Robotech - Transformation (Vol. 2)
This early anime series that helped introduce the genre to the United States in the mid-1980s is a curious hybrid. Harmony Gold bought the rights to the 36-episodeSuper Dimension Fortress: Macross, in which an alien invasion was held at bay by the voice of a girl pop star, but executives felt that American viewers wouldn't accept that plot. Producer-story editor Carl Macek intercut sequences fromMacrosswith two similar-looking sci-fi series from Tatsunoko Studios,Genesis Climber MospeadaandSuper Dimensional Cavalry Southern Cross, creating a sprawling 85-episode space opera with a completely new story line. This second collection of episodes from theMacrossadventure continues the very tame romance between Rick and Minmei alongside the war waged by the human crew of the gargantuan space ship SDF-1 against the alien Zentraedi. Complications ensue when Minmei wins the title of "Miss Macross" and becomes a shipboard celebrity. Rick is promoted to lieutenant and put in charge of training corporals Ben and Max. All three pilots and Lisa Hayes are captured by the Zentraedi, who have somehow lost the secret of biological reproduction, but believe the knowledge is hidden within the SDF-1. For its legions of loyal fans,Robotechis a landmark in animation history with potent nostalgic ties. Younger fans seeingRobotechfor the first time may be surprised at the leisurely pacing, tame action sequences, and sloppy execution--Rick's hair often changes color from scene to scene. Contains these episodes: 7. "Bye Bye Mars," 8. "Sweet Sixteen," 9. "Miss Macross," 10. "Blind Game," 11. "First Contact," 12. "The Big Escape." Unrated; "contains mild animated violence." Suitable for ages 8 and up: violence is restricted to spaceship and robot battles.--Charles Solomon