VF-25 Messiah
The VF-25 Messiah is a fictional space-capable variable fighter, seen in the anime Macross Frontier (set in the year 2059 A.D.) of the Macross series.[1] The craft was developed on board the space colonization fleet Macross Frontier from the YF-24 Evolution prototype whose blueprint was delivered via the Galaxy Network. Within the series, it has not been officially rolled out, rather being distributed to the private military company S.M.S. (Strategic Military Services) to evaluate its performance under field conditions first.[1]
According to the June 2008 issue of Newtype, the name "Messiah" is taken from the lyrics of the Lynn Minmay song "Shao Pai Long (Little White Dragon)" from the original Macross series.
This fictional variable fighter was designed by anime creator and mecha designer Shoji Kawamori.
Description
In fighter mode, the VF-25 resembles a twin-engined single-seater jet aircraft, with features similar to the real-life Sukhoi Su-27 and Grumman F-14 Tomcat such as a similar nose structure, a bubble canopy with bow and stern frames, a flattened out after-fuselage, variable-geometry wings, and outward-canted twin tails, which are roughly mirrored by twin fins on the fuselage's underside. Assisting the onboard flight control surfaces is an array of vernier thrusters that allow precision maneuvering. A detachable GU-17 gatling gun pod is stowed ventrally between the craft's two engines. In addition to the gun pod, built-in weapons include beam weaponry, head-mounted lasers and a large combat knife (for use in GERWALK or Battroid modes) that can be reinforced by the fighter's own pin-point barrier system.[2]
External equipment (FAST Packs - divided into "Super Packs" and "Armor Packs" in the TV series, as well as "Tornado Packs" in the movie) can be added to improve craft capabilities in some manner.[3] Of note is that the real-life mechanical designer, Shōji Kawamori, deliberately gave the VF-25 a slim profile to allow transformations to GERWALK or Battroid modes occur with full armor packs still attached ; this is in contrast to most of the earlier variable fighter designs, in which the attachments had to be ejected first due to their physically obstructive nature.[4] Functioning as the "ejection seat" is the pilot's worn flight-capable EX-Gear powered exoskeleton, which usually stays linked to the cockpit systems.[5]
Copying real-world nomenclature, the deployed variants of the VF-25 have differing designations, outlined below.
Variations
- VF-25A: Baseline model with one head laser, often referred to as a "cannon fodder" unit due to its tan color (resembling the VF-1A Valkyrie from the original series).
- VF-25F: Junior officer variant with a different head design featuring two head lasers.[1][3] Originally piloted by Henry Gilliam until his death in episode 1, the VF-25F is commandeered by rookie Alto Saotome throughout the series.
- VF-25G: Sniper variant with a different head design featuring one head laser[6] and with Gatling gun pod replaced with a sniper rifle-like weapon. Equipped with a harpoon system for latching onto suitable surfaces.[7] Piloted by Mikhail "Michael" Blanc until episode 20. During the final battle between the Macross Frontier fleet/SMS Macross Quarter and the Battle Galaxy/Vajra forces in episode 25, a micronized Klan Klang pilots the VF-25G after her Queadluun-Rea is severely damaged.
- VF-25S: Commander variant, with upgraded systems and a different head design with four head lasers.[2][4] Piloted by Ozma Lee throughout the series.
- RVF-25: Electronic warfare variant, with a dorsally-mounted rotodome and featuring a different head design.[8] This fighter can be used to control AIF-7S Ghost drone fighters.[9][10] Piloted by Luca Angelloni throughout the series.
FAST Packs
The VF-25 can be fitted with one of two add-on packs to improve its performance. The VF-25 can transform between Fighter, GERWALK, and Battroid modes without having to jettison the pack.
- Super Pack: The Super Pack is a set add-on parts to improve the performance of the VF-25. It consists of additional armour panels (chest, hips, lower legs, and shield), additional engines (a small thruster between the tailplanes, and two large, twin-exhaust thruster pods mounted on the wings), and a pair of missile pods behind the shoulders. The additional engines of the Super Pack increases the top speed. The Super Pack can also be used by macronized Zentradi and Meltlandi soldiers, as seen on episode 21 of the series, when a macronized Klan-Klang dons a pack to help fight off a Vajra invasion aboard Island-1 of the Frontier fleet.
- APS-25/MF-25 Armor Pack: The Armor Pack is a set add-on parts to improve the offensive and defensive capabilities of the VF-25, and is typically restricted to squadron leaders. It consists of additional armor panels (chest, hips, legs, back and shield) that cover a much greater proportion of the body than the Super Pack and ten missile pods. The back armor includes a sensor antenna. The leg armor includes two missile pods per leg, and the chest armor includes two missile pods. Like the Super Pack, the Armor Pack also includes two wing-mounted twin-exhaust thruster pods, but the Armor Pack's pods are much larger and include an anti-ship beam gun and a missile pod for each pack. Finally, it has a pair of missile pods behind the shoulders, much like the Super Pack. The pilot can use eye movements to select multiple targets, then simultaneously fire all its missiles at once to swarm the same enemies. While the Armor Pack follows the lineage of Armored Valkyrie variants such as the VF-0 Phoenix, VF-1 Valkyrie and VF-11 Thunderbolt, it closely resembles the SDP-1 Stampede Valkyrie from the PC Engine game Macross: Remember Me.[11]
- Tornado Pack: Introduced exclusively in the film Macross Frontier: The False Songstress, the Tornado Pack consists of a swiveling beam cannon turret mounted on the back of the unit and larger wings fitted with micro missile launchers. This armor pack slightly resembles the Super Armed Pack of the VF-2SS Valkyrie II from Macross II.
Toys
Bandai
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-42 1/60 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2008)
- This plastic/diecast metal replica of the VF-25F marks Bandai's first new Macross toy since the Macross 7 series in 1995. Transforms into Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid modes. Comes with collapsible Gun Pod (with support bracket for fighter mode), combat knife, shield and three sets of hands (alongside the pair of hands used to support the shield in fighter mode).
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-43 1/60 VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom (2008)
- Same as the VF-25F, but molded in gray and with a different head sculpt.
- A second edition release features redesigned head lasers.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-44 1/60 VF-25G Messiah Michael Custom (2009)[12]
- Molded in blue with a different head sculpt. Comes equipped with Super Pack, sniper rifle and display stand.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-45 1/60 RVF-25 Messiah Luca Custom (2009)[13]
- Molded in turquoise and dark gray with a different head sculpt. Comes equipped with Super Pack, spinning radar dish and display stand.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 Super Pack for VF-25 Messiah (2009)
- An add-on set that consists of the FAST Packs. Available for the VF-25F Alto Custom or VF-25S Ozma Custom.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-42 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (Fold Clear Version) (2009)
- A Bandai Tamashii Web exclusive, completely molded in clear plastic.
- Macross Frontier VF100's 1/100 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2009)[14]
- A smaller-scale version of the VF-25 Messiah toy. Transforms into all three modes, but requires parts removal or swapping. Comes with two Gun Pods (opened and closed), combat knife, shield, three sets of hands, landing gear and two adapters for the optional Tamashii display stand.
- A second release features the Armor Pack and improvements to the structural design.[15] In addition, a limited release of the regular Messiah figure featured a metallic finish and a special display stand featuring an illustration of Sheryl Nome.
- Macross Frontier VF100's 1/100 VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom (2009)[16]
- Smaller version of Ozma's VF-25S. This toy addresses the problems collectors faced with the 1/100 VF-25F Alto Custom - namely, the joints on the connectors used for Gerwalk mode. The plug-type connector, which rendered the toy very unstable on many poses, is replaced with a ball-joint connector.
- A limited release of the figure featured a metallic finish and a special display stand featuring an illustration of Ranka Lee.
- Macross Frontier VF100's 1/100 VF-25G Messiah Michael Custom (2009)[17]
- Smaller version of Michael's VF-25G. Featuring swappable wings with speaker pods attached to recreate a scene in episode 12 of the series. Instead of a properly scaled sniper rifle, the toy includes a replica of the 1/72 rifle from the plastic kit set.
- Macross Frontier Robot Spirits: Side VF VF-25F Super Messiah Alto Custom (2009)
- A poseable, non-transformable Battroid figure that stands at 12.5 cm in height and come with detachable Super Pack.
- Macross Frontier Robot Spirits: Side VF VF-25G Super Messiah Michael Custom (2009)
- Similar to the VF-25F figure, but with the 25G head and sniper rifle.
- Macross Frontier Robot Spirits: Side VF VF-25S Armored Messiah Ozma Custom (2010)
- Similar to the VF-25F figure, but with the 25S head and detachable Armor Pack.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 Ghost & Weapons Set for VF-25 Messiah (2009)
- A Bandai Tamashii Web exclusive add-on set that includes one AIF-7S Ghost fighter drone and an array of missiles. Three Ghost sets are required to complete the RVF-25 Messiah Luca Custom's armament.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 Gallia 4 Fold Set for VF-25 Messiah (2009)
- A Bandai Tamashii Web exclusive add-on set that includes a Fold Booster, four speaker pods and a 1/60 Ranka Lee figurine, as seen in episode 12 of the series. The Fold Booster is also compatible with the 1/60 VF-27γ (Gamma) Lucifer Brera Custom (which comes supplied with the proper support bracket).
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-47 1/60 VF-25S Armored Messiah Ozma Custom (2009)[18]
- A retooled version of the VF-25S with the armor upgrades as first seen on episode 1 of the series. Also comes with display stand. A second ball joint is included to address the head's cramped position in Battroid mode.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 Armor Pack for VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2009)
- A Bandai Tamashii Web exclusive add-on set that consists of the Armor Packs for the VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 VF-25F Super Messiah Alto Custom (2009)
- A re-release of the 1/60 VF-25F figure with the Super Pack repainted to a bluish gray finish.
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress VF100's 1/100 VF-25Fm Messiah FamilyMart Version (2009)[19]
- A FamilyMart exclusive redeco of the VF-255F Messiah, in white with green and blue stripes (the convenience store chain's colors) and the SMS markings replaced with FamilyMart logos. Box packaging features an illustration of Ranka Lee.
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress DX Chogokin 1/60 VF-25F Tornado Messiah Alto Custom (2010)[20]
- Similar to the VF-25F Super Messiah Alto Custom figure, but with new Tornado armor parts as seen in the movie version of the series. Initial releases came with promotional poster of Ranka Lee that can attach with the Sheryl Nome poster supplied in the DX Chogokin 1/60 VF-27γ (Gamma) Lucifer Brera Custom.
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress DX Chogokin 1/60 Tornado Pack and Weapons Set for VF-25 Messiah (2010)
- An add-on set that consists of the Tornado Pack and additional missiles. Available for the VF-25F Alto Custom.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin Display Stand (2010)
- A Tamashii Web exclusive adjustable display stand for the 1/60 VF-25 Messiah or VF-27 Lucifer. Unlike the one supplied with the VF-25S Armored Messiah Ozma Custom, this stand is adjustable for users to have their Valkyries displayed in different angles in Fighter and Gerwalk modes. However, there is no available adapter for Battroid mode.
- Macross Frontier SD Infinity VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2010)
- A super-deformed version of the VF-25 Messiah that transforms into Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid modes. Comes with two heads: a large head for displaying in Battroid mode only and a smaller head that can be used between all three modes.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-54 1/60 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom Renewal Version (2011)
- An all-new version of the 1/60 VF-25 Messiah, which addresses all of the design flaws of the 2008 figure and borrows many design elements from the 1/60 YF-29 Durandal. Most important among these improvements are the legs, which have redesigned joints for a proper Gerwalk mode stance, as well as a new hip swing bar for a more accurate Battroid mode. The back of lower legs are now flush with the fuselage in fighter mode. The landing gear and tail fins are longer and more accurate to the line art. The arms now have pegs to hold the Gun Pod in fighter mode, eliminating the need for a separate attachment. Underneath the fuselage is a retractable bar that attaches to the Gerwalk mode's pelvis to support the weight of FAST Packs or armor attachments. Comes with a figurine of Alto in an EX-Gear suit. Also included is the same SMS display stand as the 2009 VF-25S Armored Messiah Ozma Custom, using the same attachments of the YF-29 Durandal.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-55 1/60 VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom Renewal Version (not yet released)
- The Ozma version of the renewal figure is set for release on January 31, 2012.
- Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 Super Pack for VF-25 Messiah Renewal Version (not yet released)
- An all new FAST Pack add-on set for the VF-25F Alto Custom or VF-25S Ozma Custom Renewal Versions set for release on April 2012.
Model kits
Bandai
- Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2008)
- A snap-fit model kit that transforms into Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid modes. Like the current Gundam model kits, the parts are color-molded to minimize the need to paint the assembled model. Unlike previous Macross model kits, the VF-25 Messiah line features perfect transformation, with only the hands, landing gear and armor parts being swapped/removed during transformation. Comes with Gun Pod, shield, combat knife, three sets of hands and three mounting brackets (one for each mode) for use on the optional Action Base stand.
- Also available in Super Messiah and Armored Messiah packages. The Armored Messiah package includes the Action Base 01 SMS Version and Michael's sniper rifle, as used in episode 25 of the series.
- Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom (2008)
- Similar to the VF-25F, but with predominantly gray and white parts and a different head sculpt.
- Also available in Super Messiah and Armored Messiah packages; the latter supplied with the Action Base 01 SMS Version.
- Macross Frontier Action Base 01 SMS Version (2009)
- A black plastic display stand similar to the ones used for Gundam models, but with the base molded in the SMS insignia. The stand is adjustable in height for desired display purposes. Comes with three mounting brackets for each of the VF-25 Messiah's modes, as well as the standard Gundam-type brackets. Also comes with a sticker sheet with the yellow SMS markings and specific VF-25 labels for the mountable sign.
- Macross Frontier Super Parts for 1/72 VF-25 Messiah (2009)
- An add-on set for use on any VF-25 kit. Consists of the FAST Pack parts.
- Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (Shoji Kawamori Produce Clear Version) (2009)
- A Bandai Hobby Pro-Shop exclusive release of the VF-25F kit with the exterior parts molded in clear plastic and the interior parts painted in a metallic finish.
- Macross Frontier 1/72 RVF-25 Messiah Luca Custom (2009)
- Molded in turquoise and dark gray with a different head sculpt and equipped with a radome. Comes with three Ghost units and adapters to display them on the optional Action Base 01 SMS Version.
- Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25G Messiah Michael Custom (2009)
- Molded in blue with a different head sculpt. Comes with sniper rifle.
- Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom Deculture Version (2009)
- Includes special decal sheets (waterslide decals and stickers) featuring graffiti-style art and images of Ranka Lee.
- Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25G Messiah Michael Custom Deculture Version (2009)
- Includes special decal sheets (waterslide decals and stickers) featuring graffiti-style art and images of Klan-Klang.
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress 1/72 VF-25F Tornado Messiah Alto Custom (2010)
- A reissue of the VF-25F kit with the Tornado armor parts used in the Macross Frontier movie.
- Macross Frontier 1/100 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2011)
- A non-transformable snap-fit model kit in fighter mode.
- Macross Frontier 1/100 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom Ranka Marking Version (2011)
- Includes a special waterslide decal sheet featuring an image of Ranka Lee to decorate the fuselage.
- Macross Frontier 1/100 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom Sheryl Marking Version (2011)
- Includes a special waterslide decal sheet featuring an image of Sheryl Nome to decorate the fuselage.
References
External links
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