As such all of the typical Macross elements are present, veritech fighters (transforming from airplane to robot form and back), giant spaceships and space battles, young men dreaming of soaring the skies, the many faces of being a popular songstress, from being discovered to becoming the people's idol and even saviour.
As a celebratory series that aims to bring all the previous series together “Macross Frontier” is rife with references to the other series, with explicit plot references, obvious links or Easter eggs. While viewers who have seen the other “Macross” series will be able to enjoy all these references and possibly gain a better understanding, anyone without prior knowledge about the other “Macross” series will be able to follow and enjoy “Macross Frontier”. The key plot elements necessary to follow the series and its premise are sufficiently explained so no one is lost as to what is happening.
The characters in “Macross Frontier” were quite good, most were sufficiently three dimensional and not merely generic characters. Next to the man characters Alto, Ranka and Sheryl who were all complex enough, a good ensemble of their supporting cast were fleshed out well enough to become quite interesting as well, especially Michael, Klan and Luca. Other characters like Nanase, Brera and Ozma were alas more typical characters.
As the first opening song's title “Triangular” suggests, “Macross Frontier” features a love triangle between the main characters Alto, Ranka and Sheryl. It is done quite well and brought on screen during the entire series' run. While there are hints of a lot of possible drama and suffering that comes with such a situation, the final episode leaves things more open on a positive note. While it's a nice ending, the chance to conclude with some really gripping dramatic storytelling is missed, and seeing the painful elements of their love triangle are often brought forth throughout the series, this is a shame. Nonetheless, the final episode definitely has its charm and hits the mark.
Having two songstresses with Sheryl -the established and widely popular artist- and Ranka -the new upcoming refreshingly innocent starlet- leads to a unique dynamic that allows for many poignant scenes and plot possibilities which the series makes good use of. Add to that each has their own distinct personality and troublesome past they must discover and overcome, they prove to be entertaining characters.
Alto may seem to be a more common male lead, he's often hot headed and seems to fail making any progress in his relationships with Sheryl or Ranka, but the manner in which his motivations and goals are ultimately portrayed make him less generic after all. As for him not making a definite choice between Sheryl or Ranka, while it's implied he may have deeper feelings for both, his goal was always to live his own life so he foregoes any decision even if that has others accuse him of just acting and trying to please everyone. Aiming to not hurt either since he holds them both dear, both Sheryl and Ranka are important people to him who motivated him and helped him get to his goal. So paradoxically Alto ends up holding both Sheryl and Ranka close to him, while at the same time keeping them at a distance.
“Macross Frontier” squeezes enough other (sub)plots in, from the battle of survival against the Vajra, the relationship between humans and Zentraedi, the different evolutions people must make, experiencing and overcoming loss, political intrigue,... most are handled well, be they small or spanning multiple episodes.
Towards the end of the latter half of the series, the pace picks up and the atmosphere slightly darkens, themes such as survival, genocide, the pain of loving and losing are brought in a manner that's quite surprising and gives the series a more serious tone up until the final episodes. Especially when one of the more important characters dies, the sense of loss this means to the other characters and how it affects them is brought forth. This was however necessary as in the episodes before, the Macross inhabitants have already suffered serious losses and damage to their habitat ships but as none of the main cast were directly affected, it would feel distant to most viewers. Having a significant character disappear has a definite impact to illustrate the grave situation the cast find themselves in.
The final action packed episode brings nearly everything to a satisfactory conclusion. Seeing the celebratory character of “Macross Frontier” and the message of wanting to live on that permeates throughout the series, the end is very fitting.
Animation in “Macross Frontier” alas suffered from being quite inconsistent, there could be a visible difference in animation quality between episodes or even between scenes. This was quite apparent due to the fact many scenes or full episodes have truly sublime animation, with gorgeously animated fast-paced action scenes and incredibly detailed characters with great shading and colouring. So when the animation level drops it often stuck out like a sore thumb. I doubt it would ruin the viewing experience for anyone, though most people will pick up on it and notice it.
Regardless of the animation quality drops here and there, “Macross Frontier” boasts some of the most intricate, flashy and lusciously animated mecha and space combat action scenes seen these recent years, for fans of that genre certainly not to miss.
“Macross” has always had music as a theme or plot device, accordingly the music in “Macross Frontier” is quite frankly fantastic, Yoko Kanno produces an awesome soundtrack filled with different styles, a real musical centipede with tracks that perfectly accentuate the events on screen. The opening, closing and insert songs are all good tunes and nearly all other known songs from previous “Macross” series are sung throughout the series. From the original opening songs “Triangular”, “Lion” , catchy pop/rock tunes full of energy to “Diamond Crevasse”, “What 'bout my star” and even the classic "Ai Oboete Imasu ka“ and "Watashi no Kare ha Pilot” from earlier “Macross” series, all excellent music that adds to the series atmosphere and enjoyment.
For those interested in soundtracks, the “Macross Frontier” original soundtrack is definitely worth it and quite pleasant to listen to by itself as well.
Any “Macross” fan should check out this series but if you like mecha, action or space adventure, then you will surely enjoy “Macross frontier”, it's no doubt one of the best series of the spring/summer 2008 season.
