Macross Frontier

Just in time for its 25th anniversary, comes the latest in the Super Dimensional Fortress Macross series entitled 'Macross Frontier'. In this series, after almost being annahilated in the first Zentradi war, humanity began sending out colony fleets to make sure that the human race survives even if in another planet. As they move further from the Solar system, they encounter another alien life form called Vajra.

The series centers around kabuki actor turned fighter pilot Alto Saotome, Galactic idol Sheryl Nome, and the Interdimensional Cinderella Ranka Lee. The story follows the formula common in the Macross saga of a intergalactic space war musical with an underlying human interest story, in this case, the love story between the three main characters.

It was amusing to see that various aspects of the other Macross series are integrated in the story. As if creating a 'full circle' like feel for many Macross fans.

The overall feel of the series is like the first Macross series. With the Sheryl-Alto-Ranka love triangle story which can be likened to that of Misa-Hikaru-Minmay's but with a more open, unresolved ending. Its also that Ranka has the same name origin and aspiration as Minmay. Also, the story of Macross Zero is used as a movie in which Alto, who plays Shin, and Ranka, who potrays Mao, stars in. And nearing the final battle, the X-1 Ghost from the Macross Plus series is used in combat, but utilized like fins from a psy-commu system from the Gundam fame.

As it turns out, the voices of Sheryl and Ranka emit a certain fold-wave, that affects the Vajra. Its like their mating song, which the Vajra undergo once every ten thousand years. But wait, I thought the Queen is the one responsible for propagating their species? Then what do they need their mating song for?

(my fave character in the series, Captain Klang of the Pixie Squad)

Over all, the story, animation, mecha design are superb. And with the CGI battle scenes given the cell animation touch along with the catchy songs written for the series, I never get tired watching this part of the Macross saga.

Second hand Japanese LP's and CD's at Japanimation

I noted in my other blog that there is this humble warehouse store at Road 20, in Quezon City called 'Japanimation'. 

They have quite a collection of Japanese LP's, Vinyls, CD's which can be hard to look for in your friendly neighborhood music store. You might just be able to find some rarities at a low price, as I found out when I went to those kind of stores in Japan.

Along with the gadgets and stuff, are musical instruments. Now you have another place to check out for those surplus musical instruments from Japan, aside from your 'suki' in the Manila North Harbor.

Although you have to sift through all their wares to find that special item you're looking for.