"In the year 1999, high above Macross Island in the South Pacific, a phenominal event occured in the skies which altered the course of human history."
This phrase begins the sci-fi saga known as Robotech For those of you unfamilar with Robotech, it was an American cartoon that ran in syndication during the mid-1980's. What made Robotech unique was the fact that the show was actually a combination of three unrelated Japanese animated sagas. As such, Robotech is divided up into 3 sections: Macross, Southern Cross, and New Generation. The result was an animated series which appealed to adults as well as children. Today, Robotech has a cult following of fans who consistently demonstrate a fierce love and loyality for the story. This page is a dedication to that series, and the fans who love it.
About the series:
Robotech first aired in syndication back in 1984 with the first part of the series known as the Macross saga. The story begins in 1999 with the crash of a large alien spacecraft into an uninhabitated island in the South Pacific, thus ending a fierce global civil war. In light of the new dangers posed from outer space, the nations of the world united and undertook the process of unraveling the secrets of the new alien technology; later dubbed Robotechnology. Ten years passed from the time of the crash to the launch and maiden voyage of the spacecraft; now called the Super Dimensional Fortress One, or SDF-1 for short. Along with the SDF-1 came an array of advanced fighting machines. In space, docking stations called ARMD space platforms were put into service, servicing as a sort of aircraft carrier in space. On board the platforms were manned and unmanned space fighters, called the Lancer 1 and Lancer 2. On Earth, new classes of warship were produced. Serving as the grunt, or the backbone of the new forces were giant robots called Destroids. The Excallibur MkII, the Spartan MkII, the Raider X, the Gladiator and the MAC II made up this heavy hitting force. Each robot was about 50 ft. tall (the MAC II was closer to 70 ft), and packed more firepower per unit then ten tank divisions of old. Armed with missles, guns and lasers and covered in the toughest armor known to man, these machines were practically unstoppable. In the skies, new fighters were developed. Among these new fighters is the VF-1 Veritech fighter (aka valkyre); an outstanding fighter aircraft armed with missles and lasers. However, the Veritech was much more than just a fighter. Showcasing the most advanced features of Robotechnology, the Veritech could literally transform from a fighter aircraft to a bipedal humanoid robot. The pilot sat nestled in the chest of the 50 foot tall robot, which could perform nearly any feat from that of it's human pilot. A third operational mode was later developed as a result of thoe original two Called Guardian mode, it was a sort of in-between mode, which allowed for aircraft-like flight while wielding arms and legs for ground movement. The Veritech fighter made up the frontline forces of new military regime, officially known as the Robotech Defense Force.
The storyline of Macross begins in the year 2009 as the SDF-1 and the young Robotech Defense Force celebrate the new technlogies of humankind. Ironically, on that same day the alien force known as the Zentradi arrive at Earth looking for the SDF-1 as per orders from the rulers of the Zentradi, the Robotech Masters. What ensues is a three year battle which carries the SDF-1 throughout the Solar System.
Heading up the cast list for the Macross saga is as follows:
Rick Hunter; a young civilian ace pilot who gets caught up in the early stages of the war. He later joins the RDF and becomes one of their greatest Veritech pilots.
Lisa Hayes, a young but capable RDF officer serving as the executive officer on board the SDF-1. She is a tough, strict, by-the-book officer who later on developes a love interest for Rick.
Roy Fokker, an ace pilot from the global civil war who joined the RDF as a test pilot for the Veritech fighter, he commands the Skull squadron, the elite squadron of Veritech pilots.
Henry Gloval, a war veteren and Captain of the SDF-1.
Max Sterling, a young Vertiech pilot assigned to Rick's command; Max becomes the greatest Veritech pilot of the RDF.
Lynn Minmei, a beautiful young woman who gets caught up in the war. Her singing serves to boost morale on board the SDF-1 and strikes an emotional blow to the heartless Zentradi who are bent on recovering the SDF-1.
Breetai, commander of the Zentradi forces sent after the SDF-1. He is one of the oldest, strongest, and resorceful of all Zentradi. A strong military tactician and leader, he commands respect from the troops under his command.
Khyron, a younger Zentradi officer who commands a small flotilla of ships. Khyron is a hotheaded leader who flagrantly disregards orders. He becomes obsessed with destroying the SDF-1
Miriya Parino, a female Zentradi ace pilot who becomes obssesed with destroying the enemy ace Max Sterling. She undergoes a process called "micronization", shrinking herself to human size so that she may board the SDF-1 and defeat Max personally. Unexpectedly, the two fall in love and marry.
Dolza, supreme commander of all Zentradi forces. A cold, ruthless leader, Dolza's force of almost 5 million ships ultimately confront the SDF-1 and her unxpeceted but welcome fleet.
Part Two: The Southern Cross
The Southern Cross saga is probably the least known portion of Robotech. Never the less, it is action packed and full of colorful characters, just like Macross.
The Southern Cross Saga continues the story of Robotech fifteen years after the Macross Saga, in the year 2029. Peace and steady growth have blessed the Earth, and humankind, once on the brink of extinction, have since had a rebirth of sorts. Most members of the Robotech Defense Force have left the Earth on a mission to prevent further confrontations with the Zentradi or their rulers, the Robotech Masters. The rebuilding Earth was left in the fragile hands of the Army of the Southern Cross, named for the location of the Robotech Masters homeworld. In the absence of the RDF, the Southern Cross had grown strong and powerful. As with the RDF, the main force of the Southern Cross fell to the Veritech Fighter. In the fifteen years since Macross, a new generation of Veritechs were developed. These Veritechs were more powerful than the previous Veritechs, but were a bit more specialized in terms of roles. Among these new Veritechs is the Veritech Hover Tank(VHT); an extremely powerful machine that combines three modes of operation: tank mode, transport mode, and battloid mode. In transport mode, the Veritech can cruise over rough terrain at 100mph. In Tank mode, the VHT is a tough, powerful weapon platform. In Battloid mode, the VHT becomes a 20ft tall robot capable of any human movements. This Veritech is considered the strongest mecha of the Southern Cross. The VHT is not the only new Veritech in service. The Logan Veritech is the second generation Veritech aircraft. The Logan is much smaller the original VF-1 series Veritech, nor is it as versatile. The role of the Logan is a fast, light aerial attack Veritech. Heavy ground attack is left to the VHT. Rounding out the new generation of Veritechs is the Ajacs attack Copter. The Ajacs is designed to be a space fighter. In space the Ajacs is almost unstoppable, easily beating out any other mecha including the VF-1 series. It has two modes of operation; jetcopter and battloid. While primarily a space fighter, the Ajacs can also operate in the atmosphere.
The old, giant Destroids have also been replaced by smaller mecha. The Southern Cross utilizes an array of non-transformable battloids, which are smaller and less armored, yet considerably more mobile. These battloids are used primarily for civil defense, though they are combat capable.
In the Southern Cross saga, Earth is once again assailed from space. The attackers are not the Zentradi this time, but their rulers, the Robotech Masters (the very force the RDF set out to destroy ). Battle after battle against the vastly superior Robotech Masters play out, ending with the a great battle upon the site of the buried SDF-1, a battle which ultimately spells doom for the Earth and her inhabitants.
The cast list for the Southern Cross is as follows:
Dana Sterling: Daughter of RDF pilot and hero Max Sterling and Zentradi ace Miriya Parino, she commands the 15th Alpha Tactical Armored Corps of Veritech Hover Tanks. She is an ace like her parents, but she gets herself in hot water on a regular basis due to her stubbornness.
Bowie Grant: Dana's only real friend, she and Bowie grew up and joined the Southern Cross together. Bowie is a great fighter, but would rather spend time playing music, which is his greatest love.
Angelo Dante: A big, tough, no-nonsense member of the 15th ATAC who is strictly military.
Sean Phillips: Former commander of the 15th ATAC, his non-military lifestyle gets him into as much trouble as Dana.
Marie Crystal: an Ajacs pilot who dislikes Dana and her less-than-military attitude.
Zor Prime: A clone produced by the Robotech Masters who becomes an unwilling spy. Eventually, Zor Prime defects to the Earth forces and fall in love with Dana.
Part Three: The New Generation
The New Generation is the third installment of the Robotech saga, and favored by many of the fans. This chapter of Robotech begins in the year 2034, two years after the end of the Southern Cross saga (commonly refereed to as the second Robotech war). Once again, humankind struggled back from devastation to establish itself, though not as successfully as it did from the first war. A general state of anarchy existed, with isolated pools of authority found scattered about the globe. Dana Sterling and the heroes from the Southern Cross have left the Earth to rendezvous with the RDF fleet and Dana's legendary parents who left almost 22 years ago. Unfortunately, the relative peace on Earth was short lived, as a new enemy to Earth known as the Invid arrived. The Invid were long since enemies of the Zentradi and Robotech Masters, and as such have become the enemies of Earth as well. The Invid are an insect-like race; millions upon millions of drone soldiers obeying the commands of their Queen-Mother, known as the Regis. The Invid attacked with ferocity, and easily slaughtered Earth's depleted defenses; killing millions, devastating the remains of civilization and enslaving the remainder of the population; forcing humankind to serve as workers in vast fields, harvesting a peculiar flower known as the Invid flower of life. This flower appeared on Earth shortly after the end of the second Robotech war, and took root immediately. For the Invid, this flower represents their entire existence; for the Robotech forces, this flower produces seeds which; under the right circumstances, creates a clean, powerful energy source which powers their war machine. This war machine is now called the Robotech Expeditionary Force (or REF for short); which grew out of the RDF forces which left the Earth before the Southern Cross began. The REF, learning of the Invid enslavement of Earth, sent an advance attack wave to combat the Invid. This attack wave, called Mars Division, met with almost complete destruction.
As with the previous two chapters, the mecha of the REF forces are very different and unique. Technology has produced new types of armor which are lighter and stronger as well as smaller, more sophisticated robotech circuitry. The result was tough mecha with greater firepower and stronger armor than anything previously seen. Of course, it wouldn't be Robotech without transforming robots, and the new Veritechs are thought of by many fans to be the best. Most unique to the New Generation is a small motorcycle called the Cyclone. Three variants of the Cyclone exist; the VR-052 Battler, the VR-041 Sabre, and the VR-038 Lite. These bikes are quick and tough, but they also hold a powerful secret. At the flic of a switch of via voice command these motorcycles transform into what amounts to be a suit of power armor around the pilot. This powered armor gives the pilot superhuman speed, flying capability, and protection nearly as strong as that of the old VF-1 Veritech. Armed with mini-missiles, lasers, and retractable sabers (VR-041 only), these Cyclone create a very powerful front-line force.
In the air are two new Veritech fighters which carry enough firepower to bring down a small space cruiser. The main Veritech fighter is called the VAF-6 Alpha fighter. Like it's VF-1 predecessor , the Alpha fighter has tree modes of operation: fighter, guardian, and battloid. It carries a powerful laser like the VF-1, and can achieve an almost human-like movements and reflexes. Unlike it's predecessor, it stands only about 25 ft. tall, uses heavier armor, and can carry five times the missiles (60 in all). As a backup system, each Alpha carries a Cyclone stores in a special compartment behind the cockpit, thus giving a downed pilot a second mode of defense. Because of these features, the Alpha is the frontline fighter and premier fighting mecha of the REF.
The VAF-6 Alpha
The other new Veritech is much larger than the Alpha, but also carries a much bigger punch. The VBF-1 Beta fighter serves as a heavy assault fighter as well as a second line of defense to the Alpha. Like the Veritechs before it, it has three modes of operation. It carries the same hand-held laser that the Alpha does, but it stands almost 35ft. tall in battloid mode, and is significantly tougher than the Alpha. Like the Alpha, it carries a Cyclone specially stored on-board, but unlike the Alpha, the Beta is bristling with explosives. It carries a total of 108 missiles, compared with the Alphas 60, and can achieve an incredible speed of MACH 8 with it's booster jets engaged.
The Alpha and the Beta were created together and serve as complementing weapon systems in the most unique of ways. The two fighters can literally link together, creating a larger, extremely heavily armed fighter capable of astonishing speed. These link-ups are used in special circumstances such as an invasion or heavy counterattack, but are effective at anytime.
The New Generation begins with the attack of the Mars Division; the first wave in a counterattack mounted by Admiral Rick Hunter, leader of the REF. Unfortunately, the Mars Divsion meets up with quick destruction, leaving only a few scattered warriors to carry out the battle against the Invid until the rest of the fleet arrives. These members of the REF have one mission; locate the main Invid base (called Hive) called Reflex Point and attack. Eventually, the second wave called Jupiter Division arrives, but they too are wiped out. Finally, almost a year after the arrival of Mars Division comes the main fleet of the REF; thousands of ships ready to liberate the Earth for the final time. Missing from this vast fleet is the SDF-3 and her legendary crew from the Macross saga; but the battle wages on; the last battle for the forces of Earth.
The cast list for the New Generation is as follows:
Scott Bernard: A strict, no-nonsense REF Alpha pilot with the 21st squadron of Mars Division. He crashes in the initial wave and begins a journey to Reflex Point with his Cyclone.
Rand: An adventuresome civilian who learned to live off the land. He hates the Invid and joins with Scott in his journey to Reflex Point.
Rook Bartley: A young, tough, blond headed woman who rides a Cyclone of her own. She also joins Scott in his battle with the Invid, and in the process falls in love with Rand.
Lancer: A slim, tough, easy-going freedom fighter who moonlights as a female singer named Yellow Dancer; Lancer is a trained REF soldier who fights the Invid and joins Scott's group of fighters.
Lunk: A gentle giant who is also a trained engineer in the REF; Lunk gives Scott a well-maintained Veritech Alpha and joins his team.
Annie (Mint) Labelle: A short, immature, young girl who tags along with Scott and eventually becomes a member of the team.
Marlene (aka ariel): An Invid simulagent created by the Regis in the likeness of a human female, she was implanted in Scott's party as a spy and believes herself to be human. Eventually she falls in love with Scott.
Sera: Another Invid created by the Regis in the form of a human female; Sera commands a large group of Invid fighters but eventually falls in love with Lancer and sides with Scott and his group.
Corg: A ruthless Invid created by the Regis, he lives for the destruction of mankind.
The Regis: The Queen-mother and supreme leader of the Invid. She is a human-like "column of light" who possesses unimaginable powers of psi-essence. She is determined to build a peaceful world for her Invid children and will stop at nothing to rid the Earth of the "warlike" humans.
Sound interesting? Fortunately the entire Robotech saga is now available on DVD, visit http://www.robotech.com for ordering information!
Robotech is copyrighted by Harmony Gold, 1984.
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