

Suiko Eiji
I'm almost in the same boat as you. Personally, that VF-25 design is really working for me; it's fantastic. Kawamori has already borrowed from the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. It's not so much the overall silhouette that is most important, it's the smaller details like engine nozzles, nose shape, wing shape/edges, fuselage design and other such elements that make one aircraft frame look more advanced than another.
The majority of design elements from the most advanced real world aircraft have been utilized in the mechanical design for Macross Plus, especially the YF-21. Having exshausted all real world inspiration, the next step can only be refinement in design rather than innovation. As I see the state of Macross mechanical design, Kawamori has only two choices other than refinement: 1) Invent the next major advances in aerodynamic design himself (this is hardly something we can ask or expect of one man) or 2) Create faux-futuristic designs ala Macross II/Yukikaze and abandon all his engineering sensibility in favor of style (this is hardly something I would want to see in a Kawamori-designed Valkyrie).

I'm FAR more concerned with the story for this next Macross production. The story is something that has suffered in the last two major Macross productions and this is not a mistake I want to see repeated. The VF-25 is a great design in my eyes and it will have far more appeal to me as a Macross vehicle if the story in which it's used is better than Macross 7/Macross Zero. Kawamori is of course involved in the story again, but I too am hopeful he'll drop the crap and get back to the gritty. Enough preachy crap, just give us another grand and epic war story and let the tragedy that befalls the characters speak for itself about the nature of war.

[Bronze21]

Are there any other books (aside from the silver-covered Design Works) or websites that show more of the designs that Kawamori DIDN'T put into production? I'd like to see his "napkino" collection...his sketchbook...if you will. It would be interesting to see how he developed the mecha we all admire...like the Skull 001 Strike Valkyrie. It's by far my favorite (Here at work, there are probably 100 drawings/renderings/sketches that go before the final product design is finalized).

Has anyone tried to actually contact Kawamori? I've met and talked to several of the actors from the Mad Max movies and they're really stand-up blokes to talk to...very friendly and informative. They're surprised that the fans actually remember stuff that they've forgotten, and are happy to talk about it. Just curious.

I posted it on the SDF/Macross thread as well, but letting everyone know that the 25th anniversary 1:72 Valkyrie kit is out and the 1:48 Yamato diecast/plastic VF-1S and VF-19 Valkyries are coming out in December.

[Mr March]

In the books section oof my website is a picture of the book you'd be looking for:

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/books/Books-ShojiKawamoriMacrossDesignWorks.jpg

It's titled Shoji Kawamori Macross Design Works and it was published in 2001. Aside from trying to obtain series-specific books for the individual Macross productions (which is your ideal solution, but very difficult to do), this book is the best reference for all Valkyires. It also contains plenty of rough, preliminary and concept artwork for the vast majority of the Macross mecha designed by Shoji Kawamori. It also contains some artwork not found in any other Macross book.

I've never tried to contact any of the creative staff behind Macross nor any of the companies involved. The language barrier is a big stumbling block and I wouldn't have much to say :)

[Mr March]

Macross Frontier Trailer available!

Macross Frontier Trailer on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjHQPDOD7E8)

The official japanese website is having problems, but a fine fellow at Macross World uploaded the trailer fro all to see. Enjoy! :)

[Westlo]

Yeah looks really tight, I'm guessing this won't be longer than 26 episodes like SDF Macross and Macross 7 because I can't see Satelite keep up the level of animation/cg for too long a period.

[Bronze21]

Hey Mr March...I already have that book as well. I just think it would be cool to see all of the little rough sketches he did in his free time or during meetings and brainstorming sessions...beyond the books...and how early did he start sketching mecha ideas before working on Macross?

The video looks pretty cool.

[Mr March]

Great new picture of the VF-25 in high resolution (thanks to Graham on Macross World for the scan!)

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/vf-25.JPG

Bronze21
There may be a few other sketches in other books, but I think that's about all that is available. I actually don't know much about Kawamori, beyond the basics, and so I don't really know what he was doing before Macross. The stuff in the Macross Design Works and Perfect Memory are enough insight for me. I'd much rather Big West/Studio Nue release more of the "rarely seen" line art we're looking for in easily affordable books, like the YF-19 special weapons pack :)

[Mr March]

Really cool transformation collage:

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/807/vf25copyuy7.jpg

Enjoy :)

[Westlo]

I don't suppose Mr March if you know who composed the track "Information High" from Macross Plus? I'm positive I read somewhere that it was the only thing Yoko Kanno didn't do, was I misinformed?

[Mr March]

The song credits for "Information High" credit Yoko Kanno as composer. I'd find it very surprising if she wasn't the composer for that track since that song in particular has such strong elements of her musical style.

[Mr March]

Yet more tid bits to dine upon:

http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/32753/2005626404945421407_rs.jpg

Yummy :)

[Westlo]

Thanks for the info on information high, guess I was misinformed, that last shot looks awesome.

[Westlo]

Here's the youtube link for the tv cm those pics came from

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jTh2skI9IPU&eurl=http://ruliweb.empas.com/ruliboard/read.htm?num=18464&table=hb_news&main=hb

[Mr March]

No problem, Westlo.

Yeah, that new commercial is quite interesting. I was really shocked to see a fully transformable "armored" mode for the VF-25. Fighter, GERWALK and Battroid mode can all be acheived while fully armored. That is damn cool!

I also really like the scene with the VF-25 GERWALK in a city environment firing the gun pod toward the screen. It's very reminiscent of the original SDF Macross scene where Hikaru did the same thing in his VF-1 :)

[Westlo]

Manga adaption on the way as well, looks like they're really trying to push this... wonder what time slot it will end up in... with the budget I hardly think it's going to be a late night show.... and I'm pretty sure Code Geass 2 will be taking the Doroku time slot once Gundam 00 Part 1 ends...

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-11-22/macross-frontier-manga-tv-special's-date-announced

[Suiko Eiji]

It'd be funny if it got the same timeslot the original series got, which was Sun. at 2 PM. However, if it is trying to cater only to the Otaku crew, I can easily see that being pushed twelve hours back.

[Mr March]

Nice article. Thanks for the lin Westlo!

Wow, it looks like Big West is really pushing this new Macross series. New retrospective programs, manga tie-ins, concerts and promotions. It's been a real long time since Macross was last in the public spotlight like this. This is quite exciting.

There's also a bunch of new VF-25 pictures floating around. I'll upload them to my webspace later today and post links. The pictures are much larger, better colors and much brighter. The details are just awesome! :)

[Mr March]

Here they are, as promised:

Macross Frontiter spread in Dengeki Hobby Magazine Jan 2008 (http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/magazine-dengekihobby-Jan2008.JPG)

Macross spread in Hobby Japan Magazine Jan 2008 (http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/magazine-hobbyjapan-Jan2008.JPG)

[Bronze21]

The new Valkyrie design is growing on me. The whole rotational transformation is interesting, to say the least. Thanks for the links.

The GERWALK logo took me aback a bit. I still have kits with the 15th anniversary logo on them. I can't believe how quickly time has flown by...25 years. I was in fourth grade when Macross came out in Japan.

OFF TOPIC: Mr March. Are you importing the Hobby Japan mags directly from Japan? If so, may I ask through whom and how much, including shipping? My source always arrives at the end of the month (getting October's issue on November 1st, 6 weeks behind schedule). I end up paying about $15.ooUS each for them, or about $22.ooUS, sent EMS, if I go through HLJ.com directly.

[Amuro]

It's looking interesting. I'm glad it's getting made in any case. It's nice to see a franchise I used to be fond of pop up again.

[Mr March]

Bronze21
For right now, I'm relying upon message boards and net friends actually in Japan for the magazine pictures. I'm still trying to find vendors here in Toronto that sell the Japanese magazines. I've not yet tried ordering online, probably because it sounds expensive :)

Amuro
Don't strain yourself :) ;)

[Bronze21]

Mr March and others. There's a three-page spread in this months Newtype USA that covers the whole Macross world. In the background, theres line drawings of some of the Valkyries with a pic of Kawamori on the left. Some of the text is supposed to be by Mikimoto as well. I'll try to scan it shortly. I haven't read it yet...

[Mr March]

That sounds great! I'd love to see a scan.

[Westlo]

Copying my post from AOD

Spring 08 :D

Yuuichi Nakamura as Alto Saotome
Aya Endo as Sheryl Nome
Hiroshi Kamiya as Mikhail Buran
Jun Fukuyama as Luca Angeloni
Houko Kuwashima as Nanase Matsuura

ANN Article (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-06/macross-frontier's-spring-broadcast-cast-confirmed)

My thoughts from ANN thread.

Spring 08 is shaping up nicely with 3 big sequels pretty much confirmed now in Macross Frontier, Code Geass 2 and Haruhi 2. Also Studio 4°C are doing D.M.C (Detriot Metal City) which at least should be a visual feast for the eyes. Andrew C has already put me on Soul Eater and I'm sure a lot more interesting series will pop up in the meantime.

Looking over the cast list.... Yuuichi Nakamura is a newcomer but he's made an impression in the two shows (Gundam 00 & Clannad) he's in I'm following. Aya Endo.. wasn't impressed by her in Lucky Star but hopefully she rises to the occasion. Hiroshi Kamiya = omg Itoshiki-sensei!!! Jun Fukuyama is a favorite of mine and this is his 3rd confirmed Spring anime role (Code Geass 2 & Gonzos Special A). As for Houko Kuwashima I'm rapt she's in it since she's one of my all time fav female voice actors.

[Mr March]

The new date set as 2059 is perfect. It solves most of the problems of variable fighter progression that were brought about when the date was speculated as 2070. Now that it's set as 2059, I feel much happier.

There's been plenty of speculation about Macross Frontier and the fact that we haven't seen some of the major fighters from the previous show. I'm not too concerned if we don't see any more of the VF-19 Excalibur or VF-22 Sturmvogel II from the previous Macross shows. After Macross Plus and Macross 7, we've seen more than enough of those designs in animated productions. I have to say it would be unusual if the VF-19/VF-22 were already out of active service after only 14 years (last Macross television series took place in 2045), but seeing the VF-171* means that not all the older valkyries will go unrepresented in this new Macross series. And it's possible the VF-171* became a much more mass produced fighter than was originally intended for the Nightmare.

So far, I'm adoring the character designs. Sheryl Nome looks great. I'm not all that concerned about fan service in Macross in contrast to some fans expressiong worry. Macross has always had it and likely always will, but Macross has always kept the fan service in check. Just as long as the fan service doesn't become intolerable like many a poor anime, I can live with fan service. I'm not going to have any problems looking at Sheryl Nome :)

[Bronze21]

Here's the scans from Decembers Newtype USA on Macross...

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l125/Bronze21MFP467/macross1.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l125/Bronze21MFP467/Macross2.jpg

Sorry it took so long...

[Bronze21]

PS: If you save it, then open it in Picture viewer or Painter/Photoshop and zoom in, the text will become legible...for those that don't already know...

[Westlo]

Macross Frontier Scan

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4747/06hp4.jpg

[Westlo]

More pics

http://anime.goo.ne.jp/contents/news/NAN20071206_81/index.html

[Mr March]

Great new pictures! There's been a few screen shots floating around the net taken from a high resolution version of the trailer. I'll post some of those when I get the chance later today. The pictures show in much better detail the new armored VF-25 Valkyrie and waht appears to be a VF-25 Super Valkyrie :)

[Mr March]

More Pictures as promised:

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/mf-fleetunderattack.jpg

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/mf-newskullart.jpg

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/mf-ozuma-helmet.jpg

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/mf-vf25-armoredbattroid.jpg

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/mf-vf25-armoredgerwalk.jpg

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/mf-vf25-superfighter.jpg

Enjoy :)

[Westlo]

Better quality scan

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5936/macrossit7.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=macrossit7.jpg)

[Mr March]

Very nice! I love the look of the VF-25. I'm especially digging that head design. Very cool. And Sheryl's suspenders are working for me as well :)

[Mr March]

oh, you guys have to see this stuff:

http://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/1212399_1558.html

Sickness! :)

[Westlo]

I love Sheryl's hat... nearly as much as her suspenders. If she gets to perform a song half as good as Information High (been listening to this heaps the last few weeks!) I'll be rapt. Think I might watch the entire Macross Franchise from Jan-April to prepare for Frontier :)

[Mr March]

The song from the trailer is stuck in my head! I like Sheryl's outfits period :)

I just recently went through all of Macross 7, Dynamite 7 and Encore. Going through the rest is a really good idea. I should go through SDF Macross, Do You Remember Love?, Flashback 2012 and Macross Plus in the new year.

Did you check out the link I posted in my second last post? There's a new VF-25 variant! It looks great!

[Rahxephon91]

Episode 1 Raw

http://www.stage6.com/Xmas-Box-2CH-ZATU/video/1982521/Macross-F

[Rahxephon91]

Does no one care about having a preview of the new Macross?

[Blue Thunder]

I'm actually more excited about Macross Frontier than I've been about anything sinse I heard about Macross 7 comming out. It looks awesome and I can not wait to see it! I hope the music is up to Macross standard...

I've been craving a great anime for a long time now, I'm sure this will fill that bill.

[Rahxephon91]

You can watch the first episode right now!

[Blue Thunder]

lol. Alas I can not, my friend. I'm in Iraq on a Forward Operations base with very, very bad connectivity. Downloading/steaming almost anything is extremely difficult.

Let me put it this way, it sometimes takes me 15 minutes to get a simple plain text e-mail sent after I hit the send button. Even viewing the forums takes a loooong time often... Not that, that stops from trying mind you.

But I thank you none the less. I shall attempt it when possible.

Does the VF-25 strike anyone else as looking like a cross between a VF-1 (or 0) and 19, with a little Metal Siren thrown in? Or is it just me... I do like the design, however. Quite pleasing to look at.

I LOVE MACROSS! (ahem) I just had to come out and say that. I've got a lot of built up aggresion... lol

[Westlo]

First episode fansubbed already, I'll have impressions of the first ep hopefully soon.

[Westlo]

Now this is what you call a first episode, very high production values, can't wait to watch the series in HD. Yoko Kanno already impressed me more with the score in this one episode than she did during 14 eps of Darker Than Black. Nice to see her channeling Macross Plus for the pop songs.

To sum up my thoughts for episode 1, move over pretenders Macross is back :D

[Mr March]

Ack, you guys beat me to it. But it's Christmas after all and I have very little time to post right now. Don't worry Rahxephon91, I'm flipping out right now! :)

First episode of Macross Frontier is really good, much better than the first episode of Macross Zero. There's so much to discuss about this new episode, I don't know where to begin. The VF-171 is awesome, the VF-25 is even better if that's possible and the CG work is absolutely stunning! The characters are interesting and the story really hooks you in. I'm loving this new direction for Macross and hope that the other episodes live up to this first one. Wow! I can't believe that this show is a TELEVISION series. The animation is insane!

*catches breath*

:)

All the information you will ever need about the first episodes of the new Macross Frontier:

http://macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?showtopic=24559

Enjoy!

[Westlo]

Was it known that the first episode was going to air during the special or was it a surprise they sprung? Anyway I'll copy my more detailed thoughts from the AnimeOnDVD thread for Macross Frontier.

I thought that was a great first episode, loved how it ended with that tribute shot to the original Macross.

Animation quality was very high, Ranka's hair and her moving through the forest was very fluid as well as Sheryl's concert. The CG by Satelight just embarrasses anything Gonzo has done in a tv series format (lol @ dragonaut), the movement of the Valkyrie and it's opponent where done nicely.

Can't say much about the characters and plot first since this is only the first episode of at least 26. The first episode does move at a fast pace though and I liked the syncing of the concert with the first battle scenes.

The VAs was pretty good. I've only seen Aya Endo in Lucky Star and she didn't really impress me at all in it but she has been good as Sheryl Nome so far and has a nice singing voice. Yuuichi Nakamura is alright so far as our main character Alto, seems like he will be the next big male VA star after this, Tomoya Okazakiin Clannad & Graham Acre in Gundam 00.

Megumi Nakajima the first timer did fairly well so far as Ranka and her brother Ozma Lee the leader of skull squadron is voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi who's the same VA as Gurren Lagann's Kamina, just epic win.

The 2 pop songs played so far seem to be channeling Macross Plus very well and I'm already more impressed by the score from this 1 episode alone than the 14 episodes I saw of Darker Than Black. Also a contemporary version of the original movie theme for the ED is an awesome touch if it remains for it's proper broadcast.

Now to wait until April for episode 2 :(

[Rahxephon91]

Pretty good episode. So good that I watched it a couple of times without the subs. Animation pretty much blows anything else out of the water.

[Blue Thunder]

That is great news! If I could only get a better connection!

I'm almost drooling on myself with the anticipation. Very Pavlovian... Anyone heard if they'll be making model kits for the 171 or 25 anytime soon. I'm sure they'll be out some time. When is the question.

It's nice to hear Macross is setting the standard once more.

[Mr March]

Well, after a good sleep, the first episode of the new Macross Frontier series is still leaving a great after taste. That's always a good sign. Sometimes when one is so excited about a new anime, it's easy to forgive the faults and form a 5-seconds-after-watching reaction screaming "I love this show!" like you just fell in love :) But I'm really happy with this new series so far (damn, if THIS level of animation can be called a television series) and really eager to see where it goes.

I admit, I was quite skeptical about the bio-mechanoid alien enemy in Macross Frontier, but after seeing the first episode, I can't say I have too many reservations. The design of the big red enemy mecha is great and quite menacing. It also merges beautifully into a show like Macross, whereas prior to this episode I was concerned about the jarring effect of space monsters in my beloved Macross franchise (the last time it was attempted, it didn't go well for the franchise). I like the big energy cannon on the red mech and it's awkward way of walking. Quite cool.

The characters are interesting, if a little prototypical at first. Alto reminds me a lot of Hikaru; sure of himself, a good pilot and more than a little angry. Allusions to Roy Focker when considering the character of Ozuma are only natural, but just so, I'm not sensing much of a similar characterization as yet. Perhaps time will bring it out more or less. I really like the way Sheryl Nome is played so far; quite confident, somewhat arrogant and very together/professional. It's great to see a super star that acts like one for a change. We have enough bratty Britney's in real life and don't need more in Macross. Ranka, well, she's more fan service for the creepy loli crowd of anime. Not much to say, although she certainly seems pleasant enough and it's easy to get taken away by sweet, happy and cute characters. I'll give her this; Ranka is not nearly as annoying as Minmay or Mylene. She's much more likable, like Mao.

Considering the mecha of Macross, they are back...and with a vengeance! The designs are fantastic, the action is swift without being overbearing like Macross Zero and the CG work merges far better with the 2D drawn animation than I could have ever hoped.

The armored VF-25 is brilliant and the transformation of the new Valkyrie is perfectly smooth. It may be one of my favorite transformation systems ever. The VF-171 (great designation) is just awesome. My only complaint, as others have mentioned prior, is a lament for the obvious "cannon fodder" role the VF-171 must play. I just pray that this new fighter will be given some time to shine, like the VF-1 in the original series. That Radome equipped VF-171 just flat out rocks! :)

On the topic of CG work, I have to say there is a much improved competence and confidence in the visuals, something that was only acheived with Macross Zero in the last episode of the series. The scene compositions and the look of the CG work is amazing. There's more sense of weight and newtonian motion in both the aircraft/mecha and the large space ships. Some effects come across as generic, like the bland new space fold portal, but others like lighting and gun effects are almost retro in their style and visual appeal. The gun rounds flying toward their targets are simply amazing and very SDF Macross :)

Well, that's about all I have time for now. I'm glad I got a break to come online and post some thoughts. A Merry Christmas to everyone and enjoy the holidays!

[Bronze21]

So I take it that you give it a "very enthusiastic two thumbs up?!"
Haha. Seasons Greetings.

[Tonyx35]

Just finished Ep 1 and I'm really liking the VF-25:)

I love how show started with the Fold/defold sequence and the Trolley had me puzzled at first:P The visuals looked really nice but I can't say too much about the music just yet.The voices seemed to be fine IMHO. Back to back fanservice like sequences have me a little worried though:P (The hair should have been enough to show the graviational control system at work).

Do you Remember Love as the ED song was a nice touch (pleasant surprise)

I'm very excited to see the following episodes.

[Westlo]

Honestly I'm kinda laughing at all the complaints about the fanservice, please watch the previous Kawamori/Satelight series Aquarion and I doubt I'll see anyone complain (lets just say when the mechs combine in Aquarion the pilots orgasm....) about the fanservice in Macross Frontier which truthfully isn't much anyway.

[reddot23]

agreeed! Fanservice is very common these days. But I dont consider this something to be proud of...

[Siendra]

Seems like it could turn out alright, but I'm honestly expecting epic failure by the fifth episode.

[Blue Thunder]

lol. Really? And why is that? To good to be true? Can't believe a series can be that good?

I'm happy to hear such high opinions of Frontier so far. So much so, I'm almost foaming at the mouth here. I can't wait to see it.

I never did find Mylene annoying, though it's nice to hear Ranka is also not annoying.

[Westlo]

The above frame of mind is probably due to everything Kawamori has done from Arjuna to Aquarion but really this was a much better first episode than anything else he did in that period.

[Captain Jack]

I liked Robotech: Shadow Chronicles better!

[Hara!]

Second half of the first episode was awesome.

I'm officially a fan.

[SDF/Draven]

Just finished episode 1 and I dug it a lot. Im hoping it doesnt become the spiritual story mess that Zero was and it keeps fresh music a constant in it like Plus did.

Otherwise its a good start and I hope they delve into military training a lot more like SDF Macross did

[Blue Thunder]

I liked Robotech: Shadow Chronicles better!


Great Captain! Do you mean to tell me, scourge of the 7 seas, that you didn't like what you've seen of Macross F? Say it isn't so sir!

I like Robotech as well, but please Cap'n! Tell me you have not abandoned all macross for soley Robotech. It's okay to like both... Truely. I do. Give it a chance, I humbley submit to you Lord of the ocean! From one military family to another. Give it a chance lord Captain!



:lol: hmmmmm, I hope it doesn't seem like I'm over reacting here. It was fun to write either way! :naughty:

[mdauben]

Whoa! This snuck in under my radar over Xmas vacation, so I just had a chance to watch it. I am totally blown away! This is definetly going to the top of my "Must Watch!" list for 2008.

Now this is what you call a first episode, very high production values, can't wait to watch the series in HD.
QFT! I am not a big fan of the need for HD in most anime, but this series just screams out for it. When this gets US release, I will gladly pay extra for an HD version. :naughty:

Yoko Kanno already impressed me more with the score in this one episode than she did during 14 eps of Darker Than Black.
As a huge Yoko Kanno fan, I find her involment one of the reasons to automatically like the Macross franchise. She did not disappoint in this eposode, either. Great soundtrack.

I don't know where to begin. The VF-171 is awesome, the VF-25 is even better if that's possible and the CG work is absolutely stunning!
True! Someone needs to send a copy of this episode to GONZO and tell them to watch what good CG looks like (coughDragonaoutscough)

Can't say much about the characters and plot first since this is only the first episode of at least 26.
I will say that I normally find long-haired, bishounen, pretty-boys like Alto an automatic turn-off, but I find myself actually liking him so far. I kind of enjoyed the way they actually joked about his girlish looks in this episode.

The first episode does move at a fast pace though and I liked the syncing of the concert with the first battle scenes.
Man, that was brilliant! The music and animation combine to make that one of the most exciting battle scenes I have watched in a long time. :thumbsup:

Ranka, well, she's more fan service for the creepy loli crowd of anime.
I really think that’s a bit unfair. Sure, she’s obviously there for the “kawaii” factor, and I suppose you could say that’s pandering to a certain segment of the audience, but I’d hesitate to call her any sort of “loli” at this point (unless you consider any underage character automatically a “loli”, which I don’t).

Either way, she's just one character among many in the series, so even if you don't like her I don't think she can overcome all the other great things about the series so far.

Now to wait until April for episode 2 :(
Wha…? April??? NOOOOOOOOOOO! :crybaby:

[Westlo]

I showed this to my friend who I borrow anime DVD's off like he's a library and he was blown away. Heck I was as well and this was the 2nd time I've watched it and since I couldn't read the subtitles (were watching it on his tv) since I'm too vain to wear glasses I just sat back and appreciated the animation.

The shot with the tram that than goes to show the city was just awesome, also like someone said on Suki the CG here feels like it has more "weight" behind it compared to most.

I really think that’s a bit unfair. Sure, she’s obviously there for the “kawaii” factor, and I suppose you could say that’s pandering to a certain segment of the audience, but I’d hesitate to call her any sort of “loli” at this point (unless you consider any underage character automatically a “loli”, which I don’t).

Yeah I don't consider her a loli either...

Man, that was brilliant! The music and animation combine to make that one of the most exciting battle scenes I have watched in a long time.

Seen that sequence 6 times now, still brilliant, want those Sheryl songs asap.

[Captain Jack]

Great Captain! Do you mean to tell me, scourge of the 7 seas, that you didn't like what you've seen of Macross F? Say it isn't so sir!

I like Robotech as well, but please Cap'n! Tell me you have not abandoned all macross for soley Robotech. It's okay to like both... Truely. I do. Give it a chance, I humbley submit to you Lord of the ocean! From one military family to another. Give it a chance lord Captain!



:lol: hmmmmm, I hope it doesn't seem like I'm over reacting here. It was fun to write either way! :naughty:

I said it for the Lulz mate! I did like DYRL and Macross Plus.I do hope that this new show is nearly as good as Plus and not just another Captain Planet wannabe like Zero.

[Blue Thunder]

lol! cheers mate! Gald to here it cap'n!

Now to sit here and eagerly await the soundtrack release!

[Westlo]

Since Code Geass 2 is getting it's own brand new time slot that leaves the Dokoru time slot currently being used by Gundam 00 open for the Spring season. Maybe this is going to be the time slot for Macross Frontier?

[Mr March]

Fan service has been part and parcel of Macross since it's beginning (read: Minmay). The show is ultimately targeted at a young audience and will reflect that in future shows as well. Even the very adult-themed Macross Plus featured its share of fan service. Having said that, Macross has never be known to blatantly indulge in fan service to a large degree and many instances of female activity which some fans label as "fan service" are nothing of the sort.

Sheryl Nome's concert in Macross Frontier includes nothing one wouldn't have seen on stage from a typical pop diva concert going back some 30 years now. A female singer dressed in tight, audacious and sexually suggestive clothing has been a staple of live shows since the 1970's (Blondie, Cher, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, et cetera) and the history of provocatively clad female performers in varying states of dress goes back much, much farther in our history. Digressing, Sheryl Nome's concert is not fan service but an very accurate depiction of a modern pop diva concert in a fictional setting dated 2059.

On the subject of Ranka, she may not be an excessively overt lolicon character, but her introduction is nothing less than that. She is presented and animated as a minor in a sexually suggestive manner designed to titillate. Whether the Ranka character becomes involved in a stereotypical lolicon-like situation later in the series or in a spin off remains to be seen (such as Mylene as seen in the attempted rape sequence from Macross Dynamite 7). But her introduction leaves little room for debate.

[Ariel Tsuki]

^You know, I don't see Ranka as a loli. She looks young, but she's a DFC like Rukia from Bleach. And she is supposed to be the "moe" character of the show.

Ooh, delicious episode was delicious. The animation was surprisingly lush. The Valkyries were awesome. And I'm already loving Sheryl more than that other songstress in some Gundam series a couple years ago. When she shut down Alto, I was like "Oh, dip!". I can see these two get into a relationship later in the series, although I was like "Alto and Ranka would be much better." But I'm really looking forward to some good music. I wonder if Kanno can top the music of Macross Zero, I still listen to those Sharon Apple's song to this day.

And Alto. Ooooh, Alto. He is my "moe": Very beautiful, long hair and sullen. When they called Alto princess, I felt the force of the upcoming Alto-uke yaoi doujinshi in the making. But seriously, I'm interested on what kind of character he will turn out to be, and hoping he won't be a completely another Hikaru. Funnily enough, Alto's seiyuu, Yuuichi Nakamura, voices Graham Acre of Gundam 00.

I'm SO looking forward for it. I was even swearing up a storm because I wanted to see Episode 2 now.

Now to wait until April for episode 2 :(

Wait, what? MUTHAF'IN DAMMIT! ;_;

[germanturkey]

why is it april.. that disappoints me so much..

the ep was stunning. very well executed

[Mr March]

^You know, I don't see Ranka as a loli. She looks young, but she's a DFC like Rukia from Bleach. And she is supposed to be the "moe" character of the show.

moe and lolicon are by no means mutually exclusive, particularly since moe is a more generalized fetish and not specifically limited to sexual attraction for underage females. Regardless, I'll conceded that the character of Ranka doesn't appear emphasized or as yet situated to any large degree as a lolicon figure, but is simply introduced and presented in a lolicon fashion. Regardless, her character is developed very little so far, so my opinions as posted earlier are just my first impressions.

[mdauben]

She is presented and animated as a minor in a sexually suggestive manner designed to titillate.
I just don't see that. The closest that they got to "titillation" was the shot of her in that short waitress skirt, while talking on the phone, which lasted, what, all of 2-3 seconds? The rest of her appearances where definelty more moe than loli. She looks to me to be just a straight-forward potential teenage love interest for Alto, who does not appear to be more than a couple years older than her at most.

But her introduction leaves little room for debate.
I think the fact that so many people are disagreeing with you indicates that there is actually a lot of room for debate. :P

[loplop]

I can see where some of the perceived titillation is coming from. The main character designer is the same one that did all the characters for Hitozuma Kasumi-san and a few other ero-animes . . . .

[Mr March]

I just don't see that. The closest that they got to "titillation" was the shot of her in that short waitress skirt, while talking on the phone, which lasted, what, all of 2-3 seconds? The rest of her appearances where definelty more moe than loli. She looks to me to be just a straight-forward potential teenage love interest for Alto, who does not appear to be more than a couple years older than her at most.

I think the fact that so many people are disagreeing with you indicates that there is actually a lot of room for debate. :P

The fact that the subject (and the original reply that started this whole affair) is based on my opinion alone should be enough to put the whole "debate" into perspective from the onset. Ergo, not my problem. And the "many people disagreeing" indicates to me the overly sensitive reaction to the subject that some here carry and the obviously irresistible need these fans have to jump on the offensive whenever they perceive the slightest hint of a negative connotation associated with the term and/or a show they like. My definition has remained valid despite the responses and "moe" has already been dealt with in a reply above. Regardless, the subject is rather irrelevant given how little Macross Frontier has been released as yet, but the opinion is sound.

[mdauben]

The fact that the subject (and the original reply that started this whole affair) is based on my opinion alone should be enough to put the whole "debate" into perspective from the onset. Ergo, not my problem.
Why? Becuase your opinion obviously carries more weight than anyone elses? :rolleyes:

And the "many people disagreeing" indicates to me the overly sensitive reaction to the subject that some here carry and the obviously irresistible need these fans have to jump on the offensive whenever they perceive the slightest hint of a negative connotation associated with the term and/or a show they like.
So, the fact that someone disagrees with your opinion must mean that they have some biased or unreasonable motivation to do so? There is no way they could possibly have a perfectly valid opposing viewpoint? Not too full of yourself, are you?

I enjoyed the first episode of MF but I would hardly consider myself a Macross "fan", indeed, I have never even watched the original Macross TV series. My own opinion has nothing to do with any emotional investment in the character or the francise, I just don't agree with your insistence that the character in question is a "loli" unless you want to stretch the definition to cover any female character under the age of 18.

[Mr March]

Why? Becuase your opinion obviously carries more weight than anyone elses? :rolleyes:

So, the fact that someone disagrees with your opinion must mean that they have some biased or unreasonable motivation to do so? There is no way they could possibly have a perfectly valid opposing viewpoint? Not too full of yourself, are you?

I enjoyed the first episode of MF but I would hardly consider myself a Macross "fan", indeed, I have never even watched the original Macross TV series. My own opinion has nothing to do with any emotional investment in the character or the francise, I just don't agree with your insistence that the character in question is a "loli" unless you want to stretch the definition to cover any female character under the age of 18.

Most would take it to mean that my opinion is just that; an opinion and nothing more, particularly since my last post specifically reiterated that opinion was the heart of the matter. But since you're obviously on a crusade to start a fight and "win" a debate of opinion, might I suggest bothering someone else who is less "full of himself".

[Westlo]

I wonder if Kanno can top the music of Macross Plus, I still listen to those Sharon Apple's song to this day.

Fixed and yep Idol Talk and Information High are just awesome.

[Blue Thunder]

I agree. I listen to Macross music often. Especially the Mac Plus. But heck, I even listen to Minmay when in the proper mood. Such as building a VF-1 model...

Anyone have any idea when a sound track will be released for Macross F?

[Sanhime]

WOW! I just watch the first episode and so far its awesome! I hope the rest of the series continues like this. M:F would definitely make up for the lackluster of M7 and M0. Despite the nuance criticisms that I've read from other blogs and forums, M:F as a whole looks very promising.


Now to wait until April for episode 2 :(


NOOOOOOOO! I can't wait that long....

[loplop]

Actually, Macross Zero was visually striking with great dogfighting scenes. However, the Furngully meets mecha plot rather sucked . . .

[SDF/Draven]

Whoa! Why do we have to wait till April for episode 2?? This is gonna be a full fledged season series, right? Or will this only be a an OVA/Mini series?

[Sanhime]

Yea, it is suppose to be a full fledge TV series, not OVA or anything like that. The episode that was shown is something to get us drooling and knickers in a twist.

[Mr March]

As some have already mentioned, this release of episode 1 was a special pre-release for the Macross Frontier series. The regular series (currently rumored to be 26 episodes) doesn't begin until April this new year. Like Sanhime has said, this special pre-release is for generating interest and to spread good word of mouth about the upcoming show.

[SDF/Draven]

So does this pre-released episode count as being 'Episode 1' or is it kinda like a bonus?

[Mr March]

It's episode 1 of the new series, but what we see in this special pre-release may not be the ultimate finalized cut. Given that the series is still months away, there could be changes (editorially, conceptually, content-wise). I guess we have to wait and see.

[Westlo]

It's also quite long so I expect a minute to get cut from what we have seen if nothing changes at all. Don't expect an OP in this episode since it's something Kawamori doesn't include in a lot of his first episodes for his series. See Escaflwone, Arjuna (IIRC) and Aquarion (first 2 eps had no OP).

[Mr March]

Perhaps, but Macross 7 and Macross Zero both had opening sequences. It'll be interesting to see what happens with the regular broadcast.

[Westlo]

Megumi Nakajima on the left. Mari Iijima on the right.
http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/40052/2001246051251957787_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001246051251957787)

[Suiko Eiji]

Megumi Nakajima on the left. Mari Iijima on the right.
http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/40052/2001246051251957787_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001246051251957787)

I'm glad to see that Iijima is just as beautiful as when I last saw her a couple of years ago.

[Mr March]

Wow, it's insane how young and good looking that woman is at her age. She could pass for mid 20s!

[germanturkey]

if the point of the first ep was to generate hype and spread the news, they succeeded VERY well.

[Blue Thunder]

I'm sure that was the point of showing it that far before the rest of the series. That, makes sense. I for one am glad that it's getting such good reviews.

[Mr March]

The powers that be may have also wanted to release a new Macross animation in 2007. Given that October 2007 would have marked the 25th Anniversary, Big West and Kawamori may have felt it was symbolically important to feature a new Macross show released in late 2007 to celebrate the anniversary.

[Amuro]

I liked the first episode. It's not War & Peace*, but it gets the job done. I could potentially enjoy a series like this more than Gundam 00, and I expect that younger audiences will too. 00 is the more intellectually-ambitious series, but that also hampers its entertainment factor. Soap operas with transforming airplanes and pop songs are nice.

*Purely a figure of speech. I'm actually not quite a fan of War & Peace and don't feel quite comfortable with the phrase, but I prefer it to "It's not Shakespeare," because my feelings on him are even more ambivalent. =P

[Westlo]

Nyan Nyan Nyan Nyan Nyan Nyan Nyan

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rRR8lqlpU68

[Mr March]

If Marlon Brando knew what anime was, his famous dying words from Apocalypse Now would have been...

the kawaii...the, kawaii...

I just noticed the video has a running time of 10 minutes. After the first three passes, I was done. Japanese ani-torture LOL :)

[Westlo]

Wow at some of the scans that have came out this month.

[Mr March]

Whoops! I forgot them :) Thanks for the reminder Westlo (check out the third picture for sure)

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/newscan-feb-1.jpg

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/newscan-feb-2.jpg

http://www.un-spacy-qmtdb.com/Macross%20DYRL/newscan-feb-3.jpg

Enjoy! :)

[germanturkey]

so, westlo reminded me that this show is airing in a few weeks. i'm so excited. it'll give me my mecha fill until 00 s2 airs in the fall.

[Quixotic1]

There's also a full-page spread in this months Hobby Link Japan issue covering Macross Frontier. On the opposite page, there's an advert for all of the 25th anniversary re-releases of the Macross models.

[Mr March]

Wonderful fan animation of Macross Frontier

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=wmX-dWwIxwI

Enjoy :)

[Fereshte]

Oh yeah! I was so caught up in the end of 00 and the start of Code Geass that I completely forgot about Macross, for shame but it will be mcAwesome considering it has Graham's, Tiera's, Lulu's and Fllay from SEEDs VA in it

[Mr March]

Well, it's release of the "official version" of Macross Frontier episode 1 today. I've not been able to find it online as yet, but from what many have said the "Deculture Edition" released back in December 2007 was just a rough cut version of the first episode. People over at animesuki have commented that the final broadcast cut of episode 1 is even better than the Deculture edition. I can't wait to see it.

Some new pictures are starting to crop up online. I'll try to upload them to my webspace as soon as I can.

Well, this is the big one we've been waiting for; the first new Macross television series since 1995 and only the third such television show in the Macross franchise. Macross Frontier is off to a great start, but it's yet to prove itself as a series. Here's hoping for the best.

[Levon]

"even better"?:w00t:

[Mr March]

The opening sequence for the episode has been released online. Don't have a solid link yet, but I'll post it when I do. For now, here are the new pictures:

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-01.jpg

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-02.jpg

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-03.jpg

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-04.jpg

The first picture shows what appears to be the Attack Mode of the Frontier 25. It appears to have two boom guns on the back and the arms appear to have their cannons integrated. A welcome departure from the Battle 7.

There's also some new footage of the VF-25F in the white and red colors in the new opening. I think I may like the VF-25F better than the VF-25S, but both look great.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully the fansubs of the final cut episode 1 are made available soon.

[Tonyx35]

"even better"?:w00t:

I was thinking the same thing.

^Those shots of the VF-25F in the 4th link down looks pretty sweet:thumbsup:.

[mdauben]

"even better"?:w00t:
My sentiments exactly. I was blown away by the original "deculture" edition of the first episode (particularly the combat choreography). They will have a rough time topping that IMO, but if they do... :w00t:

[Mr March]

Just watched the new edit. Personally, I'm fine with it, but I will say that it is not overly superior nor is it inferior to the Deculture Edition from December 2007.

BE WARNED! SPOILERS! SPOILERS, I SAY!

This new broadcast edit does alter the pacing of the episode and we lose some good editing at the expense of the new (notably the concert/battle intercut). However we also gain and some sequences work much better. Cutting the Ghost fighter sequence actually makes the encounter with the Vajra both more immediate and the loss of human life definitely adds more dramatic tension. The new edit also makes the concert more coherent. Alto, Michael and co. prescence makes much more sense in the new edit rather than the Deculture edition where we're left to wonder why they are involved when they're suddenly seen flying around in the performance. We also get much more fluid character introductions for people like the officer taking care of Sheryl (can't recall her name right now). It also links Ranca to Alto and his friends and intercutting the battle outside between Alto and friends makes for excellent foreshadowing.

Overall, the gains and losses seem on par with each other. This is the nature of editing. Of course, this alternate version has to compete with Macross fans who have the "Deculture Edition" tatooed on the inside of their eyelids after watching it about a hundred and one times over since December. In that respect, even the Deculture Edition would fail to impress were the release dates of the two versions reversed.

Ultimately, I'm glad we have both edits of Macross Frontier Episode 1. Like Macross Plus, I enjoy watching both OVA and Film versions and I'll be more than happy to enjoy the two edits of MF episode 1 all the same.

More pictures to come...

[Mr March]

Here's a set of three high resolution shots that detail the Macross 25 in Ship and Attack modes as well as a brief silhouetted appearance of what looks like a new Variable Fighter (unknown fighter shown on the left, VF-25 shown on the right)

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-battle25.jpg

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-battle25-2.jpg

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-2valkyries.jpg

Enjoy :)

[Gasaraki]

I'm thoroughly enjoying, just so you know =)

[emotoaster]

I have never seen a Macross show so I'm am eagerly anticipating this. Can't wait for the subs to be out.

[Mr March]

Sounds great. Feel free to post your thoughts, everyone. I'd love to discuss the show outside the Macross fandom. It's not always easy to get perspective on what others think of the show if it's just diehards you're talking with :)

[SDF/Draven]

I still cant flippin find this online.... >:(

[Mr March]

It's available, but it's not yet subtitled. I've only seen the "Deculture Edition" subtitled so far (from back in December 2007).

[Tonyx35]

Heads up! Macross Frontier episode 1 was recently released by the Fansub groups Anime-In-Action and Infinite-Zero (joint) ( not too sure with the quality of their work though)

I'm waiting for another group's release but anyway enjoy^_^

[germanturkey]

their formating sucks. i'm waiting for a better group to do it in mkv

[Levon]

Didn't like the quality, black was redish:x

[SDF/Draven]

Now having just seen it I agree with Mr. Marchs comments. My biggest complaint was the editing of the explanation for the suits the students were wearing. If you hadnt seen th Deculture version with that scene in the beginning I can only imaging how retarded the ending with the kid jumping into the downed mech would have looked.

Other than that the intro music is pretty lackluster and the concert stuff sounded like throw off Kano songs - just nothing special.

Overall a B that may or may not make it to an A- depending on how the rest of the series is handled.

[Stelok]

The moment I watched the fansub of Macross Frontier, I already suspected this would be a series that is worth watching to the end.

I absolutely like these cool macomputer-generated special effects revolving around especially dogfights.

Whooo. The scene of a teenage civilian taking unauthorized control of a mecha at the end of ep. 1 reminds me of the original SDF-1 Macross series and those Z and ZZ Gundam series

[Mr March]

The Shinsen subs are actually quite good. I hope they do more.

I also enjoyed the classic format of the episode. It can feel somewhat cliched in a way, but after 25 years, I feel it more homage to the original than anything else. But my wants are modest with this series. I just want a good Macross sequel, I'm not expecting a reinvention of the wheel. So far, this series looks like a lot of fun and I'm hopeful it'll continue to be entertaining.

[Gasaraki]

Seriously, especially considering alot of poeple didn't care for Macross 7 (I've only seen the OVA dynamite and one of the movies and didn't really like either of them) and Macross Zero's story just, sucked. Hopefully this will bring it back so to speak.

[Blue Thunder]

I have a feeling this will, 'bring it back.' The feel of the older macross, I mean. Perhaps I should call it the Universal Centuryness feeling of the original. :lol: Then again maybe not. I do know one thing however, I will own this series some day, and given the first ep, I don't see at this point how I could not like it.

Although I must say I did like Macross 7. Dynamite was so-so.

[Mr March]

SDF Macross, DYRL, Flashback 2012 and Macross Plus OVA and Movie were all gold to me. They are my favorites. I don't really care for MII or M0 and Macross 7 was horrible, IMO. The mechanical design was pretty much the only enjoyable aspect of those sequels and in the case of M7, there wasn't much there to enjoy. Macross Frontier looks set to return to the roots of the series, especially the alien war story. The first episode definitely shows that this will be a more serious drama, the utter foolishness of Macross 7 left far behind. Personally, I'm thrilled :)

[cloud1989]

someone who actually hates macross 7? wow, you know when I watched it and read reviews I got the impression that this was pretty cheesy and the only people who would consider it worthy of watching are hard core macross fans, that said every person who has commented on the series has either liked it, loved it, or at worse saw it as "meh". I hope macross frontier is going to get a US release, since we have bandai visual US now it may be possible to skip the licensing issues, then again I feel if they were really interested in macross, DYRL would have been brought over by now, unless bandai visual jp didn't release it.

[Mr March]

Macross Frontier continues with episode two released this week. A bunch of new screenshots have been made by the fans at Macross World, which I'll repost on my webspace to share with you (see below):

Alto receiving a good lesson in reality
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-altopunched.png

The late Leon's personal effects
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-helmet.png

Luca in his VF-25 ELINT
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-luca.png

Mikhail in his custom blue VF-25F with the new Sniper Gun Pod
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-mikhail1.png

More Mikhail goodness
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-mikhail2.png

Even more Mikhail gun play
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-mikhail3.png

VF-25S outfitted with the traditional Super Part system for space flight
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-vf-25super.png

A close up look at the aft side of the VF-25 Super Parts
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-superparts.png

The VF-25S in Battroid mode with Full Armor, getting ready to unleash it's missiles in the now famous Itano Circus
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep02-vf25fullarmor.jpg

Enjoy :)

[germanturkey]

sexy.... now it needs to be subbed

[Tonyx35]

sexy.... now it needs to be subbed

Agreed. Can't wait to see all those missiles fly.

[Siendra]

Well I enjoyed the synced concert/battle from the episode last year a lot more then the unsynchronized one in this episode, fleshing out the characters a little bit more was nice. Guess we can't really get it both ways. :/

[germanturkey]

i'm kind of upset that it takes so long for groups to sub this. plus there's only one group doing it iirc. normally a high profile show like this should get more attention

[Mr March]

Siendra
Don't worry, we will. A Blue-Ray disc release of Macross Frontier has already been announced which will feature a 35 minute extended version of episode one (compared to the 22-26 minute cuts currently available). It's called the Yakku Deculture Edition and should have all the scenes from both versions. Best of both worlds indeed! :)

germanturkey
Actually, there are currently FOUR groups doing Macross Frontier as far as I know: Gattai (via Animesuki or NyaaTorrents), Anime in Action, Infinite Zero and of course Shinsen Subs.

[Mr March]

Anime in Action and Infinite Zero subs of episode 2 are out!

[germanturkey]

i laughed when alto got punched in the face... looks like more action next ep..

[Mr March]

Episode 2 sub is out.

[CrossboneGundam]

Episode 2 is up on Veoh. Here's a link to the subtitled version of Macross Frontier Episode 2 (http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6968563XBHYdKsr?searchId=34488989125091 71712&rank=12) for your viewing pleasure :)

Obviously the best part was Totsugeki Love Heart on the radio.

[Mr March]

I have to say, so far this series is firing on all cylinders. The opening battle sequence to Episode 2 was non-stop mecha porn in the best sense of the phrase. The animation just keeps getting better and better. I was worried that the first episode of Macross Frontier set the bar a bit too high and revealed too much of the mecha goodies. But episode two seems to show a steady stream of new mecha technologies for the Valkyries. Ozuma's Full Armor fusillade of missiles was a welcome and expected Itano Circus of mayhem and it was great to see the wrap-around imaging monitors of the Battroid cockpit are intact and updated in a very pleasing new visual style. The infamous knife attack calls back to the days of Isamu's bayonet moves in Macross Plus. After an episode and a half of that big red Vajra kicking everyone's butt, I practically leaped out of my chair and cheered when Ozuma's mighty Full Armor VF-25 sunk it's knife deep into the beast's neck. Lip-licking goodness, indeed my dear Ozuma! :)

As is traditional in the Macross shows, the supporting cast of pilots are seen in distinct colored mecha. Mikhail shows up in a deep blue colored VF-25 with some kind of specialized Sniper Gun Pod, definitely a first for Macross. His skill with the gun is quite impressive and as always his entrance is spectacular. Luca plays more of a background role in this episode, piloting a green colored VF-25 with the ELINT package of a top mounted Radome and and ventral fin. Ozuma obviously has a tendency to razz the newest young members of SMS and Luca is probably eager to prove his worth in battle. In a beautiful homage that practically brings fans to tears, Alto saves Ranka in a daring mid-air rescue that mirrors the Macross history some 25 years ago when Hikaru saved Minmay in his old VF-1D during a similar edge of your seat battle.

As for our main characters, Alto gets a really strong lesson in reality from Ozuma in the form of a good solid punch. It's great to see Macross pulling no punches. After years of anime where whining brats are pandered to it's refreshing to see an immature child like Alto get exactly what he needs to make him grow up. On the less overt side of the character arcs, Ranka obviously has some connection to the Vajra and given that this is Macross, her singing is no doubt connected. The episode ends on a great meeting of the three characters with yet another cliffhanger. This show so far hasn't stopped delivering the goods and each episode makes me want to see more.

Thus far, Macross Frontier is a fine return to form for the Macross franchise. Though some fans may disagree, Macross hasn't been this good since 1994's Macross Plus. Frontier is definitely going back to the roots of the Macross story, but with each homage and reference to Macross history, the story charges in new directions and pulls out all the stops for mecha fans hungry for new giant robot and fighter jet action. The animation continues to impress and the background music is amazing, featuring a lush orchestral score that is elevating the action to new heights. All I can say is bring on episode three. I'm there! :)

Deculture! :)

[Tonyx35]

^
I just finished watching the 2nd episode and you hit every single point I was just thinking about! :) :cheers:

[odinwise]

dang the link for episode 1 raw doesn't work anymore. looks like I'm gonna have to download this. sounds great! everyone keeps talking about it going back to it's roots. I hope it has that old school feel to it!

[mdauben]

Actually, there are currently FOUR groups doing Macross Frontier as far as I know: Gattai (via Animesuki or NyaaTorrents), Anime in Action, Infinite Zero and of course Shinsen Subs.
Any opinion on which is doing the best job, in terms of video quaity, translation accuracy, etc? I'd like to settle on one group for consistency through the series, but from the sampling of each groups effort's I did, none of them are really standing out from the others to my eyes.

[Mr March]

Tonyx35
Let us hope the show remains on target and keeps delivering the goods. It's great so far.

odinwise
They are easy to find. There are hosts all over. Enjoy!

mdauben
I've yet to see a general consensus. You'll likely need to experiment.

I haven't watched Gattai so I have no idea, but reviews of the sub have been good enough. The word on Anime in Action and Infinite Zero is they are on par with each other and definitely watchable. I've watched the Shinsen Subs of episode one and they were quite tight, but I've yet to see them do episode two and episode three is already on its way. Guess we'll see.

[Tonyx35]

For those interested, Shinsen-Subs has released episode 1.

[Mr March]

I saw that. I'm glad they are still doing Frontier. Their subs are quite good, which is surprising from what I've heard of their past reputation. I'm definitely impressed.

[DazarGaidin]

SS is good quality, tho they are usually slower than some of the others.

Anyway, no one is talking about the show itself event ho were 11 pages in :P What did you guys think of ep 2? His flying looked really awesome, shame he got punched int he face for it :P

Looks like its a love triangle, but im guessing the green haired girl has already lost. They focusing a little too much on the singer's sexuality i think so it leads me to believe she would win out.

[Mr March]

Are you kidding me? Back on page 10 DazirGaidin, I ramble on like a raging fanboy.

http://www.animenation.net/forums/showpost.php?p=6355582&postcount=149

Remember, this topic has been around for a long time, since before the series started. :)

[DazarGaidin]

Ahh ...did you watch raws or something... i was looking after when the subs for 2 came out :D

[Mr March]

Subs were available on veoh on the 14th. That's when I watched it. I haven't been downloading the episodes, only watching the video channels.

And lastly, episode three RAW came out just the other day. Woot! :)

[Stelok]

Wikipedia spells Sheryl's family name as Nome. But the subtitled episode 1 spells it as Norme.

Which is the correct version of her last name?

I wonder if Sheryl is the descendant of Sara or Mao Nome?

[Mr March]

The correct english translation spelling is Nome.

Sheryl could be related to Sara or Mao from Macross Zero, but also may not be related at all. Edgar La Salle shared the same last name as Claudia from the original SDF Macross series, but there is no relation. Aegis Focker of the VF-X2 series also shares Roy Focker's last name, but Roy and Claudia never had any children. For all we know, Sheryl's last name could be just a repeating theme like these other examples.

For information as accurate as possible, ALWAYS go to the Macross Compendium first. It is THE authority on all things Macross for the english speaking Macross fan and is endorsed by Big West, the Macross franchise owners in Japan.

Macross Compendium (http://macross.anime.net/wiki/Main_Page)

Hope that helps.

[DazarGaidin]

Well given the level of extinction people faced, the amount of 'family names' prolly was limited after they took to space (im sure there were lots but not compared to how many there were on earth normally). So i dont think it would be odd for lots of people to share last names. Heck in the state i live in a few family names pop up all the time and the people don't know each other from adam (i work in a motel so i get amusement out of this sometimes..even having people stay with the same last name as the motel owners but have nothing to do with them).

[Mr March]

I don't know. You'd think that during the mass cloning years, they had the opportunity and the vested interest to diversify names for the new population. Especially among clones it would be of critical importance to diversify names to differentiate so many people of the same stock, so to speak. Plus, the introduction of millions of Zentradi into human civilization in the post-annihilation of Earth years would have greatly increased the name diversity in the population. Still, this is just over analysis. I'm sure it's simply a theme, like before.

[DazarGaidin]

Everything i am saying is solely based on information presented in Macross Frontier so i have no clue about all that :D

[Mr March]

Oh. Well, don't I feel stupid :) Sorry about that. Mass cloning and the Zentradi integration into human society is from the previous Macross shows, most notably SDF Macross.

[Mr March]

Speaking purely of Macross Frontier, I'm curious about the difference between the Sniper Gun Pod and the Standard Gun Pod. Is the Sniper Gun Pod a ballistic weapon like the others or is it a variant of the beam weapons. It could simply be a ballistic gun with a much higher muzzle velocity and other technologies at work. I'm getting the impression from watching episode two that the Sniper Gun Pod is ballistic, but I suppose the real question is what does the gun fire and how? The gun could be like the M82 Barret, a sniper/anti-materiel rifle. But whereas on a human sized scale the M82 would be used against light armor vehicles, the sniper gun pod would be a scaled-up, mecha-sized version of an anti-materiel gun that would find use against targets like Full Armor mecha, heavy valkyries (such as attacking a VB-6 Konig) or even light warships like Bolognese Class Stealth Frigate and what not.

The only other parallel I can see with established Macross canon would be the XS-06 Long-Range High-Piercing-Round Gun Pod (http://www.new-un-spacy.com/macross7/vf-11c-protectarmor/vf-11c-protectarmor-gunpoddetails.gif) for the VF-11 Protect Armor. Perhaps the Sniper Gun Pod is a similar albeit much more compact version of this gun that doesn't fire as fast.

Damn, I want stats on some of this stuff so bad :)

[germanturkey]

haha. i like how the military names it anti-material, cause if you're hit with one, there won't be a corpse..

anyways. ep 3. Alto see's Sheryl's boobs. lucky. and by the other events in the ep, it seems that the "real" story starts from here on out.

anyways, what'd they do with that guy's body? dissolve him in the water system? because they were saying things like his body will become out strength or something like that

[Mr March]

The english subtitles are out for Episode 3! Watching it right now.

germanturkey
Now that we have the subs, we can check it out. Maybe it's like in Frank Herbert's Dune, where they take the water of their fallen comrades because resources are so scarce. Freaky thought :)

[Tonyx35]

Just finished watching episode 3 and Sheryl seems to be a real "Diva",

Glad that Ozma Lee didn't die from that battle
I'm kind of surprised that after all these years that that shelter didn't have some sort of emergency (oxygen system). That incident with Sheryl really caught me off guard-_-; but I'm alright with it as long as the Production team stay focused on the Story and action. I'm really starting to wonder what kind of role that female Military officer (forgot her name) will be playing in the series...

Quite excited about the next episode (Miss Macross among other things)

Question: What was going on at the Funeral? Ejected... into a tank of liquid?

[germanturkey]

The english subtitles are out for Episode 3! Watching it right now.

germanturkey
Now that we have the subs, we can check it out. Maybe it's like in Frank Herbert's Dune, where they take the water of their fallen comrades because resources are so scarce. Freaky thought :)

i watched it with subs. they didn't explain it either way

[emotoaster]

HOLY ****! This is the first Macross I have seriously watched and I must say I am impressed! Just finished 2 and I have to say the animation is amazing...my jaw is still on the floor!

Music, character design, animation, action, all there. Now I just need to go a watch Plus, and 7. Downloading 3 as we speak.

One question though, I read through wiki a little bit and it seems music and idols really play a huge part is that for must of the other series? And can anyone give me a quick blurb on what the difference is between the three modes? Thanks.

[Blue Thunder]

The english subtitles are out for Episode 3! Watching it right now.

germanturkey
Now that we have the subs, we can check it out. Maybe it's like in Frank Herbert's Dune, where they take the water of their fallen comrades because resources are so scarce. Freaky thought :)


This is a little off topic, but I've always liked the idea of laying claim one's opponent's water... :P

I'm going to have to wait 'till I get back to the states to watch any of them.

However I did go on leave for two weeks last month and got to see the first episode finally. It was awesome, just like I thought it would be.

Also I got a chance to investigate my models at home while I was on leave and I do indeed have a 1/100 scale VF-1S Strike that has two RMS-1s on one pylon. Thus were my confusion originated from all those months ago. Shame on the model company! It is a older one though...

[Mr March]

Tonyx35
The scenes with Alto, Ranka and Sheryl were hysterical, IMO. I also really like the way the two argue. Sheryl is very harsh toward Alto, but he won't take any crap from her, dishing out as good as he gets. Poor Ranka is going through a lot. It's clear her psychological trauma is going to come back to haunt her. I can't wait to see more. This was a fine character episode.

germanturkey
It's all more than little vague. It's possible the remains of dead people are either part of a recycling system or something as simple as using the remains to help sustain the organic environment aboard the various Islands of the Macross Frontier fleet. The human body acts as all kinds of nutrients for things to grow, so it could be just as simple as that. Remember, they are all on a long term wagon ride across the stars, so they are probably very aware of waste and limit it whenever possible.

emotoaster
Glad to hear you're enjoying it! It really is a fine show so far. Bring on episode four! :)

Music and culture are quite a big part of the Macross theme. In the original series, an Idol singer was responsible for helping achieve victory in Space War I using the power of song (as culture shock) to the Zentradi, who were without any understanding on non-military social interactions. Some later sequels, like Macross 7 and Macross Zero, turned the theme of music and culture into a supernatural phenomenon, to the detriment of those sequels, IMO. Regardless, there's plenty of good Macross to watch. I definitely recommend Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Do Your Remember Love?, Flashback 2012 and Macross Plus.

The three modes are basically just combat configurations. Of course, the real reason the Valkyries transform is because it's cool and looks exciting. In-universe, the explanation is the Fighter mode is for speed and cruising, the Battroid mode (the big robot configuration) is for anti-giant/anti-mecha assault and the GERWALK mode (the half-Fighter/half-Battroid configuration) is best likened to an Attack Helicopter for hovering and low altitude assault.

Blue Thunder
See my reply to germanturkey for my thoughts on that part.

I hope you get a chance to see Macross Frontier soon, but it'll be around whenever you get the opportunity. Glad to hear about your "investigation" :) You've got a good memory.

[emotoaster]

^Thanks.
Episode 3 was pretty good lets just hope this keeps up.

[Ridley-X4]

NYAN NYAN, NYAN NYAN, NI-HA-O NYAN! DELICOUS, GORGEOUS AND DECULTURE! (repeat as many times as needed)

That's what I know about Macross F.

[Mr March]

Hehehe, glad to hear I'm not the only one having fun with this series :) My thoughts on episode three...

The third episode of Macross Froniter shifts gears into a more character driven pace, a welcome change from the two hectic, action-packed episodes that began the series. We get a really good dose of character development when Alto, Ranka and Sheryl are all stuck together in an emergency bunker, narrowly escaping decompression in the Island dome from a Vajra attack. The Vajra attack is truly viscious and Ozuma himself is injured during the attack. There's some really interesting developments on the fictional technology front. Though seemingly biological in some way, the Vajra can continue to operate even when it's head has been vaporized. Speaking of which, Mikhail's sniper gun pod, which at first appeared ballistic now seems to be some kind of energy based weapon, though many fans have pointed out that a sufficiently powerful rail gun would turn it's projectile into super hot plasma during firing and could act as a melting/vaporizing attack.

I find myself really enjoying the character relationships. Alto and Sheryl in particular provide a roller coaster of laughs being so at odds with each other. For all Sheryl's professionalism, she is still immature and often far too sure of herself for her own good. Alto continues his stubborn behaviour and has much to learn about keeping a cool head, but for all his faults he's no slouch and stands up to Sheryl's abuse every bit as good as she can give out. Ranka is the small center in the storm and has serious issues of her own. We find out she's only a surrogate sibling to Ozuma, who has taken her under his care during a past encounter with the Vajra that killed her entire family. Ranka is fragile, but also incredibly upbeat and determined in her own way. She seems able to befriend both Sheryl and Alto easily, despite the vast differences those two have with each other. Ranka seems poised to be a natural creator of understanding and culture, particularly through the time-honored theme of music in the Macross franchise. We're sure to see more. Lieutenant Glass has only a little to do in the episode, but it's quickly revealed Kathy has an intimate and somewhat risque relationship with Leon Mishima, a relationship which should create some interesting drama for future episodes.

Technically the show continues to impress. The character animation style is amazingly expressive, particularly during the final scenes of the episode with a sequence between Alto and Ranka. The SMS is described in more detail and the shortcomings of the New UN Spacy are again focused upon throughout this episode. The SMS, at least in Ozuma's eyes (however biased) seem to be the unsung heroes of this new age in the Macross universe; mostly unknown in life and largely forgotten in death, but courageously defending the Macross Frontier fleet. Mikhail and Luca explain to Alto that their enlistment into the SMS had to be a secret but eventually Alto himself is given entry into the SMS by Ozuma. The three friends are obviously in for some good and bad times ahead. For the first time, the third episode ends on a close without a cliff hanger and it feels like the opening act of this series has been played. It's been one hell of a great opening and I hope this show doesn't sabotage itself later on because so far it is one tight anime series.

Eagerly awaiting episode four.

Deculture! :)

[DazarGaidin]

Anyone else feel the faces get a little distorted, particularly closeups on ranka? Her mouth was pretty rough when her and alto were talking.

[Mr March]

Some more uploads from episode 3. Sorry for being slow.

Ozuma let's Alto have it
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-argue.jpg

Variable Fighter formation
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-formation.jpg

Lt. Glass looking surprised
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-glass.jpg

Headshot!
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-headshot.jpg

Kabuki poster
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-kabuki.jpg

Leon getting it on with Glass
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-kiss.jpg

A brief, background peek at "The Monster"
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-konig.jpg

A revelation among the details
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-leonandglass.jpg

Next Episode: Meltran Mayhem
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-meltran.jpg

Mikhail does his Max Jenius impersonation (all he needs is a dye job)
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-mikhail.jpg

Many More Meltrans
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-preview.jpg

Rank looking a little down
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-ranka.jpg

What DVD freeze frame was made for
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-records.jpg

Luca's bird
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-rvf25.jpg

Sheryl more than a little embarrassed
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-sheryl.jpg

About to take someone's head off
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep03-snipe.jpg

[germanturkey]

ep 4 is pretty great.
its a shame that Ranka didn't win Miss Macross (pretty obvious i thought) but its great that Alto got accepted into SMS. its pretty much a given that he's a great pilot, and i laughed at the joke of him looking like a painting when he took out that one "enemy." then he he tried to attack the Vajra with a knife. smooth... but now he has a badass gun too. beautifully animated fight scene, but there were some UGLY scenes in this ep too.

[Tonyx35]

New episode is out? Nice^_^ . thanks for the heads up.:)

[Mr March]

Macross Frontier episode four continues to meet expectations and provides some great action and a lot of entertaining humor. The Zentradi make a very flashy return to the Macross universe as we're treated to three Meltrandi piloting newly designed Queadluun-Rau Lambda battle suits. Giant sized and all, the new Q-Rau proves it's just as deadly as the latest VF-25. Watching the Q-Rau in action is a true delight for long time Macross fans and the new CG animation doesn't fail to do this mecha justice. We also get some more setting embelishments as the main action in this episode takes place in amongst a 7,000 year-old Zentradi battle site filled with destroyed Zentradi warships and mecha. This provides more history for new fans and wlecome reference for old fans.

The characters continue to develop at a very satisfying pace. We learn that Alto, though being harshly run through the training guantlet at SMS, is highly skilled and exceeding the expectations of his fellow pilots. The montage of Alto's training provides some hilarious situations for our hero. Alto just can't seem to catch his breath taking a beating (literally) both at SMS from Ozuma or at school from his teachers. Meanwhile Ranka begins down a path to attaining her dreams and enters the 12th Miss Macross Frontier beauty pageant. Lt. Glass and her boyfriend Chief of Staff Leon Mishima are on hand for judging, but Glass notices Leon has plans for Ranka. Ranka is nervous and not quite as composed as she should be for the contest, but nonetheless gives her all in a great rendition of My Boyfriend Is A Pilot a song made famous by the original Macross idol Lynn Minmay. In amongst the contest, we are also introduced ever so briefly to Ranzo Saotome, Alto's disapproving father. Looks like more pressure is on the horizon for our dear hero

Episode four also provides a little background into Ranka's past and the Vajra. Seems the latest nemesis of the UNG has been attacking them in stages for a little more than 11 years now and is responsible for the death of Ranka's entire family aboard the 117th Research Fleet. It's also revealed that Alto has some more elaborate motives of his own, as he has a strong desire to defeat the Vajra and protect Ranka. It's likely no coincidence that Ranka was present at two major Vajra attacks, but we'll have to wait to see more.

Lastly, the meltran pilot Klan Klein is introduced in this episode. While a deadly and beautiful female pilot when in her giant sized Zentradi form, the poor woman has a rare genetic discrepency which causes her to revert to an adolescent girl when she undergoes the micloning process for reduction to human size. Mikhail in particular delights in mocking poor Klan Klein in her miclone form and provides some of the funniest moments in Macross Frontier to date. No doubt we can look forward to more fun from these two as the series progresses.

Again, the new Macross Frontier series pays plenty of homage to the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross series, but continues to charge in new directions. The homages often make us think we know what will happen, only to have the unexpected throw us right off. The series stands well on it's own, but as a long time fan I'm loving the way Kawamori is playing with audience expectations and constantly throwing us off what we think will happen.

Next up, episode five. Deculture! :)

[DazarGaidin]

I wonder if they will let him keep the gun he found...finders keepers right?

Ranka was so cute this episode :wub: Everyone saying there is no chance for her and alto, and i agree, but i have a small hope that the writer will just throw everyone a burning curveball and make it happen :P

[germanturkey]

dude, Mr. March, you're love this show don't you... lol

thanks for explaining whats up with Klein. i'm not well versed in macross tech.

[Tonyx35]

Just finished watching Episode 4.

To start off I really liked how it would cut back and forth between what Alto and Ranka were doing. We get to see some of the things that go on at the SMS barracks ( Princess Alto:P). He's got it rough, walking around with the signs, 25 laps while everyone else just stares at him.

Ranka was so cute in this episode^_^ . I liked how she enters the Miss Macross dressing room in her usual cute and innocent way (nice bag) and the main thing she notices are that the other ladies have bigger "assets". While contestant #9 was leaving the room the sound made me think of baloons?
That mobile vending machine was quite the "Go Getter" (wasn't even called to).

All I can say about Alto's test is WOW!. Got to see more of the cockpit on the new VF (I go nuts for shots of the displays, switch panels etc.). I like how Alto says "Thank You" before he launched (reminded me of DYRL?). The Inter-cuts (not sure if that's what you call it) between the stage performance and the space skirmish were amazing (Ranka developed fangs while singing the song quite well). Klein Klan is something else, an outstanding pilot and a very strong presence (liked how the screen shook and how you could still hear her walk away). She then reappears as a much younger version of herself with a fireball attitude.

We get more info about Ranka's past which causes Alto to become even more protective/Agressive.



Question: Were the guys back at the SMS watching the show via a display on their drinking cups? (if so, neat idea) And I was wondering what's the significance of Alto's victory pose?

additional remarks:
The eyecatch was a nice throwback to the old SDF Macross one
The Op sequence is starting grow on me
Rie Tanaka voices a character? Yes (plus points)
Sheryl's Not so bad I guess


I don't usually type up something that long but the Episode was just so Great! I had to "say" something:wub:.
Looking forward to the next episode.

[Levon]

I love Ranka's voice. Its very cute without being all high pitched & annoying.

[Gasaraki]

I love Ranka's voice. Its very cute without being all high pitched & annoying.

Yes I agree. I don't really like Watashi no Kare wa Pilot, but it was at least bareable how she sang it.

Also, QUAEDLUUN ACTION! Sweetness

[Tonyx35]

Looks like the eatery that Ranka works for may have some compettition...

Click Link (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-28/macross-frontier-pizza-hut-join-forces-in-new-campaign)

[DazarGaidin]

The tie-in will promote the restaurant chain's new Shoka no Half & Half (Early Summer Half and Half) pizza: a half Seafood Mix pizza of lobster, squid, and broccoli, and a half Tartar Chicken pizza.

:x :x :x


/fillerxfiller

[CrossboneGundam]

I love Ranka's voice. Its very cute without being all high pitched & annoying.

Something about her voice bothers me.

[Mr March]

DaizarGaidin
Who knows, maybe he'll use it again. Though it damaged the Vajra, it doesn't seem particularly powerful. Mikhail's Sniper Rifle is definitely the most powerful of the SMS weapons we've seen thus far.

germanturkey
Hell yes :) This is pretty much the Macross sequel all the fans have been waiting for since Macross Plus; some would even argue they've been waiting since DYRL? (though not me, I adored Plus). It's a great return to Macross and I'm enjoying every minute (and hoping they don't screw up the ending) :)

I figured the micloning process might be a little vague for some fans. The Macross Frontier prologue does explain that Zentradi are micloned to become human size, but it's not very detailed. Perhaps the one failing of this episode was the lack of a scene showing a micloning chamber, but with so much fun to be had, who cares? :)

Tonyx35
Maybe I'm just a bit of a bully, but I love watching Alto getting overworked by his trainers and teachers. It's a constant source of amusement :)

I really feel for Ranka too. All the voluptuous competitors really made Ranka feel insecure and the hollow words of comfort from her well-endowed friend Nanase didn't make her feel any better. It's going to be tough for Ranka, but I hope she sticks with it.

Don't know about the SMS glasses, but Alto's victory pose probably came from both his growing confidence in the cockpit and a holdover from his upbringing which was training in the Kabuki Theatre by his father. It's clear from this episode there is bitterness and estrangement between Alto and his father, probably because Alto rejected Kabuki to become a pilot and his father strongly disapproves. Which should make for some excellent drama as the series continues :)

Yeah, I saw the Pizza Hut thing. It's just marketing stuff, like they do with fast food tie-ins for feature films here in North America (Transformers french fry boxes and what not).

Levon
I have to say I like almost all the characters so far. There's no one that really bothers me and Ranka is certainly an interesting character. The only one I have a problem with is Luca, who appears too underdeveloped so far.

Gasaraki
I loved that she sang a Minmay track. It was great to again see the longevity of that song within the Macross universe and it's pretty much tradition now that the track appear in every Macross sequel in som manner or another.

[Levon]

Something about her voice bothers me.


Because your too used to cute girls having a high pitch voice;)

I love Ranka but I'm not too crazy for her singing, maybe the song is to blame. The music is a rather let down compared to the singing in SDF Macross & Plus.

[Mr March]

More Macross goodness. Pictures from Episode #5.

Alto and Sheryl in a spat
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-angry.jpg

Cat...weird
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-cat.jpg

Alto and Klan (at full size) watch Sheryl drawing
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-klan2.jpg

Fighter from the Macross Galaxy Fleet (with fold booster visible below)
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-mgalaxyfighter.jpg

Mr. Brila
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-mrbilra.jpg

Ranka strikes a classic Minmay pose
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-rankareach.jpg

Ranka as the star she's born to be
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-rankastar.jpg

A possible intimate moment for Sheryl and Alto?
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-sherylalto2.jpg

Let's hope the hot dog of the future isn't made up of lips and rear ends
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-sheryldog.jpg

The SMS' main warship
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-smsship1.jpg

Vajra on display, looks like they got energy converting armor just like the Valkyries
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-vajra2.jpg

Macross shopping, no other experience quite like it
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep05-zentradishoes.jpg

[Levon]

I love Ranka but I'm not too crazy for her singing, maybe the song is to blame. The music is a rather let down compared to the singing in SDF Macross & Plus.


After watching episode 4 I do think it was the song. I hope they bring back more of the old songs, that was really great. My favorite is that Silver Moon Red Moon song.

[DazarGaidin]

I liked the song, i thought it was cute and that is Ranka's whole shtick :)

[Mr March]

A funny remix (NOTE! This is NOT that annoying repeating video that is making the rounds. This is an actual song remix that's only 1:46 in length). Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfKho2nUbcQ

Kinda cool :)

[DazarGaidin]

I just looked at the pics up there, and the one with sheryl drawing made me laugh..

Are they peeking up her skirt? :P

[Mr March]

Hahahaha. Well I hope Alto is, but Klan Klein shouldn't be...or maybe she should (*has a nasty thought*) :)

[germanturkey]

haha. cellphone scene ftw!! and it looks like ****'s going to go down next ep. personally, i'm cheering for Sheryl. Ranka doesn't float my boat for some reason.

[Levon]

Bah I prefer Ranka, Sheryl is a ***** but I guess shes improving much like Misa.

[DazarGaidin]

Ranka stands a snowball chance in hell...


come on little snowball you can do it!

[Mr March]

After four episodes of adventure, small character moments and establishing cast, Macross Frontier episode five focuses at last upon the three central characters Ranka, Sheryl and Alto. Taking a break from the action up until this point, episode five concentrates on building up the story for both the characters and the drama yet to come. Several discoveries about the new Macross universe are unveiled. The broader world of the Macross Froniter fleet is shown as Sheryl and Alto travel among the various areas of Island One and find entire areas where full-sized Zentradi live. On Island Three, Leon reveals some interesitng facts after examining the Vajra: they are advanced bio-mechanical weapons possessing the same energy converting armor as a Valkyrie fighter but controlled by a very small, limited brain. The big question remains who controls these creatures?

Back on Island One, Sheryl pursues Alto in an attempt to locate her missing earing. She seems determined to find it, but is also welcoming the opportunity to be with Alto. For all their arguing and clashes, Sheryl seems to value the fact that Alto doesn't gush over her like nearly everyone else in her life. Alto too is slowly learning that the same drive within himself is also found in Sheryl; Alto wants to fly and pursue his dream and Sheryl works hard for her singing. The two have more in common than either care to admit, but it's clear they have a connection. Meanwhile Ranka runs into trouble with her brother Ozuma. Seems Ranka's performance at the Miss Macross Frontier contest got her suspended from her puritanical private school. Ranka is beginning to understand what sacrifices she has to make to pursue her dreams. With some hard-to-swallow advice from Mikhail, Ranka puts on a public show of her singing, determined to overcome her shyness. She almost falters, but one of Alto's paper planes flies overhead and she's swept up in her emotions for him. Singing proudly to no one in particular, Ranka attracts a crowd with her melodic voice.

While definitely a slower paced story, this episode is filled with great character moments. With the players in this tale firmly established, it was well past time to delve into the love triangle between Sheryl, Alto and Ranka. Macross Frontier is doing a great job pacing itself without repeating and without ever becoming dull. The audience is invested and the writers are determined to deliver.

Next up, episode six. Deculture! :)

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Ranka's singing also seemed to wake up that vajra. Perhaps they are controlled by singing. Sounds like at the end that the Galaxy alliance, fleet or whatever it was called, also got attacked at the same time

[DazarGaidin]

Sheryl cell phone orgasm ftw...

Not much else to say about this ep...pretty much what i expected. Alto and sheryl on a date with sheryl being a flirty ho, and ranka being her cute child like self. The coolest thing about the episode was seeing the giant area...I was beginning to wonder, it would suck for them in a normal place.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Sheryl autographed zentradi pantsu FTW :lol:

[Mr March]

ZeroRyoko1974
Ranka was present at the Vajra attacks 11 years ago and on Macross Frontier. THere has to be some kind of connection. Then again, the Macross Galaxy fleet has come under attack and Sheryl was not there (though she was recently there). We'll have to wait to see more.

Autographed giant-sized panties. Who would have thought? :)

DazarGaidin
Hahaha, that was really funny scene. I wasn't expecting the cell phone on vibrate, but new exactly what it was once I heard the sound :)

[Tonyx35]

Just saw episode 5 last night and another really fun episode.

Why did Alto stuff both of them into the Locker? (I started laughing as soon as I figured out was going on :lol:). I liked how there's all that Sheryl Tour promotion going on in the population area (nice to be able to see more of it) and sheryl just goes "What's the matter?".

The Observation area looked really nice too, made me wonder how long did it take for the place to get build and deployed. The Zentradi Area, was quite a treat. It's nice to know that even after all those years since the events of SDF Macross, The Zentradi people weren't forced to shrink just to co-exist with everyone else. Sheryl is pretty wild for juping in that shoe. (what if someone already tried them on?:P)

Sheryl pulling down giant Pink Display panties + an apperance by Giant Klein Klan = Awesome. Ranka being cute as usual:) and we learn a little more about the enemy.

Looks like something big is going to happen next episode and I'm definately lookng forward to it.

[DazarGaidin]

He shoved them both into a locker cause sheryl is a celebrity, and didn't want to cause a scandal or get mobbed by fans. Same reason she is wearing the glasses and hat basically.

[van strapp]

Well, I've been reading this thread for ages now, so I figured it's high time I registered and joined in. :)

I tell ya what, I can't get enough of all the little nods to previous series'. From the things in the background through to the occasional Firebomber or Sharon track... so damn good.

Did anyone else notice the Toyota Prius and Nissan Micra in the street scene of episode 5? Maybe I'm the only car enthusiasts here, haha.

Incidentally, has anyone see any animated gifs of the little Ranka animated face that was flashing on Alto's fine during the playback of her voice message? My girl's eager to get her hands on one haha.

[CrossboneGundam]

Sheryl autographed zentradi pantsu FTW :lol:

No. She was writing new lyrics.

Also where is everybody getting this "Klein" business from? The pronounciation and katakana are clearly "klan klan" or "kuran kuran" if you want me to be really stuffy.

http://www.macrossf.com/character/chara18.html

[DazarGaidin]

Incidentally, has anyone see any animated gifs of the little Ranka animated face that was flashing on Alto's fine during the playback of her voice message? .

I thought that was exceptionally cute :D

[van strapp]

Episode 6!

Wow, interesting stuff. Very cool to get a glimpse of the inner workings of the politics of both the government and the military and military service providers. The whole drafting thing was very cool and no doubt a bit scary for the young lads.

The information about the actual Space Fold physics (fake as they may be, haha) at the start of the episode was very cool. Had they shown that before, or was it new? I might have to stop skipping past the intro, haha.

Loved the Lancia Delta Integrale poster on Ozuma's wall behind the couch, hehe. And how awesome was the scene with ozuma portraying the big badass brother in front of the talent scout! Hahah, loved it.

The look that Grace got from the contractor when she answered a call on her implant was very interesting; further demonstrating the awkwardness and illegality of implants in the Macross storyline's society. The whole idea of implants is an interesting one, as it's never really been touched on in Macross. It's almost a bit of a Ghost in the Shell angle. Quite unexpected.

My girlfriend mentioned that she was surprised they didn't have them all along, and I reminded her that despite their advanced technology, it's only the 2050s and I suppose their technology - excluding the things developed courtesy of the alien technology gained when the SDF crashed on Earth - they're about as advanced as we'd expect for that period. Still, who the hell knows where we'll be technologically in the next 50 years. Looks how far we've come in the last 50!

What they heck were the little digital arrows on the cafe tabletop supposed to represent? It's like they were some sort of transferrable kudos/reputation points or something. I read a great sci-fi story by BoingBoing's Cory Doctorow a while ago, which referred to a concept he called "wuffy", where society is governed by the reputation points its citizens transfer to each other whenever they do something good or something bad. Obviously this isn't how the Macross universe runs, but it does make me wonder if that tabletop thing is some sort of fad. Kind of like the reputation points some forums have in the user profiles, I guess.

Loved it when Mickail drew boobs on Nanase's drawing of a costume for Ranka, haha.

As always, the graphics on their screens are a major inspiration for me - being a fulltime graphic artist myself. It's all very cool and very professionally designed. Great stuff. I'd almost join the military myself if it meant I got to play with stuff like that, haha.

It was cool to see the way Klan Klan's suit works. I was worried for a while they were going to try to pretend that her arms are inside the arms of the suit, which you can just tell by looking at is a major impossibility, haha. So it was good to see that's not how it's controlled.

Cool to see that SMS have a ship of their own, and it looks like it can probably transform too. Very cool.

[DazarGaidin]

About implants we already have them now to a certain extent...watched on the news about a blind woman that got an eye/brain implant thingy and can see like jordy laforge with some special glasses, and we had bionic hands and legs for a while now. Stuff like that is very possible in 50 years or so.

[Tonyx35]

Just saw episode 6 Last night


That was a neat little OP sequence with some information about Fold technology and I never noticed until now that "Eden" ( Macross Plus) was mentioned in that quick timeline.

Seeing Ranka give Ozma the "Serious" look was pretty funny. They must've some serious back and forth and Ranka won. "A sniper's Eyes never lie". We also see the formation of the Ranka Lee Fan Club. It really did seem that Mikhail is aiming for Ranka^_^ . Those touch screen tables were really neat. Alto lied to Ranka (that's the last thing he should have done) and then pulls out the Shery ticket:P.

The Frontier president spills the beans on the recent Vajira attacks (poor Ranka) and declares a State of emergency. Ranka get plus points for eating what looked like pocky, and to Sheryl for the "Show must go on" attitude. We have a nice scene between Sheryl and Alto. I'm also looking forward to what Cathy does (during a real battle) maybe think up a signature attack? the comm scene between her and Ozma reminded me of SDF Macross :lol:

At about 17:58 - 18:38 The music sounded like something inspired by Hans Zimmer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Zimmer)(that's the feeling I got anyway).

I really liked the shot when Ranka is running toward the concert venue. She can really run(even with the bag on her back). I liked the stage effects during Sheryl's performance.

Good Luck Macross 25!

Definately looking forward to the next episosde! (sound like a broken record)




I was surprised to see this.
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/2848/macrossf6screenshotkz3.th.png (http://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=macrossf6screenshotkz3.png)
kind of cool to know that fellow Filipinos got a chance to work on an Anime like Macross:). (could be a negative too.)

[Mr March]

I'm really interested in the capabilities of the Macross Quarter. The ship appears littered with guns and turrets and looks like it's designed in much the same way as the original SDF-1 Macross. I wonder if the ship has a super dimension energy cannon like the Macross class vessels. The only thing that has me kinda mystified is the size of the ship. According to the Macross Compendium entry for the Macross Quarter (http://macross.anime.net/wiki/Macross_Quarter) the ship is one-quarter the size of the current Macross Class ships. if the current Macross class ships are still the same size as the old New Macross Class Colonization Ship (http://www.new-un-spacy.com/macross7/newmacross.htm), then the Macross Quarter is just under 400 meters long. That would make the ship roughly the same size as the Guantanamo Class Stealth Carrier (http://www.new-un-spacy.com/macrossplus/guantanamo-stealthcarrier.htm) or the same size as the original ARMD Class Space Carriers (http://www.new-un-spacy.com/sdfmacross/armd.htm). But I suppose the Macross Quarter is a dedicated combat craft and could be made for more maneuverability. Since it's also a new class of ship, it likely benefits from new, more efficient technology that could be much smaller.

[germanturkey]

i thought it was epic when the Macross Quarter lifted off. and we know that Alto can't die now, because he has to give Sheryl's ear ring back to her. but i'm willing to bet that 2 people will kick the bucket next ep. medic lady and the other giant person?

[Mr March]

Episode 6 review...

It's the deep inhale before the plunge, as they say, and I can't wait for more. Episode 6 of Macross Frontier begins placing the pieces for what is sure to be a major confrontation in episode 7. When we left off in episode 5 the Macross Frontier had received a distress call from the Macross Galaxy fleet. The Vajra have launched a major strike against them and the Frontier fleet has decided to launch a rescue.

Our characters spend some personal time with each other before the inevitable conflict and we sense some trepidation from Alto. It's clear he's growing feelings for Sheryl but it's also clear he's not able to detach from his fondness for Ranka. While he tries to keep her at a distance, Alto is still going out of his way to maintain a connection with her, a choice that will most likely come back to haunt him when Ranka imposes her feelings upon him. Ranka for her part has demonstrated her commitment to being a singer and when she returns to her older brother Ozuma, it's with a talent scout in hand asking Ozuma's permission to represent the young Ranka. With credibility at her side, Ozuma has little choice but to reluctantly accept Ranka as a growing star. Sheryl decides to continue her farewell concert in the face of the horrifying news of the attack on her home fleet, but we know that she's already made a connection with Macross Frontier and it's likely to be her home before long.

Though there is little in the way of character development, this episode is mostly an affirmation of the connection between all the established characters. The last part of the episode features Sheryl's final concert intercut between the launch of the Macross Quarter and its rescue fleet. It makes for a truly emotional and moving finale filled with tension for the terrible conflict to come. Macross as a show is known for being rather lethal with characters and if the original is any indication, we may see some of our heroes pass before long. For now, we're left with the impending danger that awaits them and the sense of resolve Ozuma hopes to inpire in his brave warriors.

Next up, episode 7. Deculture!

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Episode 6 was awesome. Ranka and her hippo pj's was cool (not as cool as Lain bear jammies). The CG work in this show is really awesome (Gonzo, are you watching, you used to be able to do this kind of stuff). Ranka must be some kind of olympic marathoner or something, that was quite a run to make it there before the concert ended.

[Mr March]

You're not the first fan to mention the run Ranka had to make to the concert :) But seriously, I'm sure the distance was meant to be figurative rather than literal. Otherwise the concert would have been over by the time she could get there. Or maybe Ranka is also an accomplished 5k runner ;)

[DazarGaidin]

Isn't she part alien...earlier they said she didn't die when they approached the vacuum...that could suggest the amount of oxygen she requires (or her bodys' usage thereof) for her body is less = longer running endurance :D

[Gasaraki]

Yeah she's 1/4 Zentran so that's probably part of it, but I'm sure like March said it's more figurative than anything.

[DazarGaidin]

Hmm could also be a reason her singing is so good :) If you think about it, if zentrani live int he same atmosphere as humans and their bodies are that large, their processing of oxygen would have to be much more efficient...


But yeah it was probably just figurative.

[van strapp]

Haha, I think it was nothing more than giving us a gorgeous night scene to look at. Not everything's intended to have a message in it ;)

[ZeroRyoko1974]

They should have shown her running by Rocky, an 86 or something

[Mr March]

Bunch of new shots from the AWESOME EPISODE 7 (wow!) :)

http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-armorlaunch.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-biggun.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-konigmonster2.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-bigmonster.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-destroid.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-rescue.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-mquarter5.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-mquarter2.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-mquarter6.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-pilot.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-harmonica.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-vf27folding.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-vf27gun.jpg
http://www.new-un-spacy.com/miscellaneous/mf-ep07-vf27head.jpg

[CrossboneGundam]

I still have trouble with the idea that the government would let a bunch of mercenaries have control and ownership of a Macross class battleship.

Also end of episode 7: lol.

[seba_boi]

I'm loving the music.... :)

Though, the OP doesn't quite match Aquarion's OP...

[germanturkey]

the op isn't that good of a song imo. but the rest of the music is stellar.

anyways, sub is out for 7, and after a VERY disappointing first half from Alto, he redeemed himself for the second half. anyways, purple ship = win. naked Sheryl = win as well.

artwork next week seems to take a major hit, but this week's was mind blowing.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Its awesome to have a macross ship that can handle like a large veritech instead of a giant brick

[GreatNekoKoneko]

I'm loving the music.... :)

Though, the OP doesn't quite match Aquarion's OP...

...seconded on the Aquarion OP. it's just too awesome.

[Mr March]

I love the music so far. Definitely quality stuff.

[Gasaraki]

Sheryl's songs blow the OP away. Good stuff.

[Mr March]

Episode 7 review...

Astounding, exciting and crowd-pleasing are all words that describe episode 7 of Macross Frontier, but even these words fail to capture the best parts of the show. The conflict between the New UN Spacy and the Vajra is clearly escalating and the stakes are becoming that much greater. The Macross Quarter arrives to investigate the location of the distress signal from remnants of the Macross Galaxy fleet. The Vajra are already on the scene but now the Macross Quarter and crew are prepared for their enemy. The episode chronicles the battle in full and we see the true power of the Macross Quarter as it engages a Vajra warship.

Macross Frontier once again proves the many virtues of a properly told story in this episode and the drama is both emotional and exciting. In Macross 7, dozens of friendly ships are destroyed and it’s meaningless, especially to the viewer. In Macross Frontier when a single friendly ship is destroyed that loss is felt by all the characters and the audience most of all. This resonance of emotion is at the heart of Macross Frontier and the creators of the story continue to play upon that theme in this episode to great effect. Alto, Luca, Mikhail and Ozuma all fight against the Vajra with bravery and skill. Unfortunately Luca takes a few too many chances to grab some close reconnaissance data of the Vajra ship and is captured. Alto fearlessly chases after him determined to mount a rescue. In the midst of this another new fighter appears on the scene, a VF-27 piloted by the unknown Brera Stern. He appears to aid Alto and Luca but his motives and possible connection to Mr. Bilrer remain unclear. The Macross Quarter makes the much anticipated transformation debut and destroys the Vajra carrier in a spectacular fight. All the while, Sheryl is playing her final concert on the Macross Frontier and Ranka is there for the show. Throughout the episode, there are hints of connections between the Alto, Sheryl and Ranka but the nature of them are unclear. The beginning of episode 7 speaks of cybernetics common among the people of the Macross Galaxy fleet and there are hints that many of the supporting cast such as Grace and Brera may feature such cybernetics.

Without doubt Macross Frontier Episode 7 is pure anime mecha action. For mecha fans, an episode of exciting battles and spectacular visuals is just the reward needed to enhance an already great show. Macross Frontier is so far delivering plenty of eye candy for action fans and it’s not something any fan of mecha anime should miss. At the same time the show never forgets the characters or the story and we’re treated to more revelations in this episode that prompt yet more questions. Where did the VF-27 come from and who is Brera Stern? Where are the Vajra coming from and who is building their ships? What is the connection between Leon and Mr. Bilrer and what are their motives?

The only way to know is to watch more and next up is episode 8. Deculture!

[emotoaster]

Really enjoyed 7. The battle was really intense and the animation keeps impressing me. What is the studio that does Macross? While I enjoy the singing I think it starting to get a little much especially in the heat of battle. Guess it is better then the regular BGM we would be getting huh.

[seba_boi]

the op isn't that good of a song imo. but the rest of the music is stellar.

Yeah, "Triangler" isn't that amazing (and this is coming from a Kanno fan), but maybe it'll grow on me... There's this particular mecha fight music ithat's grabbed me the most... I can't wait for the soundtrack next month!....

I've noticed that Kanno didn't seem to go for her usual wide variety of music genres this time round and is mostly sticking to orchestral tracks and lots of pop songs for Sheryl...
...seconded on the Aquarion OP. it's just too awesome.Yup!... IMO, it's really quite catchy... Although in terms of EDs, "Aimo" beats the Aquarion ED...


But I'm most impressed with the top quality animation... Best use of CG and 2D animation I've seen so far in a series... Very, very impressed... It's like an OAV...

[Mr March]

What is the studio that does Macross?

Satelight (misspelling is intentional) is the studio that has done the two most recent Macross Productions, Macross Zero and now Macross Frontier.

[Tonyx35]

I've seen the OP Animation sequence seven times now and something catches my eye.

@ 2:48-2:51 We see Sheryl fall backwards and then we see Alto rising up
Does anyone have any idea or a guess on what it could mean? ( it could mean nothing:P )


Edit
Episode 7
Another Great Episode!

More tech info at the start of the episode. Sheryl's Concert was great and somehow Ranka's singing had an influence on Alto via the Earring. We got to see another feature of the Manager's implants. I was in missle heaven (Thanks Ozma) The guy is something else.

Alto being reckless and Heroic. He lost his unit (I wonder what kind of punishment is given to him this time and that whole secondary interface thing with the Valkyrie was a neat idea too.

The whole sequence with Macross Quarter was amazing! (I was laughing at first when the Harnesses came out) but my Jaw ended up dropping open once I saw the boosters kick in, its guns blazing and did it generate a Barrier there when it passed through that explosion?

One word for the Macross Quarter Cannon... Awesome! ( I noticed 3 beams shot out. Anyone know what the Screen at 21:00 translates to? I guessing Maximum Charge? I definately say it's worthy of the Name.

Looks like there's going to be a very noticeable dip in Animation quality next Episode.

[CrossboneGundam]

Episode 8: Well, that's one way to keep Sheryl around...

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Sheryl the pilot, lol. She will become the new firebomber. Sing the enemy into submission. Looks like Ranka is going to have her own pet baby carbuncle. Wonder when it grows up and turns radioactive blue in color
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5568/snapshot20080524072437yr5.jpg

[germanturkey]

haha. this ep was great. so yeah, it does seem that ranka has a snowball's chance in hell. but knowing trends in anime, it'll do a U-turn before the series is over..

and yeah, music in this show = epic.

sheryl's... panties... freshly taken... off.... OHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! <= lol

development for michael next time. looks to be good.

[crow-kun]

Am I the only one that cringes a bit when he hears Engrish in a Japanese song? It's like I'm enjoying the song and then BAM! Engrish!!! It's like being punched in the face to me.>_<

[TougeSil80]

It's an anime made for a Japanese audience, Engrish is inevitable. Ep. 7 was epic, especially the Macross Quarters. Ep.8's artwork quality went down dramatically though, hopefully it's just one ep and it'll bounce back next ep.

[germanturkey]

^^ they needed to save budget for a big battle coming up. (hopefully)

[Gasaraki]

Well considering episode 8 was just a "school episode" so to speak, and literally, I didn't really mind. When it counts I'm sure it'll be good.

[Aditia]

Does anyone know why the quality of the character animations was so horrible last episode? I allready noticed a dip in quality in episode 6, but in episode 8 it was so bad it was ruining the show for me.. :(

CGI sequences continue to be great, but since I personally think the relationship between the main characters is nice to see developing, the crappy animation really bugs me.

Anyone around that can reassure me that this is temporary?

[crow-kun]

Does anyone know why the quality of the character animations was so horrible last episode? I allready noticed a dip in quality in episode 6, but in episode 8 it was so bad it was ruining the show for me.. :(

CGI sequences continue to be great, but since I personally think the relationship between the main characters is nice to see developing, the crappy animation really bugs me.

Anyone around that can reassure me that this is temporary?They keep wasting there animation budget on breast.

[Gitaru~chan]

It's only natural that most tv series anime have episodes that look great, and others that don't. While I don't mind that the last episode looks a little different than normal, as long as they make the episodes that really count look amazing (like the battles and concerts), I'm happy.

I'm actually wondering if I'm the only girl into Macross Frontier? =P

Also, 'Triangular' has really grown on me, I really love the song. And I've heard the Aquarion one as well, but for me, MF's OP wins.

[Mr March]

It's anime. Most television series go through animation quality fluctuations as they subcontract to various lesser animation studios. It's a way to stretch the budget. I think the last anime series I watched that had very little subcontracted work was Planetes and before that, Cowboy Bebop. Everything else, from Ghost in the Shell: SAC, to Gundam 00, to Macross Frontier still go through the old up/down (grins). Either that or they do the Neon Genesis Evangelion thing where long stretches of the episodes are unanimated stills with nothing happening.

[DazarGaidin]

I like the OP a lot, its really pretty when she hits that high note.

[Aditia]

Well I can live with a bit of sub-par animation, but I haven't seen this abuse of main character artwork since 'Banner of the Stars'... horrible!

But since I download my anime-hobby for $0, maybe I shouldn't be complaining. But still..

I hope they save some money on something else next time.... ;-)

[DazarGaidin]

^no i feel ya, i noticed since the first couple eps that the character animations distort badly. But CGI battles are expensive so i guess they had to cut here and there.