Macross

Macross is a Japanese science fiction anime franchise created by Studio Nue and Big West. The franchise is known for its unique blend of giant robot combat, romantic melodrama, and pop music. The core concept of Macross revolves around a conflict where humanity is forced to confront an alien race, the Zentradi, while grappling with internal human struggles and the power of music.

The original series, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, premiered in 1982. It tells the story of the SDF-1 Macross, a colossal alien spacecraft that crash-lands on Earth and is reverse-engineered by humans. When an alien fleet arrives to reclaim their ship, the SDF-1, along with its crew and the civilian population aboard, is thrust into a desperate war. A key element introduced in this series is the use of music, specifically the song "Ai Oboete Imasu ka" (Do You Remember Love?), as a weapon that can affect the alien psyches.

Subsequent entries in the Macross franchise have explored different eras and settings, often featuring new characters and storylines but maintaining the core themes. These include Macross Plus, Macross 7, Macross Frontier, and Macross Delta, among others. Each series typically introduces new mecha designs, like the iconic VF-1 Valkyrie, and features a prominent musical component, with original songs and idol singers playing crucial roles in the narrative. The franchise has also spawned various OVAs, films, manga, and video games.