Get ready to launch into action, mecha fans! Hulu is set to become a major hub for the Macross franchise, adding a substantial collection of anime titles to its streaming library on January 13th. This marks a significant victory for fans in the US, who have long awaited access to many of these series. The arrival of these titles on Hulu is the result of a landmark agreement that finally allows for the global distribution of most of the beloved Macross sequels and movies.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
The Macross franchise, known for its compelling blend of mecha combat, romance, and idol culture, has had a complex history with Western distribution. For years, legal battles and licensing issues prevented many of the sequels from reaching international audiences. The original series, Super Dimension Fortress Macross, was famously adapted into the first part of Robotech in the US, while subsequent Macross series were largely unavailable due to rights issues. However, a 2021 agreement between Big West, Studio Nue, and Harmony Gold USA paved the way for a global release of most of the Macross catalog, and in March 2024 it was announced that the Star brand of Disney+ would be streaming many of these anime series internationally, with a high probability that they would land on Hulu in the United States.
What’s Coming to Hulu
Starting January 13th, Hulu will be adding a wide range of Macross series and movies. Here’s a detailed look at the titles:
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012: This music video OVA recaps the original series, featuring a new ending sequence where the main characters embark on a mission to spread humanity throughout the galaxy.
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again: This 6-episode OVA is a unique entry in the franchise, created without the direct involvement of series creator, Shoji Kawamori. It’s considered an alternate take on the Macross universe, but still provides a compelling watch.
- Macross Plus: Consisting of four episodes, this popular OVA is a fan favorite known for its more mature tone and stunning animation.
- Macross Plus Movie Edition: A recut version of the OVA, featuring new scenes in the third act, and providing an alternative viewing experience for fans.
- Macross Delta: This more recent series brings the franchise into the age of idol singers. It centers on a group of singers who use their music to combat a condition called Var Syndrome.
- Macross Delta : Passionate Walküre (Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkūre): This movie is a retelling of the Macross Delta series, providing a cinematic experience for fans.
- Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!: This movie is a continuation of the Macross Delta story, offering an exciting new chapter in the saga.
- Macross Zero: Set as a prequel to the original series, this OVA explores the events leading up to the discovery of the alien spacecraft.
- Macross 7: A 49-episode series known for its unique characters, and captivating soundtrack. It tells the story of a human colony fleet trying to find a new home and a musician using the power of song to combat an alien threat.
- Macross Dynamite 7: A four-episode OVA, continuing the story of Macross 7, with added adventure.
- Macross 7: The Galaxy is Calling Me!: A movie version of Macross 7, offering a different perspective on the series.
- Macross FB7 Listen to My Song!: This movie ties the Macross 7 and Macross Frontier series together, giving the fans a treat by bringing old characters together with the new.
- Macross Frontier: This series marked a significant comeback for the franchise, introducing the Frontier colonization fleet, and their interactions with the Vajra, a new alien species.
- Macross Frontier: The False Songstress: This movie is a retelling of the first half of Macross Frontier, giving fans a different way to view the story.
- Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell: The movie serves as a conclusion to the Macross Frontier storyline, offering a gripping finale to the series.
- Macross Frontier: Labyrinth of Time: This movie is a shorter film, also known as Gekijō Tanpen Macross Frontier Toki no Meikyū, which takes place within the timeline of the Macross Frontier series.
What’s Missing?
Notably absent from this list are the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross TV series and its movie adaptation, Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? These titles are still tied up in licensing restrictions, and remain exclusive to Japan. This is disappointing for fans of the original series, but the current additions still provide a large selection of the franchise for the US audience.
A Viewing Guide
With so many entries, navigating the Macross franchise can be daunting. Here is a recommended watch order based on the chronological timeline of the series:
- Macross Zero (Prequel to the original series)
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 (Recap music video OVA)
- Macross Plus
- Macross 7
- Macross Frontier
- Macross Delta
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again (Optional, as it is not part of the main timeline)
This order allows viewers to understand the overarching narrative and the evolution of the franchise, while keeping the release of the series in mind for ease of viewing.
The Impact of the Streaming Release
The arrival of Macross on Hulu is more than just a streaming event; it’s a cultural moment for anime fans. The franchise has been influential in the mecha genre, and it’s finally getting the global accessibility it deserves. This release will likely introduce a new generation of fans to the world of Macross, while allowing long time followers to revisit their favorite series.
The inclusion of Macross titles on Hulu underscores the increasing importance of anime in the global entertainment market, and how the major streaming platforms are looking to provide more anime content to their subscribers.
Fans should prepare for January 13th, to dive into the captivating world of mecha, music, and romance that Macross has to offer. The wait is over, and a fleet of these classics will soon be ready to stream!
