One interesting twist in the Macross plot is that the best pilot is not the main character. And so, another hallmark of Macross a break from the cliché. The best pilot is no less likable, actually in some aspects more likable than the main character. He is the seeming underdog who turns out to be a demon of war. . Maximillian Jenius/Sterling by all accounts is beyond belief. But who would think that the Variable Fighter pilot would have glasses, slender built, and have such a laid back demeanor. Unknown until near a third of the series, the young corporal performs some of the most memorable moves with his mecha. His fight scenes are unmatched until what happens on planet Eden, and that was pulled off with the most state of the art mecha.

If Hikaru/Rick represents an unsure soldier and romantic, Maximilian represents a soldier who is comfortable with his role, and resolve in the romantic realm. Max neither brags about his piloting prowess, nor falters when there is a job to be done. He handles everything with an upbeat attitude. Max is the good guy we wish we all could be. But of course this strikes up the envy of others. And his major test would be Millia/Miriya Falyna. Another ace pilot, but on the other side, she challenges him to a battle in the skies, then seeks him out aboard the ship. Max crosses paths with her and is instantly enamored. He asks her to play a video game and tries to impress her. Unknowingly he defeats his enemy again and before she can leave he asks her on a date. She agrees and plots to murder him In something liken to the Greek legend of Diana the warrior goddess, he defeats her in hand-to-hand combat. Millia unable to face defeat and the consequences of being a spy aboard the SDF-1 asks for death. Moved by her tears and intense beauty he is unable to do that, instead they embrace and kiss. He proposes something never heard of before, a human Zentraedi marriage.

During his wedding, the SDF-1 is attacked and though he is relieved of duties, Max decides to join the fight. His new bride swears that she must come along. But during this battle they decide to disarm the Zentraedi battle pods instead of causing more bloodshed. The Zentraedi troops also don't want to fight knowing that there are comrades aboard the SDF-1. The Zentraedi warlord, Breetai, saw defected Zentraedi, his demoralized troops, and Millia the greatest Zentraedi warrior paired with a human decides to make a truce with the humans. But the Grand Fleet had already decided to wipe out all infected Zentraedi and the entire human race. Knowing they would be facing death, Max and Millia decided to fight together. Imagine how Max felt seeing his new bride, full of love and hope knowing that their chances were slim. They did go out to fly, he in his Blue Variable fighter and she in her Red trimmed. No one could match their skill and together they were an awesome team.

They did survive. And with the rebuilding of Earth, another miracle came, the first Zentraedi-human child. Max was not only an excellent pilot, a gentle husband, but a loving father. And he still kicked butt in the air. His entire family were assigned to a dangerous mission to capture the Factory Satellite where his daughter Komillia/Dana would be shown to the renegade Zentraedi demonstrating that the Earth-Zentraedi alliance had the power of Protoculture. Safely they returned from their mission and back to their jobs as being ace pilots.

All in all they had seven daughters and a marriage that lasted thirty years. Millia was Max's most trusted and loyal comrade. They fought side by side, and eventually Millia second to Max. After so man years in the military, their civil duties and military duties got in the way of their love. And so much was lost. Millia left the military to become a mayor and their disagreements entered their personal life. The sparks still fly between them, though they are formally separated. There are so many moments between them when it is obvious how they feel about each other. Whatever happens, their story is still legendary.

Well, who knows what new romance lies in store for the old couple, eh?

Max in Do You Remember Love

During the first scene in the movie, Max sets the stage as a superior fighter. In fact, it is obvious that there is a little rivalry between himself and Hikaru. He mystifies his enemies with elusive moves, blasts away the aliens and pounds enemy mecha to space debris. In the battle, Hikaru is missing and they continue to search for him. When Hikaru and Minmay are rescued, the friends have happy and joking reunion. The Meltrandi forces attack the SDF-1 and Hikaru, Max and Hayao set off to defend it. They joke about facing the all female forces, a challenge Max is entirely up for. Hayoa is killed and Max begins the fight of his life with the enemy ace Millia 639. In a wild fight that nearly has to be slowed down to follow the two tango. He does not let his adversary retreat, instead he follows the mecha to her ship. He enters the empty airlock only to be pounced on from behind. In the dark they fight with their blasting lighting up the scene. The battle ends as Minmay's singing broadcasts. He leaves his damaged mecha to inspect his enemy. She struggles out of her craft, dropping her helmet. For the first time he laid eyes on the Meltrandi he was mesmerized. He could not help but to murumer, "Beautiful." And in her daze she said likewise. Later on in the movie, the two are by each other's side preparing for battle against the BaDolza fleet. Minmay's song broadcasts once again and he explains to Millia what it is. They join the battle to protect protoculture like archangles of battle.