Mr March

I'd have to agree with that to a certain extent. In the context of the anime itself, the music works perfectly and garners a somewhat elevated level of appreciation due to my emotional investment in the characters. "Diamond Crevasse" is a good example of an above average j-pop song that is probably elevated to a "great" song in my mind as a Macross fan who loves Macross Frontier. My attachment to the events of Macross Frontier episode 6 are likely forever a part of that song.

Hehehe, a nice layout indeed It does show quite a few limitations of the GNU articulation, but I think MoP's links in the Revy thread were quite revealing as well. Nonetheless, I think my evaluation of the GNU's as having similar articulation to the Gundam Master Grade models is spot on (2003-era Master Grades, apparently not the newest ones). Ultimately, I'm gonna get one GNU for myself just to make the final comparison.

Sulendil Ang For non-transformable action figures, I haven't seen anything as good as a Revoltech for as cheap. I currently own three Evangelion figures, two Patlabor figures, and two Macross figures. Revoltech Advantages: + Detail is high and very impressive for such small figures + Sculpts are very dramatic and line art accurate with angles that make the figures look good in almost any pose. + Joints are strong and hold up well with repeated use. In fact, if you don't manipulate the figure for a while, I've noticed the joints tend to stiffen. + Articulation is the best of any action figure product I've ever seen, capable of mimicking almost every single classic animation pose. + Fantastic supply of accessories with each figure, including various hands, guns, FAST packs and a dynamic display stand + The most affordable figure that offers the most for the least amount of money + FUN, more FUN and even more FUN! If you have any imagination at all (or loved lego as a child) Revoltech figures are for you. Revoltech Disadvantages: - It doesn't transform, but that's not why we're buying them of course - The ball joints can be an eyesore. Some ball joints blend into the figure perfectly (YF-19) while others sadly stand out (VF-1 shoulders). - Some parts of the sculpt look off, especially finer details like the head units. Valkyrie23 Yeah, that one was truly a lot of fun. I like beating up Reguld Battle Pods MasterOfPuppets I'm not sure if I own a Master Grade or not, but I've got a Gundam Alex that I put together myself (purchased around 2003) and it appears to have similar articulation (and limitations) of a GNU Dou figure from Yamato. If they've since improved the Master Grades, I wouldn't know about that, since this is the only Gundam I have. My figure does have a slightly articulating waist. ruskiiVFaussie My favorite VF-1J pose using the stand is the feet first dive Hikaru does when attacking the theatre scout in SDF Macross. Head cannons forward, feet forward, all guns blazing I haven't actually tried hanging any of the upside down yet. What an interesting idea Fly4victory THanks. I'm really looking forward to your GNU ad. Vifam7 The ability of the Revoltechs to capture the poses in the anime shows is my favorite feature of the figures.

It should be noted that in Macross 7, privately owned vehicles were used in space to navigate the Milky Road between vessels of the fleet. Even Fire Bomber's van could do this. You'll note all of them had banks of vernier thrusters mounted at the front, back and underneath the vehicle (such as this picture of Milia's Limousine. You're not going to fly a car or truck around in space using a real world internal combustion engine in a vacuum EDIT Whoops, gave a local link rather than a server link. All better now

MisaForever No problem. I'm notoriously critical when measuring the worth of music and especially literature. Typically the more effort it takes for me to enjoy a given medium of entertainment, the tougher I am reviewing it. Film is about the easiest entertainment for me to enjoy, so I'm fair with it. Music is harder because there is an abundance of it with so much repeating itself, especially pop music. I am merciless towards literature because I'm a slow reader. It takes much more of my time and concentration to enjoy a book as opposed to music or a film, so it better damn well worth my time

Interesting. Shame about the mix-up, but I suppose the creator credit could have been much, much worse

Macross Frontier O.S.T.1 Nyan FRO Review Yoko Kanno (2008) Like many anime soundtracks, Macross Frontier O.S.T.1 Nyan FRO is a combination j-pop album and original orchestral score. Created by well known producer Yoko Kanno, this first Macross Frontier album has numerous elements of Kanno's previous work found in shows like Cowboy Bebop, Vision of Escaflowne and even previous series Macross Plus. The album begins with the orchestral track "Frontier 2059", setting the mood for a grand epic. This score track is followed up by three "live" tracks performed by May Nakabayashi as the fictional Galaxy idol Sheryl Nome. The choice of live j-pop tracks is a good way to suggest the epic tone of the Macross Frontier story. As such, the music of OST1 is closely associated with the anime, like most such soundtracks and becomes an extension of the animated series rather than a standalone album. This is not to say the album lacks tracks which can be singles, only that the album is best enjoyed for fans of the show. While fans of Kanno will appreciate her ever present style, Nyan FRO also plays with sounds of Macross past, particularly some retro 70's lietmotifs found in some of the j-pop tracks such as "Iteza Gogo Kuji Don't be late". Within this mix of orchestral tracks and j-pop tunes is plenty of variation. The orchestral tracks can be big and bombastic ("Big Boys") or mellow and introspective ("Alto's Theme") and the j-pop tunes vary from catchy ("Triangler") and dance-inducing to melodic and soulful ("Aimo"). Many of the best tracks are songs that take some time to appreciate, but are some of the better songs (such as "Infinity" and "Innocent Green"). Nyan FRO definitely carries with it a sense of adventure in the music and is also very uplifiting music. For those days when you're in the mood for something a bit silly, but fun and entertaining, this OST makes a perfect fit. Looking at the album with a critical eye, there are a few problems with the music and the feel of the OST. At times the album can almost sound a little too familiar, especially for fans of Kanno's previous work. Nyan FRO is also unlikely to be appreciated by those not already fans of j-pop. Some of the orchestral tracks feel almost directionless ("Tally Ho") or too derivative for western audiences (such as the Klaus Badelt/Hans Zimmer-esque "Big Boys"). The tracks in the latter thrid of the album tend to drag and contain some of the weaker songs of the OST. This is without a doubt a soundtrack designed for younger audiences and can feel more than a little vapid at times. Fortunately the soundtrack picks up for the last two tracks and ends on a high note. Rating: 3 out of 5 Macross Frontier O.S.T.1 Nyan FRO is a strong if somewhat uneven album of pop rock tunes and varied orchestral scores. For fans of anime music and Macross in particular, this album is a worthwhile addition to your music library, though not as distinctive as some of Kanno's previous works.

Love the added articulation. That's exactly what I want. Thanks for posting the pictures. Seriously cool. This new 1/60 scale VF-1 looks better with every picture.

I've finished my collection of photographs. They are all free-stance, no stands or wires. The following photos are just the tip of the iceberg, but are a good primer for my preferred style of action figure articulation. Classic Pose, front Classic Pose, right Crouch, right Crouch, front Crouch, back Iconic firing, front Iconic firing, alternate Iconic peek, back Iconic peek, front Platoon style march, front Platoon style march, left Heavy recoil, left Heavy recoil, right Salute Sniper, front Sniper, left Straight, front Straight, side Wild, front Wild, back Fun, don't try this at home boys and girls Fun, lift front Fun, lift side ruskiiVFaussie Don't get me wrong, I love the addition of the stands, but I want a action figure that can do really good free-stance. The stand should be an added accessory, not the reason for buying the figure itself, IMO. That being said, I love the stands that come with the Revoltechs. MasterOfPuppets I'd have to agree, so far. The GNU articulation is good and based on all the official and fan-made photographs I've seen so far comparable to a Master Grade Gundam. I'd have to say that based on all these picture presented thus far, the articulation differences between Revoltech and the GNU are a lot greater than what is being stated in opinions. UN Spacy Thanks for positng that. I'll have to take a look at it when I get home. I do agree with one of the comments made by the viewers "If I want something to just stand there in a neutral pose, I'd get a statue." Having said all that, I think I'm resigning myself to the purchase of a GNU so I can know for sure. I figure I'm interested enough that I should buy one and find out for myself. And perhaps I can help others with a more exhaustive review of the strengths of each toy. I am a pro-articulation fan, so I do tend to go for that even at the expense of other features which some fans might prioritize more than myself.

Yes, a couple of the fansubs came up with different names, like Anti-ESS shells and Anti-ECA munitions and what not. But like Sulendil Ang has said, it appears the "Anti-Vajra E.S.A. munitions" is the correct translation. Also, the word munitions would seem to suggest the munitions were not just shells for the gun pods but this also referred to the missiles.

LOL Trouble makers

At the end of episode 6, they stated the Valkyries were being loaded with Anti-Vajra E.S.A. munitions (Electronic Safe and Arm) for use against the Vajra. These shells would obviously be designed to help improve penetration against the heavy Vajra armor. Not sure if they are totally effective, but they likely help.

Now that's what I'm talking about. That's the good stuff; it at least shows some of what the GNU can do. It's not bad. My only complaint with those galleries is that for both GNU and Revoltech figures he concentrates a bit too much on work with the stand. I like stands as much as the next fan, but I like free-stance much better. I'm currently taking a whole pile of pose shots for my VF-1 Revoltech, all free-stance. I'll post a gallery once I have em all cleaned up and resized.

Hehehe, right you are. Gotta check my grammar next time

He died crashing his warship into the SDF-1 Macross in an unsuccessful suicide attempt.

I think the new VF-25 Messiah gun pod is likely a 30 mm, but it could very well be 35mm or even a 25 mm. It definitely appears to be a smaller gun (diameter) than the old GU-11 gun pod. Gun pod caliburs are somewhat scarce in Macross. We only know the following: VF-0 Phoenix GPU-9 35mm gun pod (with 550 rounds). SV-51 Gsh-371 55mm gun pod (with 120 rounds) VF-1 Valkyrie GU-11 55mm gun pod (with 200 rounds) VA-3 Invader GA-22 60mm multi-purpose gatling gun pod (capacity unknown) VF-11 Thunderbolt standard 30mm 6-barrel gun pod (large barrel magazine, capacity unknown) As d3v has said, that's pretty much all we know. The gun pod caliburs for the VF-3000 Star Mirage, VF-5000 Crusader, YF-19/VF-19Excalibur, the YF-21/VF-22 Sturmvogel II, the VF-17 Nightmare and currently the VF-25 Messiah are all unknown. We also don't know the caliburs of any of the specialty gun pods, like the XS-06 long-range high-piercing-round gun pod for the VF-11C Protect Armor or the sniper rifle for the VF-25G Messiah. I think the firepower of the gun pods is most likely driven by muzzle velocity and shell technology. As time goes forward, the Valkyries become better armored and the more powerful engines means more power for the Energy Converting Armor. And as has been noted already, the standard mass produced gun pod has become smaller, yet more devastating as time goes on. In Macross Frontier, the dialog specifically mentions Anti-ESS Shells that are loaded to increase the penetrating power against the heavily armored Vajra units.

Roboto Very nice pics. I love the action 1/1 LowViz Lurker It's very ironic, but you'll find that Macross World's infamous "small hands" cry of lameness actually has very little to do with the toys and figures. It was mostly a Star Wars thing that sent most facepalming. It also mutated at one point into "weak hands" in several Macross Plus/Macross Frontier discussions Besides, I'm pro-Yamato New VF-1 1/60. That thing rocks, hands included! Omegablue Yeah, I want to see some GNU action. I'm almost sold on one, if for no other reason than to do a proper comparison. I know how to pose Revoltechs; I don't fight against the joint system in frustration. I'm going to take a few pictures of my Revoltech VF-1 and show off what these things can really do, WITHOUT a stand. That's another thing: this posting of GNU customs with stands is nice and all, but that ain't what I'd get for my money. The GNU's have no stand and no modified joint system for enhanced articulation. If I purchased a GNU, I'd be stuck with factory articulation, no FAST packs and no stand. You don't see me praising the Revoltechs and trying to sell it on the strength of some aftermarket transformable custom Case in point. Here we have a fan trying to make an objective assessment based on these horrid fan photographs. The Revoltechs in some of these fan pictures are posed at their worst or not at all. Were these Revoltechs sat upon prior to shooting? Or better yet, a factory dud being used as an objective comparison? Yup, buying a GNU looks more and more attractive, if for no better reason than to get to the bottom of the propaganda campaign

d3v Hey, that's pretty good deduction. Not bad at all. Now if we can only learn how many missiles are inside the outboard boosters, we'd be set for a missile count on the VF-25 Super. Regarding Ozuma's load (*evil grin*), I only counted 10 missiles launched from each leg launcher. It's possible more could have been launched offscreen, but if not, that would still leave 22 missiles remaining per leg. Morpheus I'm not sure. I don't think we've been privy to seeing those particular guns in action as yet. I made up a highlighted version of the VF-25S Full Armor that shows even more weapons (note the under arm lauchers, which I believe someone here already mentioned a couple posts back): I'd like to get a breakdown of all those guns and missiles

Merci Master Dex and d3v

Why not? Hatches and control surfaces for everyone! I say they keep developing. Yamato has done brilliant work creating a new brand of articulating, transformable Valkyrie. The 1/48 was awesome, the new 1/60 is even better. But I say they should keep going to see how far they can take it. More articulation, improved sculpts, fewer mode compromises, female swimsuit models...well, okay, I can live without an improved sculpt

Simply brilliant

I couldn't agree more. We have a complaint the Revoltech hip joints only do fore-aft swivel, but then a picture appears meant to display the amazing GNU articulation by showing...fore-aft hip swivel? I'm not seeing this articulation at all. So far it's all "sculpt preference" and the articulation appears to be thrown under the rug. I mean, an "action" figure with arms and legs that go straight down isn't a selling point! That's a Bandai chunky. I've never seen a "beauty pose" drawn by Kawamori that had 90 degree angled feet with the legs/arms stiff as board Show me what these GNU's can do. Let it all out! If the articulation of a Revoltech is only slightly better, then don't hold back! Show me some GNU power. Let's see how far those shoulders can move laterally. How wide a leg stance can the GNU handle? Can they do a sniper pose? Can they do the ground punch? Can the GNU YF-19 do Isamu's flying kick? What kind of action/beauty poses can you get? Can the GNU's do a decent squat and stay upright? If you do a walking mid-stride pose, are the GNU joints strong enough to hold the figure upright? Those are just a few examples of what I can do with my VF-1 Revoltech and it doesn't stop there. Yamato hasn't done squat with their studio photos, so it's up to the fans. Lemme see

Oh, I can't resist razzing you old foggies on this one, my apologies azrael

Sumdumgai It looked like some kind of barrier. It didn't show very much, so it's hard to say. It could have been a pin-point barrier, but using a large sheath that covered the whole bridge rather than just a portion or it could have been a hull hugging Full Barrier. Hard to say. grss1982 Hehhee, I'm afraid a Super pack count isn't gonna be that easy. Too many internal launchers. I eagerly await statistics