Robotech(1985) was always an anomaly: an anime series that no Japanese viewer would recognize in its final form. Carl Macek and the crew at Harmony Gold edited together three similar-looking series from Tatsunoko Studios:Super Dimension Fortress: Macross,Genesis Climber Mospeada, andSuper Dimensional Cavalry Southern Crossto create a sprawling 85-episode space opera with a completely new story.Robotechhelped to create an audience for anime in America, and the toys, role-playing games, novelizations, and frequent reissues have kept it alive in the hearts of its fans for almost three decades. The First Robotech War (theMacrosscontinuity) opens in 1999, when a gigantic spaceship strikes the Earth at Macross Island in the Pacific. After a decade of analysis, repair, and study, the Earth forces are preparing to relaunch the SDF-1 when the alien Zentraedi attack, hoping to capture it. The filmmakers introduce the main characters during the initial attacks and counterattacks: brash pilot Rick Hunter, dashing commander Roy Fokker, SDF-1 Captain Gloval and his assistant Lisa Hayes, and aspiring singer Minmei. The Zentraedi attack Earth with 4.8 million vessels, an assault complicated by the rebel Zentraedi captain Khyron. A climactic battle pits the SDF-1 and the new SDF-2 against Khyron. The Second Robotech War (Robotech MastersorSouthern Cross) begins 15 years after the previous adventure. Half-Zentraedi/half-human Dana Sterling becomes a squadron commander as the Robotech Masters attack Earth to recapture the mysterious Protoculture factory, which was hidden in the SDF-1. But the Masters cannot control Zor Prime, a clone of the inventor of Protoculture. Having tasted freedom and love, Zor Prime defies the Masters and destroys what amounts to a high-tech slave culture. But the Second Robotech War ends as the first did, in a Pyrrhic victory. The Robotech Masters have been destroyed, but much of the Earth has been devastated--again. The Third Robotech War (previously packaged as the "New Generation"Mospeada) begins when  the alien Invid have conquered Earth under the Regis. The only opposition to their tyranny comes from the survivors of Admiral Rick Hunter's space fleet and a few rebels who emerge victorious after numerous battles. Faced with imminent defeat, the Regis, who invaded Earth, delivers an address denouncing war to Scott's crew and transports her people "to a higher plane." It's a surprisingly lame conclusion to three interstellar wars. Nearly 30 years since its debut,Robotechlooks decidedly primitive. The crudely drawn space battles and explosions reveal just how much computer animation has contributed to contemporary anime. Gen X-ers who grew up watchingRobotechwill delight in retracing its convoluted story; viewers accustomed to the faster-moving, more dramatic conflicts of recent anime will grow impatient with the leaden pace and endless repetitions. This latest edition comes with a disc of extras, many of which have appeared before. (Unrated; suitable for ages 8 and older: machine on machine violence.)--Charles Solomon(1. Booby Trap, 2. Countdown, 3. Space Fold, 4. The Long Wait, 5. Transformation, 6. Blitzkrieg, 7. Bye Bye Mars, 8. Sweet Sixteen, 9. Miss Macross, 10. Blind Game, 11. First Contact, 12. The Big Escape, 13. Blue Wind, 14. Gloval's Report, 15. Homecoming, 16. Battle Cry, 17. Phantasm, 18. Farewell, Big Brother, 19. Bursting Point, 20. Paradise Lost, 21. A New Dawn, 22. Battle Hymn, 23. Reckless, 24. Showdown, 25. Wedding Bells, 26. The Messenger, 27. Force of Arms, 28. Reconstruction Blues, 29. Robotech Masters, 30. Viva Miriya, 31. Khyron's Revenge, 32. Broken Heart, 33. A Rainy Night, 34. Private Time, 35. Season's Greetings, 36. To the Stars, 37. Dana's Story, 38. False Start, 39. Southern Cross, 40. Volunteers, 41. Half Moon, 42. Danger Zone, 43. Prelude to Battle, 44. The Trap, 45. Metal Fire, 46. Stardust, 47. Outsiders, 48. Déjà Vu, 49. A New Recruit, 50. Triumvirate, 51. Clone Chamber, 52. Love Song, 53. The Hunters, 54. Mind Game, 55. Dana in Wonderland, 56. Crisis Point, 57. Day Dreamer, 58. Final Nightmare, 59. The Invid Connection, 60. Catastrophe, 61. The Invid Invasion, 62. The Lost City, 63. Lonely Soldier Boy, 64. Survival, 65. Curtain Call, 66. Hard Times, 67. Paper Hero, 68. Eulogy, 69. The Genesis Pit, 70. Enter Marlene, 71. The Secret Route, 72. The Fortress, 73. Sandstorm, 74. Annie's Wedding, 75. Separate Ways, 76. Metamorphosis, 77. The Midnight Sun, 78. Ghost Town, 79. Frostbite, 80. Birthday Blues, 81. Hired Gun, 82. The Big Apple, 83. Reflex Point, 84. Dark Finale, 85. Symphony of Light)