by Nathan Stout (of AccordingToWhim.com)
Robotech #31 (Comico 1988)
At the beginning of the comic the Masters and the Elders talk about the mission to send themselves on a twenty year trip to Earth. It's a nice band-aid to bridge the gap between the Macross Saga and The Southern Cross parts of Robotech. Although the decision to make this massive journey seems really rushed!
The Masters talk about Khyron being their last hope meanwhile on Earth, Khyron seems to still be obeying the Masters... I find that silly since we all know Khyron was just power mad, why would he still do the Master's bidding?
I am noticing as the series progresses the art is getting better. The artist are starting to get a handle on the look of the characters.
On page 15 we get to see the male power suits. I am not sure I have even seen them in the comic series so far. Maybe, but I can't be sure.
The bottom frame of page 16 has Minmei look daggers at Kyle, I love it!
On page 18 a Spartan is getting it's ass handed to it (as usual). Too bad, it's such an awesome mecha.
On page 20 Goval talks about the Masters discovering the secret of Protoculture 500,000 years ago... hummm. It was supposed to be only like 30 or 40 years ago. Maybe this is what Harmony Gold has kicked the comic series out of canon...
The last frame on page 25 looks great, excellent hero shot.
Robotech #32 (Comico 1988)
The back cover of this comic is kinda rough by showing us a Zentraedi getting gunned down by a Gerwalk.
On page 5 Rick just shoots first and asks questions later, not very hero like.
The last frame on page six is the inside of Rick's Battloid. This is a cool shot, we never see this!
On page 14 there is this RDF person who looks very hairy!
In this whole issue Rick looks very different. It's like they gave his drawings to someone new to the character. He looks... cartoonish (if that even sounds right).
Rick continues to treat Lisa like crap. What a turd.
I don't remember Kyle 'sacraficing' himself in order to save the SDF-1 from the hands of Khyron but on page 21 that what he basically says. That doesn't fit his character.
On page 23 there is a tribute to Markalan Joplin who worked as writer on the majority of the Robotech Comics (including all the rest of the series that had not been released yet). He died in 1988 of an AIDS related illness.
In the diversion scene (on the show) the Battliod pilots lights the Zentraedi's cigarette with his cannon... it is not in the comic. I always thought that was funny.
I never understood how any force could hold up against being absolutely surrounded by MAC II Monsters. That should have blown Khyron and his guys to crisps.
On page 29 the Zentraedi says 'Macek's Eyes!', lol.
Robotech #33 (Comico 1988)
On the ad for the Sentinels episodes it says at the bottom, 'VHS only, no Beta'... lol!
I don't know what's going on in the last frame of page 7, It looks like they blurred out part of Lisa's face on purpose but I don't know why.
On page 12 the women get their Lush on...
I know I have pointed this out in the past but I find it funny that uniforms the old Internationalist Army had very similar the RDF ones years later.
I like the enemy fighters on page 18.
How can Lisa not see Roy Fokker as a playboy... talk about blind!
So you assume that once Rick has his epiphany about Lisa loving him he would really do something about it, make sure it happens. Shortly after this comic he seems to give up again. What's with that dunce!?
On page 34 in the letters column they talk about Protoculture Addicts! Awesome! You know how much I love that mag!
Robotech #34 (Comico 1988)
I doubt very much that Lisa would be singing a Minmei song.
Page 2, featuring 'Macho-Man' Hunter.
Rick is a selfish sob!
The character art in this issue is hit and miss. Sometimes the characters look great, sometimes they look like... herp-a-derp.
At the top of page 11 is Janus-Rick.
I'm super confused at what is happening. I always thought that the restaurant was at the airport but Rick is driving a car back to the airport to head back to New Macross. I won't even bother with the fact that Rick got a car out of nowhere!
Rick is so versatile. He has never been shown to drive a Destroid and poof! there he goes. What a guy!
At the bottom of page 16 we FINALLY see a Spartan being USEFUL!
Ouch! Minmei has some harsh words for Kyle on page 26. This marks the exit of Lynn Kyle (for now... mwa ha ha ha).
Robotech #35 (Comico 1989)
They almost got this comic out in time for Christmas. Too bad. The cover shows a kinda goofy looking Khyron holding a Christmas bag with some of the women of Robotech.(god I love those commercials!)
How is there a Zentraedi worker (working on Khyron's engines)? I thought there weren't any of those guys.
On the 2nd frame of page 5 there's a dwarf! Also, it appears the former spies have ditched the dry cleaning business for retail...
On the last frame of that same page they appear to be standing in front of some toys from Astro Boy, the Argo from StarBlazers and something else I can't figure out.
On page 9 we see Rick wearing some lovely house slippers.
What in the world say people would give up (on page 10)... their 'eyeteeth'?????
So Lisa shows up at Rick's and somehow on a snowy, cold night Rick leaves the front door open?!
At Dr. Watson's Pub the bartender Frankenstein will be glad to serve you. Geeze, there goes Claudia again, drinking it up!
On page 23 Max seems to 'hate to admit' that Rick is right. What a jerk! lol.
At the bottom of page 24 we see the side of the SDF-1 and the Prometheus. It is at an angle but I though it was always sitting correctly and being used. Probably just an oversight on the artists part.
AWESOME! On page 25 we FINALLY see the SDF-2 back to back with the SDF-1. This is the ONLY time I have ever seen this!!!!! WOW!!!!!!
Robotech #36 (Comico 1989)
Lisa looks strange at the bottom of page 4, also I see some color-changing uniforms again...
On the next page Gloval says that they 'let' Khyron have that Protoculture he stole last time he raided New Macross. This is new to me.
FINALLY! Lisa gets it out (on page 8). It has taken YEARS but it happened, sheesh.
How in the world did Khyron get so close to New Macross and no one pick him up on radar or something?
Another shot of the SDF-2 back to back with the SDF-1.... ahhhhhhh.
On page 16 Minmei is in a shelter with some familiar faces... including the NEVER AGING Jason. He should have aged 8 years since we first saw him on Macross Island. Must be all that space travel that stunted his growth.
Nothing of the final assault makes sense (physics wise). Since (in the series) the SDF-2 didn't exist on screen it was easy to miss but in the comic here Khyron shoots the SDF-2 first but somehow he is in front of the SDF-1... how can he be in front of both ships? Did he fly around in a big circle to get a shot of the SDF-1? On page 14 the ships are back to back then on page 17 the SDF-1 is rising out of the water in front of the SDF-2. So confusing. Must be Robotechnology!
Ok, the final scenes on page 25 are awkward. I like the show's version better, more bittersweet less talking.
Oh man, the last couple of pages are really strange. Not sure we really needed them.
And that is it for the Macross Saga (comic book style)! On to more Robotech!
Showing posts with label comico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comico. Show all posts
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Robotech (Comico Comics) #25-30
By Nathan Stout (of AccordingToWhim.com)
Let's continue on with my 2012/2013 voyage in the Robotech Universe with the next six comics in the Comico Macross Saga. Yeah, things have slowed down quite a bit but we are still moving along. Enjoy!
Robotech #25 (Comico 1988)
Max and Miriya look like they are dancing at the top of page 4.
In the middle of page 7 Rick has a Derp look on his face. In the last frame there appears to be a mix up with the coloring because it looks like Rick has been drinking urine.
Page 9 is a full page of Max's ship flying to the SDF-1. It looks great!
Even the comic seems to have glossed over the fact that it appears that Max and Miyira seemed to have been wed the very next day (or something)...
Breetai and Exedore go into much more detail in the comic than the show but it's a good thing. The comic in general explains more of what seems rushed concepts in the show. Breetai's talk of 'being defeated by love' is pretty good.
They don't bother with Minmei's song this time. The comic just does some exposition while she blathers on.
At the top of page 18 is a neat shot of the bridge of the SDF-1 and the arm of the Prometheus way in the background. I like it!
Robotech #26 (Comico 1988)
Strange shot on page 2 of the back of the SDF-1. You NEVER see it from that angle.
Rick's uniform has changed piping on page 10. It's Robotechnology! On the next page it appears that Bron has pooped or peed in his pants. Interesting... must be... Robotechnology!
Page 12 is an advert for a sweet satin jacket from Comico's Mage series. Only in the 80's...
Apparently Gloval's uniform is full of Robotechnoloy too, his collar changes color a bit.
On page 16 Rick's clothes are at it again. Below Azonia must be so scared her hair has turned white (that or the color person was getting sloppy).
Azonia tells Breetai that sending Exedore to the SDF-1 for peace talks was Dolza's plan. I don't believe this at all. Dolza would attempt to stop the 'infection' where ever possible. It is pretty obvious (in the show) that the peace offering was made by Breetai after he put 2 and 2 together and came to the conclusion that Dolza was going to destroy them all.
In the Editorial (which I have complained about before) the editor goes on to tell you about the fantastic evening she had at a Jethro Tull concert... really?!
On page 25 Claudia fills Gloval in on events taking place on Earth including mass suicide. This is kind of strange and didn't happen in the show or book. Maybe the writers wanted to include something about the inhabitants of Earth since they didn't get much coverage in the show.
Robotech #27 (Comico 1988)
It appears Miriya's uniform found it's purple color.
On page 3 both Rick and Minmei grow a pair... well, you know what I mean. They both finally figure out that keeping it inside is doing no one good. This would have been a nice ending bit if the series hadn't kept going.
The attack on the Earth by the grand fleet (on page 7) looks like they are spraying water on the planet.
There is a far bridge shot on page 14 that looks cool.
The 3 Super Veritechs firing on page 17 looks good too.
The look on Lisa's face at the bottom of page 25 is really goofy.
There isnt' a lot to say about this issue. It plays it pretty close to the show and takes few liberties. The art is decent but just like the show they had to make things happen fast to get through it all. It's a pity because this is such a BIG event to take place that you could make several issue cover the events that unfold.
Robotech #28 (Comico 1988)
The art on page 5 of New Macross City is great. I like it!
Ready for some REAL nitpicking!? The calendar on the wall shows May 1st to be on a Tuesday. There was a May 1st in 2012 but not another one until 2015 (in the real world). The year in the series at that particular time was around 2013 so the calendar is wrong... sheesh, what a geek I am!
In the flash back about 'the day Rick joined the service' we see another goof (just like in the show). We are looking at the day Rick first arrived on Macross. Must be Rick's faulty memory...
Right after page 11 is an ad for the 'Dana's Story' comic and I have always been interested in the photo for the cover of it. I'm sure I'll cover it later in my look at the Robotech Universe but I wanted to comment on it here. There is a lot of stuff going on in this picture. I'll just touch on the fact that the cartoon is showing on a computer screen. This was probably not even possible in the mid eighties but I will leave it at that. Check out my review of that comic and I will comment on the strangeness going on in the picture.
On page 13... ahhhh! What the heck is Max holding? A mutated cat? It's TINY. It can't be a baby. If it is it needs to be put back in an incubation chamber, it's not ready yet!
Right below that Lisa's imaginary baby is the correct size but man, what a lot of hair!
Kyle does this very inappropriate impression on page 15. That wasn't in the show...
The final shot of the SDF-1 makes it look as if it's sinking or something.
Robotech #29 (Comico 1988)
When Minmei tries to kill herself by getting out of Kyles car at like 70 miles per hour because she wants to go to Aunt Lena's restaurant Kyle gives in and tells Minmei he will take her... this is a change from the show where Kyle says he will drive her as far as the county line. Nice to see Kyle be a little nicer here!
The top frame of page 8 looks neat. To have the huge SDF-1 in the background, rising high over the city is a shot we don't see often.
Just like in the show Minmei's memory (on page 13) seems to have been muddeled by the horrific events of the last couple of years.
On page 14 we meet up with the old Zentraedi spies Rico, Konda, and Bron. I mentioned in the review of the show for this episode that I thought it was cool that Rico had glasses on (that the shows creators changed the look of Rico... making him appear more 'human') but here Konda comments that Rico is wearing them to 'look smart'. I like the thought that Rico needed them as opposed to the comics take that he is wearing them to look smart.
There is a lot of use of the 'sound' PAF! in this issue! Lol.
The show manager on page 24 (on the show) is Vance Hazlewood, Minmei's old manager. At least I think he is. He seemed to be (to me) but I could be wrong.
On page 25 Exedore says the ships being built on the Robotech Factory Satellite could 'devastate' the earth with one blast. On the show he says 'destroy'. I always had an issue with that.
On the next page Exedore's hair color changes to blond... it Robotechnology!
Did you ever notice that the RDF's 'battle blouses' (LOL) are different on men and women? The men's open on the right and the women's open on the left... just pointing that out.
Robotech #30 (Comico 1988)
The opening panel of this comic is great. The SDF-1 stands mighty in over New Macross City.
On page 12 Dana's hair is blond! I wonder if this was on purpose...
You can tell we have different artist on this comic. The last comics back cover said that Robotech was becoming a monthly comic so I guess they have rotating artist working on it as this point.
The drawings of the Super Veritech's a the top of page 19 are cool.
Actually there are several more drawings of the Super Veritechs in this issue (a few obviously from the art books) but they all look great.
On page 29 Reno talks about 'hostages'. If memory serves me right when Khyron takes Minmei and Kyle hostage (in an upcoming part of the next novel) it is pointed out that Zentraedi don't take 'hostages' since it is a foreign concept to the warrior race.
On page 30 Breetai's ship opens up to fire it's neutron cannon (unlike the show where it is just lasers coming out of the bow of the ship). I think this might be a nod to Do You Remember Love where the Zentraedi ships actually split open to fire their 'main cannons'.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Robotech (Comico Comics) #13-18
by Nathan Stout (of AccordingToWhim.com)
Welcome to the next batch of comics in my 2012 Robotech Experience. First I read these 6 episodes then watched them and now I am going to read the comics of them. For those of you who don't know I am reading and watching my way through Robotech chronologically this year.
Robotech #13 (1986 Comico)
The cover of this issue is cool but you can tell it's the old Macross Tatsuoko Studio drawing of the SDF-1, redrawn.
Rico, Konda, and Bron talk about changing clothes as opposed to uniforms like they do in the book and show. It was funnier (and more telling of the Zentraedi) of how uniforms were the norm in their world.
The shot of Macross city on page 8 is awesome. I like the 2nd tier thing. There is a place called Arcadia! Yay! (ps, look up the name on Google, hint: Duran Duran).
On page 11 there is an advertisement for the 1/144 scale Robotech models... for only 2.25 each! Now-a-days you can find them on EBay for about $25 each.
The guys riding in the car with Roy Fokker when they are heading off to battle are freaking out at Roy's driving (or lack of) and it's hilarious. Here in the comic it isn't as funny as the show but it is still a funny moment.
On page 17 (the Hype Page) there is only one letter and it's about a guy who knew Greg Jarvis (one of the people who died during the Shuttle Challenger accident). Someone at Comico wrote a bit in their February issue. I am not sure which comic title that was (I don't remember seeing it in the main Macross Saga title). I will have to keep an eye out. BTW I was in middle school at the time and I remember the day it happened.
There is that same shot of the SDF-1 on page 20.
On page 24 the splashdown of the SDF-1 is cool. I like it!
Ahhh! Max's face is blue on page 25 (and Rick is being played by Bruce Campbell)!
Ok, before you go on head over and read the Destroid, Excalibur I & II comic reviews then come back here and pickup with Comico #14...
Back? Good, read on...
---------
Robotech #14 (1986 Comico)
Page 2 has a cool shot of Prometheus.
Page 12 has a full color advertisement for the Matchbox toys (along with their 'imported' designs). I couldn't find any errors with the listings or the pictures this time.
There is that 'standard' SDF-1 drawing again. This time, it looks like it was played with a bit (the placement of the arms, and it appears reversed). You can still tell it by the angle of the shot.
Dolza looks like he has hair on page 25.
There is not much to nit pick at this issue. It's great. The story is all old junk but the art is really really good!
Ok, before you go on head over and read the Vermilion comic review #1-4 then come back here and pickup with Comico #15...
Back? Good, read on...
---------
Robotech #15 (1986 Comico)
On the cover Kyle seems to be staring at Minmei's forehead.
Rick and Minmei get a quick (VERY QUICK) send off by Max and Ben when they leave to go to Yokohama. What was the point of that? It's so quick. Did they really send that much effort to fly by, say 'have a nice date' and fly off? I never understood why it was in the show to begin with.
This comment is more for the show but when the elevator car is traveling through the Grand Canon the sound effects are pretty lame. Lots of computerized sounding 'zipping' back and forth. Those shots would have been better served with some heavy industrial cable car sounds or something.
On page 17 Minmei looks very silly and cartoon-like when her mother is hugging her.
On page 18, what's with the council member with the funky glasses. I don't remember this in the show.
Rick's expression at the bottom of page 20 is great!
The back cover has an ad for the Matchbox toys and some rebates you can get. The shot of the SDF-1 playset has everyone in it. Rick working alongside Lunk with Dana and Minmei nearby.
Robotech #16 (1986 Comico)
The comic tells us that The White Dragon is the only Chinese restaurant in Macross city... really? A town of 70,000 people and only one? Here in my town we have like 4 of them!
On page 5 the Shrimp on top of the bowl of rice looks to be different in the comic. It looks like little corn cobs. I guess they thought since they just proclaimed The White Dragon as the only Chinese restaurant it would confuse people to see something that looked like a Chinese dish at another location. It's obviously Japanese but just dumb kids read comics and watch cartoons, right?
On page 9 the guy standing watching the TV in front looks a lot more 'detailed' that everyone else. I am guessing it is someone one of the artist knows.
Does little Jason have long girl hair? Looks like the artist might have neglected to notice that was Jason, Minmei's cousin, not a little girl.
I never understood why that person in in the bar (page 10) complains that they lost their 'land' as a result of the events of the alien invasion. I always thought it was weird.
On page 18 there is a shot of Vermillion squad leaving the flight deck. I noticed that those are 'original' artwork designs (probably light-boxed) like those shots of the SDF-1 from a few issues back. I have noticed this sort of art work here and there throughout the comic series. Not complaining... just pointing out.
On page 25 Lisa's uniform has changed color. I guess she is feeling blue about nearly killing Rick.
Robotech #17 (1987 Comico)
Whoa, what's going on on the front cover?!
This comic seems to be taking liberties with the nature of the story. That's fine since it's just a dream... 'yes Rick, only a dream.'
Pages 12 and 13 are advertisement for some cool stuff like buttons, shirts, photos, and such from Creation (those are the people that do the conventions). I wish they still made that stuff!
On page 19 when Rick's plane is caught up in the overhead wires deep within the SDF-1 it makes a sound... Doing- oing- oing! I love it!
That's about all. Not much to comment on here because it's a dream where anything can be 'right'. The art here is done by a different artist and has a decidedly 'artsy' almost art deco look.
Robotech #18 (1987 Comico)
Rick is chatting with the nurse when this issues opens. He didn't chat in the show, he seemed far more morose.
I like the art here. It looks stylish.
On page 5 the writers turned the dialogue around to fit better with a static image as opposed to animation.
Rick seems more annoyed with his subordinate pilots most of the time. I realize you can't get too chummy with your underlings but man, he downright ignores them most of the time.
On page 22 that's a great shot of the SDF-1. I can't get enough of that ship!
I thought they might show the inside of Roy's damaged cockpit since they could, but they didn't
The last page seems really rushed. Not art-wise but in story length. Lisa never actually says Roy is dead either.
Ok, that's all for this batch of comics. This next go around will be a little different as I will be:
Welcome to the next batch of comics in my 2012 Robotech Experience. First I read these 6 episodes then watched them and now I am going to read the comics of them. For those of you who don't know I am reading and watching my way through Robotech chronologically this year.
Robotech #13 (1986 Comico)
The cover of this issue is cool but you can tell it's the old Macross Tatsuoko Studio drawing of the SDF-1, redrawn.
Rico, Konda, and Bron talk about changing clothes as opposed to uniforms like they do in the book and show. It was funnier (and more telling of the Zentraedi) of how uniforms were the norm in their world.
The shot of Macross city on page 8 is awesome. I like the 2nd tier thing. There is a place called Arcadia! Yay! (ps, look up the name on Google, hint: Duran Duran).
On page 11 there is an advertisement for the 1/144 scale Robotech models... for only 2.25 each! Now-a-days you can find them on EBay for about $25 each.
The guys riding in the car with Roy Fokker when they are heading off to battle are freaking out at Roy's driving (or lack of) and it's hilarious. Here in the comic it isn't as funny as the show but it is still a funny moment.
On page 17 (the Hype Page) there is only one letter and it's about a guy who knew Greg Jarvis (one of the people who died during the Shuttle Challenger accident). Someone at Comico wrote a bit in their February issue. I am not sure which comic title that was (I don't remember seeing it in the main Macross Saga title). I will have to keep an eye out. BTW I was in middle school at the time and I remember the day it happened.
There is that same shot of the SDF-1 on page 20.
On page 24 the splashdown of the SDF-1 is cool. I like it!
Ahhh! Max's face is blue on page 25 (and Rick is being played by Bruce Campbell)!
Ok, before you go on head over and read the Destroid, Excalibur I & II comic reviews then come back here and pickup with Comico #14...
Back? Good, read on...
---------
Robotech #14 (1986 Comico)
Page 2 has a cool shot of Prometheus.
Page 12 has a full color advertisement for the Matchbox toys (along with their 'imported' designs). I couldn't find any errors with the listings or the pictures this time.
There is that 'standard' SDF-1 drawing again. This time, it looks like it was played with a bit (the placement of the arms, and it appears reversed). You can still tell it by the angle of the shot.
Dolza looks like he has hair on page 25.
There is not much to nit pick at this issue. It's great. The story is all old junk but the art is really really good!
Ok, before you go on head over and read the Vermilion comic review #1-4 then come back here and pickup with Comico #15...
Back? Good, read on...
---------
Robotech #15 (1986 Comico)
On the cover Kyle seems to be staring at Minmei's forehead.
Rick and Minmei get a quick (VERY QUICK) send off by Max and Ben when they leave to go to Yokohama. What was the point of that? It's so quick. Did they really send that much effort to fly by, say 'have a nice date' and fly off? I never understood why it was in the show to begin with.
This comment is more for the show but when the elevator car is traveling through the Grand Canon the sound effects are pretty lame. Lots of computerized sounding 'zipping' back and forth. Those shots would have been better served with some heavy industrial cable car sounds or something.
On page 17 Minmei looks very silly and cartoon-like when her mother is hugging her.
On page 18, what's with the council member with the funky glasses. I don't remember this in the show.
Rick's expression at the bottom of page 20 is great!
The back cover has an ad for the Matchbox toys and some rebates you can get. The shot of the SDF-1 playset has everyone in it. Rick working alongside Lunk with Dana and Minmei nearby.
Robotech #16 (1986 Comico)
The comic tells us that The White Dragon is the only Chinese restaurant in Macross city... really? A town of 70,000 people and only one? Here in my town we have like 4 of them!
On page 5 the Shrimp on top of the bowl of rice looks to be different in the comic. It looks like little corn cobs. I guess they thought since they just proclaimed The White Dragon as the only Chinese restaurant it would confuse people to see something that looked like a Chinese dish at another location. It's obviously Japanese but just dumb kids read comics and watch cartoons, right?
On page 9 the guy standing watching the TV in front looks a lot more 'detailed' that everyone else. I am guessing it is someone one of the artist knows.
Does little Jason have long girl hair? Looks like the artist might have neglected to notice that was Jason, Minmei's cousin, not a little girl.
I never understood why that person in in the bar (page 10) complains that they lost their 'land' as a result of the events of the alien invasion. I always thought it was weird.
On page 18 there is a shot of Vermillion squad leaving the flight deck. I noticed that those are 'original' artwork designs (probably light-boxed) like those shots of the SDF-1 from a few issues back. I have noticed this sort of art work here and there throughout the comic series. Not complaining... just pointing out.
On page 25 Lisa's uniform has changed color. I guess she is feeling blue about nearly killing Rick.
Robotech #17 (1987 Comico)
Whoa, what's going on on the front cover?!
This comic seems to be taking liberties with the nature of the story. That's fine since it's just a dream... 'yes Rick, only a dream.'
Pages 12 and 13 are advertisement for some cool stuff like buttons, shirts, photos, and such from Creation (those are the people that do the conventions). I wish they still made that stuff!
On page 19 when Rick's plane is caught up in the overhead wires deep within the SDF-1 it makes a sound... Doing- oing- oing! I love it!
That's about all. Not much to comment on here because it's a dream where anything can be 'right'. The art here is done by a different artist and has a decidedly 'artsy' almost art deco look.
Robotech #18 (1987 Comico)
Rick is chatting with the nurse when this issues opens. He didn't chat in the show, he seemed far more morose.
I like the art here. It looks stylish.
On page 5 the writers turned the dialogue around to fit better with a static image as opposed to animation.
Rick seems more annoyed with his subordinate pilots most of the time. I realize you can't get too chummy with your underlings but man, he downright ignores them most of the time.
On page 22 that's a great shot of the SDF-1. I can't get enough of that ship!
I thought they might show the inside of Roy's damaged cockpit since they could, but they didn't
The last page seems really rushed. Not art-wise but in story length. Lisa never actually says Roy is dead either.
Ok, that's all for this batch of comics. This next go around will be a little different as I will be:
- Watching the episode.
- Reading the book (for that episode)
- Reading the comic (of that episode)
Friday, June 15, 2012
Robotech (Comico Comics) #7-12
by Nathan Stout (of AccordingToWhim.com)
Robotech #7 (1985 Comico)
Once again this is a great front/back cover. There is a cool shot of the MACII outside Sera Base's window.
Ugh, there's that Carl Rieber again. Why would you bother joining the military if you were so opposed to war? Just asking...
On page 11 the alien recon ship somehow knows the name of the base (Sera). There is also one of those rare 'under' shots of the SDF-1. I like it. Oh yeah, finally on that page the Zentraedi screen is in English.
On page 12 there is a full page advertisement for the dorkiest sweatshirt ever. Anyway this is the first clue that Cark Macek had bigger plans for Robotech. The title Robotech Oddesy referred to the '5th' part of Robotech which was to take place after The New Generation and The Sentinels. Basically the further adventures of the SDF-3 which would end in the REF going back in time and basically becoming the Robotech Masters, thus creating an infinite loop. Clever idea but it never came through... cause The Sentinels SUCKED! Oh, sorry... lol.
When Khyron shoots down his own troop (that tried to attack early) another one of the troops reported that he was dead. In the series he is still alive (just moaning).
On the final page of the comic Rick asks Lisa a question and she responds. It's a much less poignant moment than in the show since there (the show) they don't speak to each other, it's just the announcer.
Robotech #8 (1985 Comico)
The opening box calls the Mars base Sara, not Sera... not sure what it is supposed to be.
Reggie Byers does the art in this issue and you can tell he has a hard time with the character's looks.
On page 12 is a sign up form for the Official Robotech Fan Club. I wasn't a member back then but somewhere in the early 2000's I got the membership kit off Ebay. It was all water damaged but I still enjoyed it.
On page 14 the overhead announcement (presumably from Lisa) calls Veritechs 'varitechs'. She calls them that later too.
On page 16 Gloval orders all 'battloid' teams out. He meant destroid teams. Oh well, he's busy and under a lot of pressure. Claudia then tells Gloval that the defender team has been destroyed. Oh the name confusion!
Rick's Veritech is a strange color.
Robotech #9 (1986 Comico)
On the inside cover they advertise the upcoming movie and 65 new episodes of The Sentinels.
On page 5 Rico calls it operation 'Miss Macross', not 'Blue Wind'.
On page 16 we see Minmei fall because of her broken heel. We don't even get to see this in the show. As I read through this issue I am really seeing an almost scene for scene and word for word adaptation here, good work.
On page 24 there is something DEFINITELY not in the show. The host is singing the cheesiest song ever to Minmei.
Robotech #10 (1986 Comico)
In this comic the front/back covers are gone. Too bad.
On page 3 (and in the show) the narrator mentions that because of constant battle much of the technology aboard the ship is no longer working. This little factoid seems random and made only to take up time on the show since there is no other reference to problems of this nature anywhere else in the series.
While reading this comic I am getting an sense of real order from the layout artist. I forgot that in a previous issue they said that Mike Leeke was going to be drawing the comic (he is the guy who drew the covers). The art is sharp and well done. The previous issues were fine but Leeke has taken it up a notch.
Diana Shultz (the Editor) has a different and amusing title in each issue. This issue she is listed at Gamemaster.
On page 10 the narrator (I'll just call it that to keep any confusion out) says that Breetai is loyal "The Supereme Dolza". It almost seems like it is a title instead of his name.
On the same page the asteroid the Zentraedi destroy is called an asteroid here as opposed to a planet (like in the show).
There is a frog in the fountain with Rick after the radar tower is hit.
The bridge structure of the SDF-1 seems to be on a pedestal or something. It is sitting higher here than I have ever seen it before. I don't think it's like that in the show. It always appears to be resting right on the deck.
Starting on page 17 is a REAL BUMMER of an article by the editor about child abuse with some real graphic information. Were they sure this was a good fit for a kid's comic book?!
On the 2nd pane of page 18 we can see where Disney stole Lightning McQueen's catchphrase from Cars. Also, Lisa calls the chunk of asteroid 'planetary fragment'. I was too quick to thank the comic makers for fixing that faux pas. Then all the sudden the chuck of rock becomes a Zentraedi cruiser and then suddenly it becomes a chunk of rock again (like in the show).
Robotech #11 (1986 Comico)
If memory serves Lisa did not volunteer for this mission as it says on the first page.
On page 8 is some nekkid images of Lisa! Woo woo!
On page 12 there is an ad for the F.H.E. Robotech VHS tapes. A deal at only 9.95 per tape (per episode)! Do you realize that would cost you almost $400 for JUST the Macross part of Robotech?! If F.H.E. released it all you would have been paying $850 for it all! Wow.
When I got into Robotech F.H.E. had already moved on to selling the condensed version of the Macross Saga on 6 VHS tapes. These were crudely edited together episodes with a lot of stuff cut for time. I never owned the single episode VHS versions you see here.
Dolza is supposed to be even bigger than Breetai but when Dolza holds Lisa, she is pretty big in his hand (about the size of a Barbie doll). When Breetai holds Rick after capturing him in his escaping ejection seat, Breetai can close his hand around Rick and the ejection seat...
On page 26 and in the show Dolza goes into a speech that confuses me. I thought the Zentraedi were the unthinking clones of the Masters but his speech leads us to believe that the Master don't even exist and all this stuff with getting their hands on the SDF-1 is his idea and not a simple direct order of the Masters...
The petition on page 29 is interesting... I wonder how that turned out.
Robotech #12 (1986 Comico)
On page 3 Exedore suggests they send spies into the SDF-1 but if you remember he is most adamant about not have any contact with the Micronians.
On the bottom of page 12 it looks like Rick and Lisa are nekkid and Rick is wearing a bra... lol.
The show cut out the Zentraedi getting blasted by the Rick (using a Zentraedi rifle) but the comic shows it... right in the faceplate!
As I stated in the video review I am confused as to why there are men and male battlepods on the female Zentraedi ship. I thought they were very segregated.
On page 24 there is a copyright at the bottom of the page stating that Minmei's lyrics belong to Harmony Gold... sheesh.
On page 27 (the letters page) the Editor in Chief rips Robotech fandom a new one! There was a 1986 'Galaxy of Stars' Robotech promo mini-convention in New York and apparently the fans there were very rude and it was more of frenzied free for all than an well ordered promotional event. One of the promoters was a local New York radio station that was broadcasting from there, giving out stuff and asking trivia. Although it sounded like a hot-mess it also sounded like a great time for Robotech (wish I was a little older back then... and living in the area).
Page 29 is cool. I love advertisements for comic books stores, conventions, etc.. ahhh old school.
Robotech #7 (1985 Comico)
Once again this is a great front/back cover. There is a cool shot of the MACII outside Sera Base's window.
Ugh, there's that Carl Rieber again. Why would you bother joining the military if you were so opposed to war? Just asking...
On page 11 the alien recon ship somehow knows the name of the base (Sera). There is also one of those rare 'under' shots of the SDF-1. I like it. Oh yeah, finally on that page the Zentraedi screen is in English.
On page 12 there is a full page advertisement for the dorkiest sweatshirt ever. Anyway this is the first clue that Cark Macek had bigger plans for Robotech. The title Robotech Oddesy referred to the '5th' part of Robotech which was to take place after The New Generation and The Sentinels. Basically the further adventures of the SDF-3 which would end in the REF going back in time and basically becoming the Robotech Masters, thus creating an infinite loop. Clever idea but it never came through... cause The Sentinels SUCKED! Oh, sorry... lol.
When Khyron shoots down his own troop (that tried to attack early) another one of the troops reported that he was dead. In the series he is still alive (just moaning).
On the final page of the comic Rick asks Lisa a question and she responds. It's a much less poignant moment than in the show since there (the show) they don't speak to each other, it's just the announcer.
Robotech #8 (1985 Comico)
The opening box calls the Mars base Sara, not Sera... not sure what it is supposed to be.
Reggie Byers does the art in this issue and you can tell he has a hard time with the character's looks.
On page 12 is a sign up form for the Official Robotech Fan Club. I wasn't a member back then but somewhere in the early 2000's I got the membership kit off Ebay. It was all water damaged but I still enjoyed it.
On page 14 the overhead announcement (presumably from Lisa) calls Veritechs 'varitechs'. She calls them that later too.
On page 16 Gloval orders all 'battloid' teams out. He meant destroid teams. Oh well, he's busy and under a lot of pressure. Claudia then tells Gloval that the defender team has been destroyed. Oh the name confusion!
Rick's Veritech is a strange color.
Robotech #9 (1986 Comico)
On the inside cover they advertise the upcoming movie and 65 new episodes of The Sentinels.
On page 5 Rico calls it operation 'Miss Macross', not 'Blue Wind'.
On page 16 we see Minmei fall because of her broken heel. We don't even get to see this in the show. As I read through this issue I am really seeing an almost scene for scene and word for word adaptation here, good work.
On page 24 there is something DEFINITELY not in the show. The host is singing the cheesiest song ever to Minmei.
Robotech #10 (1986 Comico)
In this comic the front/back covers are gone. Too bad.
On page 3 (and in the show) the narrator mentions that because of constant battle much of the technology aboard the ship is no longer working. This little factoid seems random and made only to take up time on the show since there is no other reference to problems of this nature anywhere else in the series.
While reading this comic I am getting an sense of real order from the layout artist. I forgot that in a previous issue they said that Mike Leeke was going to be drawing the comic (he is the guy who drew the covers). The art is sharp and well done. The previous issues were fine but Leeke has taken it up a notch.
Diana Shultz (the Editor) has a different and amusing title in each issue. This issue she is listed at Gamemaster.
On page 10 the narrator (I'll just call it that to keep any confusion out) says that Breetai is loyal "The Supereme Dolza". It almost seems like it is a title instead of his name.
On the same page the asteroid the Zentraedi destroy is called an asteroid here as opposed to a planet (like in the show).
There is a frog in the fountain with Rick after the radar tower is hit.
The bridge structure of the SDF-1 seems to be on a pedestal or something. It is sitting higher here than I have ever seen it before. I don't think it's like that in the show. It always appears to be resting right on the deck.
Starting on page 17 is a REAL BUMMER of an article by the editor about child abuse with some real graphic information. Were they sure this was a good fit for a kid's comic book?!
On the 2nd pane of page 18 we can see where Disney stole Lightning McQueen's catchphrase from Cars. Also, Lisa calls the chunk of asteroid 'planetary fragment'. I was too quick to thank the comic makers for fixing that faux pas. Then all the sudden the chuck of rock becomes a Zentraedi cruiser and then suddenly it becomes a chunk of rock again (like in the show).
Robotech #11 (1986 Comico)
If memory serves Lisa did not volunteer for this mission as it says on the first page.
On page 8 is some nekkid images of Lisa! Woo woo!
On page 12 there is an ad for the F.H.E. Robotech VHS tapes. A deal at only 9.95 per tape (per episode)! Do you realize that would cost you almost $400 for JUST the Macross part of Robotech?! If F.H.E. released it all you would have been paying $850 for it all! Wow.
When I got into Robotech F.H.E. had already moved on to selling the condensed version of the Macross Saga on 6 VHS tapes. These were crudely edited together episodes with a lot of stuff cut for time. I never owned the single episode VHS versions you see here.
Dolza is supposed to be even bigger than Breetai but when Dolza holds Lisa, she is pretty big in his hand (about the size of a Barbie doll). When Breetai holds Rick after capturing him in his escaping ejection seat, Breetai can close his hand around Rick and the ejection seat...
On page 26 and in the show Dolza goes into a speech that confuses me. I thought the Zentraedi were the unthinking clones of the Masters but his speech leads us to believe that the Master don't even exist and all this stuff with getting their hands on the SDF-1 is his idea and not a simple direct order of the Masters...
The petition on page 29 is interesting... I wonder how that turned out.
Robotech #12 (1986 Comico)
On page 3 Exedore suggests they send spies into the SDF-1 but if you remember he is most adamant about not have any contact with the Micronians.
On the bottom of page 12 it looks like Rick and Lisa are nekkid and Rick is wearing a bra... lol.
The show cut out the Zentraedi getting blasted by the Rick (using a Zentraedi rifle) but the comic shows it... right in the faceplate!
As I stated in the video review I am confused as to why there are men and male battlepods on the female Zentraedi ship. I thought they were very segregated.
On page 24 there is a copyright at the bottom of the page stating that Minmei's lyrics belong to Harmony Gold... sheesh.
On page 27 (the letters page) the Editor in Chief rips Robotech fandom a new one! There was a 1986 'Galaxy of Stars' Robotech promo mini-convention in New York and apparently the fans there were very rude and it was more of frenzied free for all than an well ordered promotional event. One of the promoters was a local New York radio station that was broadcasting from there, giving out stuff and asking trivia. Although it sounded like a hot-mess it also sounded like a great time for Robotech (wish I was a little older back then... and living in the area).
Page 29 is cool. I love advertisements for comic books stores, conventions, etc.. ahhh old school.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Robotech (Comico Comics) #1-6
by Nathan Stout (of AccordingToWhim.com)
Welcome to my 2012 Robotech Experience! I am reading and watching everything Robotech during 2012 and am reporting it to you through this series of Blogs. I have just started watching the TV series and now (at the same time) I am reading the comic adaptations and reading the books.
It's interesting that apparently Harmony Gold does not consider the adapted Comico comics to apart of 'Official Continuity' since they are adaptations of the show (probably the closest representation to it that exists AND it's actually at the end of the show's credits). Perhaps I will discover why they decided this while I read them. Like I said in a much earlier post I am not big on what is canon and what not. I am going to enjoy Robotech in it's entirety (even crap like Aftermath).
Macross / Robotech #1 (1984 Comico)
This is a strange issue. It is actually titled Macross and reads to be an adaptation of the Japanese show Macross (not Robotech). The issue was released with no 'Robotech' anywhere on it. Maybe this is why Harmony Gold decided it wasn't good enough to be apart of the 'Official Continuity'. Anyway the powers that be decided to rename the series Robotech Comico didn't bother to create a new issue #1, they just told people that Macross #1 was Robotech #1 so just get over it. So the characters names will be different from this issue to the next.
On the cover there is a WAY over sized Veritech... and is that New York complete with the twin towers?
On page 8 Claudia boasts that Roy shot down 5 planes during the war, however Roy claims to Rick that he shot down 108.
The art in this comic is good for its time, and the fact that Comico wasn't one of the big comic companies with massive resources. It's strange to see scenes right out of the show in comic panel format. The story and dialogue is altered a bit but nothing too drastic.
Rick and Roy's interchange right after the SDF-1's main gun fires fits better in the comic than in the show. In the show their reaction doesn't seem to have much interest in something so monstrous as the main gun going off. They just seems to be like... meh. In the comic there is a little more concern. I would imagine in real life something so violent would be met with real shock and dismay. Something like: "Oh shit! Oh my God, oh my God! What the hell was THAT!?"
The bottom left cel on page 23 is confusing.
When Lisa tells him to pull B for battloid he pulls G.
Robotech #2 (1985 Comico)
Comico has switched to a more 'traditional' form of comic art as opposed to the more involved way they were doing it for the first issue. I like it this new (old) way. I think it looks cleaner.
Issue 2 picks up the Robotech storyline where the Macross comic ended. No biggie, the changes are so slight that it really wasn't worth reprinting the old comic with only a couple of changes.
When Russo comes in and he talks about the SDF-1 there is a curious gap in his words. It looks like 'Macross' was probably there and they replaced it with 'SDF-1' so the gap between words is bigger.
I did notice that Lynn Minmei's first name is still Lin and Lisa's last name is still Hayase (until later). Guardian mode is still called Gerwalk too.
On page 12 there is a neat view of the SDF-1's conning tower.
On page 14 the comic font is gone and more hand-drawn font is being used... strange.
Robotech #3 (1985 Comico)
The Comico comics actually had some pretty awesome covers. I never noticed that they wrapped the book. In the CBR program I am using you see this automatically. The covers are pretty cool.
I find it funny that the comic kept closer track to continuity than the show. On page 8 you can see the holes where the anit-gravity pods tore from the ship. The show didn't bother with them after the event.
Carl Macek was the script writer for these comics and I found it interesting that he changed Lisa being called 'Old Sourpuss' with 'Old Woman'. I guess the word sourpuss was too nastily looking or something...
On page 16 is a Matchbox advertisement. Notice anything out of place? First off Lancer is called Lance, The Alpha's Guardian Mode is called Diver (the original Mospeada name), and all 3 1/2" Cyclone riders have their heads on backwards. I guess the advertising company didn't have a Harmony Gold rep on site during the shoot... lol.
Robotech #4 (1985 Comico)
On page 10 Kim has the biggest cup of coffee ever (more like a mug)!
While stuck in the bowels of the ship Rick tells Minmei he left the water rations back at the plane. In the show he didn't have any water rations on the plane. Ah ha! Now I see why Harmony Gold decided this wasn't good enough for 'Official Continuity'! jk.
Wow, I'm surprised the decided to keep the Rick peeping at Minmei showering in the comic. I figured they would just pass it by. Well, they have been mildly cussing so it should be no surprise really.
Robotech #5 (1985 Comico)
This is a fantastic front/back cover! Nice work.
On page 6 Lynn Minmei's hair is all in her eyes. I guess maybe the artist messed up and decided just to put hair over part of her face.
One of the RDFComico.
When Lang tells Gloval about the transformation he acts like he won't know what will happen to the city. He has the schematics on the screen, he should know exactly how the transformation will affect the city! I always wondered why they didn't adress this anymore. I guess it was just a plot point for the city to get wiped out again during the transformation.
On page 17 when Breetai is looking at the videos of the Earthlings, the one that is getting knocked off the building has a Mage shirt on (one of Comico's other comic books).
On page 24 there is an ad for a free Robotech poster from Comico. I got ahold of one of these and it was taped to the window of my comic book store back in 2001. I loved that poster, it was really awesome.
At the bottom of page 27 Lisa's uniform has changed colors.
On page 34 is a backside view of the SDF-1. I have never seen this view before. It's pretty awesome and well drawn. Bravo.
I just noticed that there are numbers on the pages now. I have been referring you to the page number that shows up on my comic book reader program. Sorry for the confusion.
Robotech #6 (1985 Comico)
On page 3 is the pantie and bra scene. I love it!
When Captain Gloval is taking about his battle plans he calls the enemy Zentraedi. I don't think they knew what to call them yet (in the animation). They just kept referring to them as the enemy.
The camera robot actually had a thought bubble.
Diadalos???
Oops, they are still calling Guardian mode Gerwalk.
On page 21 the Zentraedi talks. He didn't do this in the show. It's not like Rick could have understood him anyway (although he appears to have understood him) here.
Welcome to my 2012 Robotech Experience! I am reading and watching everything Robotech during 2012 and am reporting it to you through this series of Blogs. I have just started watching the TV series and now (at the same time) I am reading the comic adaptations and reading the books.
It's interesting that apparently Harmony Gold does not consider the adapted Comico comics to apart of 'Official Continuity' since they are adaptations of the show (probably the closest representation to it that exists AND it's actually at the end of the show's credits). Perhaps I will discover why they decided this while I read them. Like I said in a much earlier post I am not big on what is canon and what not. I am going to enjoy Robotech in it's entirety (even crap like Aftermath).
Macross / Robotech #1 (1984 Comico)
This is a strange issue. It is actually titled Macross and reads to be an adaptation of the Japanese show Macross (not Robotech). The issue was released with no 'Robotech' anywhere on it. Maybe this is why Harmony Gold decided it wasn't good enough to be apart of the 'Official Continuity'. Anyway the powers that be decided to rename the series Robotech Comico didn't bother to create a new issue #1, they just told people that Macross #1 was Robotech #1 so just get over it. So the characters names will be different from this issue to the next.
On the cover there is a WAY over sized Veritech... and is that New York complete with the twin towers?
On page 8 Claudia boasts that Roy shot down 5 planes during the war, however Roy claims to Rick that he shot down 108.
The art in this comic is good for its time, and the fact that Comico wasn't one of the big comic companies with massive resources. It's strange to see scenes right out of the show in comic panel format. The story and dialogue is altered a bit but nothing too drastic.
Rick and Roy's interchange right after the SDF-1's main gun fires fits better in the comic than in the show. In the show their reaction doesn't seem to have much interest in something so monstrous as the main gun going off. They just seems to be like... meh. In the comic there is a little more concern. I would imagine in real life something so violent would be met with real shock and dismay. Something like: "Oh shit! Oh my God, oh my God! What the hell was THAT!?"
The bottom left cel on page 23 is confusing.
When Lisa tells him to pull B for battloid he pulls G.
Robotech #2 (1985 Comico)
Comico has switched to a more 'traditional' form of comic art as opposed to the more involved way they were doing it for the first issue. I like it this new (old) way. I think it looks cleaner.
Issue 2 picks up the Robotech storyline where the Macross comic ended. No biggie, the changes are so slight that it really wasn't worth reprinting the old comic with only a couple of changes.
When Russo comes in and he talks about the SDF-1 there is a curious gap in his words. It looks like 'Macross' was probably there and they replaced it with 'SDF-1' so the gap between words is bigger.
I did notice that Lynn Minmei's first name is still Lin and Lisa's last name is still Hayase (until later). Guardian mode is still called Gerwalk too.
On page 12 there is a neat view of the SDF-1's conning tower.
On page 14 the comic font is gone and more hand-drawn font is being used... strange.
Robotech #3 (1985 Comico)
The Comico comics actually had some pretty awesome covers. I never noticed that they wrapped the book. In the CBR program I am using you see this automatically. The covers are pretty cool.
I find it funny that the comic kept closer track to continuity than the show. On page 8 you can see the holes where the anit-gravity pods tore from the ship. The show didn't bother with them after the event.
Carl Macek was the script writer for these comics and I found it interesting that he changed Lisa being called 'Old Sourpuss' with 'Old Woman'. I guess the word sourpuss was too nastily looking or something...
On page 16 is a Matchbox advertisement. Notice anything out of place? First off Lancer is called Lance, The Alpha's Guardian Mode is called Diver (the original Mospeada name), and all 3 1/2" Cyclone riders have their heads on backwards. I guess the advertising company didn't have a Harmony Gold rep on site during the shoot... lol.
Robotech #4 (1985 Comico)
On page 10 Kim has the biggest cup of coffee ever (more like a mug)!
While stuck in the bowels of the ship Rick tells Minmei he left the water rations back at the plane. In the show he didn't have any water rations on the plane. Ah ha! Now I see why Harmony Gold decided this wasn't good enough for 'Official Continuity'! jk.
Wow, I'm surprised the decided to keep the Rick peeping at Minmei showering in the comic. I figured they would just pass it by. Well, they have been mildly cussing so it should be no surprise really.
Robotech #5 (1985 Comico)
This is a fantastic front/back cover! Nice work.
On page 6 Lynn Minmei's hair is all in her eyes. I guess maybe the artist messed up and decided just to put hair over part of her face.
One of the RDFComico.
When Lang tells Gloval about the transformation he acts like he won't know what will happen to the city. He has the schematics on the screen, he should know exactly how the transformation will affect the city! I always wondered why they didn't adress this anymore. I guess it was just a plot point for the city to get wiped out again during the transformation.
On page 17 when Breetai is looking at the videos of the Earthlings, the one that is getting knocked off the building has a Mage shirt on (one of Comico's other comic books).
On page 24 there is an ad for a free Robotech poster from Comico. I got ahold of one of these and it was taped to the window of my comic book store back in 2001. I loved that poster, it was really awesome.
At the bottom of page 27 Lisa's uniform has changed colors.
On page 34 is a backside view of the SDF-1. I have never seen this view before. It's pretty awesome and well drawn. Bravo.
I just noticed that there are numbers on the pages now. I have been referring you to the page number that shows up on my comic book reader program. Sorry for the confusion.
Robotech #6 (1985 Comico)
On page 3 is the pantie and bra scene. I love it!
When Captain Gloval is taking about his battle plans he calls the enemy Zentraedi. I don't think they knew what to call them yet (in the animation). They just kept referring to them as the enemy.
The camera robot actually had a thought bubble.
Diadalos???
Oops, they are still calling Guardian mode Gerwalk.
On page 21 the Zentraedi talks. He didn't do this in the show. It's not like Rick could have understood him anyway (although he appears to have understood him) here.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Robotech: The Graphic Novel
by Nathan Stout (of AccordingToWhim.com)
Today's post is about Comico's 1986 Robotech: The Graphic Novel. This book was basically designed to fill in the back story that the other Comico comics (and the show) didn't cover. There is a short forward to this effect at the front of the book.
The Malibu/Eternity comics stuck surprisingly well to some of the stuff in this (the much earlier work). Zor is in the same clothes as well as the fact that he is on the base when the Invid attack the planet they are seeding. I might add that Zor's hair looks a little more normal here than the more girly look in the Eternity comic.
On page 8 there is a reference to Gilligan's Island when the SDF-1 is heading into Earth's atmosphere.
After the action that leads the SDF-1 to Earth we pickup with Roy Fokker and how he is involved in the whole matter. We are also filled in on T.R. Edwards and his rivalry with Roy.
Everything comes to a screeching halt (war-wise) when the alien ship shatters mankind's thought that he is alone in the universe.
Something that caught my eye right away was the fact that when the former enemies that battled for supremacy join up in peace to figure out what to do next, they adopt the uniforms of the Western Alliance. That is to say that the Western Alliance is wearing what we all come to know as the uniform of the RDF. I just find it interesting that something like that would happen. Military junk is all about gaining and saving face and for the NE Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere to just melt into the Western Alliance wouldn't happen, it would be too much like giving up and giving in. OK, I am reading way too much into this but hey, that what this blog is all about, right?
Back on the other side of the galaxy the Master are very impatient to get Zor's body back to Fantoma for testing and such. In the Eternity comics the Masters were on Tirol since Fantoma was supposed to have too high gravity for their small size. Here the Master are based on Fantoma. I found it a bit gruesome that they showed the decapitated head of Zor... this rocks! Later there is a dissected marine inside the SDF-1 too.
At the SDF-1 crash site the exploration team shows up and they have a very 'Robotech-like' robot, a walking searchlight to assist. The technology just seems a bit to post-arrival. It looks like something that would be built during the next 10 years of the story... just sayin'.
Inside the SDF-1 the team is attacked by Bioroid troops (Tirolian clones) and not Zentraedi. I found this strange since Tirolian clone troops (oops there's Star Wars again) were for Tirol and it seemed like Zentraedi troops were for Fantoma and outer space stuff. Maybe it was Comico's attempt to tie the Southern Cross story into the Macross story more. If you didn't understand that last bit then read this old blog post where I explain what Robotech is made of (at least the 2nd paragraph).
On page 41 the team activates a screen in Zor's quarters and they get their first glimpse of a humanoid alien life form. This is actually a cool moment. Imagine coming upon something like that. To know that there are aliens out there and they look just like we do. This is a cool concept and moment. An Invid is also shown in the message, once again probably to tie in the New Generation part of Robotech.
The last 3 pages of the Graphic novel quickly sum up the 10 intervening years between the first exploration of the ship to launch day; July 1st, 2009. I am guessing that Malibu felt that those 3 pages would make for some good comic books when they wrote Return To Macross years later.
Today's post is about Comico's 1986 Robotech: The Graphic Novel. This book was basically designed to fill in the back story that the other Comico comics (and the show) didn't cover. There is a short forward to this effect at the front of the book.
The Malibu/Eternity comics stuck surprisingly well to some of the stuff in this (the much earlier work). Zor is in the same clothes as well as the fact that he is on the base when the Invid attack the planet they are seeding. I might add that Zor's hair looks a little more normal here than the more girly look in the Eternity comic.
On page 8 there is a reference to Gilligan's Island when the SDF-1 is heading into Earth's atmosphere.
After the action that leads the SDF-1 to Earth we pickup with Roy Fokker and how he is involved in the whole matter. We are also filled in on T.R. Edwards and his rivalry with Roy.
Everything comes to a screeching halt (war-wise) when the alien ship shatters mankind's thought that he is alone in the universe.
Something that caught my eye right away was the fact that when the former enemies that battled for supremacy join up in peace to figure out what to do next, they adopt the uniforms of the Western Alliance. That is to say that the Western Alliance is wearing what we all come to know as the uniform of the RDF. I just find it interesting that something like that would happen. Military junk is all about gaining and saving face and for the NE Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere to just melt into the Western Alliance wouldn't happen, it would be too much like giving up and giving in. OK, I am reading way too much into this but hey, that what this blog is all about, right?
Back on the other side of the galaxy the Master are very impatient to get Zor's body back to Fantoma for testing and such. In the Eternity comics the Masters were on Tirol since Fantoma was supposed to have too high gravity for their small size. Here the Master are based on Fantoma. I found it a bit gruesome that they showed the decapitated head of Zor... this rocks! Later there is a dissected marine inside the SDF-1 too.
At the SDF-1 crash site the exploration team shows up and they have a very 'Robotech-like' robot, a walking searchlight to assist. The technology just seems a bit to post-arrival. It looks like something that would be built during the next 10 years of the story... just sayin'.
Inside the SDF-1 the team is attacked by Bioroid troops (Tirolian clones) and not Zentraedi. I found this strange since Tirolian clone troops (oops there's Star Wars again) were for Tirol and it seemed like Zentraedi troops were for Fantoma and outer space stuff. Maybe it was Comico's attempt to tie the Southern Cross story into the Macross story more. If you didn't understand that last bit then read this old blog post where I explain what Robotech is made of (at least the 2nd paragraph).
On page 41 the team activates a screen in Zor's quarters and they get their first glimpse of a humanoid alien life form. This is actually a cool moment. Imagine coming upon something like that. To know that there are aliens out there and they look just like we do. This is a cool concept and moment. An Invid is also shown in the message, once again probably to tie in the New Generation part of Robotech.
The last 3 pages of the Graphic novel quickly sum up the 10 intervening years between the first exploration of the ship to launch day; July 1st, 2009. I am guessing that Malibu felt that those 3 pages would make for some good comic books when they wrote Return To Macross years later.
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