Newbie Questions on Macross

[azrael]

Does anyone know the origin of the term 'Gerwalk'. I know that the Japlish can get pretty crazy in Macross sometimes (with Macbeth/Megaroad/Megaload etc) but what was Kawamori's influence to name the intermdiate mode between fighter and battloid, gerwalk? Does it have any English language origins?

Ground Effective Reinforcement of Winged Armament with Locomotive Knee-joint

I kid you not.

http://www.anime.net/macross/story/glossary/index.html

[Skull00]

imode, azrael - thanks for the info. Now thats an acronym!

I wonder if Kawamori added the words that GERWALK stands for as an afterthought or at the same time as designating the intermediate mode as 'GERWALK'.

That also means GERWALK should always be written in all caps I guess.

[Pat Payne]

Does anyone know the origin of the term 'Gerwalk'. I know that the Japlish can get pretty crazy in Macross sometimes (with Macbeth/Megaroad/Megaload etc) but what was Kawamori's influence to name the intermdiate mode between fighter and battloid, gerwalk? Does it have any English language origins?

Accordign to Egan Loo, the name actually came from an early story treatment for Macross where the heroes' fighting machines were ostrich-legged 'mechs called "GA-WALKs" (Loo thinks the name came from a Japanese mispronounciation of the words "we walk"). The original sponsors, still lookign for the next Gundam, were not impressed, and the idea was shelved in favor of the more humanoid, more Gundam-like robots of the "breast fighters" and Valkyries. When Takatoku toys sent a test model of a Valk toy to Kawamori, the ratchets on the legs failed, swinging them down into an approximation of the proposed GA-WALK. Kawamori then put the GA-WALK mode into Macross as the GERWALK.

Hope this helps

[Effect]

How serious were Roy and Claudia in SDF Macross? From watching the Macross Saga and other release Robotech seems to make them pretty close. Are they in a serious relationship in Macross or does Roy flirting with other women stop that?

[Anubis]

They were a solid couple in the show.

[Effect]

Thanks. That's good to know. Now Claudia just needs to show up in Macross Zero.

[Druna Skass]

As of the 2040's are there any active Grand Cannons?

[JB0]

Does anyone know the origin of the term 'Gerwalk'. I know that the Japlish can get pretty crazy in Macross sometimes (with Macbeth/Megaroad/Megaload etc) but what was Kawamori's influence to name the intermdiate mode between fighter and battloid, gerwalk? Does it have any English language origins?

Accordign to Egan Loo, the name actually came from an early story treatment for Macross where the heroes' fighting machines were ostrich-legged 'mechs called "GA-WALKs" (Loo thinks the name came from a Japanese mispronounciation of the words "we walk"). The original sponsors, still lookign for the next Gundam, were not impressed, and the idea was shelved in favor of the more humanoid, more Gundam-like robots of the "breast fighters" and Valkyries. When Takatoku toys sent a test model of a Valk toy to Kawamori, the ratchets on the legs failed, swinging them down into an approximation of the proposed GA-WALK. Kawamori then put the GA-WALK mode into Macross as the GERWALK.

Hope this helps

*ahem*

Let me just say this:

GERWALK is easily my favorite mode, and if it's presence is due solely to a defective toy prototype, then I love Takatoku.

[azrael]

As of the 2040's are there any active Grand Cannons?

Don't know about the "active" part, but yes the Grand Cannons still exist (IIRC, there is still one in Brazil, Africa). Active? Most likely no. Heck, they barely had the one in Alaska up and running by SWI.

[Agent ONE]

As of the 2040's are there any active Grand Cannons?

Don't know about the "active" part, but yes the Grand Cannons still exist (IIRC, there is still one in Brazil, Africa). Active? Most likely no. Heck, they barely had the one in Alaska up and running by SWI.

Are you sure about the Brazil thing?... I think that might be a Robotech Uprising thing.

[gian7675]

Question!

I just want to ask where is it mentioned that the Megaroad disappeared?

I thought that it was the Megaroad that populated the other planets like the one in Macross Plus where the YF-19 & YF-22 were being tested.

I was quite surprised to learn that the Megaroad went MIA along with its crew and passengers. Can someone please enlighten me on this? I apologize if this topic was already discussed here

gian7675

[JB0]

Question!

I just want to ask where is it mentioned that the Megaroad disappeared?

I thought that it was the Megaroad that populated the other planets like the one in Macross Plus where the YF-19 & YF-22 were being tested.

I was quite surprised to learn that the Megaroad went MIA along with its crew and passengers. Can someone please enlighten me on this? I apologize if this topic was already discussed here

gian7675

YF-21, not YF-22.

And there were several Megaroads. The one Hikaru, Misa, and Minmay were on was lost in space.

...

Though Eden was a diffrent colonization mission than the Megaroads, by virtue of being a near-earth planet. The Megaroads are for colonizing planets half a galaxy away. Eden's just a few stars over(less than 12 light years from Earth).

According to the Macross Compendium( http://macross.anime.net/ ), contact wit the Megaroad 1 was lost in 2016, 4 years after it's launch and 24 years before Macross Plus takes place..

[kensei]

i came across this Valkyrie on one of my old disks. What the hell is this valk meant to do? Hunt whales? Never in my Macross career have I seen this valk on Macross world or any other show. I have not seen any Flashback or Macross 7, is it in any of these series? It's really weird!

Edited November 1, 2003 by kensei

[azrael]

i came across this Valkyrie on one of my old disks. What the hell is this valk meant to do? Hunt whales? Never in my Macross career have I seen this valk on Macross world or any other show. I have not seen any Flashback or Macross 7, is it in any of these series? It's really weird!

That is the VT-1C from Macross Dynamite 7. It is a civilian VF.

http://www.anime.net/macross/mecha/united_.../vf1/index.html

[JB0]

And yes, that version as equipped IS for whale hunting.

[kensei]

And yes, that version as equipped IS for whale hunting.

And I meant that as a joke.

[JB0]

And yes, that version as equipped IS for whale hunting.

And I meant that as a joke.

Ain't Macross 7 amazing?

[Capt_Bob]

Greetings, this is my first post here at Macross World.

Anyway, I was thinking about the relationship between the Zentradi, the Protoculture, and the Marduk. My theory is that the Protoculture created them first and gave them a limited groking of culture (ie useing music to "pump up" their warriors). Later on, the Marduk cast off the shackles of Protoculture rule. After that the Protoculture created the Zentradi we all know and love without any groking of culture to control them more easily. What do you think? Now I know that Kawamori san has disowened Macross II and has declared it Non-Canon, but it's just something I was thinking of.

[azrael]

Anyway, I was thinking about the relationship between the Zentradi, the Protoculture, and the Marduk.  My theory is that the Protoculture created them first and gave them a limited groking of culture (ie useing music to "pump up" their warriors). Later on, the Marduk cast off the shackles of Protoculture rule. After that the Protoculture created the Zentradi we all know and love without any groking of culture to control them more easily. What do you think? Now I know that Kawamori san has disowened Macross II and has declared it Non-Canon, but it's just something I was thinking of.

I think you need to start your own thread because this is an opinionated question and not a Q&A-type question. This thread is only for Q&A and not for debate.

* It's question and answer format only. Nothing more.

Thank you. Come again.

Edited November 2, 2003 by azrael

[Druna Skass]

What is Zola's diplomatic status with the UN Government? Is it allied, annexed, just buys stuff from them?

[Capt_Bob]

Anyway, I was thinking about the relationship between the Zentradi, the Protoculture, and the Marduk.  My theory is that the Protoculture created them first and gave them a limited groking of culture (ie useing music to "pump up" their warriors). Later on, the Marduk cast off the shackles of Protoculture rule. After that the Protoculture created the Zentradi we all know and love without any groking of culture to control them more easily. What do you think? Now I know that Kawamori san has disowened Macross II and has declared it Non-Canon, but it's just something I was thinking of.

I think you need to start your own thread because this is an opinionated question and not a Q&A-type question. This thread is only for Q&A and not for debate.

* It's question and answer format only. Nothing more.

Thank you. Come again.

My bad, sorry. Here's a true question: Other than cosmetic differences, what are the differences between the VF-1J, A, and S Valkyries?

[JB0]

Here's a true question: Other than cosmetic differences, what are the differences between the VF-1J, A, and S Valkyries?

Short answer: not much.

Long answer:

The J has an extra laser.

The S has 3 extra lasers, improved electronics, and slightly more powerful engines.

Later models of the VF-1 all have the same hardware as the S, so the S only gets the weapon/engine bonuses.

And once you get to the modernized VF-1X series, the VF-1SX(or whatever the proper designation is) has the same engines as all the others(which is better htan the original VF-1S engines).

Mainly it's a prestige thing. Only leaders get the J and S models.

Source:

http://macross.anime.net/mecha/united_nati.../vf1/index.html

[azrael]

What is Zola's diplomatic status with the UN Government? Is it allied, annexed, just buys stuff from them?

Probably allied. The Zola Patrol, for obvious reasons, is just the law enforcement for that planet (and probably the surrounding space). And since the scope of MD7 was quite small (only a coastal town and only limited to Zola's jurisdiction), there really isn't a clear idea.

[Druna Skass]

Do all the Meltran and Zentran gunboats have firepower equal to the Macross's? It just seemed to me that that ship had firepower comparable to the larger Zentran ships.

[JB0]

Do all the Meltran and Zentran gunboats have firepower equal to the Macross's? It just seemed to me that that ship had firepower comparable to the larger Zentran ships.

Likely.

You have to remember that a gunboat is basically just a floating cannon.

The larger vessels weren't intended to be used solely as big guns. So they didn't carry a weapon as large proportionately as a gunboat would.

The Macross is overpowered for it's size because that's what gunboats are.

[TheGoldenGod]

A quick question. I've only seen the Robotech series and I was wondering what type of relationship the Zentradi and Meltrandi have in the Macross TV series? Are they fighting eachother like they are in DYRL? Is there even a distinction between the two of them in the series?

[Pat Payne]

While they're not fighting each other as in DYRL (the Meltrandi were the stand-ins for the Supervision Army in that movie), they don't like each other very much in the TV series, as you can see by the antagonistic relationship between Kamujin and Millia. This was due to the influence of the Protocultures, who segregated male and female Zentrans to keep a monopoly on reproduction, as well as to keep their fighting spirits honed (as we see with Millia, the Zentradi killer instinct gets dulled once Cupid's arrow hits)

[JB0]

While they're not fighting each other as in DYRL (the Meltrandi were the stand-ins for the Supervision Army in that movie), they don't like each other very much in the TV series, as you can see by the antagonistic relationship between Kamujin and Millia. This was due to the influence of the Protocultures, who segregated male and female Zentrans to keep a monopoly on reproduction, as well as to keep their fighting spirits honed (as we see with Millia, the Zentradi killer instinct gets dulled once Cupid's arrow hits)

I thought Kamjin hated everyone anyways.

[Smiley424]

I'm currently watching Macross 7 and had some questions.

1) Why does Battle 7 transform into a robot mode in order for it to fire the Macross Cannon. The only reason the SDF-1 transformed was because the fold systems vanished and that was the only way for them to fire the Macross Cannon. I thought that in the Megaroad series of colonization ships, they did away with the transformation, I assume those ships fire their cannon in a manner similar to how the Zentran/Meltran ships did in DYRL. I like the design of the Battle 7 in robot form, its pretty sweet, but it doesn't make sense to me from a practical standpoint. I figure its a homage to the original SDF-1. Any other ideas/opinions?

2) I have the FX version of the series and at the end of the discs, after I've watched all the episodes, there are these little shorts that seem to flesh out the story a little more. I've seen one showing Gamlin while he was training under Millia and another showing how the first group of humans were enslaved by the protodevlin. I was just wondering if the shorts were part of the series or added in afterwards.

[Pat Payne]

While they're not fighting each other as in DYRL (the Meltrandi were the stand-ins for the Supervision Army in that movie), they don't like each other very much in the TV series, as you can see by the antagonistic relationship between Kamujin and Millia. This was due to the influence of the Protocultures, who segregated male and female Zentrans to keep a monopoly on reproduction, as well as to keep their fighting spirits honed (as we see with Millia, the Zentradi killer instinct gets dulled once Cupid's arrow hits)

I thought Kamjin hated everyone anyways.

Good point. However, we at least know that Millia reciprocates

[azrael]

1) Why does Battle 7 transform into a robot mode in order for it to fire the Macross Cannon. The only reason the SDF-1 transformed was because the fold systems vanished and that was the only way for them to fire the Macross Cannon. I thought that in the Megaroad series of colonization ships, they did away with the transformation, I assume those ships fire their cannon in a manner similar to how the Zentran/Meltran ships did in DYRL. I like the design of the Battle 7 in robot form, its pretty sweet, but it doesn't make sense to me from a practical standpoint. I figure its a homage to the original SDF-1. Any other ideas/opinions?

2) I have the FX version of the series and at the end of the discs, after I've watched all the episodes, there are these little shorts that seem to flesh out the story a little more. I've seen one showing Gamlin while he was training under Millia and another showing how the first group of humans were enslaved by the protodevlin. I was just wondering if the shorts were part of the series or added in afterwards.

1) Besides the "look-cool" effect, the transformation would increase the arc of fire without having to move the entire ship. Macross had this problem. When transformed, the main cannons only had a 90-degree arc of fire. If the cannons had to fire at a target beyond that arc, the whole ship would have to reposition itself. The New-Macross class accounted for this problem (and many others that plagued Macross). By having the gunship on an arm, they could significantly increase firing arc. The firing arc becomes almost a half sphere (360 by 180 by180, as in they could fire at any point or points in that coordinate range, think 3-D) without moving the ship as opposed to just a 90 degree 2-D arc.

2) Those are Macross 7 Plus! episodes. They are short episodes that were released with the video release of the series. They are meant to fill in story gaps/tidbits not vital to the series but background information and extras to the series.

[kensei]

After looking at Macross Zero this question kind of came up. After DYRL? the rest of the Macross series kind of really followed off from the movie didn't it? I mean:

1. Macross Zero,the cockpit control system of the VF-0 Phoenix seemed to be predecessor to the VF-1 controls in DYRL. Why go to an inferior style of controls as shown in the TV series and back again in Macross Plus and onwards?

2. The Zentraedi. Exedol especially. Macross 7, even though I haven's seen him yet, looks more like Exedol in DYRL? than in the TV series.

To clarify my question, they pretty much SORT of disowned the TV series as part of Macross and shoved in DYRL? to take its place didn't they? I know thatDYRL? was a movie depicting the events of the TV series, but it really looks like the creators have based prequels and sequels of Macross exclusively off DYRL?.

[Druna Skass]

As far as Exedol goes this should explain him, straight from the Compendium.

Although he was Micloned at one time, he purportedly returned to his former Zentradi size and realtered his body makeup for fear of losing his cerebral capacity and memories.

[Druna Skass]

I know Britai becomes the UN Spacy CinC, but where is his command center located? You don't see him aboard the Macross in Plus, and I think his ship was one of the one that left with the SDF-2.

That's what's always bothered me about Macross 7, I'd assume once a Protodevlin threat was confirmed Exedol Max and Millia would have been on a line with Britai.

Edited November 8, 2003 by Druna Skass

[azrael]

I know Britai becomes the UN Spacy CinC, but where is his command center located? You don't see him aboard the Macross in Plus, and I think his ship was one of the one that left with the SDF-2.

Britai did not leave with Megaroad-01. His ship escorted Megaroad-01 out of the system. His appointment to UNS's chief was in 2016, well after Megaroad-01 left. I highly doubt Britai would be the one to talk to since the Protodevlin were more of a problem for Operations. The chain of command would go to Operations first. In fact, I doubt Britai, after 30 years, would have very little dealings with Operations.

After looking at Macross Zero this question kind of came up. After DYRL? the rest of the Macross series kind of really followed off from the movie didn't it? I mean:

1. Macross Zero,the cockpit control system of the VF-0 Phoenix seemed to be predecessor to the VF-1 controls in DYRL. Why go to an inferior style of controls as shown in the TV series and back again in Macross Plus and onwards?

...

To clarify my question, they pretty much SORT of disowned the TV series as part of Macross and shoved in DYRL? to take its place didn't they? I know thatDYRL? was a movie depicting the events of the TV series, but it really looks like the creators have based prequels and sequels of Macross exclusively off DYRL?.

BTW, The VF-0 is just called VF-0. No "Phoenix".

More money = better designs and less gimmicks. If you look at the control panels of the original series, there were a lot of switches and buttons. The original series wasn't disowned, it was just gimmicky. When we got to DYRL?, things became less gimmicky and more functional. Having a bunch of big "F", "G" and "B" knobs are kinda funky. The DYRL? control set is much more functional than the original series. Same with the flight suits. The flight suits became bulkier to reflect a more functional use. It would be kinda funny if the pilots in Macross wore those tight flight suits....oh Millia did in M7...but even then they fixed the collar/neckpiece. The suits used later in Macross reflect a more functional suit rather than the spandex look. It's a more realistic approach to the designs as to gimmicks.