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Macross Δ Movie 2: A Second Viewing Reveals a Symphony of War, Love, and Politics

Featured / Paul Record

Upon my second viewing of the Macross Δ Movie 2: Zettai Live!!!, I’ve come to a compelling conclusion: this film is a near-masterful tapestry that weaves together everything a Macross fan could want. From war and mecha action to love and music, these elements are present and seamlessly interwoven, all delivered through high-quality animation that can only be described as delicious deculture.

A collage featuring key elements of the Macross Delta 2 movie, including scenes of mecha action, romantic moments, musical performances, and war settings
Love, War, Music, Mecha

While some may argue that the idol singing appears distracting, it’s crucial to recognize that music and entertainment have been integral to the experience of war throughout history. This tradition dates back to events like the USO‘s visits to troops during World War II and beyond. Similarly, Walküre mitigates the dread, harm, and destruction that unfold in the background, all while being presented in a PG/PG-13 format. Their performances imbued with love and friendship, serve as a counterpoint to the darker themes of the movie.

Juxtaposing Eras: Walkure’s modern idol performances alongside the timeless USO shows, illustrate the enduring role of music in the theater of war.

But the film doesn’t stop at surface-level entertainment, it delves deep into the political landscape of its fictional galaxy. Lady M acts as a governing force, her rules increasingly stifling galactic society whether justifiably so or not. This sets the stage for Heimdall, a group chafing at Lady M’s grip. One of its factions, led by the tragic war hero, Ian “Iron” Cromwell, is particularly motivated by the aggressive tendencies of organizations like the UN, NUNS, and PMCs. This echoes Hayate’s own desire to end war in the galaxy.

The Mysterious Lady M(s)

Manipulating these forces is the galaxy-wide conglomerate, the Epsilon Foundation. Think of them as the defense contractors and major conglomerates of the real world, engaging in activities like war profiteering and event manipulation. Their presence adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, making it relatable to our own geopolitical landscape.

Sydney Hunt of Epsilon Foundation

Delta 2 doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of its themes. It candidly shows the attrition suffered by XAOS and the ongoing occupation of the Windermereans, thereby highlighting the destructive impact of conflict on the galaxy. Moreover, the movie addresses the mortality of its heroes and the strain that war places on relationships of all kinds. Does it handle these themes effectively? In my assessment, it does, and it resonates strongly with contemporary anime enthusiasts.

Cromwell leveling Freya’s home. Bastard!

For long-time Macross fans willing to view Macross Δ Movie 2: Zettai Live!!! as a multi-faceted anime, the film has much to offer. If one is open to engaging with the complex themes of hard science fiction, war, and politics that operate in the background, Delta 2 becomes an even more appealing experience. In essence, this movie is not just a feast for the eyes but also a complex narrative that speaks to both new and old generations of anime fans.

Macross 7 at 29: A Love Letter to the Music of the Macross Universe, Revisited

Featured / Paul Record / Leave a comment
Deculture anniversary art by YoshimasaYM

The Music of Fire Bomber: A Love That Transcends Time, Space, and Personal Circumstances

Today is the day! 29 years, booomba! Let’s get this straight: Fire Bomber is not just a band. It’s a phenomenon, a force of nature that shook the very foundations of the Macross universe. The music of Fire Bomber is the lifeblood of Macross 7, a series that dared to be different, that dared to defy the norms set by its predecessor, SDF Macross. Songs like Planet Dance and Totsugeki Love Heart are not just tracks; they’re anthems, declarations of war against the mundane, against the ordinary. But it’s their live sets that carry you to heaven.

From Florida to the Macross Universe

I was in Florida, fresh off a stint with the U.S. Army that didn’t pan out as I’d hoped. I was navigating the local Workforce program, a young man grappling with the complexities of adulthood. It was during this time that I stumbled upon Macross 7 and Macross Plus. While the mecha designs of Plus were captivating, it was the story and music of Macross 7 that truly resonated with me. Perhaps it was the length of the series that allowed for a deeper narrative, but let’s be honest: it was all about Fire Bomber.

The Voices That Brought Macross 7 to Life

The magic of Fire Bomber can be attributed to the incredible talents of Chie Kajiura, the singing voice of Mylene, and Yoshiki Fukuyama, the voice behind Basara. Together with their band, they create a soundscape that transcends the realm of anisong and transports you to a demi-dimension where Macross might just be a reality. Even in 2023, the passion in their voices remains undiminished, a testament to the timeless appeal of Macross 7’s music.

Macross 7 vs. SDF Macross: A Tale of Two Universes

SDF Macross was groundbreaking, no doubt. But Macross 7? It was revolutionary. While SDF Macross gave us a space opera replete with military and romantic elements, Macross 7 turned the tables and gave us a rock opera. It was a shift not just in the narrative but in the very ethos of the Macross universe. The ship’s aesthetics, the character designs, the music, the tone, everything was a departure, and what a gloriously absurd departure it was.

The Little Things That Make Macross 7 Special

  1. Spiritia: This was not just a plot device; it was a philosophical concept that added layers of complexity to the series. This would later be expanded in both Macross Frontier and even more so in Macross Delta.
  2. Variable Fighters: The VF-17 Nightmare and VF-19 Excalibur are not just mechs; they’re works of art, meticulously designed and engineered to perfection. Well, they are in Macross Plus!
  3. Crossovers: The influence of Macross 7 is so pervasive that elements from the series have found their way into other Macross series and even video games. My favorites are Ozama Lee yelling Planet Dance in Episode #7 and May’n singing with Yoshiki Fukuyama

A Love That Will Never Die

As we celebrate the 29th anniversary of Macross 7, let’s not forget what makes this series truly special: its audacity to be different, its courage to break the mold, and above all, its undying love for music. Fire Bomber’s music is not just a collection of songs; it’s a manifesto, a declaration of love for the Macross universe, a love that will never die.

Animedia (02/1998) – Macross 7 illustrated by Haruhiko Mikimoto

Macross: Wings of Farewell – A Riveting Tale of Love, Music, and Mecha

/ Paul Record
Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell will be hitting theaters June 30, 2022. To celebrate, we will be giving away tickets to see the movie at your local AMC/Cinemark theater. The giveaways will take place on our social media pages, so be sure to follow us and enter for your chance to win when the post goes live.
Poster for The Wings of Farewell

Just a few months ago, [Editors Note: Nearly a year ago!] I reminisced about my enchanting experience watching the first Macross Frontier compilation movie, The False Songstress. The anticipation for its sequel, Macross: Wings of Farewell, was almost unbearable. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I sat in the theater again, ready to embark on a spectacular journey.

The cinema experience was nothing short of magical, as the seats were comfortable and the ambiance perfect for immersing myself in the world of Macross. As the film began, I was transported back in time to my first encounter with the franchise, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me.

Macross: Wings of Farewell offered a stunning visual experience, with its breathtaking animation and vibrant colors painting the screen like a vivid masterpiece. The mecha battles were as thrilling as ever, with intricate details and fluid movements that showcased the talented animators’ skills.


Ranka killing her fans with kawaiiness!!

But what truly stole the show was the soul-stirring soundtrack. Yoko Kano’s phenomenal music once again took center stage, with melodies that seemed to reach out and tug at your heartstrings. The captivating tunes of the Galactic Fairy echoed through the theater, their power resonating with both old and new fans alike.

As the film progressed, I found myself completely absorbed in the story, rediscovering the characters I had grown to love over the years. Each twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next scene. By the time the credits rolled, I was left with a sense of awe and satisfaction, grateful to have experienced such a remarkable piece of art.

Macross: Wings of Farewell is more than just an animated film; it’s a timeless journey through music, mecha, and the bonds that connect us all. And although the wait for this sequel felt like an eternity, it was well worth it – a testament to the enduring charm of the Macross franchise.

Japan Edition Macross Frontier Blu-ray Set!!!!

/ Paul Record

Woot Woot! it’s here! What, pray tell? None other than the highly anticipated Japan-region Macross Frontier Blu-ray set! This limited-edition collection offers stunning high-definition visuals, all 25 episodes, and fantastic bonus content. Immerse yourself in mesmerizing concert scenes, intricate Variable Fighters, and breathtaking space battles! Grab your snacks and get ready to binge-watch! Yack Deculture!

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of "Macross" series and the 15th anniversary of "Macross Frontier", TV anime series "Macross Frontier" is available on Blu-ray Box featuring digital remastering supervised by Seiji Kawamori! Includes all the 25 episodes. Epi.1 is available in Deculture Edition aired in December 2007 and in the complete version. Epi.25 is the full-length version. Comes with a bonus disc (70 min. approx.) and a booklet. Comes in illustrated container box. Special Feature / Bonus Track: audio commentary
Sheryl, Alto, and Ranka posing for the shot!

Happy 40th Super Dimension Anniversary, Macross!

/ Paul Record / Leave a comment

Today is the day 40 years ago that the first two episodes of Macross premiered in Japan. People have been posting tributes, doing rituals, and taking pictures of their Valkyries worldwide. I, too, was going to post some pics of my collection but decided to keep it short and sweet instead.

We love you, Macross, from all us pioneers, and here is to 40 more years of deculture! A big thank you to all the creators, writers, animators, singers, voice actors, and everyone involved with Macross. Without you, we fans wouldn’t have this wonderful, musically inspiring world to enjoy.

Macross Galaxy Live Blu-ray set

MACROSS DAY!

/ Paul Record / Leave a comment

To say that today has been a big one for all things Macross is an understatement! Let’s do this! Who knew 2022 would be this gorgeous, delicious, deculture??

  1. Last night was the US premiere of Macross F: The Wings of Farewell!
  2. Today was Bigwest’s first-ever official panel at #AX2022
  3. Right Stuf Anime and Nozomi Entertainment are bringing Frontier and Macross Delta in Blu-Ray to the US! NYAN! NYAN! NYAN! Plus BOMBA!
  4. Animeigo is getting Macross II, whose Valkyries I love.
  5. https://macross.alltheanime.com/ is releasing an Ultimate Edition of Macross Plus!! Very 90’s sounding, eh
  6. Lastly, Jeremy W. Kaufmann posted one of the best Threads about Macross on Twitter today. When you’re done reading, go check out his other stuff. Phenomenal!
Who cut the onions!

Sadly, after five years, Uta Macross shut down. But they went out with a bang as they streamed three days of all the songs and videogame animation they created for the game, which is great as I only had a limited exposure due to my near- illiteracy when it comes to the Japanese language! Still, I found the game a lot of fun and a way to connect with Macross. Thankfully, YouTuber パク カシワ has archived all of the songs/dances!

I was going to write up my thoughts on Wings of Farewell, but I wanted to get this out today. Until next deculture then!

The Songs of Goodbye

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Macross: The False Songstress title card

Around 15 years ago, on a warm December night (day?) I got lucky and was able to watch the Deculture broadcast of the latest series of the Macross franchise: Macross Frontier. Which at the time was the 25th anniversary of the venerable mecha anime. Now it’s the 40th, and I’ve just returned from watching the first compilation movie from Frontier, the False Songstress. I’ve got a lot of feelings.

First, it was a much different experience from the earlier Macross Plus screening. Everything worked in the cinema, and the seats weren’t uncomfortable. I did see here and there on social media that others had problems with the playback quality. Second, it was almost magical as I had the theatre nearly to myself. There were three others way up in the back, and they seemed to enjoy the film. Which surprised me as the area here is not full of anime fans. Even fewer are mecha fans. Maybe dozens of us?

Anyway, watching, at times, phenomenal animation play out on the big screen was both excellent and comfortable. The same feeling one gets when catching up with a beloved friend you haven’t spoken with for years. Indeed it is the same with Frontier. The False Songstress and its sequel, the Wings of Farewell, were released over ten years ago. Even longer for the TV series. No matter as the animation, characters, and mind-blowing soundtrack, produced by Yoko Kano, still carry you away on the divine wind.

Now to wait till June 30th to watch Part II. Unlike the False Songstress, I don’t recall much of the plot, but I am sure it will all come back as soon as the Galactic Fairy starts singing.

World Wide Macross

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The Macross franchise turns 40!

Hey all! I’m ValkyrieGuy, uh, creator of this here Macross shrine-blog! Ever since Voltron first aired in the States, I have liked anime, storytelling, fantasy worlds, and Big Robots! That’s right, BIG. ROBOTS. That includes Mecha. Specifically, Macross. I figured the 40th Anniversary of the show would be an excellent time to get off my butt and set this up. So here we are.

Well, after 40 years, it’s happened. Macross can finally slip the bounds of Japan and spread across the world thanks in part to the recent ruling. Big West announced the news and distribution push during a streamed ceremony that included both Show Hayami and Kazutaka Miyatake and musical appearances by Megumi Nakajima/Ranka Lee and two members of Walküre. And it was simulcast in English! What a great night to be a Macross fan.

On to the figures! Bandai is releasing a new V-25 Messiah Valkyrie with a unique livery featuring a blue-hued “Messiah” scheme as a nod to earth and space as part of the spectacle.

World Wide V-25 Valkyrie


Some have confused this new color scheme as referring to in-universe ace Maximilian Jenius, but that does not appear to be the case. While the figure is excellent, the best part is that International fans no longer rely solely on Japanese retailers to order one for themselves, with places such as Big Bad Toy Store and Toy Dojo offering preorders. This is a welcome change for sure as previously non-japan fans were at the mercy of RNG and Scalpers, with scalper usually winning. Here is to that being a thing of the past.

Anyway, that is it for this post.

See you next Deculture!