fuyuki's Blog

Anime Relations: Macross

Which Macrosses are worth watching?

Short answer: All of them.

Long answer: Personally, I think that every part of the franchise is worth watching. Even if some part is not as good on its own, it can make watching other parts more enjoyable. It's more rewarding to gradually see how the universum expands, adds new ideas, and references the old ones. However, if you don't like/don't feel like watching a certain part, you're free to drop/skip it and move onto the next one. All parts have stand alone plot (obviously except side stories/direct sequels like Macross 7 and Macross 7 Dynamite) and in most cases the only thing you'll be missing will be references to the previous parts (especially Frontier has a lot of them).



Important note before you start: don't be discouraged if you end up disliking some part - each one of them is different and unique, with different staff, story, music, atmosphere etc. Even if you hated some part, you can still love another one.



So, in what order should I watch Macrosses?

The release order is the best one. That said, as I already mentioned above, the parts usually aren't directly connected, so if you want to change the order and/or skip something - you're free to do so.

How to do it? Here's a detailed guide. All parts are mentioned according to the release order (so just stick to it if you don't want to skip anything - for a more detailed list which includes ALL the side stories, specials etc. go here after reading the guide):

• Macross TV series from 1982 - It's a classic and the very first part of the franchise. I consider this the best starting point, but I think it hasn't aged well in general. If you end up liking it - good for you. If you end up disliking it like I did - don't worry. If you want to skip it because it's relatively long and old, or drop it because you tried and didn't like it - reconsider, but go ahead if you still don't change your mind.
  Summary: can be a starting point? ✔️ yes.
  
  
• Macross: Do You Remember Love? - It's an alternative version of the 1982 series. It generally takes all the basic ideas from the series, and turns them into a 2-hour-long story. The plot is obviously different, but leads to the same outcome. All the important themes from the preceding series are kept. This is generally skippable, but I strongly recommend watching it (it's only my opinion, but I think it was much, muuch better than the 1982 series), ESPECIALLY if you decide to skip the previous series.
  Summary: can be a starting point? ✔️ yes, but read the note below.
  
  Side note: If you skip the series and go straight to the movie but find it a little confusing (it begins in medias res so you might feel lost at first), read the first 2-3 paragraphs about Zentradi on Wikipedia and keep in mind that the movie takes place during the Space War I.
  
  
• Macross II Lovers Again - Indirect, non-canon sequel to the DYRL movie. It presents an alternative timeline that's not continued afterwards. Skippable, but I personally liked it.
  Summary: can be a starting point? ❌ no, only watch after the DYRL movie.
  
  
• Macross Plus - The first canon sequel to the series, however it's not closely connected. It's a stand alone romance drama in a unique space setting, with unique music. It was directed by Shinichiro Watanabe and the music was composed by Yoko Kanno, so if you like this duo (known especially for Cowboy Bebop) then make sure not to skip this. Important: watch the 4-episode OVA version, not the movie version. While the movie has some additional fight scenes, it skips some important plot elements.
  Summary: can be a starting point? ✔️ yes.
  
  
• Macross 7 - It's a hit or miss. Has many flaws, but can still be very enjoyable. I recommend trying, but keep in mind that the quality generally stays the same throughout the series - which means that it doesn't improve. It's the only Macross with rock music. Has a direct sequel (Macross 7 Dynamite) and some side stories.
  Summary: can be a starting point? 🟡 yes (you won't feel lost because it makes sure to introduce you the setting), but I personally wouldn't recommend starting here (because it's flawed and kind of specific, I think I only enjoyed it because I was already familar with the franchise when starting this, I actually also watched Frontier and Zero before 7).
  
  
• Macross Zero - Chronogically speaking, it takes place before the 1982 series. BUT it's directly connected only to Frontier, that's why it was released right before it.
  Summary: can it be watched as a prequel to the 1982 Macross, according to the series chronology? ❌ No, I mean you can do this, but it doesn't make sense - it's not connected to the 1982 series or the DYRL movie whatsoever, it can actually confuse you. So can it be a starting point if I want to watch Frontier next? ✔️ yes, actually it should be in this case, they're connected.
  
  
• Macross Frontier - Has many references to the older parts so it's best appreciated after you've seen the rest, but together with Zero also works as a stand alone part. Has (in my opinion) a good mix of comedy and drama, and I found the characters to be very memorable. Also has 2 movies which are an alternative version of the story. I recommend them as well - after finishing the series, not instead of it.
  Summary: can be a starting point? 🟡 yes, but I strongly recommend to at least watch Zero before it.
  
  
• Macross Delta - The newest part of the franchise. Has some nice ideas, but doesn't fully realize them. A hit or miss. It was okay for me, but I understand why some people strongly dislike it.
  Summary: can be a starting point? 🟡 yes, but it's not a good representation of the franchise (similarly as in the case of Macross 7).
  

After you decide where to start, the rest should be fairly easy to figure out.

Are you still confused? PM me or ask questions in the comments section below.

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