Robotech (comics)

"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.

Publishers

The following companies have released "Robotech" comics over the years:

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)

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 backstory for some elements of the TV series. The events of the "Graphic Novel" also were depicted in the first "Robotech" novel, written by James Luceno and Brian Daley.

Though the Comico comic adaptations are no longer considered official continuity by Harmony Gold, "The Macross Saga" comic series has recently been re-released in trade paperback collections published by Wildstorm

* "The Macross Saga"
* "Masters Special" (lengthened adaptation of "Dana's Story")
* "The Masters"
* "The New Generation"
* "Robotech: The Graphic Novel" (prequel)

Eternity (1988-1994)

Eternity Comics started with direct adaptations of the "" scripts and novels into comic format. However, they also began writing additional stories that expanded the canon beyond the initial 85 animated episodes and "The 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.

* ""
* "Genesis: The Legend of Zor"
* "The Malcontent Uprisings"
* "Cyberpirates"
* "Invid War"
* "Invid War: Aftermath"
* "Return to Macross"

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 off, 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 respective 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" license, handing it to Antarctic Press. Academy folded shortly thereafter.

* ""(continued)
* "Return to Macross" (continued)
* "Invid War: Aftermath" (continued)
* "Robotech: Clone" (continued for one issue as "Robotech: Mordecai")
* "Worlds of Robotech"
* "Robotech: Destroid" (retitled to "Macross Missions")
* "Robotech Academy"
* "Robotech: Mechangel"
* "Robotech The Movie" (adaptation)
* "Robotech: The Misfits" (cancelled after one issue)

Antarctic Press (1997-1998)

These stories consisted chiefly of standalone 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 Press' 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's "Robotech" comics.

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.

Antarctic's "Robotech" license was abruptly revoked in 1998, with no explanation offered.

* "Robotech: Megastorm"
* "Robotech: Rolling Thunder"
* "Robotech: Prototype" (initially a back-up story, re-titled as "Variants")
* "" (promotional given away at E³)
* "Vermillion"
* "Wings of Gibraltar"
* "Special Operations"
* "Class Reunion"
* "Sentinels: Rubicon" (no discernible relation to the Jack McKinney novel)

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 license had done, Wildstorm have instead run several limited series. No new comics have been released (or announced) since March 2006.

* "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 was criticized for its revisonist nature, diverging from the events previously described in the Jack 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. It presented yet another version of Roy Fokker on Macross Island before the launch of the SDF-1, like Comico's "The Graphic Novel", Eternity and Academy's "Return to Macross", and the anime "Macross Zero".

* "Robotech Sourcebook":A one-shot companion book that details the characters and mecha before the First Robotech War. Partially reprinted in the "From The Stars" trade-paperback collection.

* "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 , but covers the first REF attempt to liberate 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 "Genesis Climber Mospeada" character designer Yoshitaka Amano.

* "":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 "" feature film. Initially closely-spaced, the issues were released further apart when the release of "The Shadow Chronicles" was delayed.

External links

* [http://www.robotech.com/infopedia/bibliography/ Robotech Bibliography] - Comprehensive listings of books in and out of print.
* [http://preludeto.theshadowchronicles.com/ Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles] - Official site of the new comic series.