Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II: Lover's Again
Mecha anime of the 1980s and 1990s were something else from what we have now. It was a time when the genre was at its peak, being the epitome of most anime available. Among the seemingly countless Mecha anime series back then, few stood out for multiple reasons. But something they all had is, no doubt, very badass Mecha fighting robots! Macross was one such Mecha series, which has multiple series branching from it.
“Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II: Lover's Again,” also known as “Choujikuu Yousai Macross II - Lovers Again,” “Macross II The Movie,” and “Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again” is a six-episode OVA series. It is adapted from the “Choujikuu Yousai Macross II: Lovers Again” single-volume manga, consisting of ten chapters in total.
The author and artist were Okazaki Tsuguo, and it was published in 1993. The prequel series to the Anime is “Macross: Do You Remember Love?”, a movie released back on 7th July 1984.
“Macross II: Lovers Again” started airing on 21st May 1992 and ended on 21st November 1992. It was produced by Bandai Visual, Mainichi Broadcasting System, Big West, Hero Communication, and Shogakukan, licensed by Manga Entertainment, and brought to life by Studio AIC.
This original source anime features the genres of Adventure, Space, Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi, and Shounen. The series is rated PG-13 for teens 13 years of age or older. Additionally, the anime is the handiwork of Producer Inoue Hiroaki, Director Yatagai Kenichi, Theme song performer Kasahara Hiroko, and Musician Sagisu Shirou.
The story is set in 2089 A.D. when 80 whole years have come to pass since the revolutionary Space War I, which changed the lives of both the humans and the Zentraedi races. Both races are currently at peace on Earth, but now a new threat looms above them. A new alien race called the "Marduk" suddenly appears within the Solar System, bringing war and destruction with them once more.
Behind the scenes of the first fateful battle between the U.N. Spacy and the Marduk fleet, a certain SNN rookie reporter named Hibiki Kanzaki finds something extraordinary. He was simply covering the first battle between the races but what he ends up discovering is a being known as Ishtar. Ishtar herself is some sort of "Emulator" that enhances the Marduk's combat abilities, but this is done through singing! Hibiki then proceeds to bring Ishtar to Earth to teach her the true values of life and culture.
Together with the help of an Ace Valkyrie Pilot named Silvie Gena, Hibiki and Ishtar are now determined to find a way to somehow save Earth from destruction and chaos at the merciless hands of the Marduk leader Ingues, who is the alien race’s Lord Emperor.
Macross II: Lovers Again is one of the best Macross series anime out there. The storyline itself occurs in an alternative Macross timeline, and it does a great job of really standing out amidst other Macross titles, being quite unique from the “Macross Saga.” The series features big spaceship battles and classical Macross tropes to boot. All of it comes together in colorful animation, bright character personalities, and music. Regardless, many aspects could’ve been improved.
The story of Macross II: Lovers Again is set 80 years from Space War I when the humans and Zentraedi are both living in ignorant bliss on earth, with seemingly everlasting peace. But the new alien threat from the Marduk race resurfaces, the time for battle commences once again. Protagonist Hibiki Kanzaki is an SNN rookie reporter who discovers Ishtar the “Emulator” (Who can enhance the Marduk's combat abilities through singing) while covering a report on the first contact with the Marduk. Hibiki proceeds to smuggle her to Earth, hoping to teach her the values of life and culture.
Along with Silvie Gena, the three seek to save Earth from destruction at the hands of Ingues. Thus the overall plot was relatively simple, it had the potential to go further, but unfortunately, it does not. The story never reaches a satisfying enough conclusion, so it does not live up to its true potential despite its fantastic premise. Overall, the story was mediocre at best. Regardless, they did an excellent job showcasing how Ishtar discovers earth’s culture and life, highlighting this series. Also, there is no officer-star-pilot love triangle featured in this OVA series.
The characters also leave much to be desired, especially the main character of Hibiki. He starts as a very unsympathetic character at the beginning of the series. One can even say he was acting like a crazed paparazzi, which isn't easy to like in a protagonist. His character development comes from some life lessons he learns from an older war correspondent, who changes his very view of life. Ishtar, on the other hand, is a very well-conceived character who is well worthy of praise. She is done in a way that the Ending sequence of her can be tear-jerking for viewers.
The supporting characters are, unfortunately, very forgettable. This is especially true for Silvie and Max, two Resident Ace Pilots with little to no character flair or development. Even the Zentradi protecting Ishtar seemed to have more character in comparison, sadly. Minmay, unfortunately, has been reduced to a pawn whose music is seen as humanity's superweapon.
The Art and Animation of Macross II: Lovers Again is good, especially considering the time of release. The animation looks its time, dated but decent at best. Another plus factor is that there is minimal frame reuse. The character designs of Hibiki, Ishtar, and their neat outfits are pretty well done, but the rest of the cast look stereotypical and not so exciting to look at. When it comes to the battle sequences, they were rendered at an adequate level, but nothing outstanding or unique. The mechanical designs are very interesting but still feel lacking in innovation.
The Sounds and Music of Macross II: Lovers Again is a definite highlight; they have been done pretty well. The Opening theme is “Oku nen mae no Youni Shizukadane” (The Hush of 200 Million Years)" by Mika Kaneko and the two Ending themes are "de.ja.vu: Soba ni Ite" by Mika Kaneko for Episodes 1 to 5 and "Yakusoku" by Hiroko Kasahara for Episode 6. These and all the other songs are great, some taken from other series like Macross 7. Added to this are some new fantastic songs as well. This is, without a doubt, the best thing about this series, as expected of a Macross anime.
Overall the enjoyment and entertainment from this series stem mainly from the music. It also fills the possible void of skipping one Macross series for fans of the franchise. The final verdict is highly dependent on the viewer’s preferences, so it can range from being a pretty good show to a rather bland one. If you like the premise and the music, then Macross II: Lovers Again is a recommendable show to you.
If not, it might be your cup of tea, especially for hardcore Macross fans (as it completely retcons all other franchise materials) and viewers who have already watched a vast array of Mecha anime (old and new). The series feels like a sequel and is good in its own way, but the lack of innovation and the weak plot are the most significant weaknesses.
