Tuesday, 10 June 2025
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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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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[NOTE:
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Friday, 30 May 2025
OCTOBER 1985
1985 OCTOBER
THE ALL PURPOSE GENERIC LETTERS PAGE!
The aim of this resource is to provide a record of the community of fans, and their voices that gave feedback, in print for all to see.
This month has been created for when NEW text is found that fits in chronological order.
[NOTE: That there was not any feeback printed, for this month of October (1985) in any ROBOTECH comic book.]
Any other 'Letters', or 'Messages' to fans in other likeminded publications wil be printed when found! (Dated 20 May 2025)
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
July 1985
1985 July
THE ALL PURPOSE GENERIC LETTERS PAGE!
The aim of this resource is to provide a record of the community of fans, and their voices that gave feedback, in print for all to see.
This month has been created for when NEW text is found that fits in chronological order.
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Not wanting to waste this space, I have added information on the TWO new lines of ROBOTECH comic books from COMICO;
[NOTE: Comico's ROBOTECH Masters #1 (1– 23) , and ROBOTECH The new Generation #1 (1- 25) were in print and on the shelves in July 1985.]
[NOTE: Comico's ROBOTECH Masters #1 The reader is told “It is a period of relative peace on Earth, a generation after the initial Zentraedi threat has been beaten back. Mow, the children of Earth's fist brave wave of defenders prepare themselves for the battle which they know must someday come...” This is the link you have to go on, from one storyline to the next set of stories!]
[NOTE: ROBOTECH Masters #1 (False Start); Writer: MIKE BARON, Penciler: NEIL D. VOKES, Inker: RICH RANKIN, Letterer: BOB PINAHA, Colorist: KURT MAUSERT, Editor: DIANA SCHUTZ.]
[NOTE: A mail-order advertisement for toys from ROBOTECH (The new Generation, aka Genesis Climber Mospeada), was attributed to “The Robot Store", 1265 38th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218. in the 1st. Issue of ROBOTECH Masters (July 1985). “Hi-powered fun from ROBOTECH” - Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc./Tatsunoko Production Company, Ltd "ROBOTECH" is a trademark owned by Revell, Inc. and licensed to Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc.]
[NOTE: Tatsunoko Production Company Ltd. would over its 60 years licence Anime to the English American market.]
[NOTE: Comico's ROBOTECH The new Generation #1 The reader is told “Responding to reports sent by one of their many sensor nebulae, THE INVID became aware of a large supply of active PROTOCULTURE on Earth.” and “Apparently, THE INVID regard unprocessed PROTOCULTURE as a food source. They are drawn to it with almost metaphysical determination.” - “THE INVID force faced the entire Tactical Space Corps of the United Earth Government, and proceeded to... … Destroy them down to the last vessel. This is where our intelligence reports end. But this is not the end of the story.”.]
[NOTE: ROBOTECH The new Generation #1 (The Invid Invasion); Writer/Editor: CARL MACEK, Penciler: REGGIE BYERS, Inker: TOM POSTON, Letterer: BOB PINAHA, Colorist: KURT MAUSERT. (July 1985).]
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Monday, 26 May 2025
May 1985
1985 May
ROBOTECH's MACROSS MAIL
1547 DEKALB ST. NORRISTOWN, PA 19401
ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA #3
[Message from the Editor; (Gerry Giovinco\Diana Schutz, with imput from Carl Macek), printed May 1985 ;
"Welcome to the first installment of "ROBOTECH's Macross Mail". Please take advantage of this space because, outside of an occasional plug or two from the person with that strange editing tool, this page belongs to you, the reader. Every comic boasts about how it values your imput, so who are we to be different. Let us know what's up! What do you think? How are we doing? What's going on out there in ROBO land? You can believe it; We really do care! So, keep us posted or a Varitech fighter may just transform into your house!"
"The following letters are all in response to MACROSS #1. Please do not be confused. MACROSS was the former title of ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA. The title change was initiated with the second issue along with a ton of explanations for the change. Yes, a certain popular TV series had something to do with the change but if you want the full scoop go pick up the issue."
"Everybody got it straight? Good. On with the mail!"]
[NOTE: over 5 months after the first issue, and only the 3rd issue the Fan Letters Page was born.]
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Dear Comico,
I've just read Macross #1. I liked it. The big part of the enjoyment was the art style. Other- wise, it was okay. Your typical robot-space cartoon. However, I was deeply surprised to see the adult conversations the characters held!
Them Bones McDonough, GA
[Editor's reply;
"Well Mr. Bones, we like to think that those types of character interactions that you mention are what makes ROBOTECH TMS not so typical."]
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Carl,
I'd like to congratulate both you and Comico on/for Macross #1. While reading Macross #1 I felt as though I was actually watching the onimored series, rather than reading the adaptation. The artwork was so beautifully rendered that it gave the illusion of being three-dimensional, and the illusion was further heightened and supported by the use and placement of the various types of colors.
All things considered, "Booby Trap" was quite impressive for a first our. (Or, for that matter, any outing.)
Elvis Orten Chicago, IL
[Editor's reply;
- Elvis, you may have noticed that the style of coloring MACROSS has changed with the title. Let us know what you think of the current process.]
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Dear Sirs,
One word on your English adaptation of MACROSS.
Bravo!!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks,
David Ledermann Cahokia, IL
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To: Carl Macek and all involved
Ar last!! An ENGLISH version of a beautiful Japanese animation show. This is first attempt at doing a comic book in English based on one of the Japanese animation shows. The Japanese of course, have many photo-novel type comics for their shows, which are excellent, but none are in English. Dedicated admirers of Japanese animation must too often rely on word of mouth descriptions of plot lines and characters, which vary in accuracy. Each new animation we view is an exercise in creative interpretation of the visuals and the vocal inflections of the characters. It's a major credit to the show that we will endure all these hardships, and still treasure what little we get to see.
And now, how do I react to your comic? I must say I was more confused by the comic than after watching the original show in Japanese. The drawings aren't faulty, but could definitely be improved. If a bi-monthly schedule is required to achieve the quality this comic deserves, I think it can be endured. I think the comic needs more narration or dialogue to explain what is going on. Hopefully in future issues you can start to explain the intricate relationships and motivations behind each of the characters.
Keep up the good work, and we'll follow along as the Earthlings discover the bizarre workings of the spaceship MACROSS!!
Rich Arnold Aurora, CO
[Editor's reply;
Look for ROBOTTECH TMS every six weeks from now on and kiss those two month waits good-bye!]
[NOTE: ROBOTECH TMS refers to ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA storyline, as it is the first of three eras that the ROBOTECH comico comics will run.]
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Dear Gentlemen,
I really love your comic MACROSS! I like it so much I can't wait for it to come out at my local comic book shop. I think it might even be a bigger hit than STARBLAZERS! I really like your characters and spaceships.
Your loyal fan, Steve Morey Elyria, OH
[NOTE: "STAR BLAZERS" is the localised English name for the Japanese TV show and film franchise “Space Battleship Yamato” (mainly aired from September 1979 to December 1984). It contributed to the Anime Fandom that spread out from Northern California . - The Anime Fan Club The E. D. C. (Earth Defence Command) based in Dallas Texas, had its roots as a 'STAR BLAZERS' Fan Club.]
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Dear Mr. Macek,
The Macross comic was spectacular! Being a fanaticist and known professor of such "mecha" as giant robots in my neighborhood, I'd known about the Macross for about two years, and had often wondered why the Zentraedi's commander had smashed in the Valkyrie's head in its battroid mode. Hopefully you could put that scene into print.
Again, or for the first time, congratulations for producing your English translation of Macross. It turned out great.
Sincerely, Gene G. Moy Morton Grove, IL
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Dear Sirs,
I just finished reading Macross #1. I am very happy to say I will try to get every issue possible.
Sincerely, J. Tupta Milwaukee, WI
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[Editor's reply;
Finally, special thanks to Tom Vincent for going to bat for us in the early innings with his paint brush. Tom colored the first ten pages of this issue as his professional debut but man- aged to miss the front page credits. You will see Tom in these pages again. Thanks, Tom, fine job.
signing out Gerry Giovinco ]
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[NOTE: Gene G. Moy of Morton Grove, IL. USA, used the phrase "Mecha", and was a big fan robot shows , and he knew about Super Dimension Fortress Macross, this sounds plausible, as it had aired in Japan from October 1982 to June 1983.]
[NOTE: Steve Morey of Elyria, OH, USA, is quoted as forcasting that MACROSS will be such a success "I think it might even be a bigger hit than STAR BLAZERS!".]
[NOTE: Rich Arnold of Aurora, CO, USA, puts in wrting what it was like as a Japanese animation Fan; "Dedicated admirers of Japanese animation must too often rely on word of mouth descriptions of plot lines and characters, which vary in accuracy. Each new animation we view is an exercise in creative interpretation of the visuals and the vocal inflections of the characters."]
(as many of us at the time viewed Anime in raw Japanese, NO sub-titles, NO English Dubs!)
[NOTE: Message from the Editor Gerry Giovinco; "Every comic boasts about how it values your imput, so who are we to be different. Let us know what's up! What do you think? How are we doing? What's going on out there in ROBO land? You can believe it; We really do care!" and adding to this the instution of "Please take advantage of this space" in refering to the Letters Page "MACROSS MAIL".]
ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA #3
$1.50 USA $2.25 CAN
SCRIPT: CARL MACEK,
PENCILS: NEIL VOKES,
INKS: RICH RANKIN,
LETTERS: BOB PINAHA,
COLORS: KURT MAUSERT,
EDITS: DIANA SCHUTZ
ROBOTECH The Macross Saga #3, May 1985. Published by COMICO the Comic Company, 1547 De Kalb St., Norristown, PA 19401. "ROBOTECH" is a trademark owned and licensed by Revell, Inc. Used here with permission. This story and the distinctive likenesses herein are 1985 Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc./Tatsunoko Production Company, Ltd. All rights reserved. All other material, unless otherwise specified, is © 1985 Comico the Comic Company. All rights reserved. No similarity between any of the names, characters, persons and/or institutions in this publication and those of any existing or pre-existing person or institution is intended and any similarity which may exist is purely coincidental. ROBOTECH The Macross Saga is published 9 times a year.
Printed in the U.S.A.
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Sunday, 25 May 2025
April 1985
1985 April
ROBOTECH A NEW BEGINNING:
As seen on TV! That's right. And as you can see, if you were with us for the first issue of what was then simply titled Macross, things have changed. Welcome to ROBOTECH The Macross Saga.
Those of you who are familiar with Japanese animation will be happy to learn that three of the most popular Japanese animated series, Macross, Southern Cross, and Mospeada, have been adapted for syndication on American television. The three series have been amazingly interwoven and distributed as ROBOTECH by Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc., an American film production company that has acquired the rights to these Japanese classics. ROBOTECH, the 85-episode American television series, is already being viewed in a number of cities across the country and is receiving rave reviews.
COMICO is overjoyed to have the opportunity to present ROBOTECH in a comic book format. Obviously, changes from our first presentation of Macross were necessary. The story continues in its chronological progression from that first issue into this second, though the title has changed as have some of the names in the story. These changes have been made to maintain the continuity created by the television version of what is now ROBOTECH. The alterations are slight and are testimony to the integrity of the American adaptation.
The production of the comic book has been changed also. We have found that though the cel-like procedure that was used in issue #1 was quite attractive and successfully mimicked the actual animated image, it was far from practical as a procedure to be used on a comic with as great a frequency as ROBOTECH will have. This and future issues of ROBOTECH will employ a more traditional approach to the production of the comic. The art will be redrawn, striving always to maintain the excitement captured in the original. All of the ROBOTECH artists are extraordinarly talented and share a passion for the art of Japanese animation. They along with Carl Macek, who not only produces the American television version but is also scripting ROBOTECH for COMICO, are creating an adaptation unparalleled in quality and integrity. ROBOTECH will not be just one series published by COMICO; it will be three. COMICO has opted to take the three Japanese titles, Macross, Southern Cross, and Mospeada, and publish them as three separate ROBOTECH titles. This has been done to keep the stories fairly current with the television show which airs daily.
The three titles will be ROBOTECH The Macross Saga, ROBOTECH Masters, and ROBOTECH The New Generation. Each title will be published every six weeks. Soon, in the wake of the direction of COMICO's new Editorial Coordinator Diana Schutz, a new ROBOTECH issue will be made available every two weeks.
ROBOTECH is here and COMICO is proud to be bringing you our ROBOTECH line of comic books.
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SCRIPT: CARL MACEK
PARTIAL LAYOUTS: SVEA STAUCH
PENCILS: NEIL VOKES
INKS: RICH RANKIN
LETTERS: CARRIE SPIEGLE and GERRY GIOVINCO
COLORS: KURT MAUSERT
ROBOTECH The Macross Saga #2, April 1985, Published by COMICO the Comic Company, 1547 De Kalb St., Norristown, PA 19401, "ROBOTECH" is a trademark owned and licensed by Revell, Inc. Used here with permission. This story and the distinctive likenesses herein are © 1985 Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc./Tatsunoko Production Company, Ltd. All rights reserved. All other material, unless otherwise specified, is © 1985 Comico the Comic Company. All rights reserved. No similarity between any of the names, characters, persons and/or institutions in this publication and those of any existing or pre-existing person of institution is intended and any similarity which may exist is purely coincidental. ROBOTECH The Macross Saga is published 9 times a year. Printed in the U.S.A.
PUBLISHERS: Gerry Giovinco, Dennis Lasorda, Phil Lasorda.
Bob Schreck Advertising and Promotions Manager (516) 796-1231
Mark Hamlin Sales/Distribution Manager/Marketing Director Distribution Headquarters P.O. Box 1202, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 618/531-7956
[NOTE: That Revell Inc. owned and licensed the trademark of name of "ROBOTECH" gave permission to Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc, at this time (April 1985).]
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ROBOTECH DEFENDERS
EDITOR'S NOTE (Barry Marx)
By now you've undoubtedly noticed that the ROBOTECH DEFENDERS three-issue mini-series has become the ROBOTECH DEFENDERS two-issue mini-series.
We apologize to all those who were expecting three issues, but for reasons too numerous to mention, we decided to complete the series in two issues. Since these were the circumstances, we felt that the best compromise would be to give you more for your money at no sacrifice to the story or the artwork. Soooo...here is the dynamic conclusion of the ROBOTECH DEFENDERS saga, told in thirty-two pages without commercial interruption all for a mere seventy-five cents! And as an extra bonus, this issue features two brand-new covers, front and back! Enjoy!
Monday, 19 May 2025
December 1984
1984 DECEMBER
MACROSS THE INSIDE STORY:
The genesis of this comic book adaptation of MACROSS, one of Japan's most respected animated adventure series in recent years, is quite remarkable.
First, it must be realized that COMICO's acquisition of the rights to a major internaitonal property such as MACROSS is totally unique. Usually these type of properties are gobbled up by one of the two mega-companies in the comics field.
HARMONY GOLD, U.S.A., Inc., the American film production company who has acquired the rights to the MACROSS series as well as a number of other classic contemporary Japanese animated films, was impressed by COMICO's determination in making a deal for the property.
It is fortunate for everyone concerned that the integrity of MACROSS was maintained. On one hand, HARMONY GOLD has produced a faithful adaptation of the MACROSS series as a home video project. COMICO's book represents an authentic adaptation of the screenplay of this English-language version and, more importantly, the actual visual style of the animation.
It is the first time, to my knowledge, that a comic book adaptation has maintained such strong roots to the original style and technique of the source animation. If you look at the art in these pages, as drawn by SVEA STAUCH, you can see that the attention to detail which is a hallmark in Japanese animation is present.
It is also obvious that the panel breakdown is more in keeping with traditional American comic book. It is not easy to draw the figures and "mecha" which comprise the MACROSS universe in such an open style, allowing for all the definition of contour and shading to come through in the coloring. It is experimental. The coloring process is surprisingly similar to actual cel-vinyl painting on acetate overlays. And then the backgrounds are actually designed as miniature watercolor paintings... but enough of this technical data.
The point that I would like to make in regard to this particular project is simply this... MACROSS has been a labor of love for everyone involved.
From the original Japanese production done at TATSUNOKO PRODUCTION CO., Ltd. to Phil and Gerry, the co-publishers of COMICO, who believed in the project so strongly that they took it upon themselves to provide the actual inking of Svea's pencils MACROSS is special. It is not just another "giant robot story". There is drama and adventure interwoven into a fabric of high-tech design and science fiction storytelling that recalls the classic work of TATSUNOKO's earlier GATCHAMAN series and SPEED RACER.
MACROSS began a new wave of animation in Japan featuring transformable "mecha" as opposed to robotic defenders who were assembled from various individual parts (i.e. VOLTRON, MIGHTY ORBOTS).
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EDITING AND SCRIPT: CARL MACEK
PENCILS: SVEA STAUCH
INKS, COLORS AND PRODUCTION: PHIL LASORDA, GERRY GIOVINCO with much help from; VINCE ARGONDEZZI and DOTTY LINBERG
LETTERS: CARRIE SPIEGLE
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: AARON KEATON
MACROSS Vol. 1, No. 1 is copyright © 1984 Harmony Gold U.S.A. Inc., Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. 1984 and Comico the Comic Company, all rights reserved. MACROSS is published by COMICO THE COMIC COMPANY, 1547 Dekalb St., Norristown, Pa. 19401.
PUBLISHERS: Gerry Giovinco, Dennis Lasorda, Phil Lasorda.
Mark Hamlin Sales/Distribution Manager/Marketing Director Distribution Headquarters P.O. Box 1202 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 616/531-7956
[NOTE: I have not found any other comic-book in 1984, that has an Anime , or Manga connection. (20/May/2025)]
[NOTE: Carl Macek's Letter (or message) to readers of issue One of 'MACROSS'
[NOTE: Having found and and added to my own collection; DAVID ANTHONY KRAFT's COMICS INTERVIEW© Issue #15, September 1984. COMICO's advertisement for ' MACROSS', a comic-book adaptation of a Japanese animated series. This promotion shows the intent to keep and acknowledge its Japanese roots, before the name change. Take note in the small print too, only 3 companies are involved at this point.]
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“Coming this November from COMICO”
“The official adaptation of the popular Japanese animated series MACROSS.”
“This English version will be in a standard 32 page format with a bi-monthly
frequency. It will be printed in process color on enamel coated paper and sell for $1.50.”
“Just another reason why COMICO is the biggest surprise of 1984.”
(©1984 TATSUNOKO PRODUCTIONS LTD., HARMONY GOLD LTD, AND COMICO.)
[NOTE: COMICO's advertisement for ' MACROSS' comic-book is for November 1984, when the issue itself has its print date as December 1984. - This maybe a normal delay in getting a comic-book printed, adding to the date of issue #2 being April 1985.]
DECEMBER 1985
1985 DECEMBER ROBOTECH's MACROSS MAIL 1547 DEKALB ST. NORRISTOWN, PA 19401 ROBOTECH THE MACROSS SAGA #8 December 1985. To the artists...
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