Robotech Art I

Rating:
Summary: THE episode guide for Robotech (US)
Review: If you are looking for the definitive episode guide to Robotech as aired in the US by Harmony Gold, this is the book for you. IT has detailed synopses of all 85 episodes from the beginnning of the Macross saga, through the Southern Cross saga, to the end of the Invid Invasion saga. The art is mostly cels from the original Japanese version of the series. It also has a brief history of Anime releases in the US up to this point (around 1986). It is well worth the effort to obtain a copy. If you like Robotech in particular, or anime in general, this book is a treasurehouse of the genre.

Rating:
Summary: Ample artwork, indespensible guide to show
Review: While the book is called "Robotech _Art_ I", the meat of it is actually a 138-page episode guide, summarizing each of the 85 installments with crisp writing and ample detail. These summaries are set against well-reproduced original cels from the series (or, when necessary, promotional artwork or even screen-shots [see p. 95]).

Also included are three chapters with character biographies set against animators' model sheets, some mecha designs, and a final chapter tracing "Robotech"s origins both as a shining example of Japan's "anime"... and as a case of US TV business expediency (the "show" is actually THREE Japanese programs, edited and rewritten to appear to be one huge saga). For this latter reason, anime purists will balk at the book, just as they dismiss the series as a bastardization.

Nevertheless, if you like "Robotech", this book offers a nice memento, and a glimpse into its unique background. If you can find it, grab it