THE ALL PURPOSE GENERIC LETTERS PAGE!: NOVEMBER 1985

1985 NOVEMBER

ALL PURPOSE GENERIC LETTERS PAGE

1547 DEKALB STREET, NORRISTOWN, PA 19401

ROBOTECH MASTERS #4 November 1985.

[Editor's message;

"Welcome to our very first No Frills Letters Column here in the pages of ROBOTECH MASTERS. If you're wondering why we've followed the trend in generic products with our allpurpose logo above, the answer is pretty simple: we don't have a name yet for this letters page. And that's where you come in. Did some- body mention a contest? You betcha!"

"Now's the time for all you Techies to get your creativity in gear, crank your cranium, and dream up a letters page title for ROBOTECH MASTERS. Send us your best ideas for a name, and we'll pick the title that we like the most. The winner will receive a fabulous free drawing by one of Comico's terrifically talented ROBOTECH artists!"

"Please make sure to include your name and full address with your entry and send it to:

ROBOTECH MASTERS Letters Page 1547 DeKalb Street Norristown, PA 19401

In the meantime, let's get on with some of your letters about the premier issue of ROBOTECH MASTERS..."]

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Mike, Neil, and Rich - Hi guys!

Just thought I'd drop y'all a line to let all the parties involved know how much I enjoyed ROBOTECH MASTERS #1 (largely because/in spite of the storyline).

The major thing I liked about "False Start" was the fact that a woman was finally seen leading her troops quite capably into battle, because, before this issue, I don't remember seeing any female pilots, much less squadron lead- ers, in either ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA or THE NEW GENERATION. Thanks, guys.

(A quick personal note: I'd much rather go into battle behind a female officer because, besides their training and talents, most women have an uncanny intuitive ability that, more often than not, proves to be pretty damn accurate.)

Also, although the idea of a bunch of second-rate hell-raisers being the last line of defense against supposedly in- surmountable odds is most assuredly not the most original plot device in the world, and it has been used so many times as to (now) be considered trite, it can still be quite effective when handled by the right creative team. After reading ROBOTECH MASTERS #1, I'm firmly convinced that you three gents are defi- nitely the right team for the job.

See ya next issue.

Elvis Orten Dawson Springs, KY

P.S. Since Comico seems to be so interested in animation adaptations, now is probably the best possible time to see if I can convince you folks to adapt either COBRA or even something along the lines of JONNY QUEST into a regular title. How 'bout it, folks?

[Editor's Reply;

"Yup, mm-hmm, ye editor likes this letter a lot! You know, Elvis, I've gone on record elsewhere about the pitiful dearth of strong-yet-sensitive women in comics and I am quite honestly proud to present some healthy females in the pages of our ROBOTECH series.

Not only does ROBOTECH MASTERS boast the tremendous trio of Dana Sterling, Marie Crystal, and Nova Satori, but THE MACROSS SAGA also has its share of fabulous femmes, including Lynn Minmei and Lisa Hayes and where would THE NEW GENERATION be without the mysterious Rook Bartley, not to mention that ever-lovin' hothead, Annie?

Then again, Comico has a knack, it seems, for spotlighting some pretty extraordinary gals - just check out MAGE's Edsel, or Fathom and Morningstar in ELEMENTALS, if you don't believe me."

"And as regards your postscript, your wish has come true! Beginning in June of next year, Comico will indeed be publishing the adventures of JONNY QUEST each and every month. The first issue will feature Doug Wildey writing and drawing the lead story for those one or two of you who may not know, Doug is the fella who set the design and look of the original TV series some twenty years ago and we are very pleased to have him re-introduce JONNY QUEST to a whole new generation of readers. And as if that weren't enough, the back-up feature will be scripted by William Messner-Loebs, writer/artist of the critically acclaimed JOURNEY, and pencilled by Steve Rude of NEXUS fame. Now who says Comico Isn't good to its fans, huh?!"]

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Dear Comico,

I was disappointed with ROBOTECH MASTERS #1 for two reasons. First, the episode you used for the first issue was "False Start," and not "Dana's Story." Why? "Dana's Story" makes a good introduction to the story of the ROBOTECH MASTERS, and it remains my favorite episode of the ROBOTECH series.

Were you afraid of giving away the plots of later episodes and the end- ing of the ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA series? Those of us who watch the TV series already know how THE MACROSS SAGA comes out, and it does not spoil my enjoyment of the comic.

My second complaint is that the dialogue in the comic was not entirely the same as in the TV episode. Now, changing the dialogue when adapting to comic form is entirely permissible here and there, but in this instance you caused an important part of the story to be left out.

Those readers who have not seen the TV episode are probably won- dering why Captain Sean Phillips was in the brig, and why he was busted to private. Because of the dialogue changes, this was not satisfactorily explained. For those readers I men- tioned, I would like to say that Captain Phillips was in the brig, and was busted, because he made a pass at a general's daughter.

At least, that was how the men of the 15th squadron heard it; Dana apparently heard that Captain Phillips had made a pass at a general's wife. Please avoid mistakes like that in the future in your ROBOTECH adaptations, and get "Dana's Story" into comic form, and I will continue to enjoy your ROBOTECH comics.

Johnnie Rutkowski Paramount, CA

[Editor's Reply;

"Johnnie isn't the only person who was concerned about the omission of "Dana's Story" from the beginning of ROBOTECH MASTERS; it seems we left a few of you a little perplexed, including Bradford Barnes, Mark Strachan, Steven Warner, Loyd Calomay, Perry Beard, Robert Matos, and Kevin Sartori."

"Thanks to all for writing. In the meantime, though, Johnnie was right on the mark in his surmise that we didn't want to reveal the end of THE MACROSS SAGA. Ya see, "Dana's Story" is the transition episode between THE MACROSS SAGA and MASTERS, and while we agree that it's a great episode, we hope to eventually present it in the special format it deserves."

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Dear Masters,

I can't tell you how much I love ROBOTECH MASTERS. I think the first issue was great! I liked the front cover the most-it was great, too. I hope you guys keep up the good work. See you next issue.

Victor Lam Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

[Message from the Editor;

"That's about all we have room for this time, folks. But stay tuned for next issue as Dana and her crew prepare to enter the "Danger Zone"! See ya then. - Diana Schutz"

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ROBOTECH's MACROSS MAIL

1547 DEKALB ST. NORRISTOWN, PA 19401

ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA #7 November 1985.

Dear Comico,

ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA #3 was spectacular! The art was great, the color was great, and the script was great. Everything was fabulous! What more could any comic lover want?

How's that for commending you on a great job?

Your fan,

Chris Slate Greensboro, NC

[Editor's Reply;

"- Just fine by us, Chris!"]

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Dear Editor,

I just wanted to drop a line to say how pleased I was to see the name of Bob Pinaha turn up in the credits of your ROBOTECH series as letterer. As a friend and admirer of his for more than a decade, I'm pleased as punch to see him getting an opportunity to show how good he is.

The best thing, of course, is what an excellent job he is doing. Lettering is a fine art, appreciated by very few. Pinaha has quickly shown himself to be one of the best. I'll continue to look for his work in the pages of your fine publications.

Sincerely,

Bob Andelman Clearwater, FL

[Editor's Reply;

"Comic book letterers are truly the unsung heroes of our industry and Bob Pinaha does indeed do a tremendous job. Bob's calligraphic talents can be found not only in our ROBOTECH series, but in MAGE and ELEMENTALS, both published by Comico, as well as in Colleen Doran's A DISTANT SOIL, published by our friends at WaRP Graphics."]

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Dear Comico,

I've become a ROBOTECH fanatic just recently, thanks to your comic. Collecting everything saying ROBOTECH, MACROSS, SOUTHERN CROSS, and MOSPEADA has become a major hobby. All thanks to Comico. In my area, MACROSS#1 was released before the cartoon show.

Without you people, I might've missed the first episode. Your art technique is spectacular! Will any ROBOTECH series have a permanent artist? It's not that I don't like the idea of letting artists rotate so we'll never get bored of your terrific art, I'm just curious.

Thanks for being Comico, the comic company!

Micronian, William Chen Honolulu, HI

[Editor's Reply;

"William, don't you know that curiosity killed the... well, never mind! Seriously now, in answer to your question, you'll find that ROBOTECH MASTERS regularly showcases the delicate pencil work of the very talented Mr. Neil D. Vokes. As for THE MACROSS SAGA and THE NEW GENERATION segments of Comico's ROBOTECH series, we think you'll agree that variety is the spice of life... at least for the time being!"]

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Gentlemen,

ROBOTECH was first brought to my attention, while I was visiting Los Angeles, as an animated series. The show really touched me. The problem is that I don't live in L.A.- I live right here in New York. Keeping up with this spectacular adventure was not easy since the series is not shown here, but you changed that.

Thank you for bringing the thrill back. What you have accomplished here is truly amazing. The art is superb and you have managed to retain that special flair that is evident in the show. I only hope that Harmony Gold Productions brings the series here, to New York. But until then, and even after, I'm with you all the way.

Congratulations, people! You're doing great!

Your loyal fan,

Miguel Andrini Brooklyn, NY

[Editor's Reply;

"Now you can read the ROBOTECH series and watch it on TV, Miguel, as the show is airing on NBC in New York (channel 4) at 7 a.m. Saturdays and 7:30 a.m. Sundays."]

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Gentlemen,

I congratulate you on your ROBOTECH comic or MACROSS, whichever you prefer. For once I have found a comic that gives its characters true meaning and real personality.

This has to be the first comic that I have found to have actual reason and meaning.

Before ROBOTECH, I never had reason to look anywhere past Marvel. Now I do.

Thanks for opening these eyes.

David Wallace Harwinton, CT

[Editor's Reply;

"Hmm... methinks it's time for both David and Miguel to get hip to the '80s and realize that there are women on the planet! Although the men at Comico are indeed of the gentle sort, our busy bookkeeper Michelle and ye editor the gal who reads these letters, after all are definitely not men, gentle or otherwise!"]

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Comico,

Just wanted you to know you've al- ready improved art-wise since I last wrote you!

Concerning MACROSS and THE NEW GENERATION: Reggie Byers is superb!

Keep up the great work!

Tim Bryant Chicago, IL

[Editor's Reply;

"Hey, we think Reggie is tops, too! So don't forget to pick up the next issue of ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA, featuring Minmei's "Sweet Sixteen" birthday party, pencilled by the estimable Mr. Byers and rendered by MAGE inker Sam Kieth.

Cheers!

Diana Schutz"]

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[NOTE:

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[NOTE: In Diana Schutz's reply to Miguel Andrini from Brooklyn, NY USA; "the show is airing on NBC in New York (channel 4) at 7 a.m. Saturdays and 7:30 a.m. Sundays.". We now know that, instead of the 5 day weekly slot (after school), that When ROBOTECH spread to New York, it changed to the weekend early morning kids certoon slot.

[NOTE:

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