Roboculture

With the entire Robotech world going ga-ga over superstar Kevin McKeever (Harmony Gold's Marketing Guru) announcement over the Masterpiece Collection Beta Fighter (They treat his arrival like the Second Coming, really) a lone fan-made project emerges from the dark, cold void of the internet...

Yes, my dear readers (Whom I thank for my declining viewcount!), you can now witness, the second Flash-based project to come out this year, apart from my Space Fortress Macross Flashfilm. I've seen it, and boy does it show potential. It was short though, but damn - every scene in this project is lovingly detailed by the talented Aaron Cole. Considering the guy has a cute little kid crawling around the house, it's amazing that this project is so polished and stuff. It's funny looking at it now since I sort of covered it a few months back in this blog.

Well, here's to Aaron Cole, for providing this "wonderful" community with this project! Don't give up!! HAHAHAHAHA

FEATURED ARTISTS

Well, since I have nothing to show for the Robotech fandom, I might as well share with you the art of a Robotech artist. This is certainly one of the more interesting Robotech... Aw hell, they're all interesting! But this guy... well, he's different. He's quite opinionated about world politics and stuff - that's one thing. And the other is his immense amount of Robotech stuff.

The image is Sayuki, Valkyrie's character of choice.
(Mine's is Marie Crystal...)

To the left was made in 2004, and the
image to the right is made 2007. Interesting evolution of style. Very unique.

I mean, the guy's been doing stuff since 1995. He and his brother have created some very exciting directions in the universe. I would go so far as to say that Valk and his brother are like little Carl Maceks, since they've produced not one, but three Robotech spinoff projects (sorta like Macek's Sentinels and Odyssey) -

Robotech X: Nations

Robotech X: Legends

Robotech X: Frontieries

All spaning from 2053 to 2065 of a self-made "Robotech X Timeline". What exactly is Robotech X? Well, according to Valk, Robotech X is simply a hodgepodge of Macross, Macross II, Macross Plus, and even a little of Macross 7. Different, huh?

As you can see, the man is quite capable of illustrating some really wicked mechas. Also, he provides some entertaining "light fiction" (as I like to call them) about his mecha designs.

The image on the left is known as the " The Cosmic Unit of the Armies of the Southern Cross"

http://valkyrie1981.deviantart.com/

Real Mayer, hero of Ergo Proxy
StudioMMG, 2007

... You see signs of your hard labor. You think to yourself - yes, nobody cares about your work that much - but then you watch the video, and despite looking really rough, there's that feeling. That warm, fuzzy feeling of personal satisfaction that I find so wonderful.

Mind you, these screens are from the intro. So no VF-4's for you! Mwahaha! Annoy Harmony Gold's Creative Director if you want to see it in Shadow Chronicles.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAHA!

The main film will begin production on May.

WARNING, INCONSIDERATE RANT UP AHEAD, HARMONY GOLD LOVERS BEWARE!

I'm not Harmony Gold, and I don't try to be. I am me. I don't care about Shadow Chronicles anymore. It can rot for all I care since the DVD hasn't arrived to my area yet. The original series shall always rule!

RANT OVER!

BTW, if y'all love seeing lil' ol' slutty Minmay in my previous post, please prepare yourself for my next photospread. It involves Big Green Men.

Again, y'all been warned!

Since I won't be around for the greater part of April (some of you might know that), I'm going to make a little promotional video which would basically be the new intro movie.

It's still very rough, and I just realized that animating can be a bitch!  

By the days end, I would've pulled out all my hair trying to get this sucker to look and animate right. Wish me luck! 

After a dose of depressing news from the impromptu Space Station Liberty internet radio show yesterday, i took it upon myself - to show the Robotech Community that the Armored Gyro Assault Chooper, is a mecha that would fit well into the Shadow Chronicles world.

It doesn't have to be ignored, as Tommy would say, no! Absolutely not! In fact, the Robotech world must embrace the old mecha, and redesign them - don't dilly dally thinking about it! Sheesh.

Don't just stick with the millionth version of the Alpha fighter. That's just dumb. Stupid even.

Wait.

What were we talking about?

Oh yeah, as you can see, I sort of based this design on the increasingly popular V22 Osprey look, which seems to be quite popular among sci-fi shows and video games.

From what little anime shows that I've seen, I can tell ya that for some reason, this type of design is popular. Look at Ghost in the Shell. Appleseed. Games like Splinter Cell too use it.

GO AGAC GO! Defy Harmony Gold's Hatred Towards You!

OPEN CASKET BURIAL FOR DARKWATER'S BLOG

Before I begins this article, I'd like to share my condolences to fans to the death of Darkwater's blog and maybe on the man himself. I didn't know him, well - I emailed him once but that doesn't matter. He's dead now. Gone. Moved on to greener pastures.

We will miss him. *Sniff* *Sniff*

Aw heck, where are the crying ladies when you need em'?!

A moment of silence.

Okay! Time for more blogging! Blah blah blah blurb blub blip...

WHAT'S IN A CHARACTER?

The main character in a show like Robotech has to be a brave, suave and debonair Errol-Flynn type. That's why, after going through Robotech's hundreds and hundreds of characters, I have selected Col. Jonathan Wolfe.

Not only does Wolfe fill the role as that clean-cut (not really) soldier boy stereotype we have come to love from Robotech and other franchises in the past, but the man also fills in his trunks very well.

As you can see in this file photo, taken in 1992, Col. Wolfe, a.k.a. The Wolfe Man, is a stunning example of male physic, with perfectly formed six-pack abs that would make Spartans green with envy.

Since the timeline for my fanfilm takes place when Wolfe was as idealistic as Lt. Scott Bernard (the main protagonist in the 3rd season of Robotech), Wolfe will be just as by the book and straight arrow as any heroic figure. (Mentioned in the episode "Eulogy")

So basically, the guy would be a good soldier, who will sadly, witness the atrocities of the Invid as they destroy refugee ship after refugee ship. (Those Invid savages! -ed)

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Actually, this photo is making me kind quesy (Probably the reason why you'll mostly find sexy Robotech women here). But since I realize that I might actually have female Robotech and non-Robotech fans looking at my blog, I understand that I have to branch out from all those weird Robotech women pinups I did.

So girls, how do you like Wolfe? Yes! The mustache must be so attractive - this will definitely help me ensnare a wider audience for my future works! Mwahahaaha!

CHARMQUARK2, THIS IS YOUR LUCKY DAY

Charmquark2, a solid member of the message boards on RobotechCompanion (run by Masters and CavScout), recently had a chat with me on what Veritech (transforming jet fighters) designs I could use for my film. We discussed the possibility of using a design that would bridge the gap between the Southern Cross and Macross Sagas of the Robotech TV show. I liked it.

That's why I've sketched a little somethin' fer ye'. I don't know if looks quite up to snuff with what you imagined, but its some kind of Slyphide prototype. As with all Veritech prototypes that followed the Macross Saga, they are all in the awesome VF-1 Valkyrie paintscheme.

As you can see, I sort of modified the Sylphide (image below) - by making the engines almost similar to the Alpha fighter... in some ways. I clipped the wings too, but now I realized that they should have looked like the Sylphide. Oh well. What do you think..?

DELTA FIGHTER ON THE PROWL!

Finally, here's the Veritech Delta Fighter - whose original design was made for the cancelled Sentinels series. Here's my interpretation of it - Macross Zero inspired and all. I think it looks pretty good! Maybe it does have a place in my fanfilm! What do you think, dear readers?

I know I've probably said it before, but the stuff in Southern Cross sure beats the battles we see in the Macross and New Generation space battles. I know a lot of people don't agree with my perspective of the show, but what can I do? It's not like my opinion can sway yours. :(

Anyway, the reason for this post is to cite the cinematic influences I wish to see in my flashfilm. I am totally inspired by the classic space opera anime such as Gundam, as well as American films such as Starship Troopers, Fifth Element (?), Starwars (wheee), Serenity and many others. I unfortunately can't cite Battlestar Galactica because I haven't seen the damn thing.

ANIME INFLUENCES

I haven't seen Gundam for 20 years. Not a single show, movie or game. Then I stumbled on this compilation - a package containing the original 1981 Gundam "movie" - which was basically the edited television show made to be like a feature film. It took me a while to find the time (and patience) to stick and watched the film, and despite the animation (which is really no worse than Macross and NewGen) the film moved me. The 'epic' story and stuff really inspired me. I never thought I'd see a franchise which would capture what I wanted to see in Robotech for such a long time!

The intense mecha action is perfect for the universe of Southern Cross! Scenes involving melee and close quarters combat between Zeon and Federation forces was just awesome. I really want to make something like that in the future using Southern Cross mecha and Robotech Masters bioroids. I'm now wondering, how would this kind of combat fit with the Invid? I don't know, it probably could...

Now these two films really inspired me, not for their story (because I can't see them relating to my fanfilm), but because of the film's design and scale. When I first saw the city scenes or Akira and Metropolis, I immediately thought - this is the city I want to make for a fanfilm. This is something I wanted to create despite my utter lack of any architectural know-how.

That's why I like Southern Cross - because it was set on Earth in this city called... hehe... "Monument City" (Unlike other series in Robotech, which are set in desert wastelands or in space). Now the problem with Monument City was it looked plain, but you really can't blame anybody but the show's budget. Anyway, watching Akira and Metropolis inspired me to "reimagine" Monument City into this vast urban utopia with massive towers and glistening skyscrapers.

I would to have action sequences set in these kinds of urban landscapes, because for some reason, they are so cool.

Another cool thing about Akira and Metropolis is how both film's city settings were demolished into nothing. Akira had its city destroyed by Tetsuo the crazy god-like Superboy monster thing, while Metropolis had its city leveled to the ground by Reba West. I want to do something apocalyptic in my film! I don't know how, I don't know if they'll fit the story, but I want to do something like these films! One day, you'll see! (If I still like Robotech by then)

I'd talk about Hayao Miyazaki's films, but I doubt they'd have anything to do with my Robotech fanfilm.

AMERICAN MOVIE INFLUENCES

I think one of my biggest influences for this film has got to be Starship Troopers. Best of all is the idea is somewhat related to what I'm going for in my film - namely, bugs vs. humans. Oh, and massive capital ship action.

I can see it now, a massive Tokugawa-class and Ardennes-class battleships flying around space knocking out hundreds of invading Invid while shuttles containing hundreds of refugees make a run for the moon. It's simply too good of an idea to pass up. My only worry now is if I'm good enough an animator to pull of these space battles. The idea is pretty daunting now, but since I won't know until the start of May, the date which I'll start official production. For now, I'm content be in development hell. Damnit, I don't even have a script to work with you know.

BTW, you see that Starship Troopers "Call to Arms" style poster on the left side? I might use that style for my flash film. Why would a fanfilm like mines need a poster? Hell should I know. I'm probably a perfectionist or something. I mean, you work on a flash film for months on end, and you release it, wouldn't you want to see something cool like a poster to advertise your film?

I know, I know! Luc Besson isn't the best director out there - but he's definitely the most imaginative. Fifth element features this crazy flying taxi car chase in this massive city, and wow, that scene was just great. The cheesiness of it all was really wonderful and damnit, if I had a 3D animation program, I'd make a sequence like that involving Invid chasing a daring Tactical Air Corps through the winding ruins of Monument City.

Blade Runner is great too. I have considered envisioning Robotech as a dark, cyberpunk like world and stuff, and the idea is compelling, but I don't know if it would fit the desperate mood I'm going for in my film. It would be a nice idea though, to have alien stimulagents infiltrating society, and have this hard-boiled cop who specializes in... "retiring" these freaks. But, wasn't that sort of done in Robotech the Movie? :P

These are the biggest influences for my fanfilm so far. If you have a suggestion of a film or cool anime that I should watch which would help me create this fanfilm, feel free to comment!

JUSTY'S FAN FIC IDEAS

In completely unrelated news, Justy Ueki, proprietor of the RDF Underground show has announced some interesting ideas in his radio show about fan fic/film ideas. Quite interesting... Maybe I should ask him about them...

http://www.rdfunderground.com/live/

LIVE ACTION NOVEL

Although I haven't replied to Mr. Cole yet, he has said that he plans to continue his Robotech Live Action Novel. Horray! Drop by his blog some time! The only problem now is that I don't have the link with me. HAHAHAHAHA!

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOG

Also, if you like reading someone's opinion on Robotech, drop by Kastle Tower, a blog by Knighthart. He some stuff written about Shadow Chronicles, a film I will see when I am 50.

http://thekastletower.blogspot.com/

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Lynn, aka HappyPenguins, Justy Ueki and Robotech Masters - for offering me a unique perspective on this dying fandom.

My dear readers, first, I'd like to thank you all (all 1% of my audience) for participating in this little decision. Now, who the hell won this little dogfighter? The...

VF-4 LIGHTNING

The clear winner from yesterday's little poll. Sorry, Genia, Tommy's little design that almost could. Shoji wins!

Now to find time to animate the damn thing.

The key to agood any good fanfilm, is to grab the viewer's attention. What better way that to make the Robotech intro in flash form? I have to say, that's probably one of the better aspects of my Sentinels Part II film. No one ever said it, but I think that was how I felt when I watch it every now and then (Yes, I rewatch my shows). It was a good intro, and I want to update that segment for the new film, which will begin full production by May (I know, it hurts -ed).

That's why, if you'll look down here... I have with me the new storyboard for the new intro - at least for the first action segment. Remember the orignal was an Alpha fighter descending from the heavens to take out a couple'a Zentraedi battlepods? Well this time, it'll be an 'expanded-canon' mecha such as the VF-4 Lightning, and the Sentinels-era Battlepod. I wanted to keep the spirit of the classic Valkyrie comes from the heavens of the original credits, which is why I chose the VF-4 Lightning, since it is known for looking like a good evolution of the Valkyrie.

Ooooh! I wanted to keep that classic scene of the hero's mecha getting blown by the enemy. I think it's like a scene the viewer might not really expect. (but now that you know, it's still cool -ed)

YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

Well, I know some people feel that the VF-4 Lightning design might not be a good choice, and that's okay. Let me explain.

I know the VF-4 Lightning (image, left) appeared shortly in the Macross Saga as a toy being held by the hero Rick Hunter. But this design is more fondly remembered as the ship Hikaru Ichijo (the Japanese counterpart to Rick Hunter) rode in the Japanese anime film, Macross: Flashback 2012. (For more info on the difference between the Japanese original of Macross and Robotech, look it up in Wikipedia, I'm tired of talking about that stuff)

So, would using this aircraft for my introduction cutscene be a good choice? Or should I use a design created by that company... what's it called? Oh yeah, Harmony Gold --- Should I use a Harmony Gold mecha design called the VF-X-6 Genia?

Well, whaddaya think? Look at the storyboard again, now imagine each mecha, the Lightning and the Genia - which mecha/jet would look better doing the stuff seen in the storyboard?

I have given you, my dear audience, the power to actually post and give your opinions of my work, and I'm give you that power, to tell me not to f*** off, but to tell me which mecha I should use.

Should it be... Just choose one!

VF-4 LIGHTNING
VF-X-6 GENIA

I highly doubt ya'll would give comments, so here's how I see it - I'll use the Lightning design simply because it hasn't been seen in animated form. Also, it's shown in the show. Also, the Genia is fairly identical ship to the Alpha fighter - a jet I used for my Sentinels intro.

So come on! Tell me what you think! Rather than reading all my ranting nonsense!

How I miss the beach. Damn! A beach full of Robotech characters though... That would be something to see... :)

LETS TALK FLASHFILM PROGRESS

Well, I don't have a script or anything on my flash film. So...... 

I've decided to rework the intro I made for the Sentinels flashfilm. Remember that nifty little piece? Well, I decided to bring it back, this time, with better sound, quality, backgrounds, the works. I just want to get ready just in case I get the script from PC.

If not, it doesn't matter. I won't begin full production until after April! Yes! I won't be in the country to draw. Didn't I mention this before? That's why I've been drawing lots of little fan art and stuff since my time is very limited now. Oh well, art is good, and people liked the VF-7 Sylphide coloring I did. 

Anyway, out of morbid curiosity, you can check out my talky Sentinels flashfilm if you've got the time.  

Robotech:Sentinels Part II
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/347613

That's it for now. No long stories so none of you ever reply anyway.

I've been going around DeviantArt lately. Lots and lots of stuff to see. Everywhere you turn, there always some artist who is ten to a hundred times better than you! It's frickin' intimidating, not to mention overwhelming! I'm almost starting to realize that I've been pursuing the wrong crowd on Robotech.com! Nah... It's all good.

For now, let us discuss...

The Legend of the VF-7 Slphide!!!

How did this story come into being? It all started in the Harmony Gold office back in the early 80's. Carl Macek and his army of writers were busy translating the middle chapter of the Robotech Saga, the Southern Cross. They stumbled upon this odd ship (image, above) and they thought, hey, lets call it a Veritech, even though the animation clearly does not show this plane transforming in any way. Never will you see it go into half-jet, half human configuration (Guardian), or full size mecha mode. No, this jet remains a jet for the entire Southern Cross Saga.

Years later, with the release of the Robotech DVDs, people started nitpicking the show, bit by bit. They uncovered this little bit of dialogue, and being the whiny fanboys they are, started calling it a real, fully transformable Veritech. As with every insane claim, there were several vocal non-believers. Flame wars started, and no one would believe that this little fighter called the Sylphide was a Veritech.

Then one day, some guy named Errauko drew a oddly drawn schematic of what the Slyphide would look like as a fully transformable fighter. Again, non-believers scoffed at this idea, and quickly debunked it by stating that the design would simply not be able to accomodate such modes.

More flamewars and debates erupted and no one could reach an agreement. People were either unconvinced by Errauko's fairly awkward mecha design, or they just hated the Southern Cross Saga and wanted to stir trouble.

Some would agree that the Guardian configuration was the only mode possible. Others struggled to explain that the Sylphide could handle both the Guardian and Battloid modes. A convincing arguement was stated that the transformation would be similarly as complex as the AGAC helicopter. But who cares about arguements when there isn't a great illustration to go with it

Then one day, a miracle happened.

A group of dedicated Robotakus hired an awesome artist by the handle of Glaine21 to draw for them a convincing battloid and guardian for the Sylphide. The end result is simply stunning. The design seems to have been lifted straight from the Japanese pre-production sketches. I mean, c'mon, aren't they awesome???

While these sketches were wonderful, they lacked a certain something... Yes! They lacked color. I took it upon myself to color it using Photoshop, and the results are fairly surprising... 

The design really does stand out with color. Now it looks a lot like the AGAC in battloid configuration for some reason. This show the deep understanding of the artist on what had to be achieved to make this design convincing to even the most hardcore fan.

Thus ends the legend (or tale) of the Sylphide. Thanks to a few dedicated Southern Cross fans, who didn't give up even when the chips are down.

HERE'S SOMETHING...

I'll be writing something about my adventures around DeviantArt, and I'll be talking about some artists and their art in the near future, so watch out for that!