News: Macross II, Plus, 7, Frontier and Delta acquired for home release in the West
After the momentous deal with Harmony Gold that liberated the Macross franchise and opened the door to the world for the Super Dimensional franchise, BigWest have wasted literally no time to make some BIG moves to bring Macross to the world. After releasing the DX Chogokin VF-25 International version, as well as screening Macross Plus and Frontier’s movies in the US, even the tv series are now getting some love from publishers in the West.
Firstly, Nozomi Entertainment has licensed Macross 7, Macross Frontier and Macross Delta and Anime Limited has licensed Macross Plus, and AnimeEigo with Macross II: Lover’s Again for BluRay home release in North America and Europe.
Macross II: Lover’s Again take place in A.D. 2089 – 80 years have passed since Space War I changed the lives of both human and Zentradi races. Both races are at peace on Earth when a new alien race called the “Marduk” appear within the Solar System. While covering the first battle between the U.N. Spacy and the Marduk fleet, SNN rookie reporter Hibiki Kanzaki discovers Ishtar, an “Emulator” that enhances the Marduk’s combat abilities through singing. Hibiki brings Ishtar to Earth to teach her the values of life and culture. Together with ace Valkyrie pilot Silvie Gena, Hibiki and Ishtar must find a way to save Earth from total destruction at the hands of the Marduk leader Ingues. Considered non-canon in the overarching timeline of the franchise, Macross II is still a series beloved by many for having great music and VF designs.
Macross 7 will be released in two Blu-Ray Disc sets, with both a regular edition as well as an “Collector’s Ultra edition” with bonus content. The first set will include the first 29 episodes plus the anime shorts, and the second set will include episodes 30-49 and Macross 7 Encore. Macross 7 (December 18, 1997 – August 25, 1998) is a series that takes place some 35 yrs after the original series, and is part of the offering for the series’ 15th anniversary. It tells the story of the 7th Emigration Fleet exploring the galaxy for new habitable planets and their struggles against an enigmatic enemy called Protodeviln. In it all, a band of spirited musicians called Fire Bomber, and led by the charismatic Basara Nekki, takes center stage.
.
.
Macross Frontier will also get a Blu-Ray release in the US. Macross Frontier (April 4, 2008 – September 26, 2008) is the 25th anniversary offering for the Macross series. Following in the the “colonization fleet” footsteps of Macross 7, Macross Frontier goes back to the “love triangle” roots of SDF Macross as it follows the lives of Ranka Lee, Alto Saotome, and pop idol Sheryl Nome on board the Macross Frontier colonization fleet. Along the way they encounter the mysterious race called Vajra, who will seemingly do everything to prevent them from establishing the next human settlement. It is unclear if the 2 movies will be included in the release, but fingers-crossed that they will be following shortly.
Macross Delta (April 3, 2016 – September 25, 2016) is the latest tv series for the Macross franchise. Set in the year 2067, or 8 years after the events in the Macross Frontier series, Delta features aspiring pilot Hayate Immelmann and equally aspiring singer Freyja Wion. Through a series of events, they both end up joining Xaos, an interplanetary military contractor. Hayate becomes a pilot-in-training for Delta Flight, a team of experienced variable fighter pilot who protect the Tactical Sound Group Walküre, which Freyja becomes a member of. At each step of the way, they are confronted by the Kingdom of Windermere’s Aerial Knights, thwarting their efforts to end the Var syndrome. During Anime Expo, a special Sneak Peek for the 2nd Delta movie: Zettai Live was shown in the Macross panel, which means the two movies might get a theatrical release in the US!
Macross Plus (August 25, 1994 – June 25, 1995) is a 4-part OVA that is a direct sequel to the original SDF Macross series. Set in the planet Eden in 2040, the UN government greenlights the Super Nova Project, aiming to develop the next generation of variable fighters. The series focuses on the 2 rival test pilots, the hotheaded and happy-go-lucky Isamu Alva Dyson, the stoic Guld Goa Bowmann, and their mutual friend Myung Fang Lone. The story heats up as the personal grudges and histories of the characters interfere with their testing of competing VFs, the YF-19 and YF21. After two screenings of the movie version in the U.S, the OVA version will finally make its way to fans at home as well.
Overall, this is a VERY positive move for the franchise. It is easy to see that Macross is spreading its wings as wide and as fast as they can to make up for all those years confined to Japan. This also mean that the potential to include Macross in cross-franchise collaborations such as Super Robot Wars also increase. It’s such a pleasure to be living in the time this liberation take place!
Check out more articles:
Overall, this is a VERY positive move for the franchise. It is easy to see that Macross is spreading its wings as wide and as fast as they can to make up for all those years confined to Japan. This also mean that the potential to include Macross in cross-franchise collaborations such as Super Robot Wars also increase. It’s such a pleasure to be living in the time this liberation take place!
Check out more articles:
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.
From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .
What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?
After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.
Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.
Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.
A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.
The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.
Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!
A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.
The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.
An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.
A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.
A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.
A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.
A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.
A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.
Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.
New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!
Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.
A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?
The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.
A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.
With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.
Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.
Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.
If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!
The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?
Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.
The bullet-train robot is back! Two young kids take on a new threat to protect the world. Shinkalion Z takes off after its predecessor and set itself apart from other Takara series.
A song that rings during the apocalypse. Vivy is a bold idea involving a century of fighting and yearning. Vivy will bring your visual and auditory sense to the max!
What is a true Ally of Justice? What kind of “Heroism” is worth fighting for? Linebarrels of Iron is a manga that you won’t be able to put down!
Hot-blood, explosive and FIRE! S-CRY-ed tells a badass yet emotional adventure of two youths on their way to unravel the truth of a world changed forever.
Absolute music, Absolute animation, and…Absolute LIVE! Macross Delta Zettai Live brought the emotional climax of Hayate and Freyja story to a breathtaking conclusion.
A hidden gem of a steam-punk mecha anime. Gad Guard literally start from a hidden “gem”. If you fancy some noir mecha x vigilante style with awesome OST, this is the series for you.
A man who lost everything decided to throw away himself for revenge. A mysterious threat from space with an unthinkable objective. Experience the masterful visual of Argento Soma.
An alternate and expansion of the famous “Doan’s Island” of Gundam 0079, Cucuruz Doan’s Island focus on the characters that further show us the cruelty of war.
The finale of the Sidonia no Kishi animated saga. Ai no Tsumugu Hoshi gives us the climax of the Gauna War and conclude the story between Tanikaze and Tsumugi.
An alternate version of the tv series – Macross Delta Passionate Walkure condense the action, music and plot into one movie to setup for entirely new events.
