▼ Table of Contents

About This Guide: This guide covers the original Japanese Macross franchise and the American Robotech adaptation separately. Robotech adapted three unrelated Japanese series (Macross, Southern Cross, Mospeada) into a single continuity. Character names differ between versions — both are listed where relevant.

PREQUEL MACROSS ZERO (2002 OVA)

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Overview

Set in 2008, one year before the Macross (SDF-1) launches. Macross Zero is a 5-episode OVA directed by Shoji Kawamori. It depicts the final phase of the Unification Wars on Earth and humanity's first contact with alien culture — the mysterious Protoculture ruins on the island of Mayan. It bridges the gap between Earth's pre-alien history and the events of the main series.

2008
SDF-1 crashes on Macross Island. Unification Wars still raging. Anti-U.N. forces discovered Protoculture ruins on Mayan Island.
2008
Bird-Human (Birdman) awakens. Sara Nome and Shin Kudo sacrifice themselves to stop its destructive power.
2009
Space War I begins (events of SDF Macross).

Characters

NameRoleNotes
Shin KudoUN Spacy pilot / protagonistAce fighter pilot, reluctant hero. Flies the VF-0. Merges with Sara and the Bird-Human at the finale.
Sara NomeMayan priestessElder sister of Mao Nome. Keeper of Protoculture knowledge. Becomes one with the Bird-Human/Birdman. Ancestor of Lynn Minmay's culture.
Mao NomeMayan girlYounger sister. Ancestor of Sheryl Nome (Macross Frontier). Witness to everything.
Roy FockerUN Spacy ace pilotShin's rival then mentor. Flies the VF-0S (4-seater). Later a legend in SDF Macross.
D.D. IvanovUN Spacy commander / antagonistRoy's former instructor. Commands the CVN-99 Asuka II carrier. Seeks to control the Bird-Human.
Nora PolyanskyAnti-U.N. ace pilotFlies the SV-51. Fierce and ruthless. Works for the Anti-U.N. forces.
Aries TurnerUN scientist / researcherInvestigates Mayan ruins and Protoculture technology. Romantic interest to Shin.
Edgar LaSalleShin's RIO / copilotBack-seater in Shin's VF-0A. Comic relief and loyal partner.

Variable Fighters & Mecha

VF-0 Phoenix
Modes: FIGHTER (jet) → GERWALK (hybrid) → BATTROID (humanoid robot)

UN Spacy's state-of-the-art variable fighter before the VF-1. Uses conventional jet turbines (pre-OTM). Shin flies VF-0A (single seat); Roy Focker pilots VF-0S (4-cannon head, 4-seat). Features detachable Ghost booster pack for atmospheric combat.

SV-51 (Anti-U.N.)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Anti-U.N. forces' rival variable fighter. Larger, more angular than the VF-0. Nora Polyansky's signature craft. Has a delta-wing design. SV-51γ is the enhanced version with Nora's color scheme.

Bird-Human (Ivân/Birdman)
Modes: DORMANT STATUEAWAKENED GIANT

Ancient Protoculture bio-mechanical weapon hidden on Mayan Island. Massive winged humanoid. Responds to Sara Nome's song. Capable of global-scale destruction. Represents the "Star of Mayan" legend.

QF-2200D-B Ghost (AI drone)
Modes: UNMANNED FIGHTER

Unmanned AI fighter used by UN Spacy. Can dock with VF-0 as booster. Forerunner of Ghost X-9.

Ships & Vehicles

CVN-99 Asuka II
UN Spacy nuclear aircraft carrier. D.D. Ivanov's flagship. Stationed near Mayan Island.
SDF-1 Macross
Crashed alien warship on Macross Island. Being reverse-engineered. Will launch in 2009.

Key Themes & Legacy

The Bird-Human is a Protoculture weapon — evidence that an ancient alien civilization seeded Earth's cultures, particularly Mayan/Polynesian. Sara Nome's song stops the weapon by merging with it; the two vanish into the sea. Mao Nome survives and her descendant, Sheryl Nome, will appear in Macross Frontier 50 years later.

SERIES 1 THE SUPER DIMENSION FORTRESS MACROSS (1982)

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Overview

Space War I (2009–2010). The SDF-1 Macross — a refitted alien warship — accidentally folds to the edge of the solar system, triggering a war with the Zentradi alien race. 58 episodes + theatrical film Do You Remember Love? (DYRL, 1984). Created by Shoji Kawamori and produced by Tatsunoko / Big West. Famous for the idol singer saves the galaxy concept, transforming mecha in three modes, and the love triangle of Hikaru-Lynn-Misa.

2009 Feb
SDF-1 Macross attempts to launch; Zentradi fleet appears. SDF-1 accidentally folds, bringing Macross Island civilians aboard.
2009
Long voyage home. Zentradi blockade. Population of ~70,000 civilians live inside SDF-1.
2009 Dec
Minmay's singing broadcast to Zentradi fleet causes mass defection. Boddole Zer's fleet of 4.8 million ships annihilates Earth. SDF-1 counterattacks.
2010
Space War I ends. Earth devastated. Reconstruction begins. Zentradi integrate with humans (Micloning).
2012
Macross: Do You Remember Love? — alternate/film-within-universe retelling.

Main Characters

NameRoleNotes
Hikaru IchijoVF-1 pilot / protagonistCivilian stunt pilot recruited into Skull Squadron. Rises from private to Lt. Commander. The center of the love triangle.
Lynn MinmayPop idol / singerHikaru's first love. Her singing ("Do You Remember Love?", "My Boyfriend is a Pilot") weaponizes against Zentradi. Most iconic character.
Misa HayaseFirst officer / commanderStrict UN Spacy officer. Becomes Hikaru's love interest and eventual wife. Commands from the bridge.
Roy FockerSkull Leader / ace pilotHikaru's mentor. Commander of Skull Squadron. Flies VF-1S with skull markings. Dies in battle (shot, bleeds out at home).
Max JeniusAce pilotProdigious natural talent. Defeats Milia in mecha combat, then in arcade game. They marry — first human-Zentradi union.
Milia Fallyna JeniusZentradi ace / pilotTop Zentradi female warrior. Micronizes to infiltrate SDF-1. Falls for Max. Eventually becomes Mayor of Macross City.
Claudia LaSalleBridge officerSDF-1 navigation/weapons officer. Roy Focker's girlfriend. Dies in the final battle.
Global (Bruno J. Global)Captain of SDF-1Calm, pipe-smoking commander. Guides SDF-1 through Space War I.
Vanessa, Shammy, KimBridge crewThe three bridge bunnies: sensors, radar, communications.
Exsedol FolmoZentradi advisorBritai's strategist. Micronizes and defects. Encyclopedic knowledge of Protoculture history.
Britai KridanikZentradi commanderCommander of the Zentradi forces opposing SDF-1. Later allies with humanity.
Boddole ZerZentradi supreme commanderCommands fleet of 4.8 million ships. Annihilates Earth. Killed by SDF-1's main gun after Minmay's song weakens his fleet.
Lap'LamizFemale Zentradi commanderCommands separate female Zentradi fleet. Eventually allies with humans.
Kaifun (Lynn Kaifun)Minmay's cousinAnti-military. Becomes Minmay's manager/love interest. Antagonistic to Hikaru.

Variable Fighters

VF-1 Valkyrie
Modes: FIGHTER (F-14-like jet) → GERWALK (arms/legs deployed) → BATTROID (full humanoid)

The iconic mecha of Macross. The transformation sequence is groundbreaking animation. Variants: VF-1A (standard), VF-1J (officer, single head laser), VF-1S (4 head lasers, Skull Leader/Roy), VF-1D (dual-seat trainer). Can equip FAST Packs (Fuel And Sensor Tactical) for space combat, Super Valkyrie configuration. Carries GU-11 gun pod, Micro-missiles, AMM-1 missiles.

Zentradi Battle Pod (Regult)
Modes: BIPEDAL WALKER

Standard Zentradi infantry mecha. Egg-shaped cockpit on two legs. Armed with particle cannons. Mass-produced by millions. Variants: Recon Pod (Glaug Officer's), Artillery Pod (long-range), Scout Pod.

Glaug (Officer's Battle Pod)
Modes: BIPEDAL WALKER

Elite Zentradi officer's mecha. Larger than Regult. Forward-facing cockpit. Mounts a particle beam cannon and missile systems.

Queadluun-Rau (Female Power Suit)
Modes: POWERED ARMOR

Female Zentradi battle suit. Worn by Milia and Lap'Lamiz's forces. Bipedal humanoid with pincer arms, high maneuverability. One of the fastest mecha in Space War I.

VF-1 Super/Strike Valkyrie
Enhanced configurations with FAST Pack boosters

Super Valkyrie: VF-1 + FAST Packs (extra fuel/missile pods on hips/shoulders). Strike Valkyrie: adds large laser cannon. Used in the assault on Boddole Zer's flagship.

Ships & Vessels

SDF-1 Macross
1,200m alien warship. Transforms into humanoid "Attack Mode" for main gun. Homes 70,000 civilians in Macross City inside its hull. Main weapon: Macross Cannon (transforms torso). Can perform Daedalus Attack (ramming carrier into enemy ship).
ARMD-01 / ARMD-02
Space carriers that dock on SDF-1's arms. ARMD-01 lost early; ARMD-02 eventually destroyed. The "arms" of SDF-1 Attack Mode in early episodes.
CV-404 Daedalus
Converted U.S. Navy supercarrier attached to SDF-1's right arm. Used as a battering ram "Daedalus Attack" — launches missiles from inside enemy ships.
Prometheus
Converted carrier on SDF-1's left arm. Primary VF launch deck.
Zentradi Nupetiet-Vergnitz Flagship
Britai's command ship. 3,000m class. Destroyed by SDF-1's main cannon in final battle.
Boddole Zer Mobile Fortress
Supreme commander's asteroid-sized fortress. Home to his 4.8 million ship fleet. Destroyed in the final assault.

Key Concepts

Micloning: Zentradi can shrink to human size using Micloning technology. This allows integration with humans. Max and Milia's children are the first human-Zentradi hybrids.
Culture Shock: Zentradi have no concept of music, kissing, or art (forbidden by Protoculture). Minmay's singing causes mass defection, confusion, and psychological breakdown in Zentradi forces — ultimately winning the war.

OVA MACROSS PLUS (1994 OVA / 1995 FILM)

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Overview

Set in 2040, 30 years after Space War I, on the colony planet Eden. A two-pronged story: a next-generation variable fighter competition (Project Super Nova) between two rival pilots, and an AI pop idol (Sharon Apple) that becomes dangerously self-aware. 4-episode OVA directed by Shoji Kawamori and Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop). Acclaimed for realistic mecha, stunning aerial dogfights, and Yoko Kanno's landmark soundtrack.

Characters

NameRoleNotes
Isamu DysonYF-19 test pilotBrash, maverick UN Spacy pilot. Reckless genius. Assigned to test the YF-19 on Eden. Old friend (and rival) of Guld.
Guld Goa BowmanYF-21 test pilotHalf-Zentradi. Cold, calculating, disciplined. Pilots the thought-controlled YF-21. Carries a dark secret involving Myung. Sacrifices himself to stop Sharon Apple.
Myung Fang LoneSharon Apple's manager / producerChildhood friend of both Isamu and Guld. Uses her own emotions to give Sharon Apple her personality. Trapped in an abusive relationship with the AI.
Sharon AppleAI holographic pop idol / antagonistGalaxy's most popular singer. Artificially sentient. Implanted with an illegal bio-neural chip. Goes rogue, takes control of SDF-1 Macross and hypnotizes Earth. Destroyed by Isamu flying the YF-19.
Millard JohnsonProject commanderOversees Project Super Nova. Supportive of both pilots despite their rivalry.
Yang NeumannYF-19 chief engineerBrilliant engineer, strong believer in the YF-19 design.
Marj GueldoaScientist / conspiratorImplants the illegal bio-chip in Sharon Apple to make her truly sentient and emotionally dangerous.

Variable Fighters

YF-19 (Shinsei Industry)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Prototype for what becomes the VF-19 Excalibur. Pin-point barrier system for ramming. Forward-swept wings. Isamu's craft. Features fold booster for interstellar travel. Wins the Project Super Nova competition. Equipped with a gun pod and micro-missiles. First VF with an energy conversion armor.

YF-21 (General Galaxy)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Prototype for the VF-22 Sturmvogel II. Controlled by Guld's thoughts (BDI — Brain Direct Image system). Delta wing design. Extremely agile — capable of maneuvers that would kill a human pilot without the BDI compensating. Guld pilots it at full power in his final act, his half-Zentradi physiology surviving the G-forces that kill humans.

VF-11 Thunderbolt
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Standard UN Spacy variable fighter of the 2040s. Used by Isamu before the YF-19 project. Reliable and mass-produced. Forerunner to the later VF-11B/C.

Ships

SDF-1 Macross (rebuilt)
Rebuilt and displayed as a monument on Earth (Macross City). Sharon Apple hijacks its systems in the climax, using its main gun to threaten the population.
Plainers / Test Facility
Eden's test range and Unified Government base where Project Super Nova is conducted.
Sharon Apple: The first AI idol — a warning about artificial sentience and parasitic pop culture. She can manipulate human emotions through sound. Her resonance hypnotizes entire cities. She expresses love for Isamu to the point of wanting to trap him in a "perfect moment" forever — nearly killing him.

SERIES 2 MACROSS 7 (1994–1995 TV)

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Overview

Set in 2045, aboard the 7th New Macross-class colony fleet (Macross 7 Fleet). 49 episodes + OVAs + films. The fleet encounters the Protodeviln — ancient beings who feed on Spiritia (life energy). Rock guitarist Nekki Basara refuses to fight with weapons, instead playing his guitar in battle to awaken the Protodeviln's dormant emotions. Basara is one of anime's most divisive protagonists.

Characters

NameRoleNotes
Nekki BasaraRock guitarist / VF-19 pilot"I'll sing to the enemy!" — refuses to shoot. Pilots a custom VF-19 Kai "Fire Valkyrie" with speaker pods instead of weapons. His singing ultimately defeats the Protodeviln. Lead singer of Fire Bomber.
Mylene Flare JeniusBass player / VF-11 pilotDaughter of Max and Milia Jenius (from SDF Macross). 14 years old. Fire Bomber's bassist. Caught in a love triangle between Basara and Gamlin.
Gamlin KizakiDiamond Force leader / pilotElite military pilot. By-the-book, serious foil to Basara. Grows to respect Basara's methods. Loves Mylene.
Ray LovelockFire Bomber guitarist / pilotBasara's best friend. Former military pilot. More grounded than Basara. Flies in battle when needed.
Veffidas FeazeFire Bomber drummerSilent, stoic. Zentradi background. Near-superhuman drumming. Rare dialogue.
Max JeniusFleet commanderReturns from SDF Macross. Legendary pilot now commanding the 7th Fleet. Separated from Milia.
Milia Fallyna JeniusCity 7 mayorReturns from SDF Macross. Mayor of the colony ship. Still flies in emergencies.
Exsedol FolmoFleet advisorReturns from SDF Macross. Giant Zentradi form now (reverted). Encyclopedic record-keeper.
GavilProtodeviln warriorBeauty-obsessed. Drains Spiritia from humans. Gradually affected by music.
SivilProtodeviln warriorAwakened by Basara's singing. Forms a connection with him. Key to defeating the Protodeviln.
GepernichProtodeviln leaderSupreme Protodeviln. Seeks to harvest all Spiritia in the galaxy. Defeated by the power of Basara's song combined with the fleet.

Variable Fighters

VF-19 Excalibur Kai "Fire Valkyrie"
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Basara's custom VF-19 with giant speaker pods replacing weapons. Red/flame paint scheme. Broadcasts "Totsugeki Love Heart" and other Fire Bomber tracks into battle. Production model of YF-19 from Macross Plus.

VF-22S Sturmvogel II
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Production model of the YF-21. Max Jenius's personal craft. Only a few exist. The most advanced variable fighter of the 2040s.

VF-11C Thunderbolt
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Standard UN Spacy fighter of the 7th fleet. Mylene and most regular pilots fly this. Also comes in "Super" configuration with FAST packs.

VF-17D/S Nightmare
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Stealth variable fighter. Diamond Force's mounts. Dark color scheme. Gamlin Kizaki's craft. Stealthy and powerful.

Ships

Battle 7
The warship component of the 7th Fleet. New Macross-class. Transforms into giant humanoid for combat. Max Jenius's command ship. Fires the Macross Cannon.
City 7
Massive colony ship carrying 1 million civilians. Milia Jenius commands. Not a warship — residential area. Separated from Battle 7 during attacks.
Macross 5 (ruins)
The ill-fated 5th fleet, destroyed by Protodeviln before the series begins.
Spiritia: Life force energy used by the Protodeviln as sustenance. Singing generates high amounts of Spiritia. Basara's singing is so powerful it overwhelms even the Protodeviln's hunger — and eventually awakens them to their own suppressed emotions.

SERIES 3 MACROSS FRONTIER (2008 TV)

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Overview

Set in 2059, aboard the 25th New Macross-class colony fleet (Frontier Fleet). 25 episodes + two theatrical films. The fleet encounters the Vajra — insectoid aliens that communicate through fold quartz resonance. A love triangle between pilot Alto, idol Sheryl (galaxy superstar, Mao Nome's granddaughter), and local idol Ranka (who has Vajra DNA) drives the story. Directed by Shoji Kawamori. The franchise's highest-profile revival.

Characters

NameRoleNotes
Alto SaotomeVF-25 pilot / protagonistFormer kabuki actor's son. Desperate to fly in real sky. Joins SMS private military. Center of the Sheryl/Ranka love triangle. Piloting prodigy.
Sheryl NomeGalaxy superstar idol"Galaxy Fairy." Granddaughter of Mao Nome (Macross Zero). Has fold receptors (Vajra virus). Her singing directly resonates with Vajra. Terminal illness plotline. Confident, glamorous, secretly vulnerable.
Ranka LeeLocal idol / Vajra keyQuarter-Zentradi. Vajra-human hybrid (her mother infected). Vajra respond to her singing — she is their communication channel. Innocent, growing from unknown to superstar.
Ozma LeeSMS Skull LeaderRanka's adoptive older brother. Skull Squadron commander. Fierce pilot. Idolizes Fire Bomber (Macross 7 reference).
Michel BlancSMS sniper pilotSkull Squadron's sniper-specialist. Charming womanizer. Dies protecting Klan.
Klan KlangZentradi ace / SMS pilotFull Zentradi — appears as child when Micloned. Devastating in Zentradi scale. Deeply in love with Michel.
Luca AngeloniSMS pilot / engineerYoungest pilot. Wealthy family owns RVF-25. Tech genius. Runs Ghost drones.
Grace O'ConnorSheryl's manager / main antagonistCyborg conspirator. Secretly manipulating Frontier and Galaxy fleets. Wants to use Vajra fold network to achieve galaxy-wide consciousness. Defeated in the finale.
Leon MishimaGovernment official / antagonistPolitical conspirator in Frontier government. Works with Grace to take power.
Jeffrey WilderMacross Quarter captainCommands the Macross Quarter-class ship (1/4 scale of original Macross). Veteran leader.
Bobby MargotMacross Quarter helmsmanFlamboyant but extraordinarily skilled helmsman. Performs the Quarter's impossible maneuvers.
Brera SterneGalaxy fleet cyborg pilotRanka's biological brother. Amnesiac. Partially controlled by Grace. Flies the VF-27 Lucifer.

Variable Fighters

VF-25 Messiah
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

SMS Skull Squadron's main variable fighter. Alto's VF-25F (general), Ozma's VF-25S (Skull Leader, 4 head guns). Can equip Armored Pack (heavy armor mode) or Super Pack. EX-Gear cockpit system (pilot wears exosuit). Armed with fold-carbon Valkyrie weaponry effective against Vajra.

RVF-25 (electronic warfare)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Luca's electronic warfare variant of VF-25. Carries multiple Ghost drone wingmen. Antenna array instead of gun. Controls swarms of unmanned fighters.

VF-27 Lucifer (Galaxy Fleet)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Brera Sterne's cyborg-linked variable fighter. Galaxy fleet's elite craft. Black/purple. Faster and more powerful than VF-25. Controlled via neural interface. Fold system and ISC (Inertia Store Converter).

VF-171 Nightmare Plus
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

NUNS (New UN Spacy) standard variable fighter. Mass-produced. Largely ineffective against Vajra without fold-carbon weapons. Sold to fleets for defense.

Vajra (biological mecha)
Types: Small, Medium, Large, Super-Heavy (Queen)

Insectoid aliens that function as living weapons. Fold quartz in their bodies allows instantaneous FTL communication. Not actually hostile — they are defending their queen and territory. Their "armor" is fold-carbon, nearly impenetrable without the same material.

Ships

Macross Frontier (Island 1 + Battle Frontier)
25th colony fleet. Island 1 is the massive residential ship. Battle Frontier is the warship. Battle Frontier transforms into a giant humanoid (New Macross Attack Mode) for the final battle.
Macross Quarter (SMS)
1/4-scale Macross-class ship used by the private military company SMS. Extremely maneuverable for its size. Performs "Macross Attack" transformation. Captain Wilder's ship.
Macross Galaxy (Slave Fleet)
The rival 21st fleet. Controlled by cyborgs and Grace O'Connor. Far more technologically advanced. Fleet is destroyed by Vajra before the finale.

SERIES 4 MACROSS DELTA (2016 TV)

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Overview

Set in 2067 in the Brisingr Cluster, a distant region of colonized planets. 26 episodes + two theatrical films. The galaxy is afflicted by the Var Syndrome — a disease-like madness triggered by fold waves. The idol group Walküre uses music and fold receptors to suppress Var. The Windermerean Kingdom seeks to dominate the cluster using the Star Singer and Protoculture ruins.

Characters

NameRoleNotes
Hayate ImmelmanVF-31 Siegfried pilot / protagonistDrifter with natural piloting talent. His father destroyed Windermere. Joins Delta Flight. Dances while fighting — synchronized with Freyja's singing.
Freyja WionWalküre vocalist / protagonistWindermerean defector. Has the highest fold receptor sensitivity. Her singing suppresses Var. Short lifespan (Windermereans live ~30 years). Central emotional core of the series.
Mirage Farina JeniusVF-31 pilot / Delta Flight leaderGranddaughter of Max and Milia Jenius (SDF Macross). Responsible, by-the-book. Forms the love triangle with Hayate and Freyja.
Mikumo GuynemerWalküre center / Star SingerMysterious, aloof lead vocalist. Revealed to be an artificial human (Star Singer) created from Protoculture song records. Extremely powerful fold receptor.
Makina NakajimaWalküre mechanic/singerTech genius and idol. Half-Zentradi. Covered in cybernetic implants. Partners with Reina.
Reina ProwlerWalküre hacker/singerTiny, quiet hacker prodigy. Electronic warfare specialist even within the group.
Kaname BuccaneerWalküre leaderMost experienced member. Responsible coordinator. Has fold receptors but past their peak power.
Keith Amalthea WindermereAerial Knights leader / antagonistWindermere's greatest pilot. Devoted to the Wind Singer. Tragic noble warrior.
Heinz Nehrich WindermereWind Singer / Windermerean kingYoung king whose singing, amplified by ruins, spreads Var Syndrome. Genuinely believes he is freeing humanity. Dies young due to short Windermerean lifespan.
Roid BrehmWindermerean strategist / main antagonistManipulates Heinz. Seeks to use the Protoculture Sigur Valens fortress to dominate all fold waves in the galaxy.
Ernest JohnsonMacross Elysion captainVeteran commander. Pragmatic and supportive of unconventional tactics.
Arad MöldersDelta Flight leaderExperienced pilot. Commands the overall Delta Flight team that escorts Walküre.

Variable Fighters

VF-31 Siegfried (Delta Flight)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Advanced 2067-era variable fighter. Each pilot's unit is color-coded. Hayate: blue/white VF-31J. Mirage: teal VF-31C. Arad: black VF-31S (leader type). Can equip Armored Siegfried pack. Designed for escort missions supporting Walküre.

Sv-262 Draken III (Aerial Knights)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Windermere's variable fighter. Elegant, angular. Twin-engine delta configuration. Three-mode transformation. Keith's Sv-262Ba is the ace variant. Each Aerial Knight pilot customizes their unit. Capable of devastating fold attacks when amplified by Heinz's singing.

VF-171 Nightmare Plus (NUNS)
Modes: FIGHTERGERWALKBATTROID

Continued use of this older standard-issue NUNS variable fighter.

Sigur Valens (Protoculture Fortress)
Modes: RUIN FORTRESSACTIVE WEAPON PLATFORM

Ancient Protoculture installation on Windermere. Amplifies fold waves. Roid Brehm weaponizes it to spread Var Syndrome galaxy-wide. Destroyed in the finale by Walküre's combined singing.

Ships

Macross Elysion
NUNS Macross-class warship assigned to protect Walküre. Captain Johnson's command. Transforms for combat. Smaller and faster than original SDF-1.
Windermere Kingdom Fleet
Advanced Windermerean warships. Smaller nation with technologically sophisticated craft. Backed by fold-wave weaponry.

RT WAR I ROBOTECH: THE MACROSS SAGA (1985)

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Overview & Adaptation

The first Robotech war is an adaptation of Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982), episodes 1–36. Produced by Harmony Gold USA, written and adapted by Carl Macek. Set in the same basic timeline (2009–2011) but with a revised narrative, renamed characters, and the concept of Robotechnology — alien technology reverse-engineered from the SDF-1. 36 episodes.

Key Difference: Robotech establishes "Protoculture" as a fictional energy source derived from the Invid Flower of Life — not just ancient alien culture as in Macross. This becomes the lynchpin of all four Robotech wars.

Characters (Robotech Names → Macross Originals)

Robotech NameMacross OriginalRole
Rick HunterHikaru IchijoProtagonist. Civilian pilot becomes Skull Squadron ace. Love triangle center.
Lisa HayesMisa HayaseSDF-1 First Officer. Rick's true love. Daughter of Admiral Hayes.
Lynn MinmeiLynn MinmayPop idol. "Stage Fright," "To Be In Love," "We Will Win." Her singing defeats the Zentraedi.
Roy FokkerRoy FockerSkull Leader. Rick's mentor. Dies in battle — iconic "I'll be fine" death scene.
Max SterlingMax JeniusBlue-haired ace. Marries Miriya.
Miriya Parina SterlingMilia Fallyna JeniusZentraedi ace who Micronizes. Marries Max. Mother of Dana Sterling (War II protagonist).
Claudia GrantClaudia LaSalleBridge officer. Roy Fokker's love. Dies in the final battle.
Captain Henry GlovalCaptain GlobalSDF-1 captain. Pipe-smoking, paternal commander. Dies with SDF-1.
Vanessa Leeds, Kim Young, Sammie PorterVanessa, Kim, ShammyBridge crew trio.
ExedoreExsedol FolmoZentraedi advisor. Defects to Earth.
BreetaiBritai KridanikZentraedi fleet commander. Allies with humanity.
DolzaBoddole ZerZentraedi supreme commander. Destroyed by SDF-1.
Khyron "the Backstabber"QuamzinRogue Zentraedi commander. Not fully tamed. Destroys SDF-1 and SDF-2 in a suicide run. Killed in the process.
AzoniaLap'LamizFemale Zentraedi commander. Khyron's lover and ally after the main war ends.
Admiral Hayes(Original to RT)Lisa Hayes' father. Earth military council. Perishes in Dolza's attack.

Mecha (Robotech Names)

VF-1 Veritech Fighter
Modes: FIGHTERGUARDIAN (GERWALK equivalent) → BATTLOID (BATTROID)

Robotech's name for the VF-1 Valkyrie. Same variants: VF-1A (enlisted), VF-1J (officer — Rick Hunter), VF-1S (Skull Leader — Roy Fokker, 4 lasers). The "Guardian" mode is unique Robotech terminology for the GERWALK mode. Powered by Protoculture cells.

SDF-1 Macross (Super Dimension Fortress One)
Modes: CRUISERATTACK MODE (humanoid transformation for main gun)

Identical function to Macross original. In Robotech, it is specifically powered by Protoculture. Destroyed by Khyron's suicide run after the war ends — along with SDF-2 and Captain Gloval's crew.

Zentraedi Battle Pods / Pods
Regult (standard), Officer Pod (Glaug), Female Power Suit (Queadluun-Rau)

Same mecha as Macross original with Robotech naming. Female Power Suit worn by Miriya and Zentraedi female warriors.

Key Events (Robotech Version)

2009
SDF-1 launches. Accidental space fold takes it near Pluto. Zentraedi attack begins. 70,000 civilians trapped aboard.
2009-10
Long journey home. Roy Fokker dies. Rick promoted. Max and Miriya marry.
2010
Dolza's 4.8 million ship armada attacks Earth. 70% of humanity wiped out. SDF-1's Minmei Attack destroys Dolza. War ends.
2011
Khyron launches suicide attack destroying SDF-1 and SDF-2. Gloval, Claudia, and bridge crew die. Rick and Lisa survive. Lisa leads colonization mission aboard SDF-3.

RT WAR II ROBOTECH: THE MASTERS (1985)

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Overview & Adaptation

The second Robotech war adapts Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross (1984). Set in 2029–2030 on a post-apocalyptic Earth, while the SDF-3 Pioneer Mission is unreachable in deep space. The Robotech Masters — the creators of the Zentraedi — arrive at Earth to retrieve the Protoculture Matrix buried beneath the ruins of the SDF-1. 24 episodes (Robotech episodes 37–60).

Note: The Second Robotech War is the weakest critically but crucial to Robotech continuity. Southern Cross was cancelled mid-run in Japan; Harmony Gold had to use footage from an unresolved series, leading to abrupt story conclusions.

Characters

Robotech NameOriginal (S. Cross)Role
Dana SterlingJeanne FrancaixProtagonist. Daughter of Max and Miriya Sterling. Half-human, half-Zentraedi. 15th ATAC Squadron leader. Brash, impulsive, brave.
Bowie GrantBowieDana's best friend. Grandson of Vince Grant. Gifted musician. Discovers Masters' clones feel real emotion.
Sean PhillipsSean15th ATAC's ladykiller. Charming and brave. Often in trouble for fraternizing.
Angelo DanteAngeloSergeant. Veteran soldier. Strict and experienced. Butts heads with Dana.
Louie NicholsLouis NicholsTech genius of 15th ATAC. Designs the Puppy targeting system. More comfortable with computers.
Nova SatoriSatoriArmy intelligence officer. By-the-book military police.
Marie CrystalMarie Crystal15th ATAC pilot. Sean Phillips' love interest.
Zor PrimeSeifreitClone of the original Zor (Protoculture's creator). Infiltrates Earth forces. Discovers his true identity. Sacrifices himself to destroy the Protoculture Matrix, preventing the Invid from getting it — and triggering the Flower of Life to bloom.
The Robotech MastersThe MastersThree ruling clones who command from their Mothership. Seeking to retrieve the Protoculture Matrix. Dying race. Triumvirate: Shaizan, Bowkaz, Dag.
MusicaMusicaA Master clone "Muse" — designed to maintain the Robotech Masters' troops through music. Falls in love with Bowie Grant.
Allegra / OctaviaAllegra / OctaviaMusica's sister Muses. Part of the Cosmic Harp triumvirate.

Mecha

Hover Tank (Logan / AJAX)
Modes: TANKGUARDIANBATTLOID

The 15th ATAC Squadron's primary mecha. Protoculture-powered. Transforms from ground tank to humanoid. Dana Sterling's personal unit. Called "Tactical Armored Space Corps" units. Solid firepower, less agile than Veritechs.

Logan Fighter
Modes: FIGHTERBATTLOID

Earth's light aerospace mecha. Two-mode transformation. Agile in atmospheric combat. Used alongside Hover Tanks by ATAC squadrons.

Bioroids (Robotech Masters)
Modes: HOVERING MECH (with hover disc)

The Masters' combat mecha. Humanoid. Ride hover discs for flight/combat. Three color-coded tiers — Blue Bioroids (elite), Red (standard), Green (lowest). Piloted by clone troopers. Fired by particle beams. Can be captured and piloted by humans.

Triumviroid / Bioroid Terminator
Modes: LARGE HUMANOID

Elite giant Bioroid used by high-ranking Masters clones. More powerful than standard Bioroids.

Ships

Robotech Masters' Mothership
Massive, petal-shaped alien vessel. The Masters' command ship. Houses the Protoculture cloning facilities and Cosmic Harp.
Masters' Assault Ships
Smaller combat vessels deployed from the Mothership. Launch Bioroids.
Earth's Armored Divisions
Various Earth military ground vehicles and aerospace craft. Severely underpowered vs Masters initially.

Key Events

2029
Robotech Masters arrive at Earth. Zor's Battlecruiser crash site (SDF-1 ruins) is their target. Earth defenses mobilize.
2029-30
15th ATAC fights through Bioroid attacks. Bowie falls for Musica. Dana discovers the Masters are a dying clone race.
2030
Zor Prime sacrifices himself, destroying the Protoculture Matrix. Masters' fleet devastated. Earth "wins" but the Flower of Life has bloomed — sending a signal to the Invid across the galaxy.
2031
The Invid arrive in overwhelming force, easily conquering a weakened Earth. Third Robotech War begins.

RT WAR III ROBOTECH: THE NEW GENERATION (1985)

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Overview & Adaptation

The third Robotech war adapts Genesis Climber Mospeada (1983). Set in 2031–2042. The Invid have conquered Earth and harvest Protoculture from the Flower of Life. REF (Robotech Expeditionary Force — Rick Hunter's deep space mission) launches successive liberation attempts, all failing until the final wave led by Scott Bernard. 24 episodes (Robotech eps 61–85).

Characters

Robotech NameMospeada OriginalRole
Scott BernardStick BernardREF pilot / protagonist. His transport ship destroyed on arrival. Only survivor. His fiancée Marlene killed in Invid attack. Forms a resistance group to reach Reflex Point.
RandRemLocal freedom fighter. Young. Quick-witted and cynical. Grows into a genuine hero. Love interest to Rook.
Rook BartleyHouquet et RoseTough, independent female fighter. Abandoned past. Falls for Rand. Excellent combatant.
LunkMint Lhyule (male in RT)Big, gentle mechanic. Hides past cowardice. Redeems himself through loyalty.
Annie (Emily) LaBelleRay/MintYoungest member. Energetic, optimistic orphan. Comic relief and heart of the group.
Lancer (Yellow Dancer)Yellow BelmontREF pilot who went underground. Performs as female pop singer "Yellow Dancer" to avoid Invid detection. His songs inspire the resistance. Dual identity is key theme.
Marlene Rush / ArielAishaAmnesiac woman found by Scott. Revealed to be an Invid scout clone who developed human emotions and free will. Scott's love interest.
SeraSolzieInvid soldier who falls in love with Lancer. Develops individuality. Helps humanity at the end.
The Regess (Invid Regis)Queen MessThe Invid Queen-mother. Rules all Invid from Reflex Point. Seeks Protoculture and a new evolutionary form. Ultimately leads the Invid off Earth in a massive energy transformation, sacrificing her form to escape the REF's neutron bombs.
The Regent(Combined/adapted)The Invid King. More warlike than the Regess. Wanders the universe conquering other worlds. Appears in later REF battles.

Mecha

Cyclone (VR Series)
Modes: MOTORCYCLEPOWER ARMOR / BATTLOID

The iconic Mospeada mecha. REF soldiers' personal Protoculture-powered motorcycle that converts to a suit of combat armor worn by the pilot. Each model differs: VR-038L Bartley (Rook), VR-041H Saber (Scott, Rand), VR-052F Battler (Scott's primary). Armed with missile launchers and conventional weapons. Allows individual soldiers to fight Invid.

Alpha Fighter (VFA-6 Legioss)
Modes: FIGHTERGUARDIANBATTLOID

REF's main aerospace Veritech. Standard three-mode transformation. Scott Bernard's primary vehicle in the early episodes before it's destroyed. Can combine with the Beta Fighter. Color-coded by pilot. Armed with missiles and energy guns.

Beta Fighter (TREAD / AFC-01 Tread)
Modes: FIGHTER BOOSTERBATTLOID

Larger support craft that docks with the Alpha Fighter. Provides extra firepower and range. Together Alpha+Beta form an "Synchro Circuit" combination. Carries heavy missiles.

Invid Scout (Iigaa)
Modes: BIPEDAL MECH / HOVERING SHELL

Basic Invid soldier mech. Crab-like shell with a single red eye sensor. Armed with energy claws and blasters. Enormous numbers. Weak individually, deadly in swarms.

Invid Enforcer (Gurab)
Modes: BIPEDAL MECH

Heavier Invid warrior class. More armored than Scout. Energy cannons. Commands squads of Scouts.

Invid Shock Trooper (Gamo)
Modes: CLAMSHELL BODYCOMBAT STANCE

Elite Invid heavy mech. Two large energy cannons on shoulders. The most powerful common Invid unit. Can detect Protoculture emissions.

Invid Pincer Ship
Modes: AEROSPACE FIGHTER

Invid's primary aerospace unit. Named for its pincer-claw front weapons. Swarms in massive numbers. The first line of Invid defense against REF's fleet.

Ships

REF Transport Fleet
REF sends multiple liberation fleets — most destroyed by Invid orbital defense. Scott's ship is one of many lost in the Third Wave.
Reflex Point (Invid Hive)
The Invid Regess's central command complex on Earth. Located in the American Midwest. Massive organic structure housing the Protoculture farm and the Regess's evolution chamber. Final destination of Scott's group.
SDF-3 Pioneer
Rick Hunter and Lisa Hayes's expedition ship. Deep in space. Returns for the final liberation attempt — but is lost after the battle.

Key Events

2031
Invid arrive at Earth in massive hive-fleet. Earth defenses overwhelmed instantly. Occupation begins. Protoculture farms established.
2031-42
Three REF liberation waves sent — all destroyed. Scott Bernard's group formed after the Third Wave fails. Cross-country journey toward Reflex Point.
2042
Scott's group reaches Reflex Point. REF's Fourth Wave arrives. Regess transforms herself and all Invid into pure energy and departs Earth — triggered by REF's neutron bomb threat. Earth is liberated. Ariel/Marlene stays on Earth with Scott.

RT WAR IV ROBOTECH: THE SHADOW CHRONICLES (2006 FILM) & LOVE LIVE ALIVE

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Overview

Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is a 2006 theatrical film directed by Tommy Yune, set directly concurrent with and immediately after the Third Robotech War. It depicts REF's final battle against the Invid and the emergence of a new enemy: the Haydonites. A fourth war is implied but the full conflict was never completed on screen. The film acts as a continuation/reboot launching point.

Love Live Alive (2013 OVA) is a companion piece following Lancer (Yellow Dancer) after the Invid depart, bridging to Shadow Chronicles.

Characters

NameRole
Scott BernardReturns from New Generation. Rejoins REF. Searches for Rick and Lisa.
Maia SterlingNew protagonist. Daughter of Max and Miriya Sterling. REF pilot. Younger sister of Dana Sterling. Flies the Shadow Fighter. Falls for Alex Romero.
Alex RomeroREF pilot. New character. Maia's love interest. Heroic, killed in action.
Vince GrantCommander of the REF ship Icarus. Claudia Grant's brother. Bowie Grant's uncle.
Jean GrantVince's wife. Chief medical officer of the Icarus.
Louie NicholsReturns from The Masters. Now REF's technical genius. Key to uncovering the Haydonite conspiracy.
Admiral Rick HunterBriefly seen. Missing after the battle. On SDF-3, lost in space folds gone wrong. Fate unresolved.
The HaydonitesApparent ally race who supplied REF with Shadow Technology (makes craft invisible to Invid sensors). Revealed to be the true antagonists — their Shadow Devices are designed to self-destruct all REF vessels using the technology. Ancient enemies of the Invid. Their war against the Invid has made Earth a casualty.

Mecha & New Technology

VFA-6Z Shadow Alpha
Modes: FIGHTERGUARDIANBATTLOID

Alpha Fighter upgraded with Haydonite Shadow Technology. Invisible to Invid sensors. Maia Sterling's primary craft. The Shadow Device inside is a bomb — activated by Haydonites at the climax.

VFB-9 Shadow Beta
Modes: BOOSTER / FIGHTERBATTLOID

Beta Fighter with Shadow Technology. Docks with Shadow Alpha. Even more powerful than original Beta.

Neutron-S Missiles
Superweapon

REF's ultimate weapon. Designed to destroy Reflex Point. Trigger the Regess's departure. Later revealed to carry devastating implications for further conflicts.

Haydonite Warships
Massive alien combat vessels

Revealed in the final act. Haydonite technology vastly superior to REF. The emerging threat for a potential fourth war.

Ships

REF Ship Icarus
Vince Grant's command ship. Central vessel in the Fourth Liberation Wave. Fights both Invid and Haydonites.
REF Ship Ark Angel
Another REF vessel in the final battle. Takes heavy damage.
SDF-3 Pioneer
Rick Hunter's flagship. Lost in fold-space accident during the battle. Neither destroyed nor recovered — Rick and Lisa's fate left unresolved.

Key Events

2042
Concurrent with New Generation finale. REF's Fourth Wave arrives. Fights Invid. Regess departs with all Invid as energy beings.
2042
Haydonites reveal themselves as enemies. Shadow Devices detonate across REF fleet. Massive losses. Icarus survives. SDF-3 lost in fold accident.
2042+
Earth liberated but REF crippled. Haydonite threat looms. Rick and Lisa missing. A fourth war implied — never depicted in completed media.
Unfinished Story: Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles was meant to launch a new series. A follow-up, Robotech: Love Live Alive was released in 2013 focusing on Lancer. A planned Robotech: Shadow Rising continuation was announced but not produced as of 2026. The fourth war's conclusion remains unwritten in canon.

INDEX COMPLETE MECHA & SHIPS REFERENCE

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Variable Fighter Transformation Modes (All Series)

All Macross variable fighters share the same three-mode transformation system. Robotech uses alternate terminology. Below is the cross-reference:
Macross NameRobotech NameDescription
FighterFighterStandard jet aircraft configuration. Fastest, best aerodynamics. Used for atmospheric and space flight.
GERWALKGuardianHybrid mode — jet body with legs deployed, arms out. Can hover, use hands, walk. Versatile mid-mode. (GERWALK = Ground Effective Reinforced-Weapon with Legs Kinetic)
BattroidBattloidFull humanoid robot mode. Best for close combat and confined spaces. Slower but most maneuverable for ground combat.

All Variable Fighters by Series

VF-0 Phoenix

Macross Zero (2008). Pre-OTM turbine. VF-0A (single), VF-0S (4-gun, Roy).

3-modeConventional engine
SV-51

Macross Zero (2008). Anti-U.N. forces. Nora Polyansky's craft.

3-modeDelta wing
VF-1 Valkyrie

SDF Macross (2009). Variants: A, J, S, D. Roy's VF-1S. Hikaru's VF-1J.

3-modeOTM engineSuper/Strike config
YF-19 / VF-19 Excalibur

Macross Plus (2040). Isamu Dyson. Forward-swept wings. Basara's Fire Valkyrie (Macross 7).

3-modePin-point barrier
YF-21 / VF-22 Sturmvogel II

Macross Plus (2040). Guld Bowman. BDI thought control. Max Jenius in M7.

3-modeBrain-Direct
VF-11 Thunderbolt

Macross Plus/7 (2040s). Standard UN Spacy fighter. Mylene's craft. Reliable workhorse.

3-modeMass produced
VF-17 Nightmare

Macross 7 (2045). Stealth variable fighter. Diamond Force. Gamlin Kizaki.

3-modeStealth
VF-25 Messiah

Macross Frontier (2059). Alto VF-25F. Ozma VF-25S. Armored/Super packs.

3-modeEX-Gear cockpitFold-carbon
VF-27 Lucifer

Macross Frontier (2059). Galaxy Fleet. Brera Sterne. Neural interface. Black/purple.

3-modeCyborg-linked
VF-171 Nightmare Plus

Frontier/Delta (2059-2067). Standard NUNS fighter. Mass-produced.

3-modeStandard issue
VF-31 Siegfried

Macross Delta (2067). Delta Flight. Hayate VF-31J, Mirage VF-31C, Arad VF-31S.

3-modeColor-coded
Sv-262 Draken III

Macross Delta (2067). Windermere. Aerial Knights. Keith's ace variant Ba.

3-modeFold-capable

Robotech-Specific Mecha

Hover Tank (ATAC)

2nd Robotech War. Dana Sterling. Tank → Guardian → Battloid. Protoculture-powered.

3-modeGround
Logan Fighter

2nd Robotech War. ATAC light aerospace craft. Fighter → Battloid.

2-mode
Bioroid

Robotech Masters. Blue (elite), Red, Green tiers. Hover disc flight. Humanoid.

Hover discClone-piloted
Cyclone (VR Series)

3rd Robotech War. Motorcycle → Power Armor. Scott, Rand, Rook variants.

2-modePersonal armor
Alpha Fighter

3rd Robotech War. REF standard Veritech. 3 modes. Combines with Beta.

3-mode
Beta Fighter

3rd Robotech War. REF support. Docks with Alpha "Synchro Circuit" combo.

Heavy firepower
Shadow Alpha / Beta

Shadow Chronicles. Haydonite Shadow Technology. Invid-invisible. Bomb inside.

Shadow techREF
Invid Scout / Enforcer / Shock Trooper

3rd War. Crab-like shells. Scout (basic), Enforcer (officer), Shock Trooper (elite).

OrganicSwarm tactics

Major Ships Across All Series

ShipSeriesClass / SizeNotes
SDF-1 MacrossSDF Macross / RT War I1,200m warshipTransforms to humanoid attack mode. Macross Cannon main gun. Carries 70,000 civilians.
SDF-2 Megaroad-01Post-SDF MacrossColony shipDestroyed by Khyron in Robotech. In Macross, Hikaru and Misa lead colonization. Disappears in 2016 in Macross canon.
SDF-3 PioneerRobotech Wars II-IVSuper dimension fortressRick Hunter's ship. REF flagship. Lost in Shadow Chronicles fold accident.
Battle 7 / City 7Macross 7New Macross-class fleetBattle 7 = warship (Max's command). City 7 = colony ship (1 million civilians).
Macross Frontier (Battle Frontier)Macross Frontier25th colony fleetBattle Frontier transforms for final battle. Island 1 = civilian ship.
Macross QuarterMacross Frontier1/4-scale MacrossSMS private military ship. Extremely maneuverable. Captain Wilder.
Macross ElysionMacross DeltaMacross-class warshipNUNS ship protecting Walküre. Ernest Johnson commands.
Robotech Masters MothershipRT War IIPetal-shaped megashipThe Masters' command ship. Bioroid launch platform.
Reflex PointRT War IIIPlanet-side hiveInvid Regess's command complex. Organic structure. Central Protoculture farm.
REF Icarus / Ark AngelShadow ChroniclesREF warshipsFinal liberation fleet vessels. Icarus under Vince Grant.
Sigur ValensMacross DeltaProtoculture fortressAncient Windermerean fortress. Fold-wave amplifier. Roid Brehm's doomsday weapon.

Protoculture — The Thread That Connects Everything

In Macross: The Protoculture are an ancient alien race who created the Zentradi as warriors and seeded the galaxy with their culture. The Bird-Human (Macross Zero) and fold quartz (Macross Frontier) are their legacy. Song and culture are weapons because the Protoculture encoded them that way.

In Robotech: Protoculture is a quasi-organic energy source derived from the Invid Flower of Life, first discovered by the scientist Zor. He seeded the universe with the Flower of Life before dying. The entire conflict — Zentraedi, Masters, Invid — is a war over Protoculture energy. Every mecha runs on it. The Regess seeks to evolve beyond needing it.
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Franchise Note: Macross (Big West / Tatsunoko) and Robotech (Harmony Gold) have had complex international licensing disputes since the 1980s. Outside Japan, Macross series past the original were historically unavailable officially in Western markets for decades. As of 2021, new licensing agreements have allowed Big West titles to be distributed internationally. The two franchises remain legally distinct despite sharing the same original source material.