Series Recommendation: Macross Frontier: Itsuwari no Utahime
You can’t save the galaxy with a song.
As is tradition, after a Macross tv series conclude, there will be a movie of that series with different concepts and events to present a different direction that may or may not satisfy fans that isn’t too sold on the tv series. And Macross Frontier is no exception. 1 year after the anime series ended, the Itsuwari no Utahime (The False Songstress) was released in 2009, featuring a retelling of the series with a very different plot.
The start of the movie is basically identical to the tv series, where Sheryl – a diva/singer whose fame span across galaxies visit the Frontier fleet for her shows. There, she meet beautiful boy – Alto Saotome – a pilot of the SMS private military organization. Alto quickly catches the interest of the beautiful diva and also another aspiring idol – Ranka Lee. Amidst all that, the Frontier fleet was threatened by the aliens known as Vajra. And Alto and his SMS pilot friends will have to fight.
+ Plot: If you’ve seen Macross Frontier, then you will find that the characters don’t change that much from the tv series. Sheryl is still quite a stubborn and tsundere girl while Ranka Lee is your usual sweet little sister type. Ozma is still the strict leader, Michael is still the dandy sniper, and so on. The plot for the movie takes a different turn after the first few events, which brought the Vajra threat harder and faster this time. Some new interaction between Sheryl and Alto is also worth the watching as it expand on the relationship of these two.
+ Plot: If you’ve seen Macross Frontier, then you will find that the characters don’t change that much from the tv series. Sheryl is still quite a stubborn and tsundere girl while Ranka Lee is your usual sweet little sister type. Ozma is still the strict leader, Michael is still the dandy sniper, and so on. The plot for the movie takes a different turn after the first few events, which brought the Vajra threat harder and faster this time. Some new interaction between Sheryl and Alto is also worth the watching as it expand on the relationship of these two.
+ Animation: Basically the same as Frontier, the VF CGI are super smooth and fast-paced, which really gives the dogfight their adrenaline rushes. As always, the transformations are almost instantaneous and snappy (which might be a bit unrealistic, but who cares if it’s cool). The Itano circuses are awesome and actually feel more “intense” in the movie. Sheryl’s concerts are also much more polished, as the screen time is limited, so they gotta give the music part the best treatment possible. Universal Bunny is one of the best concert in the franchise.
+ Mecha Design: The VF-25 Messiah – the mainstay Valkyrie of the series – heavily resemble the VF-1 with a more streamlined and sleeker contour and nosecone, they even have similar arm storage in Fighter mode. The Messiah is definitely a beautiful machine, both in Battroid and Fighter. The movie includes a new Pack for the Messiah (obviously to sell toys lol) which is the Tornado Pack – one of my favorite. The Super Pack is for general enhancement, Armored Pack is for defensive armor with a lot of missiles, where as the Tornado is focused on artillery. It’s similar to the Super Pack in terms of payload but the two shoulder cannons are beyond badass.
+ Mecha Design: The VF-25 Messiah – the mainstay Valkyrie of the series – heavily resemble the VF-1 with a more streamlined and sleeker contour and nosecone, they even have similar arm storage in Fighter mode. The Messiah is definitely a beautiful machine, both in Battroid and Fighter. The movie includes a new Pack for the Messiah (obviously to sell toys lol) which is the Tornado Pack – one of my favorite. The Super Pack is for general enhancement, Armored Pack is for defensive armor with a lot of missiles, where as the Tornado is focused on artillery. It’s similar to the Super Pack in terms of payload but the two shoulder cannons are beyond badass.
+ Music: Of course, there are new songs in the movie. Universal Bunny by Sheryl will most likely give the boys a run for their milkshake. Ranka also has a few more commercials song which is very cute as well. The music during battle sequences is also very nice. May’n, Megumi Nakajima and Yoko Kanno is a magnificent trio.
+ Conclusion: Overall, the movie is a fantastic retelling, even better than DYRL imo. Since it is not a compilation movie but rather a retelling with a self-contained and standalone storyline, it doesn’t require viewing of the original tv series to understand. The production quality is also through the roof, and everything look AND sound perfect. New songs (which is always goods) and new VF to please both the fans that crave the music or the mecha.
+ Conclusion: Overall, the movie is a fantastic retelling, even better than DYRL imo. Since it is not a compilation movie but rather a retelling with a self-contained and standalone storyline, it doesn’t require viewing of the original tv series to understand. The production quality is also through the roof, and everything look AND sound perfect. New songs (which is always goods) and new VF to please both the fans that crave the music or the mecha.
The fruit of collaboration with Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the air combat scenes of this anime is what set it apart
Despite often being overlooked by newer fans, After War Gundam X is a must watch for any Gundam lovers.
Passion makes satisfaction. A group of student show what they can accomplish with a mecha short film that leaves you desperately wanting more!
A seemingly impossible task of building Mazinger Z hangar in real life. A ragtag team of a planning company assembled the Fantasy Division to turn fiction into reality.
A light-hearted series that turned into intense space opera. The Girl Who Leapt Through Space leaps through many genre to deliver a unique experience and turn everyone’s expectation upside down.
A desolate planet now submerged in liquid. A totally unique and fresh mecha series where all the robots are underwater. Oh and there’s also a talking whale.
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.
