Robotech (comics)
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- This article is about Robotech comics and graphic novels. For other uses, see Robotech (disambiguation).
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.
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[edit] Publishers
The following companies have released Robotech comics over the years:
[edit] DC Comics (1984)
A little-known Robotech Defenders 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 Defenders (no connection to the television series)
[edit] Comico (1984-1989)
Comico's Robotech comics consisted almost entirely of adaptations of the Robotech TV episodes. 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 "back-story" for some elements of the TV series. The events of the Graphic Novel also were depicted in the first Robotech Novel.
- Macross Saga
- Masters Special (lengthened adaptation of Dana's Story)
- Masters
- New Generation
- Graphic Novel (prequel)
[edit] Eternity (1988-1994)
Eternity initially 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 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.
- Robotech II: The Sentinels
- Legend of Zor
- Malcontent Uprisings
- Cyberpirates
- Invid War
- Invid War: Aftermath
- Return to Macross
[edit] Academy (1994-1996)
Academy 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 of, 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 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 licence, handing it to Antarctic Press. No reason was ever given, however the most likely explanation is that Antarctic simply offered more money. Academy folded shortly thereafter.
- Robotech II: The Sentinels (continued)
- Return to Macross (continued)
- Invid War: Aftermath (continued)
- Robotech: Clone (continued for one issue as Robotech: Mordecai)
- Robotech: Warriors
- Worlds of Robotech
- Robotech: Destroid (retitled to Macross Missions)
- Robotech Academy
- Robotech: Mechangel
- Robotech The Movie (adaptation)
[edit] Antarctic Press (1997-1998)
These stories consisted chiefly of stand alone 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's 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 press' Robotech comics. (An unconfirmed story attributes the decision to a personal disagreement between the Waltrips and Ben Dunn while they worked for Malibu.)
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.
In general, Antarctic press Robotech comics are widely considered the least popular Robotech comics. Antarctic's Robotech licence was abruptly revoked in 1998, with no explanation offered. (Suggestions offered include fan backlash over the books content, lawsuits over ongoing use of Macross mechanical designs from the movie and Harmony Gold cancelling the lincence in the peperation for the aborted Robotech 3000) Most fans, given the choice between more of their Robotech comics or none at all were happy with the latter.
- Robotech: Megastorm
- Robotech: Rolling Thunder
- Robotech: Prototype (initially a back-up story, re-titled as Variants)
- Robotech: Crystal Dreams (promotional video game tie-in given away at E³)
- Vermillion
- Wings of Gibraltar
- Special Operations
- Class Reunion
- Sentinels: Rubicon (no discernable relation to the Jack McKinney novel)
[edit] Wildstorm (DC Comics) (2002-present)
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 licence had done, Wildstorm have instead run several limited series. Initially closely spaced, as the release of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles has been constnatly delayed, the series have been further and further apart, to the point where no new comics have been released (or announced) since March 2006.
The Wildstorm Robotech comics have received some criticisim for their "revsionist" nature and their constant use of the "Roy Fokker on Macross Island" setting, prior to the launch of the SDF-1.
- Robotech: From The Stars
- Covers the early years of Roy Fokker and the VF-1 development program before the launch of the SDF-1. 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 series continuity and unrelated to Macross Zero. This comic series notably diverges from the events previously described in the McKinney novels 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. Col. T.R. Edwards.
- 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 game, but covers the first REF attempt to liberation 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 alternate covers by original Mospeada character designer Yoshitaka Amano.
- Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles
- 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 forthcoming Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles series.
[edit] 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.
- Robotech Museum - A historical archive of Robotech collectibles.
