Macross Plus

Add to My List

Add to Favorites

Alternative Titles

Japanese: マクロスプラス

Information

Type: OVA

Episodes: 4

Status: Finished Airing

Aired: Aug 25, 1994 to Jun 25, 1995

Producers: Bandai Visual, Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Mainichi Broadcasting System, Studio Nue, Big West

Licensors: Manga Entertainment

Studios: Triangle Staff

Source: Original

Genres: Action, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi

Themes: Adult Cast, Mecha, Military, Space

Duration: 39 min. per ep.

Rating: R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

Statistics

Score: 7.71¹ (scored by 22,360 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #1204²

² based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #3159

Members: 48,615

Favorites: 444

Available At

Official Site

Resources

AniDB

ANN

Synopsis

The year is 2040 and the galaxy is flourishing with several colonies and advanced technology. AI is near perfection and the current top idol is the near-completed Virturoid Idol Sharon Apple. All that is missing are her actual feelings, which instead are supplied by Myung Fang Lone. Sharon's debut concert is on planet Eden, where at the same time, fighter pilots Isamu Dyson and Guld Bowman battle over air superiority for the "Supernova Project." Isamu, Guld and Myung were once childhood friends, but after an accident seven years ago, they went their own separate ways. With Myung back in the picture, the old disputes are once again awakened. And when an unstable and illegal AI technique is installed in Sharon, the situation is worsened.

(Source: ANN)

Edit

Background

No background information has been added to this title. Help improve our database by adding background information here.

Edit

Related Anime

Prequel:	Macross
Alternative version:	Macross Plus Movie Edition
Sequel:	Macross 7

More characters

Characters & Voice Actors

Dyson, Isamu Alva

Main

Yamazaki, Takumi
Japanese

Fang Long, Myung

Main

Fukami, Rica
Japanese

Bowman, Guld Goa

Main

Ishizuka, Unshou
Japanese

Apple, Sharon

Supporting

Hyoudou, Mako
Japanese

Masseau, Kate

Supporting

Takano, Urara
Japanese

Gueldoa, Marj

Supporting

Hayami, Show
Japanese

Marley, Reymond

Supporting

Ginga, Banjou
Japanese

Masseau, Morgan

Supporting

Yara, Yuusaku
Japanese

Johnson, Millard

Supporting

Utsumi, Kenji
Japanese

McMillan, Lucy

Supporting

Hayashibara, Megumi
Japanese

More staff

Staff

Watanabe, Shinichirou

Director, Storyboard

Kawamori, Shouji

Director, Storyboard, Mechanical Design, Creator

Mima, Masafumi

Sound Director

Oohara, Minoru

Episode Director

Edit

Opening Theme

	1: "Voices (English Version)" by Michelle Flynn (eps 1)
	2: "Idol Talk" by Akino Arai (eps 2)
	3: "Pulse" by Wu Yun Ta Na (eps 4)

Edit

Ending Theme

	1: "After, in the Dark" by Mai Yamane (eps 1-3)
	2: "Voices (English Version)" by Michelle Flynn (eps 4)
	2: "Voices" by Akino Arai (eps 4)

Reviews

Jun 1, 2007

Stormy_77

Recommended

It's unbelievable that there isn't a review extolling the virtues of this OVA so here's one. The Macross Plus series is directed by Shoji Kawamori and Shinichiro Watanabe (who later did Cowboy Bebop & Samurai Champloo), so Macross Plus is an early masterpiece and leading indicator/predictor that this Genius Anime Team will go on to make more masterpieces in the future.

It's been over ten years since I first watched Macross Plus (in 1994!) and I still remember nearly everything about it, probably because I've re-watched it many, many times.

*{{cue the time machine}}*
** note this was the dark ages before the internet got ...

Open

Gift

Sep 16, 2007

Washi

Recommended

Macross Plus is a 4-episode OVA series, produced by Studio Nue. Triangle Staff
and Bandai Visual. It was released in 1994, with an exceptional standard of production for its time, then oft considered the pinnacle of anime. Going back and watching the anime 12 years after it was produced, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I knew very little about it, only that it had a good reputation. I soon discovered that I would not be underwhelmed by the OVA, which presented a lavish production, strong (although not flawless) characterisation, and a unique plot. I feel now that my expectations were too low, and although ... it could have been better, the show was certainly a remarkable achievement upon its release, and remains even now a stunning anime, with real emotional impact, and provoking science-fiction themes. While it has a number of flaws that stop it from being as great as other anime I have seen, it has not been outdated in its themes or in its animation, and is an irrefutably entertaining watch.

The animation is just fantastic; I can truly understand what older fans are referring to when they reminisce on the hand-drawn animation of days passed. Although some (minimal) CG was used in Macross Plus, it was traditionally produced before the age of digicel. As such, this means the show lacks the crisp and vibrant look of some of the better more modern anime, but in contradistinction, there is a higher level of detail than what we could nowadays expect from all but the finest in anime. This is especially true of mechanical objects, such as the mecha and jets, which are rendered in beautiful detail with every frame, allowing for some of the most spectacular mecha and aerial fight sequences I have ever seen. The level of detail is high, and the fluidity is astounding at times, to the point where there seems to be more happening on screen than you can possibly appreciate. The aesthetics of the anime shine in other ways as well, such as the colourful and vivid displays of Sharon’s concerts, which prove that there is more to the animation than technical excellence. Of course, this was all made possible by the bloated production values this OVA was blessed with, and they are certainly one of the reasons that this OVA is really elevated above the crowd.

There is one more element to the production that deserves appraisal, and that is the music, composed by the masterful Yoko Kanno, which compliments the visuals so beautifully at times that it transforms the events unfolding into a profound experience. Given that a part of the story revolves thematically around a singer, much of the emotion the OVA evokes is triggered through song, particularly the beautiful vocals. Few composers/singers can accomplish this so powerfully as Yoko Kanno/Gabriela Robin, and while the score overall is not one of her best, when it really counts, the music is there to move the viewer. Most notably, the track Information High launches the viewer into the fourth episode with a climatic and energetic feel, while the exotic, alien-esque singing of ‘Torch Song’ makes one of the final emotional climaxes unforgettable. Music is always very important to me, and without Kanno’s excellent score, and the vocal talent involved, Macross Plus would not have been nearly as memorable.

The story is an aspect of the show that is not so great. While the core ideas that the plot is built upon are highly original, and the show does explore some excellent science-fiction themes (such as the nature of artificial intelligence verses the real human consciousness), the problem is in its execution, and in the array of smaller details that surround the plot. I felt that the pacing of the show was flawed, as it did not seem to progress in the optimal storytelling pattern of building up to a climax, but until the final episode just sort of meanders. Fortunately, the very strong ending episode, which pulls in all the loose plot threads for a fantastic conclusion, does make up for the lacklustre plot progression of the majority of the series and, being an OVA (rather than a TV series) the effects of such flaws in the pacing are not so unfavourable. The other problem with the story would include the plot threads relating to the personal involvement of the main characters, and the way their relationship in the past is used as a plot device in the present. While the dialogue on the show was well-written, the way Myung, Guld and Isamu’s history is gradually brought to light seemed sloppily done, remaining obscured for too long, so that their dramatic conflicts were often baffling rather than profound. And when we finally found out about what had torn them apart, it was laughed off and did not provide any extra emotional ‘kick’ to the resolution. It was almost as though the twist that Gurd was the one at fault all along was added as some kind of afterthought or as a last resort to wrap up the conflict between him and Isaumu.

I have several nitpicks when it comes to some of the show’s logic, most prominently is the question of HOW the Sharon hologram was able to projected from all angles in all places? It might sound pedantic but I thought that was a rather major flaw for a show that supposes itself science fiction. I mean, sure, technology is much more advanced, but I don’t see how they could possibly create such a hologram (unless it is powered by tiny robots in the air, but they would have to be able to move as fast as a jet plane in that case (as her image was projected from inside the moving jet in several instances). Or was the audience supposed to assume that at that point Sharon had become some kind of hallucination caused by her tampering with their brainwaves through her singing? I was lost.

The characters were somewhat of a mixed success, in that the fundamental characterisation is really very strong, but before long it becomes apparent that they lack a certain depth and believability that comes with well-developed characters. Isamu is easily the most interesting of the three; he is hot-headed and reckless, and he makes no excuses for himself. He exhibits character traits not often found in anime, and that makes him instantly stand-out. At times his thoughtless actions were very annoying, but he has enough redeeming qualities to be enjoyed as the ‘hero’ of the story. He is a character you both love to hate and hate to love. Gurd, on the other hand, is very plain, following the age-old stoic and ‘mature’ archetype. While his presence is definitely felt, his indifferent nature makes it hard to sympathise with him, and for most of the series his sole purpose was to get in the way of Isamu. Both of these pilots were annoying at times, because of their aggressive nature towards each other, which did not feel at all justified in the end. While it was perhaps part of their characters to be physically competitive, their immature melees made it hard to appreciate them as protagonists.

Myung’s character was nothing exceptional, but she was sufficient for the role. It was almost refreshing to see a female character in anime not being written with ‘moe’ as the crux of her character, but that’s what you tend to get going back in the anime time machine a few years. Having said that, she is also lacking in appeal in almost every sense of the word; she is portrayed as being almost completely vulnerable and indecisive when it comes to Gurd and Isamu, and even to her own life. She does not display any strong traits of elegance, sexiness, or cuteness, but is a rather unlikeable character who serves purely as the object of affection of the two male characters, and to allow for the themes of artificial intelligence superseding real humans. As such, most of her character points revolve around how her work with ‘Sharon’ has affected her, and whether or not she loves Gurd or Isamu.

I was impressed by this OVA series, for its amazing production values, unforgettable music, and highly original storyline. It took a whole new angle in approaching a traditional sci-fi subject matter, and made it emotional gripping and oddly poetic. Despite its flaws in characterisation and pacing, the anime was simply awe-inspiring at times, and is overall highly enjoyable. I recommend this to all anime fans, as it has been recommended to me, but in addition, let me say that it is not exclusively for mecha or science-fiction fans, it has a story that I think everyone can appreciate.

Open

Gift

Sep 1, 2015

Fel_Temp

Mixed Feelings

In the future, the world's most popular popstar is an AI. But little does the public know that she's incomplete and relies on the emotions of a human woman to perform. But what happens when these emotions cause the AI to act on its own? Sadly, this is the B plot, so you'll have to sit through scene after scene of some pilots being dicks to get your answer.

Seriously, this series really doesn't hold up. The characters are completely unlikable, and none of it makes much sense. Isamu might be one of my least favorite anime protagonists ever. ...

Open

Gift

More stacks

Interest Stacks

Yoko Kanno

by Zerosh

47 Entries · 4 Restacks

Anime aired in Russian tv ( PART 6 )

by Martisha_Veresk

50 Entries · 3 Restacks

Ani-Monday

by alicethehare

36 Entries · 37 Restacks

More recommendations

Recommendations

View All

More news

Recent News

Q3 2022 Anime & Manga Licenses [Update 9/9]

In this thread, you'll find a comprehensive list of anime and manga licensed in the second quarter (Jul-Sep) of 2022. Summer 2022 anime which were licensed befo...read more

Jul 2, 2022 1:13 PM by Snow | Discuss (17 comments)

More discussions

Recent Forum Discussion

Forgiving Guld major spoiler alert arimakenshin - Jan 8, 2009	6 replies	by Gatalis »» Feb 15, 12:29 AM
Macross Plus General Discussion arimakenshin - Jan 8, 2009	7 replies	by Gatalis »» Feb 15, 12:22 AM
Poll: Macross Plus Episode 1 Discussion HooHiraiBunny - Nov 19, 2009	25 replies	by usern0tsc00ter »» Nov 7, 2023 2:20 AM
Poll: Macross Plus Episode 4 Discussion ( 1 2 ) otoko_tenshi - Jan 18, 2009	52 replies	by Lucifrost »» Mar 26, 2023 9:49 PM
Poll: Macross Plus Episode 3 Discussion HooHiraiBunny - Jun 2, 2010	16 replies	by AdrianShephardt »» Mar 7, 2023 9:05 AM

Recent Featured Articles

Top 15 Best Mecha/Robot Anime of All Time

Mecha anime shows will never go out of style. Giant robots piloted by feisty teenagers or grizzled heroes is just such a cool concept. Let's take a look at ten of what I think are the best!

by MisterD98

586,537 views

Spoiler

Recommendation Action Director Sci-fi

Famous Actors You Didn't Realize Voiced Anime Dubs

Sometimes anime lands some big names to star in its English dubs. From Patrick Stewart to Bryan Cranston: these are the big name actors who make an appearance in anime… or at least, their voices do.

by Littoface

67,597 views

Collection Seiyuu

Macross Plus

Alternative Titles

Information

Statistics

Available At

Resources

Synopsis

Background

Visit MALxJapan
MALxJapan -More than just anime-

Related Anime

Characters & Voice Actors

Dyson, Isamu Alva

Fang Long, Myung

Bowman, Guld Goa

Apple, Sharon

Masseau, Kate

Gueldoa, Marj

Marley, Reymond

Masseau, Morgan

Johnson, Millard

McMillan, Lucy

Staff

Opening Theme

Ending Theme

Reviews

Interest Stacks

Recommendations

Recent News

Recent Forum Discussion

Recent Featured Articles

MoreTop Anime

MoreTop Airing Anime

MoreMost Popular Characters

Macross Plus

Alternative Titles

Information

Statistics

Available At

Resources

Synopsis

Background

Visit MALxJapan MALxJapan -More than just anime-

Related Anime

Characters & Voice Actors

Staff

Opening Theme

Ending Theme

Reviews

Interest Stacks

Recommendations

Recent News

Recent Forum Discussion

Recent Featured Articles

MoreTop Anime

MoreTop Airing Anime

MoreMost Popular Characters

Visit MALxJapan
MALxJapan -More than just anime-