Robotech (comics)

Robotech comics first officially appeared in print in 1985, though Comico published the first issue of its license from Harmony Gold USA under the Macross name.

When Harmony Gold was releasing the first few episodes of its original Macross dub in 1984, it was discovered that Revell already had a Robotech Defenders line of scale model kits that included the transformable Macross mecha. The potential for brand confusion caused concern that Harmony Gold would have problems selling its own transformable Macross toys. Harmony Gold and Revell were able to come to a co-licensing agreement — when producer Carl Macek had the idea to combine Macross with Southern Cross and Mospeada to create an 85-episode television series, he chose to use Revell's pre-existing Robotech name and logo to strengthen the title's brand recognition.

Publication history

DC Comics (1984)

A little-known Robotech Defenders limited comic book series was first published by DC Comics

Academy (1994–1996)

Academy Comics acquired the Robotech license from Malibu, as well as Jason and John Waltrip and long-time Robotech comics writer Bill Spangler. Academy initially re-launched all of Eternity's then-current comic series, as well as several new lines. The Sentinels comic picked up directly from where Eternity had left off, with the Waltrips taking over the writing and art work.

While the academy Sentinels comics were well-received, thfhoe other comics suffered from often inconsistent writing and artwork—both Invid War: Aftermath and Clone were canceled prematurely after their respective writer/artists left the company. Despite these problems, the academy Robotech comics were often well received by fans.

In 1996, Harmony Gold abruptly revoked Academy's Robotech license, handing it to Antarctic Press. Academy folded shortly thereafter.

Robotech II: The Sentinels

Book Three (1994–1995), #9–22 (continued from Eternity)

Book Four (1995–1996), #1–13

Robotech II: The Sentinels Halloween Special (1996), #1

Robotech II: The Sentinels: Star Runners: Carpenter's Journey (1995), #1

Robotech: Return to Macross (1994–1996), #13–37 (continued from Eternity)

Robotech: Invid War: Aftermath (1994–1995), #7–13 (continued from Eternity)

Hohsq's Story: A Robotech Romance (1994), #1

Robotech: Clone (1994–1995), #0–5 (continued for one issue as Robotech: Mordecai)

Robotech: Clone (Youth Inertia) 40 Page Special Edition (1995), #1

Robotech: Mordecai (1996), #1

Robotech: Macross Missions

Destroid (1994), #1

Excalibur (1995), #1

Excalibur II (1996), #1

Robotech: Academy Blues (1995–1996), #0–5

Robotech: Mechangel (1995–1996), #0–3

Robotech: Tempest (1995), #1

Robotech: Metalswarm (1995), #1

1996 Robotech Comic Calendar (1995)

Robotech: Boobytrap (1996), #1 (adaptation of the first episode)

Robotech: The Movie (1996), #1–2 (adaptation)

Robotech: The Misfits (1996), #1 (canceled after one issue)

Robotech: The Warriors (1994–1995), #0–3

Robotech: Romance (1996), #1–3

Robotech: Breaking Point: Cadet Lisa Hayes Special (1996), #1

Robotech: Civil War Stories (1996), #1

Worlds of Robotech

Robotech: Cyber World - Secrets of Haydon IV (1994), #1

Robotech II: Invid World - Assault on Optera (1994), #1

Robotech: Amazon World - Escape from Praxis (1994), #1

Robotech: Smith World - Sabotage on Karbarra (1995), #1

The Sentinels Presents... Feral World - Nightmare on Garuda (1996), #1

The Sentinels Presents... Crystal World - Prisoners of Spheris (1996), #1

Wildstorm (DC Comics) (2002-2010)

In 2002, with the publication of the Wildstorm (DC) comics, Harmony Gold officially decided to reboot and retcon the Robotech universe.[4]

Rather than running a continuing series with side stories as the previous holders of the Robotech comic license had done, Wildstorm instead ran several limited series. The last Wildstorm publication was the trade paperback of Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles in 2010.

On April 1, 2006, the official Robotech website published a joke article soliciting a fictitious 12-issue series titled Robotech: Before the Prelude to The Shadow Chronicles with each issue featuring a tribute to the character Lynn Kyle and each issue being signed by Alan Smithee.[8]

Robotech: From The Stars

Covers the early years of Roy Fokker and the VF-1 development program before the launch of the SDF-1. Also features young Rick Hunter at the flying circus, the battle against the Anti-Unification League, and Roy's early dealings with Claudia, Jan Morris, and Colonel Edwards. Based on Robotech TV series continuity, and unrelated to Macross Zero. This comic series was criticized for its revisionist nature, diverging from the events previously described in the Jack McKinney novels, with a new account of the discovery and adaptation of the SDF-1 (Gloval is introduced as a Russian submarine captain), Robotechnology, and a redesigned version of Lt. Colonel T. R. Edwards. It presented yet another version of Roy Fokker on Macross Island before the launch of the SDF-1, like Comico's The Graphic Novel, Eternity and Academy's Return to Macross, and the anime Macross Zero.

Robotech Sourcebook

A one-shot companion book that details the characters and mecha before the First Robotech War. Partially reprinted in the 2003 From The Stars trade paperback collection.

Robotech: Love & War

Follows the relationship of Max & Miriya from a more backstory angle, including Max's early friendship with Ben on Macross Island before the launch of the SDF-1. Includes the companion story "Little White Dragon," about Minmei's first movie.

Robotech: Invasion

Details Lancer's early adventures under the 10th Mars Division and expands his relationship with Carla. While not an adaptation of the 2004 video game, it covers the first REF attempt to liberate the Earth, and ends with the arrival of Scott Bernard and the 21st Mars Division. The side story "Mars Base 1" expands on the adventures of Lisa Hayes' first love, Karl Riber. Features a couple alternative covers by original Genesis Climber Mospeada character designer Yoshitaka Amano.[5][6]

Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles

Written by Jason and John Waltrip, this series picks up with many elements from secondary sources such as the Sentinels novels and comics. While not an exact continuation of the Waltrips' previous comics, it is neither a total reimagining. Rather, it selectively retcons The Sentinels era to fit with the new "official" continuity, and provide a prelude to the Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles feature film. Initially closely spaced, the issues were released further apart when the release of The Shadow Chronicles was delayed. In this title, the Waltrips were able to incorporate their own previously planned ideas for The Sentinels prior to its cancellation, including turning the series' villain T.R. Edwards into a giant monster.[7]

schedule	Monthly
ongoing	Y
scifi	Y
publisher	DC Comics Comico Comics Eternity Comics Academy Comics Antarctic Press WildStorm Productions Titan Comics

Publication history

DC Comics (1984)

Revell (1984)

Comico (1985–1989)

Eternity (1988–1994)

Academy (1994–1996)

Antarctic Press (1997–1998)

Wildstorm (DC Comics) (2002-2010)

Dynamite/DC Comics (2013–2015)

Titan Comics (2017–present)

External links

References