Mr March

Ironside Cost effectiveness is a good point. It would be easier and cheaper to maintain external launch systems than internal ones, I would think anyway. And with the SMS being a "civilian" organization it makes sense that cost effectiveness would become more important to the SMS than it is in a government funded military where budgetary excess is more easily accepted/expected. Also, an all-mode Full Armor system would also enhance the deployment and operational usefullness of the system, allowing the VF-25 to get more out of it's "disposable" Super/Armor systems than traditional Valkyries. Zinjury I like that thought! The VF-25 does almost seem like a return to the wartime sensibility of the VF-1. It could be that variable fighter design has reached a plateau and is now going through a consolidation of all previous era designs and technology. The VF-25 is cutting edge to be sure and it may have one or two new technologies itself. But perhaps it is as you suggest and the VF-25 is more a nuts-and-bolts fighter that prioritizes evolutionary capabilities rather than innovative fringe technologies found in previous era developmental testbed Valkyries like the YF-19/VF-19 and YF-21/VF-22 series.

Agreed. They have much to answer for!

It's not like I'd be overly bothered if the FAST Pack colors weren't in olive-grey like the anime. It certainly won't stop me from buying this YF-19 toy. But I am beginning to understand now how you feel. I really hope all these numerous production pictures and advertisments are just pre-production alphas and the real selling item will have the olive-grey FAST Packs. I hate how they make me worry

Noyhauser I suppose you're right. In fact, the lack of dozens of shows is actually what works for most of the Macross sequels, even the weak ones. If we had a Macross television show every other year since 1982, Macross would have long burned out on similarities, homages and parallels like some anime franchises have. But because there's 25 years difference between SDF Macross and Frontier, it feels like a welcome return to an old story with a new face. Macross Frontier is like Battlestar Galactica re-imagined in many ways. Similar setting and technology but completely reimagined story and characters.

Absolutely brilliant! They go through all the poses in the anime. I love that! These are so going to be mine

I have to admit, this is something that hasn't even crossed my mind until now. Macross Frontier should be coming off as too homage-heavy and more than a little recycled, but it's just not turning out that way. The mecha, the characters, the setting and the Vajra are simply far too interesting. In particular, though several situations feel like repeats of the original series, each of the characters are reacting in totally different ways and each of their personalities are completely different from past Macross shows. In SDF Macross humanity was united against the Zentraid, but in Macross Frontier there are splinters, machinations and resentment (NUNS vs. SMS, Leon and Glass). Minmay was demure, sweet and naive, but Sheryl is boisterous and even arrogant. Hikaru was passive, distrustful and disliked the military, but Alto is aggresive, loud and eager to fight. Hikaru liked Minmay and wanted to pursue her after their ordeal being trapped in the SDF-1 Macrossp, but after their ordeal in the emergency bunker, Alto dislikes Sheryl and want's nothing to do with her. The Zentradi and Varauta were new and totally unprescedented enemies for humanity, but it's clear Ozuma, Glass and Mishima not only expected the Vajra to attack, but there is a history of encounters going back some 11 years. And so on and so on... Macross Frontier's story is as if the Kawamori and Co. took the original SDF Macross and the sequel Macross 7 series as templates, but threw absolutely everything on edge. The themes of Macross like transforming mecha, the love triangle, the idol singer and music all remain, but everything else we've come to expect from the fiction of Macross has been changed and hit with a complete 180. At least, so far. If they keep us on edge and wanting more with each episode, this series will remain viable. I'm certainly eager to know more, so they've got me for the duration. I just hope they don't let me down.

On the subject of VF-25 missiles, is it possible the VF-25 was designed specifically not to carry internal ordnance? Dwelling upon the discussion between Zinjozzel and azrael for a moment, Kawamori made the VF-25 slim to accomodate the armor system in all modes. Could it be possible the intention was to fit the missiles externally (inside extra Super/Armor parts) so that more missiles could be loaded? The all-mode deployment of the armored parts means the VF-25 wouldn't have to eject the launchers to change modes, so the possible lack of internal bays could be a design compromise in order to achieve superior capabilities. They could have chose to fit the VF-25 with a few internal micro-missiles but instead built the VF-25 slim so the Armored System could be used in all modes and thus would allow the VF-25 to hold far more missiles than internal bays ever could. Just a thought. Of course, the missiles from Gilliam's VF-25 sans-Super Parts creates a problem, but as others have mentioned it could just be creative license for the scene. The VF-171 seems to indicate a return to external ordnance, so it might be a plausible theory. The ports on the VF-25 legs could be machinery connection panels or reverse/vernier thrusters. On the other hand, the VF-25 could be similar to the YF-19 in that it would hold both internal ordnance and external ordnance in the Super/Armored parts that have to be opened before the internal missiles can launch. The ports on the VF-25's legs could be micro-missile ports, especially since the ports are in a very similar location to the likes of the VF-5000 and the YF-19/VF-19. This certainly would parallel the "combat performance similar to the VF-19/VF-22" if that translation has any merit.

azrael Don't worry about it. You're apparently not the only one who's translator is broken. One of my previous posts apparently translated as a voiciferous debate about the YF-19's non-existent armor system. As a matter of bookeeping, I've been saving copies of everything translated about the VF-25 from the magazines or the official website. My intention was to retain the material for a temporary point-form VF-25 profile for the next update to the Macross Frontier section of my website. Just something that would serve as a summary of the known translated facts about the VF-25, a list that could easily be replaced later when more solid descriptons become available. Information on the VF-25 is so scarce and as you've mentioned, really easy to get lost in the numerous pages of our discussion thread so it would help to have an accumulated list. I'll have to note the official website translation is suspect information until we can get some translation help.

Well, the two sources could still work together. If we take "combat performance" to mean offensive/defensive systems (firepower, armor, etc) then it could merge nicely with the "VF-25 is even faster" quote. So we have a VF-25 that's as good in combat as the VF-19/VF-22 series but is much faster than those two fighters. I've found azrael's post. It's not from a magazine (my mistake), it's from the official website: Post #337, page 17 (by azrael)

Oh yeah. Finally a YF-19 toy that can do the flying kick

It's working fine for me.

Somewhat, more like a slightly olive-grey. I'm fairly certain I got the color really close to the anime for the YF-19 FAST Pack profile on my site. I'm sure the FAST Packs will be the proper color for the final consumer product.

I know, but it's just too much fun not to geek out, especially when you're enjoying the series so much. Besides, I have to write profiles for the Macross Mecha Manual, so call it an occupational hazard

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!

What can I say, Kaiyodo's got a winner and they know it. I've got Macross, Patlabor and Evangelion figures from their Revoltech line and I'll be getting the Reguld and YF-19/YF-21 as well. Plus I've got the Griffin from Patlabor and the EVA mass production figures on my list. I purchased the hero mecha first, now I just need an enemy for each set The Revoltechs are some of the best display figures I've ever seen. Their incredible articulation never stops. Once a week, I'm changing the figures into new poses for display on my computer desk

Zinjab That could very well be. I noticed the animation almost looks like there is some sort of white hot object at the front on the "beam." Of course, then we can look at it again from either viewpoint; is this small white hot object a projectile or is it energy? sketchley I remember a while back there was a discussion about rail guns in Macross and someone noted the original SDF-1 Macross has rail guns. Also, the way the "high speed cannons" on the Destroid Defender are described (complete with a muzzle velocity of 3,300 meters per second) sounds like a rail gun. And of course as you mentioned, the rail guns on the VB-6 Konig. Graham I remember azrael had provided some translated facts for us from one of the magazines and the VF-25 was said to have "Combat performance is equivalent to the VF-19 and VF-22 series." I suppose "combat performance" can be a relatively generic term that could mean speed and maneuverability in combat or it could just as easily refer to defense/offensive systems and firepower. Anyway, I think that's what most fans are using as reference for that particular point, myself included. Is this official or is it unofficial?

Fantastic. I am so getting the Macross Plus figures.

OMG! They killed Cally! Awesome episode. That was such a tragic end for her character. She was under such stress and was going insane. She ultimately couldn't go through with it herself, so Tory just gave a push. Spooky! The civil war between the Cylons is really heating up. You just knew Number One was plotting to retaliate. The big fleet battle was pretty quick, but effective in showing the scope of the betrayal. Still, Number Six's Godfather-esque massacre was still the best Smile This season is going strong so far. I've loved all three episodes. Bring on number four!

hehehe Holocause Yeah, I've seen the RAW of 3, but that's what actually what inspired me to ask the question. I felt the Sniper Gun Pod was ballistic based on episode 2, but then when I saw episode 3 it skewed my perception toward the possibility the gun is a beam weapon. I agree that some aspects of Mikhail's shots make the weapon feel ballistic, but they also open the possibility for a beam weapon. In particular, the way the sniper gun pod damages the red Vajra in episode 3 could very likely be heat-induced melting/evaporating from a directed energy weapon. We've seen similar effects in Macross before, from the SDF-1 Macross super dimension energy guns and Zentradi warship heavy converging energy beam cannons. The Meltran gunboat melting the main guns of the SDF-1 in DYRL comes to mind. We've also seen similar effects of damage from the beam cannons on the YF-19 Heavy Weapons Cluster when it destroys the Destroid Monster. I'm not sure what to make of that gun this early in the series. Zinjizzel Yeah, the nature of the damage is really throwing me off. Like I described above, the gun felt so kinetic at first, but that damage really looks like a melting/evaporation from a very hot energy beam. Do we ever seen any kind of shell casings being expelled from the gun when it fires? ChronoReverse Yeah, you beat me too it. I noticed the sniper gun shot passed through everything on the Vajra, head and main body armor alike. I'm really torn on this one. It could either be a really high speed rail gun or a beam weapon. Whatever it is, it's more powerful than all the standard weapons on a regular Valkyrie.

By far my favorite part of the episode was the coup in the Cylon leadership. Wow, that was awesome. It wasn't totally surprising since we've had tension built up for several seasons now and you knew that eventually someone would have to step over the line. They couldn't remain harmonious forever. It almost felt like a Godfather scene, with all the mob's enemies getting whacked at once

The Macross Perfect Memory book has a side story published in it called The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: The U.N. Wars - The Plundering Fleet. I suppose in a way the video games are considered side stories as well.

Petty parting shots notwithstanding, 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 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

Quite right. I suppose nothing else does matter.

I think it's a unviersal law that extra parts remain whenever building any self-assembly product. Models, furniture, etc. But look on the bright side; better to have too many parts than too few

Ironside You are in error and continue to be so. You have damned my use of official figures and you perpetuate this position. I've gone through every effort to distinguish where official ends and speculation begins in my posts, which is in direct contrast to your posts which continually attempt to merge them. Your speculations are impossible to prove or disprove (by yourself most of all) as are the specualtions of any other fan (myself included). So for the last time, stop attempting to force others to play by your own fan-made rules by demanding they solve your unprovable speculation. I used official numbers to say the YF-21 weighs 9.55 tons because that's all we have. My speculation BEYOND that (such as when I add a speculative 5.25 tons) is as debatable as any fan theory; your's, mine, the dog's on the corner. I believe my fan speculation is closer to the truth, but that's opinion, nothing more. As for debate, that's going nowhere. You continue to suggest the official numbers are only the lower spectrum of a fan-invented low/high weight range you've arbitrarily invented. To such refusal to abide by canon there can be no other response but to say it's wrong. As for the misconception, there is no excuse for dwelling upon it. The misconception has since been acknowledged, resolved, my original point proved, my original observation that the VF-25 can fly in gravity proved and all made clear for those who previously in doubt. Further fixation on this misunderstanding is motive driven, an attempt to dismiss my entire point that the VF-25 can fly, a position you profess to share. All I can say from this point forward is ignoring this particular point will be met with similar response.