Big West To Distribute Post-1987 ‘Macross’ Titles Globally

Much of the Macross catalogue is due to be legally released around the world, courtesy of Big West. The Japanese advertising agency, which was involved in the production of many Macross works, has been announced as the worldwide distributor of franchise titles made after 1987.

Two weeks ago, news came of a major breakthrough in the legal disputes that had long frustrated the overseas distribution of Macross works. Essentially, Big West reached an agreement with Harmony Gold USA, a company that had licensed early Macross series and reworked them into a show called Robotech. The agreement settled the terms of the licensing arrangements and paved the way for the new distribution set-up.

In addition to the library titles, Big West will distribute future Macross productions, including the forthcoming feature Gekijoban Macross Delta: Zettai Live!!!!!! (Macross Delta the Movie: Absolute Live!!!!!!). The company will also release games, toys, live concert performances, and other derivative products. It has set up a Youtube channel to host Macross content; the channel is currently streaming the original video anime The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 for a limited time.

Macross creator Shoji Kawamori said in a statement, “For creators like me, our work only comes to life for when it is viewed by people. It seems that the time has just started to move, after years and years of stillness.”

The franchise started with the 1982 series Super Dimension Fortress Macross (image at top). It has spawned many tv series, video series, and theatrical features. Both Macross and Robotech have had a huge influence across animation and live action: Adam Wingard acknowledged their influence on his recent Godzilla vs. Kong, for example. Sony Pictures Entertainment has been developing a live-action feature spin-off for years.