Macross Frontier: Episode 01

Posted by NeoBlade On May - 11 - 2008 View Comments

Many years ago there was a war with the giants known as the Zentradi which lead to near extinction of the human race by the extraterrestrials. Faced with the threat of destruction, a colony fleet was created entrusting mankind into space as part of future expansion into the galaxy. As the years went on, in 2059 A.D. the 25th vast colony fleet was created known as Macross Frontier as mankind continued to expand towards the centre of the galaxy.
As part of a whirlwind galaxy wide tour the Galactic Fairy a beautiful idol and talented songstress known as Sheryl Norme makes a planned appearance to Macross Frontier and so preparations for the hugely popular concert begins . As work goes underway a group of highly skilled pilots are commissioned to take film footage of the concert live and to put on an acrobatic show. Luka, a young computer specialist double checks the aerobic routine while Michal acts as team leader. Alto, often teased about his beauty however is dissatisfied about having his lead stunts cut down but that is the least of his worries as danger looms…

Being a massive fan of Macross Plus I have been anticipating this series for quite some time, and it doesnâ€™t disappoint. Production values are high as the art direction from mixing shiny, detailed CG models of the aircrafts to liberal use of alpha blending to illustrate holographic displays, the world is set alight with vibrant scenery, rich colours and detailed traditional cel animation.
The premise of the story is set around the three talented cadets that are hired to put on a show during the Sheryl concert and is fairly stereotypical. Luka, a young male of pink hair is a computer expert often seen analysing and organising routines and missions while Michal is your established, professional pilot with above average skills in every area. Alto however is a young, brash male, confidant in his abilities but still lacking in direction and wanting to beat Michal to prove himself. Obsessed with being set free from the constraints of the ceiling height set by the artificial sky of Macross Frontier, Alto wishes to pilot a Valkyrie, an aircraft built for space combat and not the Ex-Gear they currently use.

His paths cross with an upbeat, fun loving female called Ranka Lee, a worker at a Chinese Restaurant called Nyan Nyan, who gets lost while looking to get to the Sheryl convert that her brother managed to get tickets for. One thing that struck me when watching this was the seiyuuâ€™s debut for Ranka Lee – Megumi Nakajima. I swore I recognised her voice as one of the lead females for a Studio Ghibli movie but was proved wrong. Her debut not only as a seiyuu (voice actor) but as a singer also is stunning. Her warm tones, energised performance and strong projection of performance gives her a strong presence for her character where emotions often ebb and flow. Speaking of high performances the music is once again being handled by famed composer Yoko Kanno which sets the mood perfectly with the visuals. From ambient soothing tunes to the lavish productions of Sherylâ€™s concert music, Maaya Sakamoto also chips in with the them tune.

Action heats up though as alien forces start to attack during Sherylâ€™s concert, outside of Macross Frontier forcing everyone to evacuate into the underground shelters. Dogfights are fluid and well choreographed as it is all handed in 3D however it is done in a way that it complements the traditional 2D animation rather than alienating it. The angles used and composition really does make this a visual treat and a joy to watch, which is credit to CG artists.

Macross Frontier Episode 01 is a good introduction of whatâ€™s to come with a small revelation at the end making you want to watch more. If you are a fan of drama, mecha, great production values, music and characterisation then I would recommend this. One of the highlights for me of the new anime season because it isnâ€™t your usual fluff and a keeper for me.