The sprawling Macross saga, a cornerstone of the mecha and space opera anime genres, is finally making its long-awaited arrival on US streaming platforms, specifically Hulu, starting January 13th. This marks a significant victory for fans who have endured years of licensing complexities that have kept much of the Macross universe inaccessible outside Japan. While the seminal original Macross TV series and its theatrical adaptation, Do You Remember Love?, remain unavailable due to ongoing legal issues, the arrival of this expansive catalog on Hulu opens the door for a new generation of viewers to experience the rich tapestry of stories, characters, and iconic transforming fighter jets that define the Macross franchise. This release represents a major milestone in making this influential anime accessible to a wider audience.
The Hulu release encompasses a wide range of Macross titles, spanning decades of storytelling and encompassing various sequels, spin-offs, and OVA (Original Video Animation) entries. The list includes Macross Zero, a prequel showcasing the events leading up to the original series; Macross Flash Back 2012, a music video collection featuring stunning visuals and iconic Macross music; Macross II: Lovers, Again, a sequel with a different creative team that explores new characters and conflicts; the critically acclaimed Macross Plus, presented in both its original OVA format and the movie edition; the extended saga of Macross 7 and its accompanying movie, Macross 7: The Galaxy is Calling Me!, followed by the OVA Macross Dynamite 7; the OVA Macross FB7 Listen to my Song!; the popular Macross Frontier series with its accompanying films, Macross Frontier: The False Songstress, Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell, and Macross Frontier: Labyrinth of Time; and the more recent Macross Delta series, including its theatrical release Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkūre and the concluding film Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!. This comprehensive collection offers viewers a deep dive into the Macross universe, showcasing its evolution and diverse narratives.
The decision to launch these titles on Hulu, rather than Disney+, represents a strategic shift in distribution. While Disney+ handles Macross streaming within Japan, Hulu, also a part of the Disney family, provides a more established platform for anime content in the US market. This move leverages Hulu’s existing anime audience and positions Macross alongside a vast library of other animated series. The switch to Hulu offers a more tailored approach, capitalizing on the platform’s existing anime viewership and aligning with its strategy of providing a comprehensive anime streaming experience.
The arrival of these Macross titles on Hulu is the culmination of years of negotiation and licensing efforts, finally bringing this beloved franchise to a wider international audience. It follows the recent Blu-ray release of Macross Plus in the US and Europe, further demonstrating a renewed focus on making the Macross universe accessible to fans outside Japan. This wave of releases suggests a growing recognition of the franchise’s enduring appeal and its potential to capture new audiences.
The Macross universe, created by the visionary Shoji Kawamori and featuring the iconic mecha designs of Kazutaka Miyatake, offers a unique blend of action, romance, music, and social commentary. The franchise explores themes of cultural exchange, intergalactic diplomacy, and the power of music to bridge divides. With its memorable characters, transforming Valkyries, and infectious musical scores, Macross has carved a unique niche in the anime landscape, influencing countless other series and establishing itself as a true icon of the genre. This Hulu release provides an unprecedented opportunity for audiences to experience the depth and breadth of this influential and beloved franchise.
For those interested in delving deeper into the creative minds behind Macross, interviews with Shoji Kawamori, Kazutaka Miyatake, Shinichiro Watanabe (director of Macross Plus), and Yoko Kanno (composer of Macross Plus) offer valuable insights into the development and inspiration behind the franchise. These interviews provide a glimpse into the creative process and shed light on the vision and artistry that have made Macross such an enduring and influential anime series. The Hulu release provides a perfect entry point for newcomers and a chance for long-time fans to revisit these classic series and experience the rich tapestry of the Macross universe.
