sketchley

First episode of Macross Plus too (VF-11, YF-21.) Battroids ARE able to fly. The prime limitation is the same as the Harrier - engines overheating when hovering in place. The compendium has some specific times (usually for gerwalk), but the anime routinely ignores them. So...

Oh... forgot this: If forced to choose between watching II and 7, I'd choose 7. At it's very worst, it gave some Japanese cultural lessons. A refresher of those lessons would be good.

[jumping on (or off???) the band wagon] I prefer Macross 7. When Macross II came out, I liked it, mainly because it had the Macross name. However, in retrospect, it has weak storytelling, lots of plot holes (see jenius's post above for some,) so-so to weak mecha designs (I'm not just talking about VFs here, but all of the mecha in the show,) and cardboard cutout type villians. Macross 7 is better, IMHO, at the very least, because there is more time spent developing characters, and the villians are anything but flat, one-dimensional characters. If you asked me to describe the characters in Macross II and 7, I'd have almost nothing to say about those from II, but a lot to say about those from 7. II is forgetable, 7 isn't. No, Macross 7 isn't the best anime, but if you keep in mind that it is a show for kids, and if you pace yourself to one (maybe two at max,) episodes per day, it makes for a far more enjoyable experience. A lot of people forget that - watching the series in concentrated doses (4+ episodes in one sitting) is actually bad, as the show is marketing the Firebomber music, and like watching any advertisement repeatedly... Another thing that I like about Macross 7 is that it develops and expands upon the overall Macross story - sure, a lot of people don't like the directions that it expands into, but at least it is expanding, and not merely embellishing already established concepts in the Macross mythos, like Macross II does. Heck, we get a lot of the backstory, and an idea of what the Inspection Army is in Macross 7, whereas Macross II introduces a heretofore unknown new alien race, that doesn't exactly fit, IMHO, into what Macross has presented to us previously. But this is just me.

Very true. Which is probably why carriers, in general, rely on other ships as additional defensive screens. Though, as mentioned, Ivanov and Nora knew how to punch a hole through the additional defensive screens, and put themselve in that big undefended area.

It's the intermission that occurs between mission 11A and 12. Of course, if during mission 9, you choose the alternative conclusion, then you don't get the intermission after fighting Miria Fokina and Giriamu at the end of mission 11B - this conclusion ends at that point.

I agree, that's a very good job - I can't spot any seems! Maybe it's just me, but it doesn't look like a panoramic picture - at least the element posted above. My panoramas usually end up with seams... I think I have to rethink how to create them (only using the center of the frames, and trimming the edges?)

I think those model kits might be the only place that have it. It's not in the Macross Plus: Game Edition, nor Shoji Kawamori Design Works (the design works vol.2???) Today, I just got "This is Animation: Macross 7 TV animation materials", and it has the lineart that's shown above. I believe that the gun pod is not a Kawamori design, but a Kazutaka Miyatake design (not, it's not in his book, as most of the things he did for VFs (cockpits, gun pods, missiles, etc.,) show up in "Shouji Kawamori Macross Design Works" next to their relevant VFs.

Uhm, the second one was designed by Kazutaka Miyatake. It doesn't say who did the first one, but it doesn't have some of the signature things that Shoji Kawamori adds to his lineart (funky shadow, bold (both thick and the way he put pen to paper) lines, etc..)

Neither my "This is animation special: Macross Plus" nor "Shoji Kawamori Macross Design Works" have it. In fact, only the later book has the VF-11's gun pod tucked into the Macross 7, VF-11C section. Of course, this doesn't mean that it doesn't exist (My copy of the Macross Plus Movie artbook is on the other side of the pacific.) That said, IMHO it is doubtful that a seperate version exists. Simply because the VF-11 in both series is a background element - why spend more time on it, when one could embellish the main elements of the two shows?

Didn't they already do that with the DYRL version? EDIT: with some further thought - the Q-Rau was also changed for DYRL, however the changes were, as I would define them, minor cosmetic ones. In the Macross Plus/Macross 7 era, a variation of the Q-Rau does appear (M7 movie,) and, if anything, it still retains the basic forms and shapes of the original Q-Rau. IMHO, it is the Nousjadel-Ger that the creators of Macross are not happy with, and, from a lack of further information (as in, it's the Inspection Army variation of the battlesuit) beyond where it is lumped in Kazutaka Miyatake's book, I still favor that it is simply the Nousjadel-Ger upgrade for the M+/M7 era, or the updgraded (kai) version of the original.

Easiest way to clear up this debate: animators (and movie production companies in general) prefer to do the least amount of work possible. In other words, the jet is merely a slight modification to the CG model of the MiG 29 seen in episode one. How many changes did they make? Canards and different colours on the skin. How much money did they save the production budge? No idea - and nothing came up on google. But it's bound to be a lot cheaper to make two changes than comission a whole new model.

Agreed. Otaku has become rather strong in meaning, and polite Japanese generally prefer to say something negative in a strong way. From worst to best: Otaku mania/maniac tsu (fan)

You can rent them at any of the big international airports. HOWEVER, you have to apply to rent them about a week in advance. The one in which my dad got when he came was bare bones - yes, my latest mobile phone here in Japan has GPS, and a lot of groovy navigation features, however that doesn't come with the barebones one. Also, GPS isn't really helpful without a good map - I've seen a lot of maps in Japan (purchased some too), and I would describe it as difficult to navigate via GPS. It'd be a lot easier to show someone the name of the place that you want to go to =in Japanese= and hope they can give you directions. The system of navigation I have relyed upon here is figuring out where the nearest station is to where I want to go, and using a map (if you don't have one with you, all stations have a local area map) to figure out the route in between. No idea about skiing other than it is expensive - and that's for my home country! I think there are some nice parks and stuff in the Tsukuba area - but pending your interest, you may have more fun hoping on the direct train to Akiba, and spending your day there. Oh, I was thinking about when travelling to Kyoto - most of the major, or best attractions, are only accessible by bus (or on foot, but I don't recomend walking, unless you REALLY know what you're doing.) The easiest way to get it is at a kiosk outside of JR/Kintetsu/subway Kyoto station. Or from a bus driver - they generally do not speak any English whatsoever. You might be able to get it from a convenience store - but again, there's the language barrier for those that don't speak Japanese. Getting it at the kiosk is good, as they also give a bus route map of Kyoto, which has handy things like what buses are needed, and where to transfer to go to major attractions. http://j-hoppers.com/tip_j.htm has a list of prices for it, and the more expensive, but IMHO, unnecessary bus and subway ticket. Get this bus ticket in Kyoto if you plan to take a bus more than twice, otherwise it's not worth it. Of course, the afforemantioned Kansai-through pass also works with the bus, subways, and private railway in Kyoto - using that is recommended, if you're hotel is outside of Kyoto, and you plan to visit at least two seperate places. Also, when in Osaka (Tokyo, and other cities *may* have a variation too,) be aware of things like 'No my car day', and other discount tickets: http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.jp/english/ticket/index.html But remember, that this type of ticket is useful only within the city, and only on city provided public transportation - sometimes the private railways are faster and cheaper to get to where you want to go.

Me thinks that the anti-UN tactics were very well thought out for the battle: - a rouse attack, that drew half or more of the fighters; the rest of the UN fighters remaining in a defensive posture near the fleet. - a secondary rouse attack that occupied the remaining fighters - the SV-51 attack; which makes it all the way to the carrier. Though, it is speculation, and the only support that the main force of fighters were seeing action elsewhere is that Shin was contacted and alerted to the impending attack before the SV-51 were shown; SV-51's being stealthy and launching from a submarine, and generally being undetectable by conventional means. Maybe the UN fleet detected the approaching anti-UN fleet (the MiG, and Octos have to have some kind of a support fleet too) and scrambled their fighters. Edgar also had enough time to fly out to rendevous with Shin...

監察 = Inspection 監察軍 = Inspection Army/Troop Try it for yourself if you don't believe me: http://www.excite.co.jp/world/english/ It should be noted that one of the 漢字 used in the term is also used in the word for Police - giving the nuance of: (Police) Inspection Army. Source of the 監察: Macross Perfect Memory Pg. 181. "監察軍戦艦(クラッシュド)". It also shows up in the timeline on page 54 of the same book. Me thinks it is a bit of this going on here: http://www.unique-design.net/library/false.html

Quick note on the Japanese: most of the time, terms, concepts, and words do not translate easily, or exactly into words in another language. The Japanese word used to describe the Inspection/Supervision Army is just that - one of those words that, in Japanese, encompasses both words and more, but also less than either of those two words strictly state, in English. The two words could be considered interchangeable, but if one knows the origin of the army, and it's first role, then a better idea of which of those two English words would be the more applicable one. I personally favour Inspection Army, as it implies a fleet being created to go and inspect the out come of the Protoculture experiments that lead to the Protodevlin - possibly even a fleet sent after the Protodevlin emerged. On the other hand, Supervision Army implies one that was created at the start of that Protoculture project... so yeah, I prefer Inspection, as there is more drama implied by it.

MAHQ's article predates the publication of the book. The book was published 2005.6.01.

Kazutaka Miyatake's design works has the mecha lumped in with the Nousjadel-Ger, semi-supporting it's designation of Nousjadel-Ger-kai. (pg. 29 and 30.) The focus is on the tv series Nousjadel-ger, with only a very small image of the movie version - as the movie version was designed by a different author than the book is focused on. Though, it is referred to as "Zentraedi Battlesuit" The Queadluun-Rau appears on the book too, but on Pg. 40 and 41, deep in the Macross Plus section, and following the YF-21 on pg. 39. Interestingly, the Nousjadel-Ger and friend are at the tail end of the Macross: the movie section, and only roughs from the design process appear in the Macross TV series section proper (pg 13, with both Nousjadel-Ger and Queadluun-Rau on the same page.)

? Moi? I've said all that there needs to be said, to date, and the opposition to the debate hasn't said anything new, or added anything that hasn't already been addressed previously. In addition, a few of the other posters are either directly supporting, or appear to be open to the possibility of some of the evidence, and concepts that I have been presenting. The only things that I have to add, is that I have been mulling over are the actual capabilities of the Destroyers. I'll be happy if they are recognized as being water/airtight (for the very least, as chemical/biological/nuclear warfare protection,) and that they have the capabilities to carry the Cheyenne Destroid. I think that, despite it not being directly seen in the animation, the carrier fleet is supported by a handful of submarines. For the simple reason of the added protection the sub-hunting subs provide.

Yes. I have not stated that a JR pass is not a good thing, just that for the needs of jwinges, it is bad advice due to the needs of his trip, and where he wants to go. First, he'll be coming from Tsukuba City to Tokyo. On the new Tsukuba express, direct line from Tsukuba to Toyko, the terminal station in Tokyo is in Akiba. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukuba_Express Tsukuba express is not a JR line. He also plans to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. I've already mentioned that there are both cheaper, or faster ways of travelling than via JR. In fact, with the JR pass, he'll have a limited number of Shinkansen trains in which to take between Kanto and Kansai. http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html But, don't take my word for it. Here's an excellent article on the whole issue that highlights how useful a JR rail pass is in Tokyo, and the Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto corridor: http://greggman.com/japan/tokyo-trains/tok...ng=english%7C?q Here's a map of the rail lines in the Tokyo area (a bit out of date, it doesn't have the completed Tsukuba line): http://www.u-bourgogne.fr/monge/g.dito/poi...yo_trainmap.pdf Here's a rail map of Osaka - note the limited access of the JR lines: http://www.ofix.or.jp/travel/trans/images/RailMap.pdf Express buses between Tokyo and Osaka: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_osaka.html About 19 GBP one-way.

Agreed that i have a crappy fansub of episode 4, disagreed that I am the only one with a crappy fansub of episode 5. By the dialogue of the ships crew preceeding the activation of the (anti-gravity) generators, the impression I am left with is that the Birdman is powering itself, and not using the ship's systems as a jump-start. Visually it would be different too - arcs of electrical power, etc. were not seen. My impression is that the activation of the Birdman caused the (anti-gravity) generators to be activated as well - the mysteries of OT. It has been seen before with the buster cannon of the SDF-1 in the first episode of SDF:M. In addition, no shots of engines nor generators being powered up on the Anti-UN submarine were seen either. Neither were there power drains evident on either ship, adding further support to whatever happened being not a jumpstart, but secondary reactions due to the activation of the Birdman. See my preceeding post for my thoughts on the bad English in the line.

Kansai Surroto Pass English website: http://www.surutto.com/conts/ticket/3dayeng/index.html

No, no, no, no, no. Only get a JR pass if you are planning on travelling in areas where JR is the ONLY rail service. In big cities, there are also subways (2 seperate systems in Tokyo) AND private rail companies! There are far, far more convenient, and cheaper tickets. A good one, when visiting Kansai, is the Kansai Surutto 3-day ticket (also available in 2 day, and single day to specific locations.) If you really know what you're doing, you'll do 3 to 4 times the purchase value of the ticket. This ticket is effective in Kyoto, and Osaka - 2 cities were JR's service is less than good, and private rail and the subways more than make up for it. Tokyo, I don't live there. Avoid going to places to view cherry trees when they are blossoming. Calling them crowded is an understatement. PS Akilai, it's Ginkakuji, not Jinkakuji. Kyoto has restuarants that stay open until all hours of the night - I've eaten in them . My wife's sister's husband has a sushi shop that is open until the first trains of the next morning. If you are referring to temples, yes - be aware that temples and shrines generally close between 3 and 5 PM - but they do generally open earlier than anything else: 7 AM. It's Buddha time. And who's this Johnny Hillwalker? I've been to Kyoto numerous times too... Oh... Lonely Planet (and possible other) guidebooks on Japan are generally out-of-date, and are written by short-term travellers. In other words, some of the restaurants listed are not the best by any measure, and some of them listed are overpriced. Nara is a good place to visit (biggest Buddha in Japan, largest wood building in the world, one of the most famous shinto shrines in Japan, etc..) If you base yourself between Kyoto and Osaka cities, making day trips to Nara, Himeji, Koyasan, and possibly even Ise-penninsula (haven't done that yet - it's a bit far for a day trip.) Koyasan may well be worth your while, as it has more historical, religious, and art per block, than Kyoto - in fact, a lot of what can be seen in Kyoto can be seen there, but concentrated in a much smaller location. Visiting the biggest graveyard in Japan (located up there) is also a mind-boggling adventure - a graveyard that contains historical heavyweights like Nobunaga, Hideyoshi...

Oh, and start learning the language. At the very least, it'll help doors open quicker. At most, it'll help you start to understand the culture, which will make you good friends, and help you with your bottem line (as in: understand the words for "sale". So many foreigners who come here and never bother to learn the language litterally walk past so many bargains it's not funny. All because they never bothered to learn one or two words; and yes, they usually end up buying the same thing for a more expensive price.)

Advice - read more than one guide book, as they all have different points of view, and highlight different aspects of the country and culture. Also check out some of the information that may be available through your nearest Japanese embassy, (your country's) embassy in Japan, and any local Japan travel bureau agencies that you can find near you. Take note of local holidays. One of my more pleasant memories, is the picture of a wide-eyed white tourists in Korea, walking past an entire city of closed shops, because they didn't bother to check on Korean holidays nor realize that during Korean thanksgiving EVERYONE closes up shop, and returns to their hometown. There are a few times of the year that the same happens in Japan. When my parents came to Japan, they stayed at Leo Palace 21. Mind you, they stayed for 3 weeks in the same place. the location was good, roughly mid-way between Osaka and Kyoto, making both cities easily accessible for day trips. Believe me, 3 weeks was not enough, and they barely scratched the surface of things to see. The best thing you can do is read guides and information, and make a list of 'would be nice to see' spots. Don't make any hard plans, as once you're hear you might want to visit some place that you didn't know about until after arriving, or you might end up spending a full day at only one site, despite a bunch of other equally intersting sites within a few blocks. Make a (Japanese) friend here before coming via an IM service - or even better, a traveling Japanese in your place of residence. They will be better than the perfect guides. On the airports - Narita generally has the most connections to different places outside of Japan. The new Chuo-bu airport in Nagoya is offering some strong competition to Kansai airport, and it may be cheaper to fly into there, and take a train into Kinki. For transport between Kansai and Kanto, there are numerous options. The cheapest is a red eye bus. The fastest would be a flight - after the new Kobe airport opened, it was cheaper to fly from Kobe to Haneda then it was to take the shinkansen. It probably still is. But, don't be afraid to take an overnight train or some other means that'll allow you to see more of the country. As far as shopping goes, the general rule of thumb is: the easier and/or more convenient it is to get to, the more expensive it'll be. Some of the best places to buy anime and manga goods are slightly off the beaten path. Mandarake is a good place to start, but surprisingly, I've been finding some really good stuff at Book Off for dirt cheap prices.