Macross / Robotech

The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (超時空要塞マクロス Chō Jikū Yōsai Makurosu) is an anime television series. Most of its animation (with edited content and revised dialogue) was adapted outside Japan for the first saga of Robotech. (Wikipedia)

In this category you will find all things related to both Macross and Robotech.

Robotech was one of the first anime released in the United States that largely managed to preserve the complexity and drama of its original Japanese source material. Produced by Harmony Gold USA, Inc. in association with Tatsunoko Prod. Co., Ltd., Robotech is a story adapted with edited content and revised dialogue from the animation of three different mecha anime series: The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada. Harmony Gold's cited reasoning for combining these unrelated series was its decision to market Macross for American weekday syndication television, which required a minimum of 65 episodes at the time (thirteen weeks at five episodes per week). Macross and the two other series each had fewer episodes than required since they originally aired in Japan as weekly series.

This combination resulted in a storyline that spans three generations as mankind must fight three destructive Robotech Wars in succession over a powerful energy source called "Protoculture" (Wikipedia).

There have been many different manufacturers of Macross and Robotech merchandise over the years.

The first licensor was Takatoku, who produced the original 1/55 Valkyrie toys, which revolutionized the industry with their “Perfect Transformation” system. Later, Bandai would get the molds and begin to produce new toys of the series. Gakken produced merchandise for the Mospeada series, later to become Robotech the Next Generation.

Meanwhile, Harmony Gold was preparing to license the toys in the USA. The main company producing Robotech toys in the USA during the shows original run was the Matchbox company. They imported some of the smaller mecha, as well as the large SDF-1 battle fortress. Matchbox also created a series of original toys and 3 3/4“ figures, as well as larger dress-up dolls for girls.

After Robotech had all but faded into obscurity, Playmates decided to re-introduce some of the Robotech toys into their Exo-Squad line.

In Japan, Yamato got the license to make an assortment of Macross toys, starting with toys from the anime Macross 7. American distributor Toycom intended on distributing these in the states but could not because of an injunction by Harmony Gold, who claimed they had the sole rights to Robotech in the USA.

After that fiasco, Toycom split and became two companies – Toycom and Yamato USA. Toycom secured the rights to Robotech toys in the USA and has come out with several different toy lines based on the property. Bandai and Yamato remain the primary manufacturers of Macross toys in Japan.

Macross Series (with Toys)

Robotech Series

See also:

Manufacturers


Review: Robotech Masterpiece Beta Vol.3

Well it only took 28 years but I finally got a BETA fighter to add to my Robotech collection and I am happy to report it is as awesome as you we have been led to believe.


Review: Macross Tactical Pod Regult

Arii’s 1/100 scale Regult Battle Pod from the Super Dimensional Fortress Macross TV Series is a great example. Manufactured and designed in 1982 this kit is one of the better kits from the line that builds up to a great representation of our favorite two-legged cannon fodder monster, although not without some minor faults.


Review: Chogokin Galia 4 Fold Set

This set is bittersweet. The scene where Michel's valk arrives and Ranka starts singing is one of my favorite scenes in all of Macross Frontier. It sends chills down my spine. The set itself is great, but the fact that it only gets used in gerwalk mode really bumms me out.


Review: Ichiban KUJI Premium Macross Frontier Raramia's Queadluun-Rea

Raramia's Queadluun-Rea done all cute and cuddly from Macross Frontier.


Review: Chogokin VF-25 Ghost & Weapons Set (Tamashii Web Exclusive)

Not a lot of essential parts in this set, so maybe I can understand why this was a mail-away, but still, the whole concept leaves a sour taste in my mouth.


Review: Chogokin RVF-25 Messiah Valkyrie Luca Custom

Let's be fair, the toy is not terrible, it just has one terrible mode.


Review: Ichiban KUJI Premium Macross Frontier VF-25F (Super Deformed)

Alto'S VF-25F! (Now In Super Deformed Flavor...)


Review: Ichiban KUJI Premium Macross Frontier Klan's Queadluun-Rea (Super Deformed)

Klan's Queadluun-Rea in Super Deformed Style.


Review: 1/10 Mospeada Armor Cycle VR-052T (Ley Type)

Time to review Ran...er, I mean ... Ley (or is it Ray?!). Who knows, what I do know that it is more awesome goodness from Beagle and Toynami with the 2nd release in their Mospeada line. HD Video included!


Review: Macross YF-19 Fold Booster & Fast Pack

The Fold Booster & Fast Pack set completes the Yamato 1/60 YF-19

HD Video review included!


Review: 1/60 YF-19 Valkyrie

Yamato has taken another stab at this iconic Valkyrie, this time in a larger, 1/60 scale.


Review: Macross VF-11B Thunderbolt with FAST Packs

Yamato knocks one out of the park with the under-loved third wheel of the Macross Plus trinity!


Review: VF-25S (Super Deformed)

Finally! A VF-25 that doesn't suck in Gerwalk mode and it's a 1/6th of the price of a ChogokinDX. I take a look at the VF-25S from Banpresto's Ichiban KUJI Premimum Macross Frontier lottery items.


Review: Chogokin VF-25G Michael Custom

I had planned on finishing up a different review today but I am so filled with hate over this thing that I had to let it out now. Time for me to put on my cranky pants as I review the VF-25G Michael Custom.


Review: Masterpiece Masterpiece Beta Fighter Vol. 2 - Red

The Masterpiece Beta Fighter Vol. 2 - Red is the second Masterpiece Beta released, and is essentially the same toy as the first release, save for different colors and a different head.


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