Differences Between Macross & Robotech
- "Macross" was the original Japanese anime series and the source material for "Robotech." Since "Robotech" was targeted at the American market, the Japanese characters' names were Westernized; for example, Hikaru Ichijo became Rick Hunter, Misa Hayase became Lisa Hayes and Kamjin became Khyron. The characters' dialogue remained mostly the same, although the storytellers made additions to "Robotech" for American audiences and for the sake of the show's continuity.
- The producers cut several scenes from "Macross" in making "Robotech," because the producers deemed the scenes inappropriate for children. They cut scenes that included excessive violence, blood or gore. Also cut was a scene depicting nudity, a shot of the character Minmay's rear. While Robotech contained occasions of drinking, the producers removed many scenes displaying excessive drinking. Producers also cut any scene that posed a continuity problem.
- The major difference between "Robotech" and "Macross" was the definition of "protoculture." the Protoculture in "Macross" was the first advanced humanoid civilization in the universe. In "Robotech," The Protoculture was a powerful energy source that enabled the spaceships and other machines to work, a substance with hallucinatory effects and a catalyst used in genetic engineering. Both humans and the alien races valued it highly.
- The Zentradi were a giant humanoid race of warriors. In "Macross," the Protoculture created the Zentradi as a means of expanding their empire. While in "Robotech" the Robotech Masters -- species of humanoids -- created them as a slave race. Another difference was the fate of the spacecraft SDF-1. It wasn't destroyed at the end of the series in "Macross" like it was in "Robotech," allowing for "Macross" sequels. Likewise "Macross" didn't have an SDF-2 spacecraft in it, which was introduced offscreen and necessary for the continuity of "Robotech."