Super Dimension Fortress Macross the First (2009)

[超時空要塞マクロス THE FIRST]

Volume 1

Author/Artist: Haruhiko Mikimoto
Publisher: Kadokawa Comics Ace

Synopsis:
A massive extraterrestrial warship that crashlanded on Earth has been repurposed by humanity and redubbed the Macross. As the Macross prepares for launch, the aliens who sent it invade and the untested crew is Earth's only hope.

Story/Characters:
I've loved Macross ever since the days I knew it as Robotech as a kid. When I discovered there was a manga adaptation, I made a point to look it up. It sticks rather closely to the original story, though there are some changes that seem to be focused on boosting Minmei's appeal. Now, I'm not much of a Minmei fan, but I'll admit it's effective. This volume is mostly dedicated to setting things up and it does a decent job of introducing the major cast members. They have yet to fully come into their own, but I think this is enough to get you hooked and want to see more.

Art:
Haruhiko Mikimoto was the original character designer for Macross and so there are no inconsistencies or disappointments on the art front. Besides everything simply looking good, there's an innovative use of paneling that actually requires you to turn the pages and gives an interesting dynamism to the reading. If any other mangaka uses this technique, I've never seen it before.

Conclusion:
This is a good adaptation of the show in manga form which is sure to please any fan and I honestly think there's enough merit to charm anyone who doesn't have the nostalgia factor going for them. Give this one a read at the very least.

Rating:
Own It