The official Macross website made an announcement on Monday, revealing that the “Star” brand of Disney+ will be streaming numerous anime titles from the Macross franchise throughout 2024. To mark this occasion, Risa Ebata, the character designer for Macross F, created a special visual.
The lineup of confirmed titles includes various installments such as Macross Plus, Macross 7, Macross F, and Macross Delta. However, it’s noted that The Super Dimension Fortress Macross series from 1982 and its feature film remake, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?, will have limited distribution within Japan.
According to the announcement, the Macross anime series will be available on the platform by the end of 2024, with Disney+ serving as the exclusive video distribution platform where all titles will be accessible simultaneously.
For distribution outside Japan, the following titles are listed:
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 (a music video compilation derived from the original Macross anime)
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again (6 episodes)
- Macross Plus (4 episodes in 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!!!!!!
Additionally, the latest animated installment in the Macross franchise, the feature film Gekijōban Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!, premiered in Japan in October 2021, alongside the “Gekijō Tanpen Macross Frontier Toki no Meikyū” (Macross Frontier Film Short: Labyrinth of Time) film short.
Furthermore, Sunrise is initiating a new Macross animation project. In April 2021, Bigwest, Studio Nue, and Harmony Gold USA announced their agreement to allow the global distribution of most Macross television sequels and films. They also committed to collaborating on the distribution of future Macross and Robotech projects.
About The Macross Franchise
The Macross franchise, often stylized as “マクロス” (Makurosu) in Japanese, is a renowned multimedia series that encompasses anime, manga, films, and video games. Developed by Studio Nue and Big West Advertising, with notable contributions from iconic figures such as Shoji Kawamori, the franchise has garnered a dedicated global fanbase since its inception in 1982.
At the heart of the Macross universe lies a captivating narrative that intertwines elements of mecha, romance, and interstellar conflict. Set in a future where humanity has ventured into space and encountered alien civilizations, Macross explores themes of cultural exchange, war, and the human condition.
The franchise’s flagship series, “The Super Dimension Fortress Macross,” debuted in 1982, captivating audiences with its groundbreaking animation, memorable characters, and iconic mecha designs, notably the transforming fighter jet, the VF-1 Valkyrie. This series, alongside its feature film adaptation “The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?” (1984), laid the foundation for the expensive Macross universe.
Over the years, the franchise has expanded with numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, each adding depth to the overarching narrative while exploring new themes and characters. Notable entries include “Macross Plus” (1994), “Macross 7” (1994-1995), “Macross Frontier” (2008), and “Macross Delta” (2016), each contributing to the rich lore and mythology of the Macross universe.
Central to Macross is the concept of “music as a weapon,” where music plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts and forging connections between disparate cultures. This theme is epitomized by the series’ iconic idol singers, known as “Macross idols,” who use their performances to inspire hope and unite people across the stars.
The franchise’s enduring popularity has led to various multimedia adaptations, including manga series, light novels, and video games, further immersing fans in the diverse and vibrant world of Macross.
Despite its international success, the Macross franchise has faced legal challenges regarding distribution rights outside Japan, notably due to disputes between Studio Nue, Big West, and Harmony Gold USA, the latter of which holds the rights to the “Robotech” adaptation of Macross in the United States.
Stay tuned to the latest anime schedule for uninterrupted entertainment!
Source: Macross Official Website
