Robotech - The Shadow Chronicles

2006

published in Empire No.68, Sydney

2007

American fanboys of any persuasion mostly deserve the rap they get from their bad public image. When that same geeky puerile sci-fi/fantasy sensibilty crosses over into anime we go from bad to ugly. For second wave 80s US baby boomers, the TV series Robotech holds special appeal. Maybe it's the rank American dubbing and butcher shop compiling of the 3 original Japanese TV series (Mospeada, etc.) that keeps them entralled. This American-produced 'sequel' Robotech feature is bound to appeal to the original series' zealots. Its Lucas-like faux-universalised heroics, tacky ponderous cosmology and costumed military wet-dreaming should keep them coming. Did someone say 'anime'? I didn't.