Super Dimension Fortress Macross the First (2011)

[超時空要塞マクロス THE FIRST]

Volume 3

Author/Artist: Haruhiko Mikimoto
Publisher: Kadokawa Comics Ace

Synopsis:
The Macross approaches Mars to restock at the abandoned UN base there while the civilians gear up for the Miss Macross Contest.

Story/Characters:
The Macross crew's success in the last Zentradi attacks prompts them to up their game and turn to the notorious bloodthirsty psycho Kamjin. While the Zentradi have never been a threat to take lightly, his ruthlessness kicks things up a notch. Back on the Macross, we got a glimpse of him in the last volume, but Kaifun gets his proper debut here. He seems rather charming so far, so I wonder if he'll end up going off the rails like he did in the original series. More important than stupid Kaifun is everyone's favorite genius, Maximilian Jenius, who shows up as a destroid pilot. While Hikaru is boiling with jealousy over Kaifun, he finds himself roped into an outing with the Bridge Bunnies, who decide to have some fun with VT-102. As we make our way to Mars, Misa becomes more of the focus, particularly how the the Mars base ties to her old flame Liber Fruhling. We close with the Macross facing Kamjin for a rematch.

Art:
The art is beautiful as ever. There continues to be an insane Minmei focus. I am amused at the paneling used to represent what Captain Gloval is looking at when Minmei makes a delivery to the bridge. We get some good action sequences with both of Kamjin's attacks. The Asteroid Cracker deserves special notice.

Other:
We get three full-color illustrations of Mimei and an illustration of the final version of Hikaru's VF-1J plus a few variant designs at the front of the volume and a 7-page "Secret File" in the back profiling the VF-1J.

Conclusion:
What more do I need to say? Good story, good characters, good art. Can you ask for anything more? This volume represents a sort of hinge in the story, taking us from the first phase into the second. Things are only going to get better from here. Any Macross fan is sure to want this in their collection.

Rating:
Own It