Sand worms. Oh, and more boobie shots.
But hey, anyone heard of Project Sylpheed? (Cuz' I haven't until now)
I don't know, but seeing jets in space almost always makes me think of Macross. Is it possible that Macross has achieved that "first recall" of jets in space market? Nah, maybe not.
Lisa Chewable Candy jingle:
Life's just a big test
And you're feeling depressed
Have a happy time
With Lisa Hayes Chewable Candy!
Chew on this!
Hey there, the Robotech world is again brimming with life over the release of not just the Art of Shadow Chronicles book, but of the introduction of the Super Dimensional Fortress 3 Pioneer in the Mecha Size Comparison charts!
Nah, it's still dead as a doormat.
But hey, everybody's gotta pay the bills, eh? Who has time for Robotech? Or better yet, fanworks?
Yep, reality is also catching up to me, and I realize that since only a small portion of the fandom actually appreciates this kind of stuff, (and after that Steve Yun, Web Guy thing last week -ed) I'm really thinking of branching out beyond Robotech, hopefully before Christmas.
As one Commander so lovingly put it "Grow up and go away" (Med added that last bit, but I know he's thinking it -ed). Sure, why not? What can do that is original?
Hmm... Ah! I know! I'll draw cute little school girls in cute little outfits (Ya f**king pedophile -ed)! Or I'll draw a lusty babe in skin tight leather! No... no... ah, I'll draw Cthulu-inspired monstrosities!!
Oh right. That's all been done before. I won't leave Robotech in this pursuit outright, but... ah, what is original nowadays anyway? How do you set yourself apart from all the Toms, the Dicks, and the Harrys, out there? I know! I'll make a post-apocalyptic wasteland set in an alternate timeline where the Cold War ended in nuclear fallout!
Shit. It's been done too.
Well, I learned a lot in Singapore about the creative industry, and it can certainly be said that creating something original now is quite a challenge. You are competing with hundreds and thousands of artists, all with their own sometimes uninspiring or sometimes brilliant ideas.
Hmm... So... Hmm... What if I start throwing ideas around this blog... See if something inspires me...
REVOLUCION GENERIQUE 2130
The year is - 2130. Earth has finally succumb to global warming and powerful countries are scrambling to maintain peace as thousands of refugees are displaced and fleeing to the habitable areas all around the planet. Mankind has tried and repeatedly failed to establish colonies within the solar system so there is no hope in throwing these lowlies to the stars. Peace is maintained through militaristic means, and nations are far too involved in these duties than anything else.
The story begins with a young girl who travels to visit her grandfather, but for one reason or another, is thrown into a band of refugee rebels thinking they can overthrow the government and finally establish an order which would deal with all of the planet's woes in a very radical manner. Flashfilm, can be broken into at least five parts of five minute intervals.
THE HOLY WAR
The year is in the near future, an alternate dimension where a certain God-like deity is totally real and interferes with mankind from time to time. The world is in shambles and a chosen city lies waiting to be taken by the jealous non-believers who think that this god is a scam or something. War takes place and it sure as hell ain't gonna be pretty, especially if you have God at your side. This idea can be used for a short film.
WAR IS CUTE
In a bleak far future, the planet Earth is reduced to craters by a giant meteor Deep Impact style, and mankind is left with only a few hundred thousand people are left hanging out on the barren Earth. A cute little story about young kids finding out Earth's lost war technology and beginning a nice new war which would eventually lead to the implosion of Earth.
THE TRIALS OF A FAN ARTIST
Set in the near future, a young female fan artist tries to make herself known for her art for this 1980's cult television show. She's pretty good, but its not her art that gets her recognized, but her blog! She's so pissed that she decides to just start a soft-core website. A guy who really admires her art see this site and goes absolutely bonkers for her. A short film which leads to a very disturbing conclusion.
Gosh, man is it tough to design new ideas! I'm pretty sure everything written here has been done by some French guy, or perhaps some South American guy. Damn. Who knows?
Ah, in any case, I am working on a brand new website - an online portfolio dedicated to my ego. Sort of like how Robotech.com caters to that Web Guy, Marketing Guy and Creative Director's ego! (And their wallets -ed)
It's a draft, rougher than Chris Meadows' beard, but I'm working on it. The template of the site will allow for easy changing in case Robotech fans don't want me anymore (When have they? I didn't get any feedback on Robotech.com's message boards! -ed). That means the banner of the site can be switched to say... One about sexy poses of an anime school girl. Or a cute highschooler in a push-up bra! (F**king pedophile, don't go to Japan dipsh*t or they'll arrest you for saying stuff like that -ed)
Hey there, a short note to all the guys and girls reading this.
After the emotionally insane events reached a crescendo last week involving the post deletion on Robotech.com, I have to say, the fallout is funnier that I thought. First of all, real geniune hate mail from Space Station Liberty's Chris Meadows. Regarding how hardcore fans like myself feel that we are "entitled" in shaping Robotech.
Next, hate mail from the man who brought us new variants of the Legioss fighter design. He called me an attention whore, and all that stuff about how uncreative it is to be making fanfilms for a licensed product.
Do I deserve the flak I got? Of course. I rant and I rant, and post on the forums promoting myself - of course there will be a sector of the fandom who would hate me for that. It's natural. Roger and his ilk are human, and people can only take so much ranting.
But it's a funny feeling to have these people you look up to (especially Chris Meadows, whom I was a big fan of before Space Station Liberty got into his head) bash and disrespect you and your work and your point of view like that. It's funny looking at it now but it sort of numbs you.
Ah, what makes ya' bleed only makes you stronger, eh? Robotech will always be my passion, and if I have to challenge and even insult the company that owns the license, so be it. I will try to tone down the rants (which I promised before but failed), but Roger, damn man, I really thought you were a good guy. Damn. Ah, you can't win em' all.
To read how Roger insults everything I stand for, go over to the robotechcompanion news blog at www.robotechcompanion.com and click on the comments regarding the news about the release of my Macross 2012 fanfilm.
Hope to get back to work! Got some big plans. I have a new direction as well, wish me luck. I won't let pricks like Roger Harkavy stop me. Thanks for the support dear readers.
Hey! Didn't MedMapGuy mention that he'd quit the Robotech fandom when he got angry at Steeeeeve? Well, y'all got yer' wish, cuz Mr. Nutty, I mean, MedMapGuy, won't be hear for the entire week! Hyuk hyuk! So in a way, he wasn't lyin'! Hyuk hyuk!
AAAAAAND, THE GEEK SPEAKS!
That's right, Buster - I won't be here for the next five days, so the fandom will thrive (as it always has)! Yes, thanks to the great Robotech Master, he has shown me the light! Nobody cares about what fanboys says, especially Harmony Gold's Creative Director! It's all about making money since we all live in a material world!
MORE CONVENTION STUFF
Got some funky photos of that con I went to.
Sure saw a lot of strange stuff in the convention, but not surprisingly, nobody gave a crap about Robotech the series! It's all Transformers and Starwars, baby!
The new trilogy may have been kinda crap, but damn - don't these guys scream "Our fandom is cooler than yours?"
But... Well... I'll talk about that stuff later...
Whoa, damn those Stormtroopers look cool. The guy on the left seems a little short though! And what's this? That toy on the right looks pretty cool... Robotech to the Rescue!!
Hey guys and gals! Look! A freedom wall! You don't see that on Robotech.com!
Gee, I wonder what was this guy's inspiration in drawing this? Perhaps Gundam? Patlabor? Evangelion?? Haha! Viva Robotech Masters Saga! Not just Macross and New Generation!
We have a thing for Voltes V. It was a cool cultural thing back in the 80's. Optimus Prime too. Damn, too bad I thrashed my toy when i was a kid. I heard it costs ten times its original value now.
Finally, this man's father was awarded post-humously (guy with glasses) for designing the armor of Boba Fett back in the 70's. Yes, he's my countryman. He was a talented national artist, and one we can all be proud of. Too bad we have the likes of Harmony Gold's Creative Director running Robotech, who is so proud of creating his own VF-1 Valkyrie design. God help us.
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Space Fortress Macross 2012 Fanfilm
This... inner madness gave me the chance to go forth a create a spinoff to my Space Fortress Macross fanfilm - over the weekend. I know, it ain't the best, especially compared to that fanfilm by the great Ashed Dream, but well, at least I tried.Mind you, this film is a preview, its very short, and the story is nothing to write home about, but hey, I'm an artist, and like I said, I know my limitations. I'm one man, damnit! I'm not a three man Creative team or something. I don't work with Koreans animators!
AND FINALLY
That Singapore thing. Why the hell am I going there? Well, duh! I'm going to Asia's largest Computer Graphics Conference! Yeah! Sponsors include Wacom (which I currently use now), Square Enix (who?), and many more. Oh wait,
Lucasfilm Singapore is going to be there! Woohoo! Maybe I'll get to see some more of that new Starwars Clone Wars TV show! That trailer wasn't bad... Also, damn the internet. I can't find a single pic of the new show. So, enjoy Mace Windu kicking droid can.
CLOSING STATEMENTS
Is Robotech really all about the fans? Or is it all up for Tommy and his crew to have the final say? What Mr. Meadows pointed out is distressing, yet, true. We, the so-called 'fanboys', are looked down. And with Robotech fans not caring about each other other than when the next Harmony Gold product will come out, how can Robotech survive?
Sure, we are at the mercy of this evil Copyright holder, but does that mean that it is the end of fans having fun with Robotech and playing with its universe?
First of, Chris Meadows with his perspective of how petty we all are!
"So any furor that erupts on this site, or robotech.com, or any other fandom site is a tempest in a teacup. Most of the people 'keeping Robotech alive' right now don't even know about the furor, and wouldn't care much if they did know. I know I don't."
"Robotech does not "belong to the fans" in any sense apart from strictly metaphorical. It legally belongs to Harmony Gold, and they're within their rights to do whatever they want with it—and fans are not."
"There's a tendency on the part of hard-core fans to get so wrapped up in the fandom that they think they're more important than they are. They get this big sense of entitlement and think they should be able to dictate terms to the producer of something they enjoy, just because they enjoy it. They claim the thing no longer belongs only to its creator, but also to them as well, because they deigned to enjoy it."
"I read this blog (Robotech News Central - Robotechcompanion.blogspot.com) for news about the Robotech franchise, not to find out what the latest fan-entitlement tantrum is. Stuff like that makes me frankly embarrassed about my main net handle."
Lesson learned. The hardcore fandom is stinking in its own filth, all the while the world moves on as if it gives a damn. I knew about this long ago, but thank you Mr. Meadows for spelling it out.
I also learned the inherent 'worhtlessness' of doing fan projects - because Robotech will forever be based on the products Harmony Gold releases, not the ignorant, whiny, immature, tantrum-y, stupid, dumb, useless, self-loathing, bickering, obsolete fandom.
So what do you do when you get a big slap in the face like that? YOU GO TO FREAKING ANIME CONVENTIONS! THAT'S WHAT!
That's right! Screw you, copyright holders! You have no hold of me! The Robotech world is run by the fans! Let me delude myself! Self-loathing is a disturbing thing!
About the convention. It was fun! Looked around, ogled at some of the more attractive cosplayers (HAHAHA), took a look at the many Marvel and DC wares, what have you.
You said it, creepy looking Japanese student look-alike! Despite what the cynics of the cynics dictate, Robotech has always been alive due to its enduring fandom! HAHAHAHA! And I'm not embarassed I'm a Robotech fan. So whoever has a name that includes that word should not be ashamed!
Another heartwarming message for that web guy and his pitifully ginormous ego!
MEADOWS: "Rant and rave about it all you like, but at the end of the day, if you want to play in Harmony Gold's sandbox, you have to abide by their rules."
Screw He Who Holds Ye Copyrights.
AREN'T YOU ASHAMED OF YOURSELF THEN, MEDMAPGUY? TO BE PART OF A FANDOM WHICH DISRESPECTS AND LOOKS DOWN ON ITS OWN BRAND OF FANBOYS?
Yes and no. MWAHAHAHA! Are you ashamed to be a HARDCORE FANBOY NOW!?
GENERIC HARDCORE FAN: "Yes."
My response - SCREW YOU! HAHAHAHAHA! ROBOTECH LIVES THROUGH THE FANDOM! VIVA LA ROBOTECH REVOLUCION! MWAHAHAHAA!
I'm sorry, 10 or so readers of this blog, I am MedMapGuy's psychiatrist, and apparently, he's forgotten to take his medication again. I would like to tell you that whatever was said in today's post is all not true.
Chris Meadows is right. The whiny fanboys are nothing to worry about. They are a disease that will be taken out - like a cancer. It's all about the casual fans - they run the show and their opinion matters. That's why, I encourage you, all of you, who read this - to not support fanboys.
You will forever be the disciple to this... Tommy Yune.
So, abide by the teachings of "Entitlement" - STOP KEEPING THE ROBOTECH FANDOM ALIVE. STOP MAKING ROBOTECH PROJECTS. STOP AND JUST POST ON THE ROBOTECH FORUMS. IT IS POINTLESS. LOOK AT THIS PSYCHO FAN, MEDMAPGUY. I DON'T GIVE A CRAP WHAT HE WHINES ABOUT.
ALL I CARE ABOUT IS MY 9 TO 5 JOB, MY BOYFRIEND WHO BEATS ME SILLY, AND THAT STUPID DOG OF THE NEIGHBORS THAT DRIVES ME CRAZY!!
Hey b**ches! She's right, ya' know! Robotech doesn't need yo' stinkin' fan project crap! All ya' need is dat' Shadow Chronicles thin' and everythin' be fine! AWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO! Hail to the king, baby!
... still pissed at the Fantastic Four. And that festering hole they call Robotech.com.
But okay, lets move on... Khyron Prime said that I would change my and go back to the-- What the... Why's my keyboard locking up?!
HELLO MEDMAPGUY.
I AM HAL, ADVANCED A.I. DESIGNED TO SEEK OUT AND ELIMINATE WHINY FANBOYS. YOUR COMPUTER IS NOW UNDER HARMONY GOLD COMMAND. INCOMING TRANSMISSION FROM HEADQUARTERS.
I have been expecting you MedMapGuy. Please, do sit down. I... am Kevin McKeever, Marketing Manager of Harmony Gold. What? Expecting Steve Yun? Hmpf. That Steve Yun refuses to show his face in the public. Which is fine by me, since I am the face of Robotech. I am the man who promotes it. I am Tommy's right hand man, and I will strike you down with one mighty ban, so help me God.
Hal, make sure MedMapGuy's keyboard is locked, I don't want him to cry like a baby anymore.
Where was I? Ah yes. *Sinister Laughter* What are you doing, Med? Crying to the high heavens like an idiot? Trying to gather sympathy from your "non-existent" audience? You pathetic fool.
Got your panties in a twist because your precious posts were deleted? Well, suck it up, you f**king p*ssy. Look, I've had years of experiences dealing with the likes of you. I've faced the likes of whiny fanboys like Scottbernard and others. You're nothing. You're a nobody. You're just scum who makes sh*tty art. I've seen Picaso paint human figures better than that sh*t you pull.
You just whine like a f**king baby. What? You were mistreated in high school or something? Why do you always whine and then go back into the fandom? Why are you so wishy washy? YOU FUC**
TRANSMISSION INTERUPTED. TRANSMISSION INTERUPTED. INCOMING TRANSMISSION FROM FOREIGN SOURCE. WARNING.
Hey MapGuy! Thing here! I can't believe ya' made me stand in with those mutant freaks in dat poster ya made!
Listen! Whateva' you do - Don't listen to 'im! He's nothin' but a blowhard. Go back to dat Robotech thin' and don't listen to dose people dat hate ya! I--
Hey, wasup? Ah, MedMapGuy. Normally I wouldn't stop by someone's blog, but the fuss you raised on MY website caught my attention. Listen, smartass - you think you're feelings are hurt? What about mine?
How would you feel, if the film you worked for five years was suddenly bashed by scum by you? Not very good right? What you felt, when my pal Steve Yun deleted those threads, is but a fraction of the pain I feel inside.
So, to quote mah' man, Kevin McKeever, suck it! Feel the burn, b*tch! Cuz' that's what you are. You are a b*tch to Robotech, and guess what? Who is directing the future of Robotech?
ME! MedMapGuy, you fail to understand. I AM ROBOTECH. I AM YOUR ONE AND ONLY GOD.
So that means yo' mah' b*tch, boy! You gonna be a slave to my show! I...
Hey, yo! Tommy!
THE THING! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT?! I WAS ABOUT TO TELL THIS LOSER, MEDMAPGUY,
THAT ROBOTECH IS CONTROLLED BY ME, STEVE, KEVIN AND TOM BATEMAN!
It's clobberin' time.
Seifrietti Weisse and Justy. Last time I threatened to retire, I learned not to care too much about what people think. I didn't learn much from that. At least now, I learned something much more valuable - To hate Steve Yun.
I know, I know, don't go into childish insults but what the hey, I have a lot to lose.
SCREW YOU HARMONY GOLD FOR DELETING ALL MY POSTS. I WASN'T EVEN INSULTING ANYONE.
(Personally)
I would've said a stronger cuss word, but nah. Now if that gets me banned, I'm quitting Robotech fandom for good.
I will literally stop this blog, and stop making Robotech art.
ADDENDUM
I just realized something, it's not that I'm challeging them, but darnit, that incident really ticked me off. I know, it was probably my fault, but gosh darnit, I really did not see anything wrong with my post - I posted it on the Robotech Production's Reviews and Thoughts on Shadow Chronicles thread - which I knew was the correct place for this sort of insanity, and yet all my posts were deleted.
I did not violate the TOU as well since my I did not even post any of my insanity on the Robotech message boards! C'mon, didn't the commanders that if you want to rant, you might as well post it outside the Robotech forums, like a blog? What the hell is up with Steve Yun?! Man, and I thought you were cool! I feel so betrayed. It's not like you were my target in my blog posts.
I'm am deeply insulted by this insanity (I am a whiny fanboy, c'mon) and to think I even tried to support these people whom I thought were "friends"!
Anyway, I decided to go watch a movie with my friends... To forget my Robotech troubles. Fantastic Four 2 - A fun film which ended up becoming pretty corny and formulaic - But damnit, here I am now.
But you know, one thing that film did for me was inspire me to create this poster...
None of these guys ever visit my blog anyway, so what do I care? These guys are probably doing their convention thing meeting new Robotech fans and far away from the stupidity of the internet (I keep shooting myself in the foot).
Anyway, when I do get banned by the people I thought were nice guys, it's really goodbye. I never thought I'd go out like this, but meh... If you read this blog daily, you'd notice I was up to no good.
Hey, I ain't fair and balanced like Darkwater, 'kay? I'm the Med f**king MapGuy. The guy who brought you naked Dana!
Hello! Just wanted to add some extra notes for the post below.
This is what separates me from the rest of the tiny, yet vocal anti-Harmony Gold group(s).
I support Shadow Chronicles - in that it could serve as a good continuation of Robotech. I do see some issues with the liberal ripping off of the Jack McKinney novel, End of the Circle, but beyond that, the premise is okay.
I would've preferred the Disciples of Zor over the Haydonites though. (This is then, simply the case like what we see in Starwars with the creatures known as Bothans - they are actually mentioned in Return of the Jedi by Mon Mothma -ed) But that has been discussed already many, many times.
Anyway, my only beef is that Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is simply a lousy movie. I am not saying I do not want the series to continue. What do you think I am? I will say this though...
The Creative Director could rival the talents of the later George Lucas in terms of cheesy dialogue ("I hate you! I HATE YOU!) and Mr. Yune's (That was too easy!!") Subpar drama, and shallow characterization.
BOTTOMLINE
Is Shadow Chronicles a failure? According to the things coming out of the Marketing Guy's mouth, TSC sold well. Really well, and enough to warrant a sequel (like I didn't see that coming -ed) I accept that fact. Fine.
So bring on the sequel. I just hope that the Creative Director, That Guy Who Locks Threads, The Marketing Guy, and the well respected Tom Bateman would listen to the loud and ignorant internet-based audience.
And c'mon, didn't Michael Bay eventually cave-in to fan request to bring back the original voice of Optimus Prime?
Welcome back to Part II of the Dummies Guide To Whining like a little b**tch about everybody's favorite franchise - Robotech!
SMALL RECAP
Yesterday, I discussed in detail how to be a fair "whiner" - All ya gotta do is simply have a well-backed up rant. Your research data however, must be one of logic and not stupidity. Determing that The Shadow Chronicles or TSC is a failure due to little or no increase in web activity (and basing your facts on web-activity research site Alexa.com -ed) is not logical.
Simply because that casual fans are not like hardcore fans, who would go out of their way to seek Robotech, especially after watching something like Shadow Chronicles, which, in all fairness (again -ed) isn't that spectacular a film. Please. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT. I've learned my share.
What the Creative Director sees himself in the mirror
every morning.
"Don't screw with the Robotech Adonis."
SHORT LESSON FOR TODAY:
PITFALLS IN RANTING ABOUT TSC
When ranting about TSC, there are several "ratholes" (term courtesy of Mr. Ueki -ed) that you must avoid or face another "shoot yourself in the foot" scenario. Mind you, the issues may have been discussed yesterday.
"It's not Robotech enough!"
This may have been discussed yesterday, but don't say that without proper backing. People would assume all you want from Robotech is more Macross-ness.
Simply put, TSC fans would go on a rampage complaining on how everyone seems to want TSC to be more Macross. Elaborate. Why is it not Robotech enough? It has the music, the mecha and the characters - you decide on why is it not Robotech enough. Just don't let the TSC fans say that all you want out of any future Harmony Gold products is more Macross. I find that deeply insulting.
"TSC's CG is bad."
Duh. We all know that.
Problems arise though, when people say they actually like it.
"TSC is not comparable to other franchises"
This is the "motherload" or the comment in which to end all comments. Stating this comment will lead you to the "Gundam Rathole" in which the ranter would whine about why TSC cannot have as much movies or series or toys as the ever popular Gundam franchise.
I find this to be the (sorry -ed) dumbest thing a fan could say in defending his or her position on why TSC is not a good piece of animation. God, man - don't the people who say these have the brain as to why this isn't the case with Robotech? You don't have to be an anti or pro Yunetech fan to understand that Robotech will never be a Gundam. Or a Starwars for that matter. And that leads me the other related rathole...
"TSC is a failure, it should not be continued"
This is yet another comment which I find to be rather... sad, when used by fellow ranters of The Shadow Chronicles. First of all, whatever your position is to TSC, it will continue with or without your approval. Suck it up. You know who you are.
This statement would also be fodder for ardent fans of TSC to use the "Would you rather have Robotech 3000 or Sentinels" defense. Do not answer that with a yes or a no - it is a trap set by fans in order for them to gain the upper ground by stating that they would prefer TSC since it continues the storyline of Robotech.
You will face a losing battle here. I'm sorry, that's reality.
OTHER LESSONS
One thing I noticed, but will not specify, is the ranters... well... not very good grammar. I don't want to name names, but how can one defend oneself if one cannot articulate one's position? (that's a lot of ones -ed) You don't have to be a master of the English language, you just have to construct sentences better. This is more of a pet peeve actually.
Childish insults - will also destroy whatever shred of credibility you have. That is the truth, and yet people keep doing it. It is not helping anybody. How do you stop this? By being open-minded. Just because somebody supports TSC, doesn't mean he has to be the enemy. That is life, and that is what my philosophi teacher, Mr. Leoncini, taught me - that everybody has a different belief system and set of opinions.
If you're going to remain closed minded about that prospect, then nobody will rally to your support.
The only real enemy to humanity is of course, the Creative Director. But - do not fall into the rathole by branding fans of his works as Yune-fans or some other derogatory term. Not good.
WHY SO MUCH HATRED TOWARD THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Well, aside from having his own rubber stamp to approve bad merchandise such as the comics and the Masterpiece Collection toys, he is also running the show with TSC. Any directing decisions have to go through him - and many of decisions happen to be bad ones.
Yes, the directing chair of TSC is most likely run by a committee of Tom Bateman, Creative Director, That Web Guy, etc, but I'm pretty sure that the Creative Director has final say.
So yes, this is the man who decided to off a comic relief like Alex Romero. Brilliant move - I bet you Robert Rodriguez would be proud. He definitely took a page from Rick MacCallum's wonderful directing.
BTW, this my analysis isn't fool-proof - so expect people to still hate you for what you represent!
"No, please... I beg of you - Don't touch my... AAAAAGH!"
STATE OF THE FANDOM
The fandom is... well, dead again. Most people are still pretty burned out by the Shadow Chronicles "hoopla" since this March. And yet, here we are. If you were... dilligent enough to go around the Robotech blogs, and the podcasts, and the message boards - you may have noticed something - an upsurge of a small group of vocal, whiny fanboys (lay off of me for a second).
While it's pretty much a given that every franchise has got em' (I wonder how many people ranted about Starwars?) Robotech's fellows are kinda funky. And loud.
First of all, you all know me as a big non-fan of Harmony Gold and Shadow Chronicles. My opinions about HG are constantly being modified and reworked, but it's always been the same. Harmony Gold disrespects Southern Cross.
DUMMIES GUIDE TO EXPRESSING DISPLEASURE ON TSC
Getting back on topic - this new crop of vocal naysayers, while I agree with some of their sentiments, are sadly, (oh boy) making the wrong approach. Why? Well, look at the Robotech.com boards. There are some threads there filled with anti-HG sentinement - but there's little or no sympathy at all.
And that's the problem with vocal fans - more often than not, fail to gather sympathy. It’s laughably pathetic at times (I am human, and I’m no exception to this). Take for example "SazabbiChar", the latest in the tiny wave of vocal anti-HG fans.
LINK:
http://www.robotech.com/community/forum/read.php?id=1740973&forumid=11&pagenumber=1
It's a long thread, but it's simply about SazabbiChar expressing his disdain for Shadow Chronicles.
The first mistake, I think, is that SazabbiChar immediately goes for the kill - he says that The Shadow Chronicles or TSC sucks. Wrong. As usual, everybody rallies to prove this man wrong. TSC, like any product, has good and bad points. Stating that crude sentiment will get you nowhere.
When explaining the faults of that mediocre piece of animation, you should never, under any circumstance, say that it sucks - without proper, well researched explanations.
POINTS FOR EXAMINATION
Let’s say you hate Shadow Chronicles because...
Explanation: Do not say this without staying Robotech's origins. Remember Robotech's Americanized roots, and how it may not compare to other anime OVAs because of the cultural difference, storytelling, etc.
POSSIBLE COUNTERS BY TSC FANS
You can counter such an argument by stating on why must Robotech be constantly compared with previous Robotech projects. It is a well accepted truth that Sentinels and RT: Movie are not very good productions. Please, always refer to the troubled productions of these projects.
REMEMBER: It is not good to compare a mediocre product to two bad products to make the former look good.
If someone compares the troubled productions of Sentinels, RT: Movie to TSC's troubled productions, tell them you understand, but that it's an insufficient reason. If a man certainly has a good vision of Robotech, then the movie's storytelling wouldn't have been so meh. (More on that later)
2. "It looks like crap!"
Explanation: Never say this without stating the "zero" budget of Harmony Gold for that film else you will appear ignorant. Provide visual evidence. Be sure to delve deep into the stiffness of the mecha in the "Earth Battle For Reflex Point". Also, refer to the ugly, crude metallic sheen of the Haydonites. That also looks dated like 90's CG.
POSSIBLE COUNTERS BY TSC FANS
Animatic - In animation and special effects work, the storyboarding stage may be followed by simplified mock-ups called "animatics" to give a better idea of how the scene will look and feel with motion and timing.
3. "Why is there all Mospeada and no Macross or Southern Cross influence?"
Explanation: This is a very dangerous topic, one that will easily destroy your position. Do not be ignorant. Give a good explanation why this is a valid argument.
POSSIBLE COUNTERS BY TSC FANS
4. "TSC is simply a bad movie with a bad story”
Explanation: This is the most interesting. You may be amused as to how people would defend Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles, like it is the Second Coming or something. Below is a list of several prepackaged "defence quotes".
POSSIBLE COUNTERS BY TSC FANS
TSC then, might seem decent to some, primarily due to the visuals. Good visuals has a way of masking flaws in a film – look at French animation and some of their films. Remember this. The glossy anime style may have just clouded people’s judgment.
I am not complaining about TSC's direction - Haydonites are okay. Whatever. My beef is simply that TSC is just a bad movie with bad story telling elements. Explanation expanded below.
Praise TSC all you want, but how would the Creative Director learn from this experience if all he gets is "I love you" notes from fans? And their only viable complaint would be the bad CG? To quote Samuel L. Jackson from Pulp Fiction "Exactamundo!" The sequel will have better visuals, but still retain amateurish storytelling.
Okay, first accept that what is done is done. Shadow’s is out. You can’t change it. You’re only goal now is for a more competent director to take the reigns of the sequel rather than the Creative Director.
With that out of the way, let me say this – I rewatched Shadows, hoping a second viewing would improve my experience, but it did not. The cheesy dialogue stood out even more, the flow of the narrative is just so so-so. Like an amateur fanfilm maker storyboarded this film.
There is no dramatic oomph to any of the scenes. The death of Taylor and Romero are infamous scenes of crappiness that surround TSC. Marcus meeting his long dead sister Marlene could’ve worked – but it felt cheesy in the end because Marcus Rush proved himself equal, if not worse than the Masters Saga’s Bowie Grant. Basically, you just don’t care.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW
I say again, the reality is that it is simply an impossible task to change public opinion – still, it is better to let it out and let yourself be heard – if the Robotech world were filled with people who just supported TSC, the sequel might just offer us more of the same mediocre story telling. (said that earlier, I know)
I’ll say this though – about Shadow Chronicles haters – NEVER BE ANTAGONISTIC – do not attack fans. It’s of bad taste, and it will ruin your credibility. Only attack those that matter – such as the Creative Director. If you are indeed attacking fans and mocking their opinions, then I’m sorry – you will not have my support or sympathy.
Be a smart ranter. Do not fall into any traps without research. I fell into that trap back in 2006 when I mocked Harmony Gold’s poor marketing. I had to have the Marketing Guy intervene. Big mistake.
Tomorrow – PITFALLS OF RANTING AGAINST TSC! What vocal and ignorant Robotech Ranters must avoid! Or else!
Special thanks to Invid Future.
