Ranked #163

Macross Frontier

*A Stunning Revival of a 25 Years Old Series.*

"Simple, easy to comprehend plot. Skillfully developed love triangle. Masterpiece level animation and music."

To those who are new to the Macross franchise, you can find some info on it here. Now first to clarify a thing for those who are confused with the "Macross Frontier Deculture Edition". The difference is simply that the Deculture Edition is the "pilot episode" of the TV series. Another way of putting it is an OVA version of episode 1 of the TV series which was aired ~3 months later.

Taking place 47 years (story-wise) after the original series, Super Dimension Fortress Macross. We are now in the year 2059 AD. The Space War with the Zentradi was long since over and the new migration fleet, Macross Frontier, is now under attack by a new alien race. The story revolves around a love triangle and how the three cope with each other while dealing with the threats from the aliens.

The battle animations are absolutely STUNNING. Fluid CG battle animations to very detailed character outlook are very much the highly for the show. One can even tell that the background for most scenery were well thought out and well designed. Oh, and very consistent quality of animation.

"1st Anime Album in 11 Years to Rank in Japan's Top 3"

"Two Macross Frontier Singles in Japan's Weekly Top 10"

"All four of the Macross Frontier singles that have been released have debuted at #5 or higher."

How does that sound for starter? The Macross series were largely famous for its music as they all played an integral part in every single Macross title. However, one can say Macross Frontier have taken the anime song industry to a whole new golden era! Both the singer and seiyu responsible for singing the second OP won awards for their fabulous works.

A lot of characters developments happened in the latter half of the series making it a bit boring to watching in the beginning (as far as characters are concerned). However this is balanced by Sheryl Nome's character development which was extremely well done especially toward to the end of the series.We also be Alto and Ranka mature over time (albeit very late in the series).

The series as a whole was very well made with amazing sound effects and graphic. The love triangle between the 3 protagonists was interesting to watch as well. It was painful to see the show end, but at least it was announced that a movie is underway.


*Update on February 10, 2009*
If you liked Macross Frontier, you may be happy to know that it was voted by anime fans a week ago as THE anime of 2008. In addtion, May'n (Sheryl's singing VA) also got voted as one of the top anime singer. read more

This review is from the point of view of someone who does not like mecha anime and has never watched the Macross series from the beginning because when people mention Macross, they mention mecha. This fear was unfounded as I sat down to watch the first episode. Variable Fighters aren't mecha. I will say it again, Variable Fighters are not mecha. With my bias firmly established, let's go into my review.

The story itself is well executed with small revelations trickling in, tying together a bigger mystery. There's even a love triangle involved, which also insinuates itself very well to the action. Otherwise, there is nothing much different from the standard humans vs. aliens in a fight for survival kind of story that it really is.

Variable Fighters are sexy, so sexy its criminal. Yes they are the focal point of the show and yes, it deserves this praise. Character design, on the other hand, could use a little less glowy hair. In fact, Sheryl Nome looks like a woman who puts out, very very often because of it. They must have forgotten that they left the dial at 11. The setting and background are passable as well, no real blemishes and varied palettes make this one a winner.

Personally, I'm not a fan of pop music, but well it goes great with the anime, being centred around pop superstars anyway. Yes, I will also admit to having acquired the Original Sound track, by Yoko Kanno et al., who is one of my favourite composers. As I'm listening to it as I type this review, it does a fine job of standing alone and the chance remains high that I'll be leaving this on in the background as I do other things. The sound effects on the other hand, aren't that spectacular, doing a good job, but that's about it. Voice acting is well done, I can't say its bad. The tones really bring out the nuances in a character, which I applaud.

Speaking of characters, they are all well thought out. A point made during the show even calls into question Alto's motivation for fighting and its in that exploration that makes Alto such a good character. He really grows into his own and for once in a blue moon, does not have an emo moment as most child soldiers are want to do. Not to be outdone, supporting characters are even fleshed out well, Mikhail to name one. Cherish them, for you never know when they're going to be taken away from you.

Enjoyment? Well, let's just say I thought this was like watching a better Top Gun, IN SPACE. Awesome. This kind of makes me regret not having gotten in to Macross earlier. WellI think I'll go acquire Super Dimension Fortress Macross now. One last thing, Variable Fighters are not mecha, if you want to dispute that claim, please use my comments box. read more