Fresh out of New York Comic Con, we learn that both Macross Frontier and Macross Delta are coming to the UK in Q2 2027, with pre-orders going live via Anime Ltd this December.
As part of Harmony Gold losing their historic grip on the franchise, we've finally been able to get our hands on Macross Zero and a re-release of Macross Plus, but honestly, these are the big ones.
Macross Frontier followed on from Macross 7 but took a far more mature approach to the storytelling. We're huge fans of this anime as it marked the first full-length TV series to follow the original that felt as urgent and tight as the original. Alto Saotome is a former Kabuki actor who yearns to reach the sky, but is frustrated by his life as part of the Frontier fleet. Sheryl Nome is the number one songstress in the universe visiting the fleet to perform her latest album and Ranka Lee is the wide-eyed idol wannabe. When a new threat attacks the fleet, Alto is recruited into the SMS who are armed with advanced Valykyrie fighters and the series follows the trio on their personal journeys - Alto's maturity into a warrior, Sheryl's humanisation (seriously, she's a complete bitch at the start of the series) and Ranka's journey to stardom, which hits a few hilarious bumps on the way. Characterisation, action and music are all absolutely top-tier in Macross Frontier, with genuine narrative twists and some lovely nods to previous Macross titles scattered throughout. This is the modern Macross of choice, not least because of the music of May'n, whose albums, Macross or otherwise, are absolute gold. Seriously, give Lion a listen if you haven't heard it before.
Macross Delta take a more idol group approach to its story, where a group named Walkure use their music to heal the effects of a new virus known as Var, which causes berserk rages in its victims. Rookie pilot Hayate Immelmann joins ace pilot Mirage Flair Jenius (sister of Macross 7's Mylene, making her another daughter of the original series' iconic Max and Mylia) in Delta Flight, a squadron that protects Walkure during their performances. They're up against the Windemere Kingdom that has declared war on the New United Nations Government and have weaponsied the Var against the colony ships.
Delta is a solid series with some interesting ideas and characters, chief among them being the very short lifespan of the Windemere people, including wannabe idol Freyja Wion, a Windemerian with a love of music and a desire to share her heart with others, and the latest candidate for membership of Walkure. Of course this creates the classic Macross love triangle, with Mirage and Frejya both attracted to the charismatic Hayate. Again, the music is the star here and the Walkure concerts have proven to be massive draws in Japan.
Again, pre-orders go live in December, let's hope they do both series some justice with tasty special editions. Deculture!
