sketchley

No. Though there is a diffence in effect: people generally have soft lines and tones, mecha generally have angular lines and hard differences between tones. Technically, only inking requires true artistic skill, as any monkey with a computer with the right software can apply tones and shade. Though, the real skill comes in placing light sources, shadow and whatnot correctly. Impossible if you don't have a base background in art. CG skills are a whole different ballgame, and it is recommended to not invest serious cash into software and training until you are certain that you'll be able to use the skills, and the software fits your needs for the immediate future. (Of course, there are plenty of free and/or short-term trial software available. Try them out.) Mecha-artistry, to be honest, I don't think Macrossworld is the best place to be asking these kinds of questions. This site is primarily devoted to the toys of Macross. There are few artists here. I recommend http://www.deviantart.com/ You will also find a lot of mecha that people have drawn on the site. http://search.deviantart.com/?section=brow...3A5&q=mecha Perusing the variety of images available is a good way to figure out what works, and what doesn't. My bottom line answer to this topic is: if you're serious, start with pencils and inking only. They make or break mecha art. Tones and shading only enhance great line art. The best mecha art, in fact, doesn't need anything on the pencils or inks! Of course, experiment to your hearts content, just beware of the fallicy of American comic art: colour (and by extension tones and shading) does not make up for bad art!

http://www.google.co.jp/search?hl=ja&q...macross&lr=

Hardy har har. A more technical explanation is warranted, please and thank you; because the technical jargon removed, common internet English using explanation has caused the confusion. Technical jargon full explanation: FAST Packs are filled with reactant. Reactant being used both as fuel for the thermonuclear engines of a VF's engine nacelles, as well as being used, whilst in an atmosphere-less environ as the substance used to move through the engine to provide thrust.

Then please explain why: a) they explode violently when damaged and b) why all publications that refer to them as such, use the term FAST, even in Japanese? (You can spot the acronym buried in Japanese text, as roman letters are used.) Eg: "TIA Special: Macross Plus", Pg. 58.

Just glancing at it, it looks like the list is pretty much correct. Some notes: the VF-11D Kai and VF-22 Transatmospheric Super Parts are the same, and they are also used in Sound Energy/Spiritia Warfare. the transatmospheric and atmospheric packs/parts contain (if I remember the translation correctly) a scram jet engine.

Perhaps it's better to think of them as gas tanks. There is armour on them, but it is to prevent the gas within the tank from exploding when the VF is hit. Would you use a gas tank as a shield?

Agreed. However, it is difficult for a particular poster to be vague and specific in different threads. Good questions. The only answers that I can come up with are that Shoji Kawamori is a stickler for real world details. As such, he most likely uses the real world definition of FAST packs. In terms of VFs, that would apply only to the engine nacelle additions, as they most closely resemble the real world definition in function, shape, and design. This also justifies and explains why there has been a steady shift to Super Parts and Super Packs. One other piece of trivia is that the specific names for this extra parts disappear after DYRL. (Eg. NP-BP-01. Though, in this particular case, the number only refers to the engine and fuel part, as the forward weapon (HMMP-02 and RO-X2A) should be considered as supplemental and (apparently rapidly) exchangable parts to the base unit.) As near as I can determine, the split is Macross Plus and 7. I think it's due to Macross Plus being marketed towards fans from SDFM and DYRL, whereas Macross 7 was marketed towards a younger audience, new to Macross. Yes, and in some cases no. In some of the cases, the words used are directly taken from English (スーパーパック). In other cases, there are non-English words used that are translated, and may or may not need some "tweeking" to better fit into both Macross (specifically) and English (in general) common usage. In some rare cases, the creators of Macross have demanded that specific non-literal translations be used, despite the requested word having little or nothing to do with the original Japanese (Supervision Army vs. Inspection Army.) I am most leery of this last one, as non-native speakers of English don't tend to have the same understanding of English. (Everyone knows of the Bubble Economy, right? One Japanese economist recently tried to coin the term Froth Economy. Froth being many little bubbles. However, I understand the word as meaning more than gas contained within a membrane. Think dog frothing at the mouth.) Anyhow... the safest bet is the literal translation, as many people are reading and translating the same material. There's commonality and less likelihood of people claiming a mistranslation in the future. On the one hand, they may not fit the real world definition. On the other hand, it may be a deliberate "dumbing down" of the technical aspects to make it more accesable to the consumer. There may also be a difference that hasn't been translated, or defined and written down by Shoji Kawamori. (I'm basing the definition of FAST as Fuel and Sensor Tactical Packs. The more recent packs and parts don't (appear) to have any sensor capabilities. But that's just my thoughts.) Try establishing a common category (additional parts or equipment) and then add the translated names within the category with whatever technical information is available. Also, the YF-19 has FAST packs, and the VF-19 has the Transatmospheric Booster(s). I'd go with those being both their specific names as well as describing their function. I'd go with what's newer = more precedence. Afterall, MPM takes precedence over the TIA The Select: SDF:M, and TIA The Select: DYRL takes precedence over MPM. Shoji Kawamori, or Studio Nue, or Big West, tend to reveal different (and oft exclusive) bits and pieces as time goes by. I only noticed the rapid exchangeablity of the HMMP-02 and RO-X2A from a combination of Tenjin Hidetaka Valkyries and Kawamori Shoji Design Works; and they are the latest published books on Macross to date. (Not counting that NHK review of DYRL that was released a couple of months ago. Nothing new aside from some staff interviews.)

The VF-22 also has 3 internal pallets. With the VF-19P, the internal pallets have been replaced by a pair of dog-fight missile launchers (presumably to not give the Zolans excessive military capabilities. Limited FAST packs are also seen mounted on their VF-5000G.) Other VFs have internal pallets (VF-17, some of the Super Parts for the VF-11) too. The VF-22S, VF-11C, VF-11D Kai, VF-19, VF-5000G and VF-3C Kai all have "FAST packs" that are useable both in atmosphere and space. The reason why I put FAST packs in quotes is because they are not referred to as FAST packs, but as Transatmospheric** Super Parts (22 & 11D kai), Atmospheric Super Parts* (VF-11C), Transatmospheric** Booster (VF-19), Transatmospheric** Booster Pack (VF-5000G. Though, there is a rough design of Transatmospheric** Super Parts for the VF-5000 (unclear if it is all models or only the G) as well), and Transatmospheric Boosters for the VF-3C.) The VF-17's additions are named Super Packs (スーパーパック). From the translations I have done, no VF designed after Macross Plus (placing Macross Plus before Macross 7 here) have had FAST packs. Even the Ghost X-9 in Macross Plus has Super Parts. *Lower page 121 of "Shoji Kawamori Macross Design Works". These are the exception, since they only operate in an atmosphere. ** This is my translation of 大気圏内外両用. More literally, it'd be 'atmosphere inside and outside dual use'. Thus transatmospheric.

I think those releases are called "special editions". Though, that might just be how they are referred to here in Japan. I never shopped for DVDs in Canada, so I don't know if they are called the same thing or not there. Movie titles do tend to change when brought to Japan, Korea, and other countries. ("Die Hard 4.0" being a timely example.) The "Abyss" directors edition may have happened after Terminator 2. I don't profess to be a James Cameron expert. My top 3 for director's cuts are: "Das Boot", "Lord of the Rings", and "Alien". All three substantially improved the story, and its scope.

Have you seen the director's cut/rerelease? Released after Titanic, and James Cameron took his own money and filmed (or completed the special effects in some shots?) to complete the movie the way he originally wanted it to be? Comparing the two versions (director's vision cut and studio the-film-gets-released-now-despite-it-not-being-completed-make-a-movie-out-of-what-you-have cut) is quite striking. If I remember correctly, in Canada (or at least BC,) if you left a movie within the first 30 minutes (and still retain the ticket stub,) you'll get a refund (not sure if it's a full or partial refund, or simply a coupon to see a different movie.)

Ehh? Well, that's a lot simplier than having the source text pointed out. Thanks. I'll revise my original statement: VF engines in an atmosphere = VERY effecient with fuel, inefficient with heat. VF engines in space = VERY inefficent with fuel, extremely efficient with heat. The additional transatmospheric scramjet (I think that's the translation) FAST packs, as seen in Macross 7, are for compensating the reduced engine performance in an atmosphere, in addition to more munitions.

http://macross.anime.net//mecha/united_nat...yf19/index.html I've always interpreted that line as "in space, the speed is 40 to 60% of that in atmosphere". My reasons are mostly on sentence parsing (I would really like to know the specific books and page numbers Egan Loo references in the creation of his stats, as only the source Japanese will truly clear this up,) as well as a little bit on what I remember from a text by Tom Clancy on jet fighers.

Heightening the sense of realism and/or distancing the project further from the SDF:M export-to-the-USA legal hurdles (note the lack of everything from SDF:M. Even the character designs are radically different.)

There's no, one, cover-all answer. I have also not heard of something called a mecha artist until this thread (though, that does not mean that such a thing doesn't exist.) I have heard of mecha designers. There are plenty of those (especially in anime); though I don't know how easier or difficult it is to learn about their wages. My guess is that they are essentally freelance artists, as they (appear to) work from project to project, and not necessarily with the same studio or production company. I think looking at graphic artists would be another guide to potential income. The major criteria is one and only one thing: will people buy it?* I don't have anything else to add to what has already been said (aside from less talking, and more arting!). * This is from both the artist to the production company, and also the production company to the public.

FYI the last set of photos come from the '80's. If I'm not mistaken, it's from a book about amusing but failed Japanese inventions. The sign on the lady's hat says "wake me up when I get to ### station." The series of pictures is missing another one - a toilet plunger and what amounts to a noose. Attached to the ceiling allowing the user to sleep standing up. Before I moved to Japan, I felt that the inventions to aid on sleeping on the train were amusing. Now, I don't. I actually sympathise, as there have been many a night (sometimes morning) were I've wanted to do the same!

改 = alter, renew, reform. For best English comprehension, make the verbs past tense.

VF engines in an atmosphere = VERY effecient (only reactant used is to power the engines, thrust comes from the atmosphere being heated by the engine and exiting.) VF engines in space = VERY inefficent (reactant is used to both power the engines and get thrown out the rear of the engine to create thrust.) The AVF have uber powerful engines, in an atmosphere. Out in space, they have cooling problems, and cannot provide as much thrust as when in an atmosphere. Nevertheless, even the AVF gets the additional transatmospheric scramjet (I think that's the translation) FAST packs in Macross 7.

Illos, aka illustrations. No. If you learn how to draw the human body, and make dynamic poses, then you're well on the way to being a professional. Another thing you must do is to create your own stuff; be that new art based off of existing designs, or entirely new designs of your own creation. Here is an example: http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/58294071/ (I drew it for inclusion in a fanzine about a decade ago.) The key elements to it are: storytelling, dynamic energy, a sense of movement, focal point(s), and the appearance of weight in the mecha. I don't consider myself a professional just yet, but I do consider that all professionals include those key elements (and more!) in their art. Actually, if you can accomplish that with ONLY black pen on white paper, you've got what it takes. Colour, shading, tone, etc., or only extras, and shouldn't be the crutches used to support bad line-art. You misunderstand. Not classes on mecha per se, classes on art in general. The basics are the human body and it's mechanics, shading, reproducing textures and so on. A healthy dose or awareness of graphic design definitely won't hurt either. The classes referred to are available anywhere with a competent educational facility. I'm not a United Statesian, never went to school in the USA, and have never lived there. You'll have to ask some of the residents or citizens of that country if you plan to go to school there. (I don't recommend it, as their current visa system is rather arcane, and they are rather xenophobic to foreigners, especially if one is non-white.) Some food for thought: what makes or breaks a good mecha series, is the characters. The storyline and mecha are secondary. Mecha by and large only serve the needs of the plot, and to become a professional, you need to be able to modify mecha designs as the directors and producers want and need (and not necessarily in the direction that you initially envisioned for the design.) In general, less-lines are better (case in point: the Macross Zero mecha are butt-ugly and terrible. Without colour, perhaps without movement, they are nigh-impossible to decypher. On the other hand, the Macross 7 mecha are the best VFs penned to date; as they are complex in their symplicity. Another angle to look from is: if you have to drawn hundreds of them per day, thousands per month, which would you prefer to do?) And (holy badly organized paragraph here!), in general, unique, heretofore unseen elements incorporated into mecha designs generally are the most successful. (Again, stessing a non-mecha related background of studies. Check Masamuni Shirow's work, as the inclusion of insect designs into his mecha is very clear. The way he incorporates those elements is also very different from other artists who have drawn insect-like mecha.)

Correction: real-world FAST packs provide both additional fuel and sensor capabilities (Fuel and Sensor Tactical packs). 1) Acceleration. The thermo nuclear engines have a finite supply of reactant (fuel), and the performance abilities of the engines allow for (at least until the AVF project) a "limited" acceleration curve. Both FAST packs and thermonuclear engines need fuel. VF-1 standard engines: 11,500 kg [x g] class (23,000 kg [x g] in overboost); FAST packs: 120,000 kg [x g] class (for 150 seconds at maximum thrust) From: http://macross.anime.net/mecha/united_nati.../vf1/index.html 2) Aside from additional armour protection (possibly specifically for the shoulder thrusters), I believe that they contain additional reactant (fuel).

Sometime after the discussion with Lestat, I stumbled across the "multiply" option (I think I read about it on the internet somewhere...) I've been using it ever since in the manga that I've been creating for the past year +. (I'm mentioning it as it's why the VF-5 project never continued. I had some ideas, ah well. I'm happier playing in my own universe, and not in someone else's.)

Nope. I could draw VFs from the first day that I saw them; just not very well. Years studying means extensive time looking and trying to figure out how they transform and fit together. I draw my own manga, and examining how other people achieved a particular look, effect, or whatnot, is part and parcel with the territory. How long does it take? That depends on two things: what you draw, and how much practice drawing it you do. Basically, if you don't practice multiple illos per day, then you're not getting anywhere fast. (Illos can be anything from doodles to finished pieces.) Mecha come in a variety of shapes, sizes, forms and whatnot. Some of them are easier to reproduce, and others are much, much harder. For me, VFs come easy, whereas a lot of the Gundam mecha (outside of the original series) are difficult, and those in 5 Star Stories are downright impossible. The key to becoming a professonal is this: are people going to buy your work? (Or are they going to buy it to sell it to others?) If you can't figure out what it takes to make an image sellable, then you'll never become a professional. This is the time that you and other buddying artists have to take a step back from the actual lines and paint that compose mecha, and ask critical questions like why do I (and/or other people) like this mecha/series/whatever? (I don't got no answers, so don't ask.) Some other things to do is to take some art classes. The afformentioned books are good for refreshing ones memory and learning a few tricks, but if you've never had a fellow artist, or better, a teacher, critique your work, you'll probably stay at the level of fan artist, and not grow the thick skin needed for professional work and the abuse that comes with it. Just read some of the terrible, and oft rude comments leveled at Shoji Kawamori in these forums!

Typhoon, earthquakes, multiple tsunami, (seasonal) monsoonal rains, and cicada. (and that's only the past 48 hours!) It's shaping up to be a normal Japanese summer! Though, the radiation leaks at the nuclear power plant are worrisome... The tremors weren't felt this time in Osaka Prefecture (though the ones last year in Ishikawa Prefecture, next door to Niigata Prefecture) were felt. It is a good reminder for us to check our earthquake emergency kits, as one never knows when the Great Nankai Earthquake will come... Thank you for the thoughts and concern, and please send the good will to the people affected in Niigata and Nagano.

What's in a name? A LOT! Evil Series = what became the Protodevlin. Evil series = nothing to do with Macross! It is referring to a series of something called Evil. evil Series = nothing to do with Macross! It is referring to something called Series which is evil. evil series = nothing to do with Macross! It is referring to a series (possibly a movie or TV one) which is evil. Not providing the correct name not only diminishes ones posts, it also fundamentally changes the meaning. It's like referring to the President as the president. Post what you mean, not something resembling what you mean. It fights off confusion; unless if you're being deliberately arguementative again. In that case: everyone, don't feed the troll! PS Eugimon, I had to read your post twice to confirm exactly what you're talking about. The dual word, dual capitalization, especially in the name Evil Series, is applicable to one and all. It's terms like this that leave me scratching my head as to why people have chosen to romanize Macross terms in non-standard ways. Personally, I prefer the standard Hepburn romanization, and in this case, the result would create something that would still be understood without proper capitalization.

Psst: did you see the edit?

It could be another ship in the Supervision Army fleet that sped by somewhere "close" to Earth. I'm not thinking along the lines of Macross 25 being about the Supervision Army at this point. However, one way to look at it is that Earth (or at least a select few on Earth) were aware of exo-solar life traveling the stars, and an enlarging of the scope of the Macross Background Story .