Robotech: The Macross Saga

Well, here is my first review. I'm going to start with my recent anime and work my way back. I will be reviewing the first of the three Robotech series, The Macross Saga. I got my hands on the huge Protoculture Collection, which is the penultimate Robotech box set. So far I have only watched the first two series, leaving the third and new movie to watch. I believe it should first be noted that Robotech was compiled from 3 separate animes into an 85 series broadcast for American television. The Japanese versions are a bit harder to get, and are only subbed, so this set is probably a good way to go. If you are picky about untouched anime, then the originals would be worth it, but Harmony Gold, Robotech's US producers, did a very good job. My only complaints would be the same freaking soundtrack throughout all three series. Also, Minmei's singing is very repetitive, and can get to you quite a lot. Aside from all of this, Macross is an incredibly well crafted series. Even though it is rather old, originally broadcast in Japan in 1984, the age is hardly a deterrent. This series has some of the best characterizations in any anime, and has made it's way to my top 5. Now of course this series has a bit of old cheesiness, but the series as a whole totally overrides those ridiculous moments.
Now I come to a brief synopsis to pique your interests. The series is 36 episodes and split into two parts. The first half is about the giant space fortress Macross, crash landing on Earth, and the inhabitants working together to repair it and use it for their own in case those who owned it come looking for it. Eventually a warlike race, the Zentraedi, do come looking for it. What follows is an involving and sprawling war. During this time there is abundant character development on both sides of the war. Honestly, the only thing going for a handful of scenes is the intense grasp you have on the characters that lets you shrug aside any inconsistencies due to the age of this piece. At any rate, the end of the series is a big wind down from the climax. It concentrates more on the characters. That is all I will say about it, but as my brother put it so well, Robotech is like a soap opera for guys.

Overall, this series is very well done, and the fact that it is still good even after all this time really is a testament to the Macross Saga. I give it five Wandals out of five. 5/5