The House of Mouse has made an exciting announcement for anime lovers. The official Macross website recently announced that Disney+'s "Star" brand will be streaming a variety of anime from the Macross franchise in 2024.
The announcement was accompanied by an official illustration created by Risa Ebata. Titles that will be available for streaming include multiple editions of Macross Plus, Macross 7, Macross F, and Macross Delta. However, it's worth noting that The Super Dimension Fortress Macross series from 1982 and its feature film remake, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?, will only be available for "Limited distribution inside Japan."
Here's the complete list of titles that have been announced:
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 (the music video derived from the television and film versions of the original Macross anime)
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again- (6 episodes)
- Macross Plus (4 episodes total)
- Macross Plus Movie Edition
- Macross 7 (49 television episodes, plus three OVA episodes)
- Macross 7 the Movie: The Galaxy's Calling Me!
- Macross Dynamite 7 (4 episodes)
- Macross Zero (5 episodes)
- Macross Frontier (25 episodes)
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress
- Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell
- Gekijō Tanpen Macross Frontier Toki no Meikyū
- Macross FB7: Ore no Uta o Kike!
- Macross Delta (26 episodes)
- Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkūre
- Macross Delta the Movie: Absolute Live!!!!!!
Here is the official illustration by Risa Ebata which accompanied the announcement.
About Macross
Macross is a popular Japanese manga and anime franchise that revolves around humanity's struggle for survival amidst intergalactic conflicts, advanced technology, and intricate political dynamics. It began in 1999 when an alien spacecraft crashed on Earth's South Ataria Island, leading to the development of advanced technologies like transforming fighter planes called Variable Fighters, which became crucial in humanity's defense against alien threats.
In 2009, humanity constructed a massive spaceship called the SDF-1 Macross using the alien technology salvaged from the crashed spacecraft. However, a race of giant humanoid aliens known as the Zentradi discovered Earth's location and launched an invasion to capture the SDF-1.
A young pilot named Hikaru Ichijyo becomes embroiled in the conflict after accidentally boarding a transforming fighter during a Zentradi attack. He meets the pop idol Lynn Minmay, whose songs play a significant role in the series as a cultural weapon that affects both humans and Zentradi.
As the series progresses, Hikaru, along with other characters like skilled pilot Maximilian Jenius and the bridge officer Misa Hayase, navigate the complexities of war, love, and cultural exchange. The narrative delves into themes of identity, peace, and the consequences of intergalactic conflicts on both individuals and societies.
Throughout the series, the Macross franchise explores intricate relationships between humans and aliens, the impact of technology on civilizations, and the power of music and culture in bridging differences and fostering understanding.
Overall, Macross is celebrated for its compelling storytelling, memorable characters, mecha battles, and iconic music, making it a beloved and enduring franchise in the world of anime and manga.