Newbie Questions on Macross

[miriya]

That is too bad. I was hoping for a region 1 english version. Thanks Carl Mackak et al.

[d3v]

Well also in DYRL, Hikaru was just a grunt pilot along with Max and Kakizaki. It didn't look like he got the junior squad leader role like in the TV series. Not to mention that in DYRL they all got color schemes like Roy's to differentiate them even more so from background cannon-fodders, so having a 1J may not have been as necessary (though they could have gone the 1J Max and Miria route).

Max got himself a 1S instead (it's the one he fought Milia with), makes you wonder if Kaki's was a 1S too.

[Gubaba]

That is too bad. I was hoping for a region 1 english version. Thanks Carl Mackak et al.

Technically, Carl Macek has nothing to do with this; he works at ADV now. Instead, you should lay the blame at the feet of the current Harmony Gold staff, who are the aggressive pushers of the "Robotech Über Alles (Unless they can make a quick buck off the originals) Doctrine."

[Clay Cliff]

How does a DYRL VF-1 transforms?... The SDF Macross version has three buttons for the three modes (labeled "B", "G" and "F"), but I've noticed that the DYRL version doesn't has those bottons, so I want to know where are the controls for mode change... Thanks in advance...

[Beltane70]

Answering two questions here.

Max got himself a 1S instead (it's the one he fought Milia with), makes you wonder if Kaki's was a 1S too.

Kakizaki's Valkyrie was a 1A along with Hikaru's. At that point of the movie, Max is the current leader of Skull Squadron.

How does a DYRL VF-1 transforms?... The SDF Macross version has three buttons for the three modes (labeled "B", "G" and "F"), but I've noticed that the DYRL version doesn't has those bottons, so I want to know where are the controls for mode change... Thanks in advance...

The throttle lever controls the mode of operation in DYRL. The throttle lever is in the horizontal position for fighter, at a 45 degree angle for GERWALK, and vertical for battroid.

Edited June 10, 2008 by Beltane70

[Valkyrie addict]

How does a DYRL VF-1 transforms?... The SDF Macross version has three buttons for the three modes (labeled "B", "G" and "F"), but I've noticed that the DYRL version doesn't has those bottons, so I want to know where are the controls for mode change... Thanks in advance...

in DYRL was the introduction of using the throttle as a lever to transform like you see in Zero and Frontier, he presses a button on the throttle and pulls it straighten it up to transform, there are some diagrams around here somewhere, too lazy to look for them, I think Mr Marchs webpage have those schematics also

EDIT: Beltane70 beat me to it

Edited June 10, 2008 by Valkyrie addict

[Clay Cliff]

Understood... Thanks for your input.

[Rune Walsh]

I actually got introduced to Macross through Frontier as well. The sheer awesomness of Frontier convinced me to finally get into the Macross universe. Before Frontier, I was a huge Gundam loyalist, but Macross is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. So far, I've watched SDF Macross and DYRL. I'll be using the two week break from Frontier to watch Plus and Zero.

Anyway, I was wondering, should I even bother watching Macross 7? Or should I just look up the relevant info on the internet and not bother watching it? I've heard the show has some important info (I already know about Max's marriage problems), but I've also heard that the series quality in general is quite low. I don't feel like watching 50 episodes of a lackluster show, but I've heard that Macross 7's later episodes are much better than their earlier ones, so I'm not sure whether I should watch it or not. Last time I watched a lengthy lackluster series was with Gundam SEED Destiny and words couldn't convey how much time I felt I wasted.

Edited June 10, 2008 by Rune Walsh

[nemesis_trooper]

I actually got introduced to Macross through Frontier as well. The sheer awesomness of Frontier convinced me to finally get into the Macross universe. Before Frontier, I was a huge Gundam loyalist, but Macross is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. So far, I've watched SDF Macross and DYRL. I'll be using the two week break from Frontier to watch Plus and Zero.

Anyway, I was wondering, should I even bother watching Macross 7? Or should I just look up the relevant info on the internet and not bother watching it? I've heard the show has some important info (I already know about Max's marriage problems), but I've also heard that the series quality in general is quite low. I don't feel like watching 50 episodes of a lackluster show, but I've heard that Macross 7's later episodes are much better than their earlier ones, so I'm not sure whether I should watch it or not. Last time I watched a lengthy lackluster series was with Gundam SEED Destiny and words couldn't convey how much time I felt I wasted.

Welcome to Macrossworld Rune!

Speaking as a ex-Gundam loyalist myself I see where you're coming from.

It all really depends what sort of Macross fan are you? Are you into realistic (semi at least) mecha or more into the popsong culture ("Listen to my song"/Music will heal the world) aspect? You will see there are 2 camps on this board (Pro Mac 7 and Anti Mac 7) and both have legitimacy. I personally loathe Mac7 but am happy it was a huge hit in Japan thus making Mac F a financial possibility. Putting it in Gundam context, are you a hardcore UC fan (I am) or a fan who welcomes all variations on the Gundam theme (eg. Turn A / Wing /Seed)?

If you're a hardcore UC fan and into the mecha, I really do not see you liking Mac7. I would advise you to just skim through the episodes so you know the gist of it (but only if you have time and only if you can bear Basara's barrage of obnoxious nonsense...). I would add that the animation is not quite as good as Mac Zero, Plus or even Gundam Seed (incl Destiny ). The saving grace is that it does have a lot more plot then Gundam Seed Destiny, but that is not saying alot.

Bottomline, a few unhealthy bites of the series (key episodes) should result in none too much damage to your sanity and enough payoff in terms of understanding the Macross universe.

Edited June 10, 2008 by nemesis_trooper

[Zinjo]

Mac 7 spends a lot of time in the first half setting up the characters and playing music. The historical meat really starts to show up half way through, particularly when they come across the PC ruins. The final battle will seem quite fantastic and it will stretch your disbelief to it's limits.

I personally hated M7 after I first saw it, but over time grew to appreciate the music outside of the series and the more meaty parts later on. IMHO, you could boil down M7 into 26 episodes and it would really not loose much in terms of story, mostly music. It struck me as a vehicle for Victor and Bandai to slog their merchandise in the first half and became the story Kawamori intended it to be by the second.

[Rune Walsh]

Welcome to Macrossworld Rune!

Speaking as a ex-Gundam loyalist myself I see where you're coming from.

It all really depends what sort of Macross fan are you? Are you into realistic (semi at least) mecha or more into the popsong culture ("Listen to my song"/Music will heal the world) aspect? You will see there are 2 camps on this board (Pro Mac 7 and Anti Mac 7) and both have legitimacy. I personally loathe Mac7 but am happy it was a huge hit in Japan thus making Mac F a financial possibility. Putting it in Gundam context, are you a hardcore UC fan (I am) or a fan who welcomes all variations on the Gundam theme (eg. Turn A / Wing /Seed)?

If you're a hardcore UC fan and into the mecha, I really do not see you liking Mac7. I would advise you to just skim through the episodes so you know the gist of it (but only if you have time and only if you can bear Basara's barrage of obnoxious nonsense...). I would add that the animation is not quite as good as Mac Zero, Plus or even Gundam Seed (incl Destiny ). The saving grace is that it does have a lot more plot then Gundam Seed Destiny, but that is not saying alot.

Bottomline, a few unhealthy bites of the series (key episodes) should result in none too much damage to your sanity and enough payoff in terms of understanding the Macross universe.

Well, as far as the type of Macross fan I am, I must say that I liked the characters and the relationships between them the best. Both Macross Frontier and SDF Macross have very likeable characters and the way they interact, especially the love triangle in SDF, is the main thing that really attracted me to the series. The mecha is a bonus and the whole song thing is interesting and makes the show unique.

As far as the type of Gundam fan I am, I prefer the UC universe, but I don't mind some of the variations on the Gundam theme. G Gundam was one of my favorite Gundam series because of it was so over the top and just plain awesome. SEED is decent if you pretend Destiny doesn't exist and 00 has restored some of my faith in the franchise. The only Gundam shows I really disliked were Destiny, which started out good, but then declined massively, and Wing, which had pilots that were way too invincible for their own good, although I will admit it had some pretty badass action scenes, so I don't totally dislike it. I hear ZZ Gundam has a pretty terrible first half too, but I haven't seen it (only UC show I have yet to see).

With mecha in general, I tend to prefer the more realistic "Real Robot" shows. With the exception of Gurren Lagann and G Gundam (and maybe GaoGaiGar in the future), I tend to avoid Super Robot shows.

Also, what are the key episodes of the series that you're talking about?

Edited June 10, 2008 by Rune Walsh

[Valkyrie addict]

Macross 7 has some very key episode that makes the show somewhat interesting, I don't like Macross 7, but I don't hate it, the problem with it, is that the animation is crap, the plot doesn't get interesting until about halfway show, the character, mechaa and enemy design is ridiculous and the whole song energy/anima spirita thing is a bit annoying, and of course, I have to say it... Basara is not an easy character to like, and the stupid unresolved love triangle...oh yes... planet dance is played to death

anyway, answer to your question, key episodes in Macross 7 are the episodes where the whole Varuata (protodevlin), Protoculture thing is explained, introduction of the VF-19 and VF-22, fleet battles and the last episodes are sorta epic

[Master Dex]

Perhaps an alternate point of view on the Mac7 decision from a guy who chose not to watch it (at least right now).

I didn't bother to take the time to watch Macross 7, mostly because it's 50 episodes long and I don't have that kind of time, but also because I'm pretty sure it isn't for me. I instead read a long explanation of what happened in the show so I know what was there and some of that information has helped in my understanding of stuff in Frontier. So at the very least know what happed in 7 if you aren't going to watch it, it helped me and now I don't really feel obligated.

As for the type of Macross fan I am... well I was introduced through Robotech and I was initially drawn to that due to the pretty Valkyrthens (then knowing them as Veritechs), fast forward and I discovered the real good stuff and I've been a Macross fan ever since. I enjoy the music aspect of the show actually and I am loving the songs from Frontier a lot, however I just don't want that to be the main point of the series as it is with Macross 7, I still do like mecha action a lot and I'm an engineering student so I see mecha in my own special way sometimes, I dissect everything they do and especially how they transform, I had a good working knowledge of how the VF-25 transformed by freeze framing the Deculture edition episode before the rest of the show started. I still see some people wondering how its transformation works, so I chalk that up to my mechanical mind. So basically if I had a list of the best episodes of Mac7 that didn't involve just the song bit and included all the stuff I like (mecha porn, music not being sole focus, and character interaction) then I'd probably watch those.

[nemesis_trooper]

Macross 7 has some very key episode that makes the show somewhat interesting, I don't like Macross 7, but I don't hate it, the problem with it, is that the animation is crap, the plot doesn't get interesting until about halfway show, the character, mechaa and enemy design is ridiculous and the whole song energy/anima spirita thing is a bit annoying, and of course, I have to say it... Basara is not an easy character to like, and the stupid unresolved love triangle...oh yes... planet dance is played to death

anyway, answer to your question, key episodes in Macross 7 are the episodes where the whole Varuata (protodevlin), Protoculture thing is explained, introduction of the VF-19 and VF-22, fleet battles and the last episodes are sorta epic

To tag on to Valk addict's reply - you can also take a quick read of the wiki entry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macross_7

But only if you can tolerate spoilers etc. If I could go back in time, I probably would have just read the wiki and then sped through each episode until an impt plot point is happening.... I think the OVAs were pretty ok though and yes the music IS nice but overplayed...

[shogun029]

Ok, dumb question pending. Let me preface the question first: I've been watching Macross from the beginning and I've noticed that all depicted squadrons are made up of three or four aircraft. From what I understand UN Spacy took its cues from the U.S. Navy for its designations and rankings. One would assume that they would adopt similiar squadron formation procedures as well. A squadron in the U.S. Navy typically consists of between 12 and 24 aircraft. Now I understand that the creators of Macross most likely would not have wanted to nor been able to develop the characters of 12 to 24 different pilots. That's understandable. That would explain why from the opening battle of the movie it is obvious that squadrons are made up of 4 planes each (see Apollo and Angel Squadrons). But what I don't understand is the way they numbered each squadron member's VF-1 in DYRL. For example, Roy Focker's VF-1S is numbered 001 which is fitting since he's the squadron leader, "Skull Leader." However, Hikaru's VF-1A is numbered "11" and is referred to as "Skull 11." Likewise with Kakizaki's and Genius' VF-1As being designated "Skull 12" and "Skull 13," respectively. Why didn't they just number Hikaru's, Kakizaki's and Genius' VFs as 'Skulls 2, 3 and 4?' In Frontier it seems that they've adopted that procedure (Ozma is Skull Leader, Michel - Skull 2, Luca - Skull 3 and Alto - Skull 4). Does anyone know of any written material or of some other resource that would shed light on why they chose the numbers that they did and what they were thinking when they were writing DYRL?

[azrael]

Ok, dumb question pending. ... But what I don't understand is the way they numbered each squadron member's VF-1 in DYRL. For example, Roy Focker's VF-1S is numbered 001 which is fitting since he's the squadron leader, "Skull Leader." However, Hikaru's VF-1A is numbered "11" and is referred to as "Skull 11." Likewise with Kakizaki's and Genius' VF-1As being designated "Skull 12" and "Skull 13," respectively. Why didn't they just number Hikaru's, Kakizaki's and Genius' VFs as 'Skulls 2, 3 and 4?' In Frontier it seems that they've adopted that procedure (Ozma is Skull Leader, Michel - Skull 2, Luca - Skull 3 and Alto - Skull 4). Does anyone know of any written material or of some other resource that would shed light on why they chose the numbers that they did and what they were thinking when they were writing DYRL?

The numbering may be arbitrary to denote that there are more people in the squadron but that they aren't the focus. Keep in mind in Frontier, SMS is not the UNS. So they may or may not use the same numbering methodology, nor are they constrained by it because this is SMS and not UNS.

[JB0]

http://macross.anime.net/mecha/united_nations/index.html

Scroll down to the heirarchy section.

In the TV series, you're only introduced to Hikaru's team and Focker, the group commander. The rest of the group is anonymous. After his first promotion, Hikaru is leader of Vermilion team, with Max and Kaikizaki as his subordinates.

Presumably some of the brownies we see are the other Skulls.

the numbering in DYRL is presumably carried over from the TV series numbering.

Edited June 12, 2008 by JB0

[d3v]

http://macross.anime.net/mecha/united_nations/index.html

Scroll down to the heirarchy section.

In the TV series, you're only introduced to Hikaru's team and Focker, the group commander. The rest of the group is anonymous. After his first promotion, Hikaru is leader of Vermilion team, with Max and Kaikizaki as his subordinates.

Presumably some of the brownies we see are the other Skulls.

On that note, notice that S.M.S. seems to their fair share of brownies as well? We even see a few craft under repair from battle damage in episode 7.

[Master Dex]

Here is a question for people in the mecha know. I know about SWAG Energy Converting armor and what it does, but for what does SWAG stand? I assume it is an acronym for something.

[Morpheus]

Here is a question for people in the mecha know. I know about SWAG Energy Converting armor and what it does, but for what does SWAG stand? I assume it is an acronym for something.

The Compendium nor SK never explained what SWAG is, I think its left for fan to speculate.

- SWAG -> Super Wave Armour Generator?

[d3v]

Super Wonderful Acronym for Geeks.

[shogun029]

http://macross.anime.net/mecha/united_nations/index.html

Scroll down to the heirarchy section.

In the TV series, you're only introduced to Hikaru's team and Focker, the group commander. The rest of the group is anonymous. After his first promotion, Hikaru is leader of Vermilion team, with Max and Kaikizaki as his subordinates.

Presumably some of the brownies we see are the other Skulls.

the numbering in DYRL is presumably carried over from the TV series numbering.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Oh, and thanks for the link, JBO. Now that I look at the way a VF-1 tactical wing is set up, it would seem that there would be other members of Skull Squadron. At least it's closer to what a tradition squadron would look like. Although in the series, when Hikaru was named team leader in Focker's air group his Vermillion VF-1 was numbered 101. Kakizaki's was presumably 102 and Max's 103. Were they that far down the line from Skull Leader's 001?! Anyway, too bad the other anonymous veteran 'pilots' of the squadron aren't given even cursory looks in the series or in the movie. It would've been cool to see 12 valks with the Skull insignia on the attack in DYRL. They really had a chance to do that since they were condensing and adding new elements to the overall story anyway. Oh well. I'll keep dreaming. Thanks, again.

[Sumdumgai]

Now that I think about it, has anyone spotted any factory type ships in the Macross Frontier fleet? On the subject of valkyrie repairs, I wonder if they have a factory for producing valkyries on a separate ship, or if there's a facility in Frontier or one of the island ships.

[d3v]

Now that I think about it, has anyone spotted any factory type ships in the Macross Frontier fleet? On the subject of valkyrie repairs, I wonder if they have a factory for producing valkyries on a separate ship, or if there's a facility in Frontier or one of the island ships.

Frontier itself is much larger than City 7, so alot of thing that were part of separate ships in the 37th fleet are probably integrated into Frontier this time around.

[JB0]

Although in the series, when Hikaru was named team leader in Focker's air group his Vermillion VF-1 was numbered 101. Kakizaki's was presumably 102 and Max's 103. Were they that far down the line from Skull Leader's 001?!

Could be. Focker is a seasoned veteran. He was an ace during the Unification Wars.

Hikaru and company are raw recruits. They didn't even sign up until after the Macross launched.

[Gubaba]

Kakizaki's was presumably 102 and Max's 103.

Oh, it was worse than that...according to the old Imai model kits, Kakizaki was 111 and Max was 112. Later, Max's VF-1J was 202 and Millia's was 303.

[shogun029]

Oh, it was worse than that...according to the old Imai model kits, Kakizaki was 111 and Max was 112. Later, Max's VF-1J was 202 and Millia's was 303.

Sheesh, talk about low man on the totem poll....It's funny, though. I thought that Max and Milia each had their own flight (3 pilots assigned to them). Yet, their VFs were numbered even lower than when Max was just a new recruit.

[Dio]

Adding further to the "Skull 1, Skull 2, Skull 3" question:

The markings on the fighters I know of are as follows:

SMS 001 = Ozma

SMS 002 = ?

SMS 003 = Michel

SMS 004 = Luca

SMS 005 = ?

SMS 006 = ?

SMS 007 = Alto (formerly Gilliam)

Has it been figured out yet who the missing numbers are? I don't see any markings on the Konig Monster, which makes sense because it's sort of a special unit.

The only other option I could think of is Klan-Klan's trio (Pixies?). Having her as 002 and her wing-ladies as 005 & 006 might make sense from a ranking perspective, but why would Ozma's right-hand man (presumably - he seems more of a full-timer than Michel & Luca) get shifted to the #7 spot in the order?

Edited June 13, 2008 by Dio

[Zinjo]

Adding further to the "Skull 1, Skull 2, Skull 3" question:

The markings on the fighters I know of are as follows:

SMS 001 = Ozma

SMS 002 = ?

SMS 003 = Michel

SMS 004 = Luca

SMS 005 = ?

SMS 006 = ?

SMS 007 = Alto (formerly Gilliam)

Has it been figured out yet who the missing numbers are? I don't see any markings on the Konig Monster, which makes sense because it's sort of a special unit.

The only other option I could think of is Klan-Klan's trio (Pixies?). Having her as 002 and her wing-ladies as 005 & 006 might make sense from a ranking perspective, but why would Ozma's right-hand man (presumably - he seems more of a full-timer than Michel & Luca) get shifted to the #7 spot in the order?

The missing numbers are assigned to the VB-6 and the CF-25's. The Pixies are a separate squad, under the command of Ozma.

[Dio]

The missing numbers are assigned to the VB-6 and the CF-25's. The Pixies are a separate squad, under the command of Ozma.

Man, you'd think they could at least show who the missing 3 CF pilots are and give them names, not like there's a hundred or so to account for.

Answer is appreciated though!

[shogun029]

Man, you'd think they could at least show who the missing 3 CF pilots are and give them names, not like there's a hundred or so to account for.

That's exactly what I'm trying to say. I mean, it's not like you have to make them full-fledged characters on the show. But you could give one or two a cameo here and there and give names, rankings and numbers to the rest and you get deeper story with more backstories for the fans to get into and, let's not forget,...more toy sales!!!

[farmer_yohei]

Was there ever a summary episode or a clip episode that would sum up everything for mac 7? Or one near the middle of the series near where people say it gets good?

[Dio]

Was there ever a summary episode or a clip episode that would sum up everything for mac 7? Or one near the middle of the series near where people say it gets good?

I believe Episode 27 or 28, where they start using Song Energy, is where the series really gets going.

[Gubaba]

Sheesh, talk about low man on the totem poll....It's funny, though. I thought that Max and Milia each had their own flight (3 pilots assigned to them). Yet, their VFs were numbered even lower than when Max was just a new recruit.

My best guess is that they picked numbers that were easy to remember, not numbers that made sense.

[JB0]

My best guess is that they picked numbers that were easy to remember, not numbers that made sense.

It's also possible that the number has very little to do with rank or squadron position. It may just be based on how many planes the squadron's gone through.

...

Which would mean they were getting their butts kicked royally before Hikaru signed up. Never mind.