Celebrating the 25th anniversary! A thorough review of Macross Returns SP!!

Macross 25th Anniversary Special "Macross Frontier" Review and Recommendation

On December 23, 2007, TBS and MBS aired "Celebrating the 25th Anniversary! The Macross Returns SP!! - Macross Frontier -", a special program to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Macross series, and it garnered attention for airing the first episode of the new series, "Macross F (Frontier)". This special program looked back on the series' history while hinting at the beginning of a new story, making it a long-awaited broadcast for fans.

Broadcast information

This special was broadcast on TBS from 26:50 to 27:50 on Sunday, December 23, 2007, and on MBS from 25:15 to 26:25 on Friday, December 28, 2007. The first half of the program was a talk segment where the history of the series and behind-the-scenes stories of its production were discussed, and the last 30 minutes were used to broadcast the first episode of "Macross F." Although the broadcast was 60 minutes long and only one episode was aired, the content was very dense and had the power to draw in viewers.

story

"Macross F" is set in the year 2059. Earth's human race, once on the brink of extinction after an interstellar war with giant aliens, has set out across the galaxy in search of new lands, with the survival of the species at its core. Among these is the 25th ultra-long-distance immigrant fleet, "Macross Frontier." More than 10 million people live in this fleet, centered around residential ships integrated with battleships of the New Unified Forces. This spaceship, with an artificially created environment that is no different from that on Earth, is traveling near the center of the galaxy.

The Frontier fleet is visited by Sheryl Nome, an idol singer from the nearby Macross Galaxy fleet, for a concert. Sheryl is a proud top idol who always ranks high on the Galaxy Network's hit charts. Ranka Lee, a girl who admires her, is an ordinary high school girl who works part-time at a Chinese restaurant. She has only one relative, her older brother Ozma. Ozma is an elite pilot who leads the Valkyrie unit in the special military unit SMS, but he hides the fact that he is a dangerous fighter pilot because he cares about his sister. On the way to the venue of Sheryl's long-awaited concert, Ranka meets Saotome Alto, a high school student in a pilot training course. It was a common chance encounter in school life, but suddenly the Frontier encounters an unknown enemy. It is neither an earthling nor an alien, but an unknown space creature. The New Unified Forces are taking damage one after another. It has a powerful attack ability that threatens even the New Unified Forces' VF unit. However, the alien creatures invade areas where citizens live, and Ozma and the SMS VF-25 unit are dispatched to settle the situation. How many alien creatures are there? What are their abilities? What is their purpose? And what will humanity choose...?

Commentary

This program, broadcast as a special program to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macross, looked back on the history of the Macross series and also aired a specially edited version of the first episode of the latest work, "Macross F." In addition to introducing each title in the Macross series, the program conveyed the appeal of "Macross F," which is currently in production and scheduled to air in 2008. It was content that fans could not miss, and no doubt raised expectations for new developments in the series.

cast

The main cast of "Macross F" is as follows:

• Alto Saotome: Yuichi Nakamura
• Ranka Lee: Megumi Nakajima
• Sheryl Nome: Aya Endo
• Michael Brand: Hiroshi Kamiya
• Luca Angeloni: Jun Fukuyama
• Nanase Matsuura: Houko Kuwashima
• Ozma Lee: Katsuyuki Konishi
• Clan Clan: Megumi Toyoguchi
• Jeffrey Wilder: Toru Okawa
• Catherine Glass: Sanae Kobayashi
• Canaria Berstein: Houko Kuwashima
• Bobby Margo: Kenta Miyake
• Monica Lang: Rie Tanaka
• Meena Roshan: Aya Hirano
• Lam Hoa: Kaori Fukuhara
• Grace O'Connor: Kikuko Inoue
• Howard Glass: Tomomichi Nishimura
• Leon Mishima: Tomokazu Sugita

Main Staff

The following main staff members were involved in the production of "Macross F".

• Original author: Shoji Kawamori, Studio Nue
• General Director, Story Composition, Valkyrie Design: Shoji Kawamori
• Director: Yasuhito Kikuchi
• Series composition, script: Hiroyuki Yoshino
• Character design: Risa Ebata, Yuichi Takahashi
• Mechanical design: Junya Ishigaki, Takeshi Takakura
• Mechanical art: Hidetaka Tenjin
• Conceptual design: Kazutaka Miyatake
• Motion graphics: Itsuro Sasakura, HIBIKI
• Art director: Shunichiro Yoshihara
• Art setting: Yoshinori Shiozawa, Akihiro Hirazawa
• Color design: Kumiko Nakayama
• Special effects: Takatoshi Abe
• Director of photography: Takahashi Naomi
• Music: Yoko Kanno
• Sound Director: Masafumi Mima
• Producers: Hirofumi Morotomi, Hiroo Maruyama, Shinichi Hirai, Daiki Hasebe
• Animation producer: Tsuyoshi Kasai
• Animation Production: Satelight
• Produced by Big West, Bandai Visual, Mainichi Broadcasting System

Main Characters

The main characters of "Macross F" are as follows:

• Alto Saotome: A high school student attending the pilot training course at Mihoshi Academy High School. He is often mistaken for a girl because of his handsome features and long hair, but he is a proper boy. He usually has a rebellious and cynical personality. He was born into a prestigious Kabuki family, but due to his admiration for the sky and his feud with his father, he aims to become a Valkyrie pilot. He was frustrated with his life in Macross Frontier, but due to an attack by the Vajra, he decides to pilot the latest VF-25.
• Ranka Lee: Small but lively. A bright and innocent girl. She is the younger sister of Ozma Lee, an ace pilot of SMS. At her brother Ozma's request, she is currently attending a high school for rich girls, but also works part-time at the Chinese restaurant "Nyan Nyan". She is such a big fan of Sheryl that she begged her brother to get her concert tickets. She has loved singing since she was a child and has a faint dream of becoming a singer.
• Sheryl Nome: A top idol from the Macross Galaxy fleet. She is always ranked high on the galactic hit charts, and it is said that "There is not a day that goes by living in this galaxy without hearing Sheryl's songs," so naturally her popularity in Macross Frontier is unshakable. Perhaps due to her beauty and outstanding singing ability, she is particularly proud and confident.
• Michael Brand: A high school student in the pilot training course at Mihoshi Academy who cannot help but flirt with any woman he sees. He is Alto's classmate and a good rival. He is the one who gave her the nickname "Princess Alto". He has excellent shooting skills and makes it his motto to always shoot down any prey he aims at, whether it be an enemy or a woman.
• Luca Angeloni: A high school student in the pilot training course at Bisei Academy. He is a junior to Alto and Michael. He often gets flustered among the troublesome seniors. He is a genius when it comes to handling computers and military electronic equipment.
• Nanase Matsuura: Ranka's coworker at Nyannyan. She attends Mihoshi Academy and is a classmate of Alto and Michael. She has a shy and quiet personality. She supports Ranka's dream of becoming a singer.
• Ozma Lee: Leader of the SMS Skull Platoon, a private special military organization. Formerly a member of the New Unified Forces, he has ample combat experience. He is known for his flippant nature and for being a bit careless, but when it comes to a mission, he knows the severity of a soldier who is responsible for his own life, as well as the lives of his subordinates and citizens. However, he is very sweet towards his younger sister Ranka, to the point of being a bit overprotective. In order not to worry Ranka, he tells her the painful lie that he works in the human resources department.
• Klan Klan: A Zentradi pilot who belongs to the SMS Pixie Platoon. His rank is captain. He is a top ace who pilots the crimson Quadran Rare. When he microns, he has the ability to take on the body shape of a young girl.
• Jeffrey Wilder: Captain of the SMS battleship. His rank is Colonel. He used to be a pilot himself and served on the Combined Forces' aircraft carriers. He has a dandy demeanor and a playful side at times, making him a reliable captain.
• Catherine Glass: Lieutenant of the New United Nations General Staff. Daughter of the president. Intelligent and beautiful. After graduating from university at the top of her class, she joined the New United Nations. Her life is a straight path to becoming an elite. However, because she is faithful to her duties, she can be a little inflexible. She was the runner-up in the Miss Macross F contest.
• Canaria Belstein: SMS member. Rank: Lieutenant. A taciturn monster rider who belongs to the Skull Platoon. She rarely opens her mouth, but her words carry weight and she is a good confidant for Ozma. She also holds a medical license and has experience working as a doctor. As such, she also serves as a medic within the SMS.
• Bobby Margo: The helmsman of the SMS battleship. He looks tough, but he is a kind-hearted transvestite who says that he is "completely a girl inside." He used to work as a hair and makeup artist, and is loved by the female crew as a good understanding person. He secretly has unrequited love for Ozma.
• Monica Lang: SMS operator. Mainly in charge of search (radar operator) etc. Chief of the trio of operators. Serious committee chairman type.
• Meena Roshan: SMS operator. In charge of managing the ship's status. She is a bit of a natural and laid-back person, but she has an IQ of 180.
• Lam Hoa: SMS operator. In charge of communications, fire control, etc. He is the most sharp-tongued of the operators. He doesn't say much, but he does say things a little sharply. He loves data and will collect and classify it no matter what it is.
• Nene Nora: A Zentradi pilot who belongs to the SMS Pixie Platoon. She pilots the Quadran Rare. She has a gentle personality.
• Laramia Lerenia: A Zentradi pilot who belongs to the SMS Pixie Platoon. She pilots the Quadran Lea. She is characterized by her boyish appearance and sharp gaze.
• Grace O'Connor: Sheryl's manager. A former member of the Macross Galaxy fleet. A woman with a glamorous body and a gentle, calm demeanor and tone. However, she is a very capable manager, and can be quite scary when angry, making her the only person Sheryl has difficulty with.
• Howard Glass: President of the New Unified Government. Head of administration in the Frontier Fleet. Responsible for making political decisions in various aspects of space travel to ensure the safety of citizens' lives.
• Leon Mishima: Chief of Staff to the New Unified Government's Presidential Office. Always calm and collected, he is involved in political groundwork and policy guidelines as a close aide to President Glass.
• Brera Stern: A mysterious boy who pilots the VF-27. He has a hidden weapon in his arm and is able to effortlessly use the superhuman mobility of the VF-27, so it seems he has undergone some kind of physical modification. For some reason, he often appears near Ranka.
• Elmo Kridanik: President of Vector Promotion, the company Ranka belongs to. He heard Ranka's singing voice at the Zentradi shopping mall "Formo", discovered her talent, and scouted her into his agency.

Main Robot Items

The main robots and items that appear in "Macross F" are as follows.

• VF-25 (Normal): As of 2059, a new generation VF is being developed as a successor to the New Unified Forces' VF-171. Offensive armaments include machine guns, beam cannons, laser machine guns, and new gunpods, but as this is a top-secretly developed machine, details are unknown.
  • In fighter mode: Length 18.72m, width 15.50m (with wings extended), height 4.03m (excluding main landing gear)
  • Battroid mode: Total height 15.59m (including laser gun)
• VF-25 (with Super Pack): An additional system exclusive to the VF-25. Equipped with the highly maneuverable Fast Pack option. The armor is stronger than the Super Packs of the previous VF series. Like the Armored Equipment, it is possible to transform and fly while wearing it.
• VF-25S Ozma (normal): As of 2059, this new generation VF is being developed as a successor to the New Unified Forces' VF-171. Its offensive armaments include machine guns, beam cannons, laser machine guns, and a new type of gunpod, but details are unknown as it is a top-secretly developed machine. The S-type has various enhanced systems as a captain's exclusive machine. It features traditional yellow and black lines.
• VF-25S Ozma (Armored): An additional heavy armor system exclusive to the VF-25. It is installed for the purpose of increasing the amount of weapons carried. In the VF-1 era, the armored parts were limited to use only in Battroid mode, but in the VF-25, it is possible to transform and fly while still equipped. Detailed data is unknown.
• VF-171: A multi-purpose heavy variable fighter developed based on the VF-17. As of 2059, it is the most common manned variable fighter/bomber, and is used as the main aircraft of the New United Nations Army in the Macross Frontier fleet. The VF-171 is easy to handle even for average pilots and can be used for many purposes.
• Macross Frontier: Macross Frontier is a large-scale immigrant fleet with a total population of 10 million people. Macross Frontier is composed of various large and small spaceships with the flagship Island One at its center. About half of the population on board the ship lives on Island One.
• EX-Gear: A special suit that acts as an ejection seat and life-saving unit for the new VF, while also being a reinforced exoskeleton-type powered suit. It can fly as is thanks to its small jet engine and large adjustable wings. The pilot training course at Mihoshi Academy High School uses training EX-Gear, with the assumption that the new VF will be piloted. Although the equipment is simplified, the basic performance is the same as that of the military version, so it can be directly attached to the cockpit of the new VF.
• Vajra: A mysterious extraterrestrial life form.
• VF-25G Michael's (normal): As of 2059, this new generation VF is being developed as a successor to the New United Nations VF-171. Offensive weapons include machine guns, beam cannons, laser machine guns, and a new gun pod, but details are unknown as this is a top secret development. Michael's machine is painted blue. Comes standard with a sniper rifle.
• VF-25G Michael's (with Super Pack installed): An additional system exclusive to the VF-25. Equipped with the highly maneuverable Fast Pack option. The armor is stronger than the Super Packs of the previous VF series. Like the Armored Equipment, it can be transformed and flown while still equipped.
• RVF-25 Luca's (normal): As of 2059, this is a new generation VF being developed as a successor to the New Unified Forces' VF-171. Its offensive armaments include machine guns, beam cannons, laser machine guns, and a new type of gunpod, but as this is a top secret development, the details are unknown. Luca's machine is painted green. Its electronic warfare equipment has been strengthened, and it is fitted with a large radome on its back.
• RVF-25 Luca's (with Super Pack installed): An additional system exclusive to the VF-25. Equipped with the highly maneuverable Fast Pack option. The armor is stronger than the Super Packs of the previous VF series. Like the Armored Equipment, it can be transformed and flown while still equipped.
• Quadran Rare (Clan unit): A mobile weapon used by the Zentradi (mainly female soldiers) since ancient times. It is more like an air combat pod than an infantry powered suit. Developed to fit the particular physique of female officers, it has a unique shape with only a chest and no torso. The Quadran Rare is equipped with a movable beam cannon on the back. Other improvements include a triple laser pulse gun on the arm. Deployed with the SMS Pixie Platoon, its maneuverability is comparable to that of the latest VF-25.
• Quadran Rare (Nene's and Laramia's): A mobile weapon used by the Zentradi (mainly female soldiers) since ancient times. It is more like an aerial combat pod than an infantry powered suit. Developed to suit the particular body shape of female officers, it has a unique shape with only a chest and no torso. The Quadran Rare is equipped with a movable beam cannon on the back. Other improvements include a triple laser pulse gun on the arm. Deployed with the SMS Pixie Platoon, its maneuverability is comparable to that of the latest VF-25.
• VB-6 Konig Monster: Developed based on the Destroid Monster used in the First Interstellar War, this large variable bomber is equipped with overwhelming firepower. It can transform into three forms, Shuttle Mode, Gerwalk Mode, and Destroid Mode, depending on the situation. It has very thick armor and very high defensive power, but the body is heavy and freedom of movement is limited. In cooperation with VF, it deploys operations that make use of its four railguns and large capacity payload.
• VF-27: A mysterious variable fighter of unknown affiliation. A cutting-edge aircraft not deployed to either the SMS or the New United Nations. Its combat performance far exceeds that of the VF-25, but its combat maneuvers are so high-performance that they are beyond the ability of a human pilot to withstand them. Lines directly inherited from the VF-22 can be seen in the silhouette of the nose and various parts of the limbs, and the main wings are equipped with boosters that boast high maneuverability.
• Ghost: An unmanned fighter developed by the New Joint Forces to combat the limitations of manned fighter jets. Because it is an unmanned aircraft, it has excellent maneuverability and is highly versatile from reconnaissance to combat, but it also has many weaknesses due to being an unmanned aircraft. Luca uses his own Ghost.
• Destroid Work: A dedicated work mecha that utilizes the mobility of the Destroid as a land combat weapon. It is not equipped with weapons, but is equipped with manipulators suitable for precision work.
• Macross Quarter: The flagship of SMS, a private military provider stationed in the Frontier Fleet. Although it is about the size of a medium-sized ship, about 400m long, similar to the Armed-class, it has a transformation system that transforms it from a fortress ship type (navigation mode) to an assault type (combat mode). It is also equipped with a main gun, the "Macross Cannon," on its starboard side, which has the same destructive power as other Macross series. The port side is equipped with an aircraft carrier function. Despite being a medium-sized ship, it boasts the maneuverability and combat performance of a fighter jet.

subtitle

The first episode of "Macross F" was subtitled "Close Encounter: Deculture Edition" and aired on December 23, 2007.

Related Titles

"Macross F" is part of the Macross series and is related to the following works:

• The Super Dimension Fortress Macross
• Super Dimension Fortress Macross II LOVERS AGAIN
• Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?
• Macross Plus
• Macross Plus MOVIE EDITION
• Macross 7
• Macross 7 Unaired Episodes
• Macross 7 The Galaxy is Calling Me!
• Macross Dynamite 7
• Macross Zero
• Macross F
• Macross F Nyan×2 Music Clip
• Macross fufonfia
• Macross F: The Movie - The Itsuwari no Utahime
• Macross F: The Wings of Goodbye
• Macross F Super Dimension Super Live PS Home with Love
• Macross FB7 Listen to my song!
• Macross Delta
• Macross Delta: Passionate Walküre
• Macross Super Space Seminar!!

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs of "Macross F" are as follows.

• ED1: Do you remember love? Deculture Edition size
  • Lyricist: Yasui Kazumi
  • Composer: Kazuhiko Kato
  • Arrangement: Yoko Kanno
  • Sung by: Ranka Lee (Nakajima Megumi)
• IN1: Super Space Hotel Niangniang
  • Lyricist: Hiroyuki Yoshino
  • Composer: Yoko Kanno
  • Arrangement: Yoko Kanno
  • Sung by: Ranka Lee (Nakajima Megumi)
• IN2: Sagittarius ☆ 9pm Don't be late
  • Lyrics: Dai Sato, hal, Mike Sugiyama
  • Composer: Yoko Kanno
  • Arrangement: Yoko Kanno
  • Sung by: Sheryl Nome starring May'n
• IN3: What's my star?
  • Lyricist: hal
  • Composer: Yoko Kanno
  • Arrangement: Yoko Kanno
  • Sung by: Sheryl Nome starring May'n

review

"Macross F" was broadcast as a special program to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Macross series, but the content did not just look back on the history of the series, but also fully conveyed the appeal of the new story. In particular, the advance broadcast of the first episode left a strong impression on viewers, raising expectations for new developments in the series.

The story is set in the future of 2059, and begins with an epic premise of Earth's human race traveling the galaxy in search of a new frontier. By depicting the life of the ultra-long-distance immigrant fleet "Macross Frontier," viewers are drawn into a new worldview. An encounter with the unknown space creatures "Vajra" provides tension and thrills, adding depth to the story's development. In particular, the encounter and growth of the three main characters, Alto Saotome, Ranka Lee, and Sheryl Nome, are important elements that capture the hearts of viewers.

The characters are also very appealing. Saotome Alto is a young man born into a distinguished Kabuki family who harbors aspirations for the sky, and his rebellious personality and growth are depicted. Ranka Lee is a bright and innocent girl whose admiration for Sheryl and her pursuit of her dream to become a singer are moving. Sheryl Nome is a top idol with a lot of pride, and her beauty and singing ability add color to the story. Furthermore, supporting characters such as Michael Blanc and Luca Angeloni are also unique, adding depth to the story.

Don't miss the mechanical designs either. The new generation VFs, such as the VF-25 and VF-27, have evolved while retaining the designs of the traditional Macross series. In particular, the detailed depiction of the VF-25's Super Pack and armored equipment is something fans won't want to miss. In addition, new mechanics such as the Quadran Rare and VB-6 König Monster also play an important role in the story's development.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of "Macross F." The music, written by Yoko Kanno, enhances the atmosphere of the story and stirs the emotions of the viewer. In particular, Ranka Lee's "Do You Remember Love? Deculture Edition Size," Sheryl Nome's "Sagittarius☆9pm Don't be late" and "What 'bout my star?" are masterpieces that deeply move viewers as the story progresses.

Overall, "Macross F" is a fitting celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Macross series, and is a wonderful piece of animation that combines new storylines, characters, mechanics, and music. I highly recommend it to fans and new viewers alike.

Recommendation

"Macross F" is highly recommended not only to fans of the Macross series, but also to those who like anime and science fiction, and those who are interested in music and character growth stories. In particular, you will like the following points.

• A spectacular future worldview: Set in the future year of 2059, life on the ultra-long distance immigrant fleet "Macross Frontier" draws viewers into a new world.
• Charming Characters: The growth and encounters of the three main characters, Alto Saotome, Ranka Lee, and Sheryl Nome, will capture the hearts of viewers.
• Improved Mechanical Design: New generation VFs such as the VF-25 and VF-27 inherit the design of the traditional Macross series while undergoing new evolution.
• Emotional Music: The music, written by Yoko Kanno, includes many masterpieces that enhance the atmosphere of the story and move the viewers emotionally.

"Macross F" is a work that looks back on the history of the series while also conveying the appeal of a new story, and is sure to leave a strong impression on viewers. I hope you enjoy this wonderful animated work.