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Robotech (comics)
Encyclopedia
Robotech
comics first officially appeared in print in 1985, though Comico
published the first issue of its license from Harmony Gold USA
under the Macross
name.
When Harmony Gold was releasing the first few episodes of its original Macross dub in 1984, it was discovered that Revell
already had a Robotech Defenders
line of scale model
kits that included the transformable Macross mecha. The potential for brand confusion caused concern that Harmony Gold would have problems selling its own transformable Macross toys. Fortunately, Harmony Gold and Revell were able to come to a co-licensing agreement — when producer Carl Macek
had the idea to combine Macross
with Southern Cross and Mospeada
to create an 85-episode television series
, he chose to use Revell's pre-existing Robotech name and logo to strengthen the title's brand recognition.
limited comic book series was first published by DC Comics
in 1984. Based on the Revell line of plastic models, this series actually combines mecha designs from Macross, Orguss, and Dougram. It predates the television series
by about a year. The comic was originally intended to be a three-issue limited series; however, due to poor sales (and reportedly, pressure from Harmony Gold to "clear the way" for the TV series), the series was truncated down to only two issues.
Robotech comics consisted almost entirely of adaptations of the Robotech TV episodes, released alongsideor just after their tv airings.. Rather than releasing them sequentially, they released all three series at once. Of the 85 TV episodes, only "Dana's Story" was not directly adapted; it was later re-published in an expanded graphic novel. The main reason for this was not to provide spoilers
for the outcome of The Macross Saga.
The Robotech Graphic Novel was not based on any TV episodes, but instead provided a backstory for some elements of the TV series. The events of the Graphic Novel also were depicted in the first Robotech novel, written by James Luceno
and Brian Daley
.
Though the Comico comic adaptations are no longer considered official continuity by Harmony Gold
, the first 24 issues of The Macross Saga comic series, along with Robotech: The Graphic Novel, was reprinted in four trade paperback collections published by Wildstorm
in 2002-2003.
started with direct adaptations of the Sentinels
scripts and novels into comic format. However, they also began writing additional stories that expanded the canon
beyond the initial 85 animated episodes and The Sentinels. Also, as the series progressed, the writers began deviating from the Sentinels novels, adding new story elements and new characters. For the entirety of the Eternity run, the artwork for the Sentinels adaptation was handled by Jason and John Waltrip
.
When Malibu Comics
was purchased by Marvel Comics
, Eternity (a Malibu imprint) was closed. The Robotech comics license was acquired by Academy Comics
, an independent publisher.
acquired the Robotech licence from Malibu, as well as Jason and John Waltrip and long-time Robotech comics writer Bill Spangler. Academy initially re-launched all of Eternity's then-current comic series, as well as several new lines. The Sentinels comic picked up directly from where Eternity had left off, with the Waltrips taking over the writing, as well as the artwork.
While the Academy Sentinels comics were well-received, the other comics suffered from often inconsistent writing and artwork. Both Aftermath and Clone were cancelled prematurely after their respective writer/artists left the company. Despite these problems, the Academy Robotech comics were often well-received by fans.
In 1996, Harmony Gold abruptly revoked Academy's Robotech license, handing it to Antarctic Press. Academy folded shortly thereafter.
' decision not to enlist the talents of John and Jason Waltrip to finish The Sentinels (which, by the end of its Academy run, was 80% complete, storywise), many fans are highly critical of Antarctic's Robotech comics.
Most notably criticised was Sentinels: Rubicon, which theoretically picks up many years after the Sentinels story would have concluded. Those two issues bore no resemblance to any previous (or subsequent) Robotech material, and featured art that was virtually incomprehensible. Rubicon ended abruptly, two issues into a proposed seven-issue series, with many fans applauding the decision.
Antarctic's Robotech license was abruptly revoked in 1998, with no explanation offered.
In 2002, with the publication of the Wildstorm
(DC
) comics, Harmony Gold officially decided to reboot
and retcon
the Robotech universe.
Rather than running a continuing series with side stories as the previous holders of the Robotech comic license had done, Wildstorm have instead run several limited series. No new comics have been released (or announced) since March 2006.
Robotech
Robotech is an 85-episode science fiction anime adaptation produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. and first released in the United States in 1985...
comics first officially appeared in print in 1985, though Comico
Comico Comics
Comico: The Comic Company was an American comic book publisher, headquartered in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Its best-known comics include the Robotech adaptations, the Jonny Quest continuation written by co-creator Doug Wildey, and Matt Wagner's Mage: The Hero Discovered and Grendel...
published the first issue of its license from Harmony Gold USA
Harmony Gold USA
Harmony Gold is a television production and distribution company established in 1983. It is best known as the “creator” and main distributor of the anime series Robotech. It also partially dubbed the Dragon Ball series in the late 1980s....
under the Macross
Macross
is a series of science fiction mecha anime, directed by Shōji Kawamori of Studio Nue in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth/Humanity after the year 1999. It consists of three TV series, four movies, six OVAs, one light novel and five manga series, all sponsored by Big West...
name.
When Harmony Gold was releasing the first few episodes of its original Macross dub in 1984, it was discovered that Revell
Revell
Revell is the brand name today of two manufacturers of scale plastic models. The original US company merged with another, Monogram, but now trades only under the Revell name. European Revell Germany separated from the US company in 2006.-Early history:...
already had a Robotech Defenders
Robotech Defenders
The Robotech Defenders are a line of scale model kits released by Revell during the early 1980s. Contrary to what their name seems to imply, the "'Robotech Defenders'" are not part of the Robotech Anime Universe adapted by Carl Macek and released by Harmony Gold USA.The "Robotech Defenders" were...
line of scale model
Scale model
A scale model is a physical model, a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size of the object, which seeks to maintain the relative proportions of the physical size of the original object. Very often the scale model is used as a guide to making the object in...
kits that included the transformable Macross mecha. The potential for brand confusion caused concern that Harmony Gold would have problems selling its own transformable Macross toys. Fortunately, Harmony Gold and Revell were able to come to a co-licensing agreement — when producer Carl Macek
Carl Macek
Carl F. Macek was an American writer and controversial anime pioneer and producer of the 1980s and 1990s.-Robotech and Harmony Gold USA:...
had the idea to combine Macross
The Super Dimension Fortress Macross
is an anime television series. According to story creator Shoji Kawamori, it depicts "a love triangle against the backdrop of great battles" during the first Human-alien war....
with Southern Cross and Mospeada
Genesis Climber Mospeada
is an anime science fiction series created by Shinji Aramaki and Hideki Kakinuma. The 25-episode television series ran from late 1983 to early 1984 in Japan...
to create an 85-episode television series
Robotech (TV series)
Robotech is an 85-episode adaptation of three different anime television series made between 1982-1984 in Japan, the adaptation was aired in 1985. Within the combined and edited story, Robotechnology refers to the scientific advances discovered in an alien starship that crashed on a South Pacific...
, he chose to use Revell's pre-existing Robotech name and logo to strengthen the title's brand recognition.
DC Comics (1984)
A little-known Robotech DefendersRobotech Defenders
The Robotech Defenders are a line of scale model kits released by Revell during the early 1980s. Contrary to what their name seems to imply, the "'Robotech Defenders'" are not part of the Robotech Anime Universe adapted by Carl Macek and released by Harmony Gold USA.The "Robotech Defenders" were...
limited comic book series was first published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
in 1984. Based on the Revell line of plastic models, this series actually combines mecha designs from Macross, Orguss, and Dougram. It predates the television series
Robotech (TV series)
Robotech is an 85-episode adaptation of three different anime television series made between 1982-1984 in Japan, the adaptation was aired in 1985. Within the combined and edited story, Robotechnology refers to the scientific advances discovered in an alien starship that crashed on a South Pacific...
by about a year. The comic was originally intended to be a three-issue limited series; however, due to poor sales (and reportedly, pressure from Harmony Gold to "clear the way" for the TV series), the series was truncated down to only two issues.
- Robotech Defenders (no connection to the television series)
Comico (1985-1989)
Comico'sComico Comics
Comico: The Comic Company was an American comic book publisher, headquartered in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Its best-known comics include the Robotech adaptations, the Jonny Quest continuation written by co-creator Doug Wildey, and Matt Wagner's Mage: The Hero Discovered and Grendel...
Robotech comics consisted almost entirely of adaptations of the Robotech TV episodes, released alongsideor just after their tv airings.. Rather than releasing them sequentially, they released all three series at once. Of the 85 TV episodes, only "Dana's Story" was not directly adapted; it was later re-published in an expanded graphic novel. The main reason for this was not to provide spoilers
Spoiler (media)
Spoiler is slang for any element of any summary or description of any piece of fiction that reveals any plot element which will give away the outcome of a dramatic episode within the work of fiction, or the conclusion of the entire work. It can also be used to refer to any piece of information...
for the outcome of The Macross Saga.
The Robotech Graphic Novel was not based on any TV episodes, but instead provided a backstory for some elements of the TV series. The events of the Graphic Novel also were depicted in the first Robotech novel, written by James Luceno
James Luceno
James Luceno is The New York Times bestselling author of three Star Wars: The New Jedi Order novels, Agents of Chaos: Hero's Trial, Agents of Chaos: Jedi Eclipse and The Unifying Force....
and Brian Daley
Brian Daley
Brian Daley was an American science fiction novelist. He also adapted for radio the Star Wars radio dramas and wrote all of its episodes.-Biography:...
.
Though the Comico comic adaptations are no longer considered official continuity by Harmony Gold
Harmony Gold USA
Harmony Gold is a television production and distribution company established in 1983. It is best known as the “creator” and main distributor of the anime series Robotech. It also partially dubbed the Dragon Ball series in the late 1980s....
, the first 24 issues of The Macross Saga comic series, along with Robotech: The Graphic Novel, was reprinted in four trade paperback collections published by Wildstorm
Wildstorm
WildStorm Productions, or simply WildStorm, published American comic books. Originally an independent company established by Jim Lee and further expanded upon in subsequent years by other creators, WildStorm became a publishing imprint of DC Comics in 1999...
in 2002-2003.
- The Macross Saga
- Masters Special (lengthened adaptation of "Dana's Story")
- The Masters
- The New Generation
- Robotech: The Graphic Novel (prequel)
Eternity (1988-1994)
Eternity ComicsEternity Comics
Eternity Comics was a California-based comic book publisher active from 1986 to 1994, first as an independent publisher, then as an imprint of Malibu Comics. Eternity published creator-owned comics of an offbeat, independent flavor, as well as some licensed properties...
started with direct adaptations of the Sentinels
Robotech II: The Sentinels
Robotech II: The Sentinels was an attempt by Harmony Gold USA to continue the original 1985 Robotech television series. Only three episodes were ultimately animated before the project was canceled in 1986, and a feature-length film was released from footage taken from the completed episodes...
scripts and novels into comic format. However, they also began writing additional stories that expanded the canon
Canon (fiction)
In the context of a work of fiction, the term canon denotes the material accepted as "official" in a fictional universe's fan base. It is often contrasted with, or used as the basis for, works of fan fiction, which are not considered canonical...
beyond the initial 85 animated episodes and The Sentinels. Also, as the series progressed, the writers began deviating from the Sentinels novels, adding new story elements and new characters. For the entirety of the Eternity run, the artwork for the Sentinels adaptation was handled by Jason and John Waltrip
Waltrip brothers
Jason Waltrip and John Waltrip are identical twins who comprise a comic book art and writing team, known for their work on Robotech comics and in webcomics.-Comics career:...
.
When Malibu Comics
Malibu Comics
Malibu Comics was an American comic book publisher active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, best known for its Ultraverse line of superhero titles. The company's headquarters was in Calabasas, California. Malibu imprints included Aircel Comics and Eternity Comics...
was purchased by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
, Eternity (a Malibu imprint) was closed. The Robotech comics license was acquired by Academy Comics
Academy Comics
Academy Comics was an independent comic book publisher based in Indiana and founded by Mark Paniccia . It was originally founded as Pyramid Publishing in 1986, and transitioned to New Century Comics by 1990, which served primarily as a vehicle to publish Paniccia's own sword and sorcery comics...
, an independent publisher.
- Robotech II: The SentinelsRobotech II: The SentinelsRobotech II: The Sentinels was an attempt by Harmony Gold USA to continue the original 1985 Robotech television series. Only three episodes were ultimately animated before the project was canceled in 1986, and a feature-length film was released from footage taken from the completed episodes...
- Genesis: The Legend of Zor
- The Malcontent Uprisings
- Cyberpirates
- Invid War
- Invid War: Aftermath
- Return to Macross
Academy (1994-1996)
Academy ComicsAcademy Comics
Academy Comics was an independent comic book publisher based in Indiana and founded by Mark Paniccia . It was originally founded as Pyramid Publishing in 1986, and transitioned to New Century Comics by 1990, which served primarily as a vehicle to publish Paniccia's own sword and sorcery comics...
acquired the Robotech licence from Malibu, as well as Jason and John Waltrip and long-time Robotech comics writer Bill Spangler. Academy initially re-launched all of Eternity's then-current comic series, as well as several new lines. The Sentinels comic picked up directly from where Eternity had left off, with the Waltrips taking over the writing, as well as the artwork.
While the Academy Sentinels comics were well-received, the other comics suffered from often inconsistent writing and artwork. Both Aftermath and Clone were cancelled prematurely after their respective writer/artists left the company. Despite these problems, the Academy Robotech comics were often well-received by fans.
In 1996, Harmony Gold abruptly revoked Academy's Robotech license, handing it to Antarctic Press. Academy folded shortly thereafter.
- Robotech II: The SentinelsRobotech II: The SentinelsRobotech II: The Sentinels was an attempt by Harmony Gold USA to continue the original 1985 Robotech television series. Only three episodes were ultimately animated before the project was canceled in 1986, and a feature-length film was released from footage taken from the completed episodes...
(continued) - Return to Macross (continued)
- Invid War: Aftermath (continued)
- Robotech: Clone (continued for one issue as Robotech: Mordecai)
- Worlds of Robotech
- Robotech: Destroid (retitled to Macross Missions)
- Robotech Academy Blues
- Robotech: Mechangel
- Robotech: The MovieRobotech: The MovieRobotech: The Movie is a 1986 American-Japanese science fiction animated film based on the Robotech TV series and Robotech franchise created by Harmony Gold USA...
(adaptation) - Robotech: The Misfits (cancelled after one issue)
Antarctic Press (1997-1998)
These stories consisted chiefly of standalone side-stories and spinoffs featuring mostly the original Macross Saga characters. Most of the stories were strongly revisionist in nature, and sometimes involved established characters acting out-of-character, even occasionally to the point of camp. Because of Antarctic PressAntarctic Press
Antarctic Press is a San Antonio-based comic book publishing company which publishes "American Manga" style comic books.Founded by Ben Dunn in 1984, Antarctic Press has produced over 850 titles with a total circulation of over 5 million...
' decision not to enlist the talents of John and Jason Waltrip to finish The Sentinels (which, by the end of its Academy run, was 80% complete, storywise), many fans are highly critical of Antarctic's Robotech comics.
Most notably criticised was Sentinels: Rubicon, which theoretically picks up many years after the Sentinels story would have concluded. Those two issues bore no resemblance to any previous (or subsequent) Robotech material, and featured art that was virtually incomprehensible. Rubicon ended abruptly, two issues into a proposed seven-issue series, with many fans applauding the decision.
Antarctic's Robotech license was abruptly revoked in 1998, with no explanation offered.
- Robotech: Megastorm
- Robotech: Rolling Thunder
- Robotech: Prototype (initially a back-up story, re-titled as "Variants")
- Robotech: Crystal DreamsRobotech: Crystal DreamsRobotech: Crystal Dreams was a canceled Robotech video game for the Nintendo 64. The developer, GameTek filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy before the game could be completed, and was subsequently liquidated...
(promotional video game tie-inRobotech: Crystal DreamsRobotech: Crystal Dreams was a canceled Robotech video game for the Nintendo 64. The developer, GameTek filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy before the game could be completed, and was subsequently liquidated...
given away at E³) - Vermillion
- Wings of Gibraltar
- Special Operations
- Class Reunion
- Sentinels: Rubicon (no discernible relation to the Jack McKinney novelRobotech (novels)In 1987, the Robotech animated series was adapted into novel form by authors James Luceno and the late Brian Daley and published by Ballantine Books. Having previously collaborated on the animated series Galaxy Rangers, the pair's Robotech novels were released under the unified pseudonym of "Jack...
)
Wildstorm (DC Comics) (2002-2006)
Wildstorm
WildStorm Productions, or simply WildStorm, published American comic books. Originally an independent company established by Jim Lee and further expanded upon in subsequent years by other creators, WildStorm became a publishing imprint of DC Comics in 1999...
(DC
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
) comics, Harmony Gold officially decided to reboot
Reboot (continuity)
The verb reboot, in media dealing with serial fiction, means to discard much or even all previous continuity in the series and start anew with fresh ideas...
and retcon
Retcon
Retroactive continuity is the alteration of previously established facts in a fictional work. Retcons are done for many reasons, including the accommodation of sequels or further derivative works in a series, wherein newer authors or creators want to revise the in-story history to allow a course...
the Robotech universe.
Rather than running a continuing series with side stories as the previous holders of the Robotech comic license had done, Wildstorm have instead run several limited series. No new comics have been released (or announced) since March 2006.
- Robotech: From The Stars
- Covers the early years of Roy Fokker and the VF-1 development program before the launch of the SDF-1SDF-1 MacrossThe SDF-1 Macross is a fictional interstellar transforming spacecraft from The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, an anime science fiction series that aired in Japan in 1982–1983, and its American adaptation Robotech...
. Also features young Rick Hunter at the flying circus, the battle against the Anti-Unification League, and Roy's early dealings with Claudia, Jan Morris, and Colonel Edwards. Based on Robotech TV seriesRobotech (TV series)Robotech is an 85-episode adaptation of three different anime television series made between 1982-1984 in Japan, the adaptation was aired in 1985. Within the combined and edited story, Robotechnology refers to the scientific advances discovered in an alien starship that crashed on a South Pacific...
continuity, and unrelated to Macross ZeroMacross Zerois an anime prequel OVA to The Super Dimension Fortress Macross released for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Macross franchise during 2002 in Japan...
. This comic series was criticized for its revisonist nature, diverging from the events previously described in the Jack McKinney novelsRobotech (novels)In 1987, the Robotech animated series was adapted into novel form by authors James Luceno and the late Brian Daley and published by Ballantine Books. Having previously collaborated on the animated series Galaxy Rangers, the pair's Robotech novels were released under the unified pseudonym of "Jack...
, with a new account of the discovery and adaptation of the SDF-1 (Gloval is introduced as a Russian submarine captain), Robotechnology, and a redesigned version of Lt. Colonel T. R. EdwardsT. R. EdwardsThomas Riley Edwards is a fictional character from the universe of Robotech. He would have been a main character in the storyline of the aborted animated sequel series Robotech II: The Sentinels, which was later realized as both a series of a novels and comic books.-Concept and creation:T.R...
. It presented yet another version of Roy Fokker on Macross Island before the launch of the SDF-1, like Comico's The Graphic Novel, Eternity and Academy's Return to Macross, and the anime Macross Zero.
- Robotech Sourcebook
- A one-shot companion book that details the characters and mecha before the First Robotech War. Partially reprinted in the 2003 From The Stars trade paperback collection.
- Robotech: Love & War
- Follows the relationship of Max & Miriya from a more backstory angle, including Max's early friendship with Ben on Macross Island before the launch of the SDF-1. Includes the companion story "Little White Dragon," about Minmei's first movie.
- Robotech: Invasion
- Details Lancer's early adventures under the 10th Mars Division and expands his relationship with Carla. Not really an adaptation of the 2004 video gameRobotech: InvasionRobotech: Invasion is a first-person shooter video game set in the Invid Invasion era of the Robotech saga. Developed by Vicious Cycle Software and published by Global Star , Invasion was the last Robotech game to be released on home video...
, but covers the first REF attempt to liberate the Earth, and ends with the arrival of Scott Bernard and the 21st Mars Division. The side story "Mars Base 1" expands on the adventures of Lisa Hayes' first love, Karl Riber. Features a couple alternative covers by original Genesis Climber MospeadaGenesis Climber Mospeadais an anime science fiction series created by Shinji Aramaki and Hideki Kakinuma. The 25-episode television series ran from late 1983 to early 1984 in Japan...
character designer Yoshitaka AmanoYoshitaka Amanois a Japanese artist. He began his career as an animator and has become known for his illustrations for the anime Vampire Hunter D and for his character designs, image illustrations and title logo designs for the Final Fantasy video game series developed by Square Enix . His influences include...
.
- Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow ChroniclesRobotech: Prelude to the Shadow ChroniclesRobotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles is a five-part comic book mini-series written by Tommy Yune along with the Waltrip brothers, who were previously the art-and-writing team of the Robotech II: The Sentinels comic series. It was published under DC Comics' Wildstorm imprint...
- Written by Jason and John Waltrip, this series picks up with many elements from secondary sources such as the Sentinels novels and comics. While not an exact continuation of the Waltrips' previous comics, it is neither a total reimagining. Rather, it selectively retcons The Sentinels era to fit with the new "official" continuity, and provide a prelude to the Robotech: The Shadow ChroniclesRobotech: The Shadow ChroniclesRobotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the 2006 animated sequel to the 1985 Robotech television series. It was released on DVD on February 6, 2007.- Plot :...
feature film. Initially closely spaced, the issues were released further apart when the release of The Shadow Chronicles was delayed.
External links
- Robotech Bibliography - Comprehensive listings of books in and out of print.
- Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles - Official site of the new comic series.