Mr March

Ack, he beat me to it Yes, check out my website and there should be plenty of reference for you.

When it comes to stealth and detection in Macross, I think the only thing we can be certain about is parity of the two technologies. They make mention of cross-dimensional radar in both Macross 7 and later in Macross Zero as well as more exotic sound energy (Macross 7) and detection methods like gravity wave sensors (in the official literature for the Zentradi Quel-Quallie Theatre Scout). However, we have to assume that stealth technologies in Macross have maintained pace with the more powerful and exotic detection methods that are used through OverTechnology. Otherwise, stealth would be meaningless in any practical application. Active stealth is a good catch all for Macross stealth, which is why I believe its utilized by Kawamori and Co. so often. It doesn't require a Valkyrie to be shaped a certain way and allows Kawamori to design his Valkyries in any way he sees fit without having to draw them in a stealthy manner. Active stealth can also use the same exotic types of OT to avoid electronic detection on the modern Macross battlefield. I think that's as specific as we can get.

Oh, this latest discussion of the VF-17 gun pod just gave me another idea for some analysis pictures I can add to the M3

I agree for the most part. The real robot genre is only loosely defined anyway, typically meant to encompass those shows that present the robots as common vehicles used in a plausible military fashion. Super robot shows typically feature unique, one-of-a-kind super powered robots that are nigh invincible. Even the original real robot show, Gundam, skirted very close to the definition of a super robot, though future Gundam productions did a much better job selling the Gundam as a real robot (read: Gundam 0080, 08th MS Team, et cetera). As for the Valkyries, I'll agree their versatility is probably the high end of the real robot genre, but their capabilities are definitely not. Any Valkyrie is easily eclipsed by the Mortar Headds of The Five Star Stories, as are nearly all other real robots with which I'm familiar. Macross Frontier so far is solidly set in the real robot genre. The VF-25 as well as the VF-171 are presented in line with most Valkyries in other Macross productions. The most "super robot" Macross ever became was Sound Force in Macross 7, which is thankfully far behind us.

I just want to post a few general thoughts about Macross Frontier comments I've read here and elsewhere on the internet. I guess one could say it's just a collection of my own thoughts on the various issues, so just indulge me if you're interested. I'm not sure I understand the "un-Macross-like" criticisms I've read intermittently appearing every once in a while here and there online. Nearly every installment of the Macross franchise has been distinctly different than the last, even DYRL compared to SDFM. Macross Frontier appears to be the first Macross sequel that strongly resembles the original SDF Macross, not just in genre and theme but also in characterization and plot. IMO, it's arguably the most "Macross" of the franchise with the exception of the original series. The mecha designs of Macross Frontier are necessarily innovative and can never be the simple line art of SDF Macross. No modern mecha anime show can. There's no way mecha design can go back to the simpler stages that it has been in previous decades. For better or worse, mechanical design in mecha anime must explore new ground and only draw influence from it's ancestors via innovative derivation, but never straight out imitation. I will agree that much of the mechanical design we see today doesn't do enough to challenge the boundaries of mecha design and Macross is no exception. However, the mecha of Macross are also limited by the very unique standard that Kawamori set back in 1982; ergo, you can't have an Evangelion in a Macross show because it's not a Valkyrie. Every Macross show must have a Valkyrie, even though mechanical design may demand that to truly innovate, one must go beyond those limits. Personally, I'm okay with that, mainly because Macross, unlike so many other anime franchises, is a rare pleasure; a treat; something special that happens only once between the span of many years. I enjoy the Kawamori mechanical designs because they are so unique to Macross and remain the creative vision of a single man. A Kawamori Valkyrie will always be a creatively unique design in anime. The Valkyries of Macross are created in evolutionary steps reflecting both the changes in real world influences, contemporary influences and the franchise's own internal consistency. Going further, I do think that sometimes people really need to think outside the prejudice of their own generation a little more. I'm not singling anyone out here, just trying to raise a point for consideration. The constant romanticism bred from the happy associations one makes with the entertainment of their youth is really something that a lot of fans need to re-examine if they ever hope to find true enjoyment in new entertainment. Creativity is not the sole purview of any one decade and while the ebb and flow of any art form will see peaks and lows throughout the years, those gems of high quality can be found in any era. If fans can't get over the fact that Macross, any Macross, will never be as new to them as it first was, then it's impossible for anyone to meet their expectations, whether it's Kawamori at the helm or otherwise. I know some may say I'm treading dangerously close to defending mediocrity here, but there is a distinction between poor quality and unrealistic expectations. Some of the expectations fans have posted here for Macross Frontier have not been realized even within the greatest of the Macross sequels such as Do You Remember Love? or Macross Plus. There is only so much one can get out of that which is already familiar and perhaps Macross is not the best example, albiet I believe it is still one of the more interesting franchises. Given how many franchises I've sampled and dropped over the years, I think that says quite a bit. Lastly, I do understand that this first Macross Frontier episode might appear a bit too cliche. I've expressed the concern myself. However, I think it might be prudent to have a bit more faith in Kawamori and Co. Kawamori, right or wrong, good or bad, has always done something significantly different with each Macross sequel. I think the similarity of Macross Frontier to SDF Macross is definitely more intentional homage than outright cliche and I'd wager Kawamori and Co. are going to take this newest Macross series in a different direction than any past Macross production. But we have to wait and see. Personally, it's been quite some time since I was this excited about a Macross sequel. Neither Macross 7 nor Macross Zero were as exciting to me as the first episode of Macross Frontier. I'm not saying Macross Frontier will be as good as my favorite Macross sequels, but I do believe there is more potential in Macross Frontier for a great series and I'm eager to see more. Besides, isn't it an official MW pastime to crave a remake of the original SDF Macross?

Is that hell that's freezing over?

Thanks for the scans Graham. It's nice to see traditional drawn artwork of the VF-25 in a simplified style. I love the new head units (yes, I know I'm repeating myself, but they are fantastic!)

It's definitely retcon, but I'm not loosing sleep over it

I bet some here at MW have a Valkyrie collection that would give Imelda's shoe collection a run for it's money

Yes, some tool is taking all the pictures from my website and uploading them to a torrent for download. Just visit my website for crying out loud. Moron.

Does anyone know anything about the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port and cable setup for a DVD player and TV? My parents have a Sony Bravia television and just purchased a DVD player on sale, both of which support this HDMI standard. I've educated myself about the nature of HDMI, but my question is whether or not there is anything to be gained purchasing an HDMI cable to hook up a standard definition DVD player to an LCD television. I've setup the coaxial cables for their player and it works fine, but can the setup acheive better picture and sound quality through an HDMI cable? Anyone know?

Well, we watched the film last night. My family, none of whom have seen Blade Runner before, were so interested by the Dangerous Days feature that they wanted to see the film. I admittedly gave them a bit of a warning, since it's not really their kind of film. But they insisted and watched the FInal Cut with me. The result? My mother liked it, my sister did not and my dad was neutral. Pretty much what one would expect

I don't think that's an error. The second transformation is markedly slower than the first and suggests the use of a "dramatic double take" designed to enhance the transformation effect dramatically. The double take also provides viewers with an opportunity to watch the transformation process at a slower pace than normal so they can appreciate the detail.

Universal law: if the comic book in question is junk, use of an existing design is plagarism. If the comic book is good, it's an homage. Obviously, this is plagarism

I got the set for Christmas. This morning I watched, in fast forward, all the disks to make sure they worked. Going through the second disk I started watching Dangerous days and didn't stop. Slowly my whole family stopped by the television and sat down to watch. We finished the whole thing, all 3 1/2 hours It was fantastic!

There was one day, maybe two days ago, when I couldn't get on the boards late at night. About midnight, eastern time. Aside from that, the boards seem to be relatively hassle-free.

Well, after a good sleep, the first episode of the new Macross Frontier series is still leaving a great after taste. That's always a good sign. Sometimes when one is so excited about a new anime, it's easy to forgive the faults and form a 5-seconds-after-watching reaction screaming "I love this show!" like you just fell in love But I'm really happy with this new series so far (damn, if THIS level of animation can be called a television series) and really eager to see where it goes. I admit, I was quite skeptical about the bio-mechanoid alien enemy in Macross Frontier, but after seeing the first episode, I can't say I have too many reservations. The design of the big red enemy mecha is great and quite menacing. It also merges beautifully into a show like Macross, whereas prior to this episode I was concerned about the jarring effect of space monsters in my beloved Macross franchise (the last time it was attempted, it didn't go well for the franchise). I like the big energy cannon on the red mech and it's awkward way of walking. Quite cool. The characters are interesting, if a little prototypical at first. Alto reminds me a lot of Hikaru; sure of himself, a good pilot and more than a little angry. Allusions to Roy Focker when considering the character of Ozuma are only natural, but just so, I'm not sensing much of a similar characterization as yet. Perhaps time will bring it out more or less. I really like the way Sheryl Nome is played so far; quite confident, somewhat arrogant and very together/professional. It's great to see a super star that acts like one for a change. We have enough bratty Britney's in real life and don't need more in Macross. Ranka, well, she's more fan service for the creepy loli crowd of anime. Not much to say, although she certainly seems pleasant enough and it's easy to get taken away by sweet, happy and cute characters. I'll give her this; Ranka is not nearly as annoying as Minmay or Mylene. She's much more likable, like Mao. Considering the mecha of Macross, they are back...and with a vengeance! The designs are fantastic, the action is swift without being overbearing like Macross Zero and the CG work merges far better with the 2D drawn animation than I could have ever hoped. Much like Zinjiffy has stated: Necessity is the mother of better CG The armored VF-25 is brilliant and the transformation of the new Valkyrie is perfectly smooth. It may be one of my favorite transformation systems ever. The VF-171 (great designation) is just awesome. My only complaint, as others have mentioned prior, is a lament for the obvious "cannon fodder" role the VF-171 must play. I just pray that this new fighter will be given some time to shine, like the VF-1 in the original series. Oh, and as CrhisG has stated, that Radome equipped VF-171 just flat out rocks! On the topic of CG work, I have to say there is a much improved competence and confidence in the visuals, something that was only acheived with Macross Zero in the last episode of the series. The scene compositions and the look of the CG work is amazing. There's more sense of weight and newtonian motion in both the aircraft/mecha and the large space ships. Some effects come across as generic (I share DT's opinion on that bland new space fold portal) but others like lighting and gun effects are almost retro in their style and visual appeal. The gun rounds flying toward their targets are simply amazing and very SDF Macross Well, that's about all I have time for now. I'm glad I got a break to come online and post some thoughts. A Merry Christmas to everyone and enjoy the holidays! I go now to spread Macross goodness online

Well, I'm spreading the cheer to every anime forum I visit. As far as I cfan tell so far, the reaction has been universally positive. Fans are thrilled with it so far.

Plenty of goodies in the show. I'm loving this first episode. Plenty of action, interesting characters, amazing new mecha, great new music, blah, blah, blah. So far, this is a much stronger and far more interesting opening episode than Macross Zero. I'm much more impressed with the CG work in this first episode than the the clips we've had to digest for the last little while. I hope the rest of the series lives up to this beginning.

Watched it again. Ghost X-9-ish unmanned fighters and all kinds of goodies. Loving it! :)

Wow. So many little homages to early Macross. It's a dream for us Macross geeks. Little oval trash removal robots, cola machines and a bit of Minmay-esque fanservice

Watched it this past Thursday night, but haven't had much of a chance to come online since. Spectacular first two thirds, wonderfully engrossing performance from Wil Smith and a lame studio ending. Overall, plenty of great effects, plenty of potential and the disappointment of a weak ending we've come to expect from the average big budget studio film. The darkened office building/parkade sequence was by far the best part of the film. Smith's acting MADE that scene.

I love the VF-171. They look so space fighter-ish The bottom right pictures in that 2ch pic look great. The forward fuselage of the VF-171 at that angle reminds me so much of the VF-1

Purty new pictures. Thanks Graham. I agree the top view of the fighter is just displaying the beginning of the transformation sequence, not the final fighter mode form. Both previous fighter mode pictures (forward view pictures and the rear view pictures) show the rear fuselage as completely closed.

As DT pointed out, Tyrell Corporation is not Japanese. However, I fail to see the dated premise. There are far more eastern asia influences in North America, now more than ever. Anime's popularity is just one small aspect of that. However, there is also major population movements as well. As a Canadian, I find Blade Runner almost prophetic in a way, if one compares how Chinese immigration has affected the ethnic makeup of Vancouver in the decades since the film (mostly due to immigrants from Hong Kong). I'm also lost on this darkness thing. The film is brilliantly visible. It has a dark palette to be sure, but it's nothing that can't be seen. Methinks some lousy copy is too blame. Still, if some don't get it, that's alright. It's not really hard to get and there isn't anything that is beyond anyone. Blade Runner is just one of those films that tends to polarize people.