Name(s): Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers Again / Choujikuu Yousai Macross II – Lovers Again / Macross II The Movie / 超時空要塞マクロスII -Lovers Again-
Format: Original video animation [OVA] (6 episodes)
Studio(s): AIC
Release Date(s): May 21, 1992 – November 21, 1992
Related: Super Dimensional Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984)

Macross II Review

I didn’t want to believe it, but the consensus is right on this one: Macross II is mediocre.

Given its lackluster reception, I was actually surprised that this really does feel like a genuine Macross entry. We can even give it credit for being the first sequel and therefore solidifying the themes that run through the franchise: mechs, music, and romance. However, unlike future installments, it doesn’t take these elements to new places.

The plot’s conflict and resolution is almost exactly the same as the original series. A new alien race has shown up, and when offense and singing proves ineffective, there’s only two options left: offense and singing. In other words, the resolution is dumb, doesn’t make much sense, and is anticlimactic in its unoriginality.

The romance progresses predictably save for one part near the end. The problem is that unlike the original Macross, Hibiki doesn’t have Hikaru’s charming, innocent naivete. We also aren’t given time to see his relationship grow, like we do with Hikaru and Minmay. There’s no enticing mystery about whether these two feel the same way towards each other, because it never crosses the mind that they don’t. All throughout Macross II, it feels like there’s only one possible way it can conclude.

Lost Story Potential

The least-recycled part of the premise is Hibiki’s career as a journalist, which is unsurprisingly its best aspect. But there isn’t enough time to focus on this side hustle, so outside of the exposition, this and any themes regarding media censorship play a trivial role. It’s interesting how Hikaru’s perspective is of one kid in the middle of huge events he has little control over; it makes him relatable. Hibiki feels like someone who happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Audiovisuals

The Variable Fighters are exactly the same as they were in the first Macross. When a new unique machine named the Metal Siren appears that’s revealed to be a two-seater, I was hoping and expecting it would be piloted by Hibiki as Ishtar sits in the back and uses her power of song in some way. Cool right? Doesn’t happen. It’s just a high performance regular VF that plays no significant role in the story.

The combat sequences themselves are all right, the colors are so dark due to the age of this thing that at times I couldn’t really tell what was going on. But without any reason to care about the enemy or pilots (since there’s only three characters that matter and one of them you barely see fight), these combat sequences seem like fluffy fanservice for the mecha crowd.

Oh yeah, and the music. The score is a bleating mess of horns and synthesizers that couldn’t sound more low-budget or stock. The pop songs are… okay. But they’re pretty damn far from the memorability of “My Boyfriend is a Pilot” or Firebomber’s songs.

Macross II Verdict

There’s nothing about Macross II that’s offensively bad. It’s just boring at worst, and mildly interesting at best. I could like it more if 20 minutes were shaved off the runtime’s last quarter. I don’t particularly recommend it.

Macross II is average for an OVA, and probably below-average for Macross. Still, there’s much worse things an anime could be than an average ’90s OVA. If you’re really into that style like I am, this could be good enough entertainment for an afternoon.