Macross Frontier - Main Page

BACK TO BASICS: As a kid who grew up on reruns of '70s robot shows, the original Macross was a turning point in my anime viewing life. It was my first introduction to the new breed of anime in the '80s -- one that paid homage to the shows from the previous decade while adding just that extra level of detail to signal the jump to the next generation. (Much to my delight, that joyfully included swarms of homing missiles zigzagging across the screen.)

I loved, loved Macross. I also liked Macross Plus. Then I saw Macross 7, and my reaction could only be best explained by the sophisticated phrase, "WTF?" I mean, I understand that music plays a big role in Macross, OK? But big enough to have the main pilots fighting by singing and strumming musical instruments? I think, I'll pass.

Well, actually, I didn't exactly pass because I forced myself to watch the entire thing just because a friend was kind enough to record the whole series for me on videotape after renting the entire thing while in Japan. The only saving grace this series had for me was seeing Max and Miriya take part in dogfights toward the end the right way -- using traditional mech controls sans singing and guitars (there is a God!). Otherwise, the whole series to me was like watching a mime perform. I know there's art in there somewhere, but boy is it uncomfortable to watch. (And if you happen to be one of the folks who actually liked Macross Xanadu, er, 7, then more power to you.)

With that in mind, I approached Macross Frontier with some trepidation. I knew music is certainly going to be a major part of the series. But if I as much see the main pilot jump into a cockpit with a ukulele and start belting some glam rock against the invaders-du-jour, then I'm outta here. Much to my relief, the first episode had no such thing. The effeminate if not exactly original brooding main character aside, the souped up dogfights, along with the subtle and not-so-subtle homages to the original series really had me hooked (Alto's Valkyrie, for example, has a paint scheme and look that evokes memories of Hikaru's Valkyrie with white and black/red-trimming. Whee.). Now this looks like the Macross I know and love. Yes, the main character is a bit too pretty-boyish and has a first name that would make school bullies want to beat him up. But he also doesn't play a guitar and break into song while in the cockpit and that's good enough for me.

Episode 1: Close Encounter
Episode 2: Hard Chase