Mechas are one of the most iconic and culturally exportable items in anime. Gundam mobile suit and Neon Genesis Evangelion They are very popular not only in their native Japan, but also with anime fans all over the world. Hence, it was always a sad side note that one of the best anime mecha franchises, Macross, have not published any content internationally in the last 26 years.
This is not because the quality has dropped or because there is a lack of demand. It stems from decades of litigation over who controls franchise rights and in what territories.. However, this dispute seems to have been finally settled, at least to the extent that “immediate international distribution” of MacrossAccording to a statement by Japanese rights holders Great west who expressed:
«This comprehensive agreement signed by [Big West y Harmony Gold] On March 1, 2021, two decades of disagreement will come to an end, and Big West and Harmony Gold can embark on a new path that will unlock the great potential of Macross and Robotech franchises around the world. The landmark deal will immediately allow most Macross films and television sequences to be distributed around the world, and also confirms that Big West will not oppose the release of an upcoming Robotech live-action film in Japan.. The agreement also recognizes Harmony Gold’s exclusive license with Tatsunoko Productions to use all 41 Macross characters and mechs in the Robotech television series and related merchandise worldwide with the exception of Japan. In the future, both parties will work together to distribute future Macross and Robotech projects for the benefit of both franchises.»
The compressed version of the Macross licensing problem is the one in the 1980sbefore anime triumphed overseas, Harmony gold, a media company based in Los Angeles, had the rights to Macross. Harmony Gold included Macross along with two other unrelated anime series to create a series titled Robotech, which largely edited and pieced together the previously separate narratives. Harmony Gold acquired the international distribution rights for Macross from Tatsunoko Productions in Japan, but later litigation in Japan found Tatsunoko Productions only authorized to sell the international rights to the original Macross television series from 1982 and no rights to subsequent installments of Macross -Franchisewho determined to be owned by Studio Nue and Big West of Japan.
It basically became a situation where all of Macross clearly belonged to Studio Nue / Big West in Japan.. At the same time, the original Macross, in a modified form, belonged to Harmony Gold, who also felt entitled to control the many sequels and spin-offs elsewhere, but only by virtue of a contract with Tatsunoko Productions, a company that had no control over these sequels and Spin-offs. The end result is the strange duality of Macross, which is enjoying a renaissance in Japan with follow-up projects like Macross Zero, the incredibly popular Macross Frontier, and Macross Delta., extra packed with idols, While in the west the franchise has almost lost relevance to anime fans in real time and Robotech has been forgotten by many..
The announcement of the agreement between Great west and Haromny Gold was accompanied by comments from the director Great west, Kaya Onishi, he said: “I’m excited to bring Macross to people around the world on the franchise’s 40th anniversary. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the President of Harmony Gold, Frank Agrama, for his courageous decision on this matter.». Frank Agrama added: “This is also an exciting time for Robotech and Macross fans around the world. I thank my friend, Bigwest Assistant Director Kaya Onishi, for her hard work in helping us achieve this coveted solution that will protect our two franchises while we build better tomorrow for both of our businesses.».
Fountain: ANN
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