Since 1987, Macross fans have been wondering what happened to the heroes of the original Macross series. Now, with the release of Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE !!!!!!, we finally have our answer.
[This article contains major spoilers for Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE !!!!!!]
The last time we saw Misa, Hikaru, and Minmay in the Macross franchise was in the OVA The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012. While the anime is basically one long music video, we do get some scenes of our heroes departing Earth on the SDF-2 Megaroad-01—humanity’s first colony ship. According to the story, it disappeared four years later (though this was covered up by the government so as to not impede the colonization process). Yet, our heroes have been far from forgotten.
In the various movies, series, and OVAs made since then, there have been constant reminders of the original Macross—mainly the continued popularity of Minmay’s songs and the repeated appearance of the Jenius family. (While most of the original Macross heroes were onboard the Megaroad-01 when it went missing, Max and his family were not—hence why he, Milia, their children, and grandchildren continue to pop up across the franchise). Yet, despite the numerous teases in the decades since Flash Back 2012, no definitive word on the fate of our heroes has been forthcoming—until the new film Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE !!!!!! that is.
Macross Delta follows the exploits of the tactical music unit, Walküre, and their protectors, Delta Flight. Both Walküre and Delta Flight are part of the Xaos organization which is led by the mysterious figure known only as “Lady M.” During Macross Delta proper, we learn frustratingly little about Lady M’s true identity.
However, Zettai LIVE !!!!!! is centered around a plot to assassinate Lady M. Thus, we get to know much more about her—namely that she isn’t necessarily a “her.” Lady M is an abbreviated code name for “Lady Megaroad.” Or, to put it another way, Xaos, a megacorporation powerful enough to have its own fleet of Super Dimension Fortresses is run by someone (or someones) onboard the Megaroad-01.
As it turns out, the Megaroad-01 is no longer missing as much as it is trapped. When performing a space fold, the entire colony ship rematerialized inside a Dimensional Fault. Once inside, it is all but impossible to get out even with the technology of the Delta era (though communications have been reestablished for over a decade). However, Cromwell, the villain of the film, has figured out how to use ancient protoculture technology to open a super fold gate into the Dimensional Fault—allowing him the ability to destroy the Megaroad-01 and all those aboard. In the film, we see him very nearly succeed—even going so far as to open the portal to reveal the Megaroad-01 with two familiar silhouettes standing at its windows.
In the end, Cromwell is defeated and the Megaroad-01, while saved, remains trapped. And while that may seem like a bit of a downer, at least now, after 34 years of mystery, we finally know for certain what happened to the original Macross’ missing heroes.
Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE !!!!!! was released in Japanese theaters on October 8, 2021. There is currently no word on an international release.
Top image source: 「マクロス」公式アカウント on Twitter.
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