sketchley

Play-by-post Macross RPGing is a kind of fanfic writing (call it group writing, if you will). See my signature for an example game/squadron, on a website with a number of ongoing "fanfic" writing in the Macross universe.

Look for the VF-5 in those searches.

I think a more relevant question would have been: how many countries are deploying, or are developing 5th generation jet fighters? As for the 6th generation... I fear it'll be pilotless...

It's as easy as heading to a Mandarake in Japan. The last I checked, both the Umeda, and Nanba stores had copies. To be honest, the rare books are the Gold Book, and the Macross 7 Animation Materials book (snapped that up the one time I saw it. Haven't seen the gold one.) The prices are moderate - as in most are between 100 and 150% of cover price.

Remember reading about it about a decade ago in Popular Mechanics. A search on the web didn't result in anything of concequence other than blurry eyes.

I am wondering if, and when we will see the return of the 1940's era visual stealth they had implemented on the bombers of the time. You know, the spotlights aimed on the front of the aircraft that matched the wavelength of the light of the sky? Worked at the time, but was rendered moot with the advent of radar.

Thanks. Here in Japan, there are a plethora of "largish" bugs, but hayfever is such a problem, that it actually creates an economic impact (and local governments talking about axing a few pine trees within city limits.) So yeah, one of those hidden in plain sight thingies...

Going by (translated) canon literature, nothing other than the VF-0, VF-1, and VA-3 are directly stated as having, or not having, wing mounted ordinance. However, the creators themselves have stated that if something isn't said, either for or against, it means that it is open to possibility. That said, there is artwork that implies wing mounted ordinance: TIAS: Macross Plus - the cover has only the YF-19 and YF-22, and are surrounded by a small arsenal of weapons. Most are externally carried munitions. Some things to consider: Since DYRL (aside from Macross Zero), VF munitions have been carried inside of something; either a FAST pack, an internal launcher, a weapons pallet (bay), or an armoured box on the wing. The armoured box on the wing (the UUM-7) has disappeared with the steady increases in the amount of missiles that can be carried internally (FAST pack, internal launcher, and/or weapons pallet.) VFs reflect reality. Since the advent of stealth, real war planes have opted for internally carried munitions, and have done away with externally carried munitions. The same has held true with the VFs of Macross. Therefore, IMHO, the VFs are like the *new* VF-22 Raptor, in that they *can* carry wing mounted munitions in exceptional circumstances, but generally do not, as it reduces or limits their performance (stealth, or otherwise.) But yeah, it's your choice too, as the creators of Macross have left it open and ambiguous.

Because, Aegis!, they're testing the waters with "Engage Planet Kissdam" - which itself is currently undergoing the publicity cycle. I wouldn't expect any news on the new Macross series until at least the selection process of the vocal talent for the series has been selected. Look for some news in the summer months. As for "American Idol"-esque shows - they are not popular here in Japan. Currently there is a manzai boom, but it is dissimilar to the concept of "American Idol" at best. I have no fear that the new Macross series will be anything like it. In addition, the good name of Macross means: singing, the Itano Circus, love triangles, and an anti-war message. As it is, the production crew of the new Macross series will have their hands full juggling those elements in a new script!

I think everyone's got it: external (bacteria, insects, etc., from the environment) and internal (bacteria, food, etc. from inside the body.) If you have the time, energy, and means, I recommend watching CSI (Las Vegas.) They have some excellent information on the decomposition cycle sprinkled throughout the episodes. Some additional environmental factors to keep in mind (along similar lines to what justvinnie stated): - weather (humid, moist conditions will spead up decomposition, whereas dry, cold conditions will slow it down.) - soil/environment (could include dust particulates in the air) - high saline content material, especial in dry (and possibly cold) conditions, will suck the moisture from the body, preventing decomposition. - naturally occuring preservatives (usually, but not limited to, bogs, and similar bodies of water) will preserve bodies (see Bog-men and there was a mummy in China preserved in a similar manner.) Here's a short primer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummy#Mummies...r_civilizations suggest reading on the section linked, and the next section (naturally occuring mummies.) Quick question: the engineered plants on the artificially created planet - how do they pollinate each other without insects?

The glass is frosted... The alarming thing is that there is a baby's bib on the clothesline!

Personally, I don't find the image offensive. Mind you, I am in the process of adopting the Japanese mentality when it comes to the human body (nudity) and sexuality. Let's just say that it's quite the opposite of the conservatism, shame of one's body, and subsequent obsession of sexuality as shown in Christian societies. The picture is art, and though I don't particularly favour the style used, I can appreciate the thought and craftsmanship in the work. The text on the work is also amusing: 生ãã¦ã„ã¦ã‚‚æ„味ãŒãªã„ The complaint I DO have about the picture is that the artist, model, or whoever didn't bother putting away (or at least hiding) the laundry! That reduces the presentation significantly.

Yes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urotsukidoji#Legacy (see the 2nd paragraph.) I should revise my original post from "more than 5 years" to "about a decade" in light of what's written there, and pending how much stock the reader places in the information on wikipedia. Tokyo Anime Fair's theme is Macross? Confirmation please! If it is, it's a MAJOR score.

VF-17 has two sets - those in the chest, and also a pair in the arms. Lessee... there's also the one's on the VF-9 (go from the belly in jet, to the shoulder in battroid), the VA-3/VA-3M (wing necelle to palm beam cannons), the FBz-99G (wing to palms,) the VF-14 (like the VF-4, but the guns end up on the shoulders,) and the Neo Glaug/Variable Gluag (engine nacelle tips to palm/wrists.) Though, I do agree that the VF-4 is pretty "badass".

Rights = control. As in: you have the right to tell someone to not do something, or face the legal consequences. The way I understand it, the manga artist and the mange publisher agree to have equal rights over the material. If one side is in disagreement, then they both cannot proceed on a derivative project (this could even include reprinting the original work!) Re: your point - not everyone shares the same capitalist point of view. There are still plenty of people who won't do something, no matter the sum of money offered to them. Refusing to have one's work translated and published in a foreign language isn't about righteousness nor ethics. For starters, the artist(s) may not understand that foreign language - thus they have no way to verify if their work has been translated correctly, or even adequately! Outside of it's cultural context, there's also the potential of the work not being understood, being completely misunderstood, or even creating a negative stereotype towards the source culture! In the 1970's, the majority of American movies exported and shown overseas featured male characters who were more often then not drunkards and abusive to the women they had relationships with. Now, some 25 to 35 years later, there is a generation of parents in Asia (and probably beyond) who have the image that all white males are abusive drunkards. A lot of these parents refuse to allow their daughters to see, let alone date, or even worse, marry, a white foreigner! (It’s not helping that the average eikaiwa white Engrish teacher doesn’t bother finding out what work and life will be like in Japan, and end up being drunk like a skunk most every night; in addition to “wham, bam, thank you ma’amâ€~ing every girl they can get their hands on. But that’s another story.) Having grown up in the North American, or Western European culture, we all know that those movies from the 1970’s were merely characterizations to show the hero overcoming not only the villain, but the hero’s own flaws. However, outside of their cultural context, they have created a rather negative stereotype. The same thing has happened with Urutsukidoji (for a good half-a-decade, if not longer, at least one English country thought that Japanimation was only tentacle rape fluff.) In addition, how many of you have heard that Japanese (especially, but not limited to the men) are (sexual) perverts? Three negative stereotypes all formed by things viewed from outside of their cultural context. Is it righteousness? No. Is it ethics? Possibly, as the material is an ambassador (like those Eikaiwa teachers...) for the country, and may very well form the future perceptions and reactions to the culture!

Good post, lord_breetai. Very good post. Chrono, artists in Japan don't sign "away" rights like they do in other countries. I'd go so far as to say that American comic artists were (don't know if they still are) trying to copy the way Japanese manga artists and publishers deal with rights, and distribution control(s). See Image Comics. There have also been plenty of cases were Japanese manga artists do not want their artwork flipped for the left to right, top to bottom reading audiences. And others are doing such a good job at describing how they are 'not getting it' that it's not even worth commenting upon any further. But I will add this: "One man's garbage is another man's gold." And "It's all in the eye of the beholder."

Me too. For the Macross II line, I believe the following are part of the official timeline: SDF: Macross 2036 SDF: Macross Eternal Love Story Macross True Love song (not 100% certain about this last one.)

Thanks TheLoneWolf. I'm getting the impression that MW members are confusing 'some of the', 'most every', and 'most' as meaning 'all' or 'every single one'. Long answer short: no, and my post using those terms was deliberately structured so as to imply 'many, but not all' (or 'the majority, but not every one'.) Anyhow... yes, Basara is a lone wolf, a rebel, a nail that sticks up in the face of society. However, he is a 'cool' rebel, as he does it in a non-confrontational manner; the very opposite of the cool-for-the-individualistic-culture(s) characters of Macross Plus. Perhaps that is why Basara is so villified by MW members, but yet he is the *star* of almost half of the Macross anime produced to date?

Is this kind of comment really necessary? Of the many things it says about you, I read it as: why bother trying to have an intelligent discussion with you. Enjoy the solitude.

Don't you mean that Yamato (a toy maker) will stop making toys? Even then, it runs contrary to Bandai having stopped making both toys and models for Macross, and both Yamato and Hasegawa currently making them. There may be some contractual agreements that even Bandai cannot break. Of course, their is the possibility of Bandai getting the rights to make the cheap or low quality toys and models, while Yamato and Hasegawa retain the rights to the high end stuff. However, given that Bandai has stayed away from Macross every since Macross 7... I don't think they are interested in it any more.

Hold yer horses. Reaction Weapons = nuclear bombs, and in Japan (and hopefully the rest of the world!) there is a stigma against their use. http://macross.anime.net/story/encyclopedi...apon/index.html THIS article explains why there is a lack of reaction weapon use in Macross. It's not so much in-series tactics, but tactics in the real world to allow Macross production to be viewed and to continue being produced. Uhm... Zinjo, we already went over the VF thing a page or so back. Studio Nue VFs are both role specific AND combat theatre specific. VF-4 = space optimized, VF-5000 = atmospheric optimized. Anyhow, sidestepping this depate (topic for another thread, IMHO) the VFs in Macross II have one fatal flaw - lack of internal weapons bays and missile launchers. Yes, the Metal Siren has them, but it's a prototype. By 2012, the VF-4 had conformally mounted missiles (a VF common to both timelines.) The VF-5000 had internal missile launchers by 2020. Internal weapons bays came into existance with the VF-14 in 2028. Those dates are all when they had a first flight/entered mass production. Designing started in 2005, 2011, and 2025 respectedly. Anyhow, Zinjo, Keith was presenting facts. Fact: the only battleship we see the YF-19/YF-21 come close to engaging is the Macross, and that's already after an extended battle depleting ordinence. (Macross Plus) Fact: The VF-2S's FAST pack has a beam cannons, so too does the VF-1 strike FAST pack. (DYRL) Fact: Macross II VFs are never seen travelling from surface to orbit under their own power, nor do they appear to be able to enter combat without attachements (FAST packs and/or missile pods.) Macross Plus has the YF-19 and 21 doing those. (Macross Plus)

Two Japanese expressions that may help members to better understand the Japanese preference of producing anime for the age (peer) group of the audience, as opposed to marketing a show about adults to kids, and why Macross Plus was not a success in Japan: "If we all cross together, there's nothing to fear." "The nail that stands out will quickly be hammered down." Japan is not the individualistic culture of many to all North Americans. In fact, it is quite opposite. Yes, you can give the culture the derogatory label of 'group oriented', but it misses the point of the freedoms and comforts that the individualistic cultures don't have that the culture provides. Macross Plus was about a bunch of 'nails standing out,' and they were not cool, as some of the nails that stand out in Japan can be, simply because the Macross Plus young-adults-but-still-kids-at-heart made trouble for everyone else in the process of standing out. For this very reason, Macross Plus is successful in individualistic cultures. It is also one of, if not the main reason why we will most likely never see another Macross like it. This is also why the idea of the further adventures of The Jamming Birds has a lot more merit than posters are giving credit. Jamming Birds = team. A team that faces challenges and the trials of growing up together. That immediately gives something that ALL Japanese, no matter the age, can instantly identify with. After all, having your audience identify with your characters is a make-or-break point with any production. Will the next Macross animation be aimed at the international market? Doubtful. It, like most every other anime, is created for the Japanese market. Any international sales are a bonus. The inclusion of foreign musical artists and foreign languages in anime in most cases isn't done to assist potential foreign sales, but to give a production an exotic air, and the use of English (written or otherwise) is generally accepted as cool. I'd compare it to the inclusion of alien languages in Star Trek and Star Wars - another layer to the rich story tapestry that is being created. Aegis, growing up = character development, but not all character development = growing up. Macross Plus is about three university age kids facing up to problems they made for themselves in high school. MW members may disagree with the three characters in Macross Plus being labelled kids; at best, I could call them young-adults, but as they lack responsibility and run away from their problems... like kids do... and the entire show is about them coming to terms with their childhood... thus "growing up" in a way that is so un-Japanese, that it was nigh impossible for the target audience to sympathize with their plight... making it rather unsuccessful in Japan.

Star Wars and adults? Luke Skywalker was what - a married 30 something? To stay away from tangents - I think it should be defined what exactly is adult-themed, teenage themed, and child themed. In Macross we have coming of age stories a plenty: Macross Zero: Shin's story. SDF:M: Hikaru, Max, Kakizaki, Misa, Minmei, etc., etc.. DYRL is the same. Macross Plus: Dyson, Guld, and Myung all growing up to face their past actions. Macross 7: Basara, Mylene, Gamlin, etc., etc., all growing up. Macross 7 Movie and Dynamite are the same storyline. The ONLY Macross that isn't about growing up is Flashback 2012. Yes, none of them are kid characters in a show aimed at kids. However, neither are the majority adults in a show aimed at adults. The vast majority of characters and show themes are growing up, and coming of age. Prime material for the 12 to 25 year old demographic. The same demographic (with similar themes and storylines it should be added) as LotR, Star Wars, the Matrix, Harry Potter, and pretty much any of the major movies released since 1977 (aka the release of Star Wars and the realization of the teenage market.)

Perhaps the Supervision Army* is the name of the task force or fleet sent to the scientifically advanced planet (of the Protocultures) just after the Evil Series Zentraedi were possessed, and took control (brainwashed) the populace of the entire planet? Yes, speculation on my part, but it gives a logical explanation for the name. * This is why I prefer the more literal translation 'Inspection Army'... it's meaning is more clear in English!

An adult-themed production would be better, but in all honesty, the demographic of anime is generally not adults, but children through to teenagers. If anything, we are going to get something along the lines of Macross 7: youthful coming-of-age A-stories for the main characters, with adult-themed subplots for the mature (not necessarily adults) in the B-stories. Anyhow, wwe'll have to look at Engage Planet Kissdum closely. If reception of it is good, then the new Macross will be similar. If it's received badly... then the new Macross will go another direction (probably revert to the 'tried and true' formulae of past successful productions *cough* Macross 7 *cough*.)