The Macross franchise is in a period of heavy merchandise activity for its 45th anniversary, with multiple new and reissued plastic model kits, a large DX Chogokin SDF-1 Macross toy, and a North American theatrical screening of the 1984 film. Big West is also hosting panels at Anime NYC and Anime Expo.
The Macross franchise is marking its 45th anniversary with a wave of merchandise and events. Bandai Spirits opened preorders for the VF-1J Valkyrie 45th Anniv., a figure that keeps the original silhouette while adding head articulation, axis joints in the legs, a spring-loaded landing gear gimmick, and a new leg lock mechanism. It ships in January 2027 for 17,600 yen. The anniversary also brought the DX Chogokin SDF-1 Macross, the largest transforming SDF-1 toy ever produced, measuring 650 mm in fortress mode and over 700 mm in storm attacker mode. It transforms without replacement parts, includes light-up gimmicks, and is priced at 99,000 yen for a November 2026 release.
Plastic model kits from multiple manufacturers dominate the release slate. Max Factory's PLAMAX line offers the VF-1J Super Fighter Valkyrie Max & Millia Galaxy Strongest Set, a 1/72 scale kit with two valkyries, Super Packs, reaction missiles, and seated pilot figures, priced at 11,000 yen and shipping in December 2026. The same line is re-releasing Nekki Basara and Mylene Flare Jenius figures from Macross 7 in December 2026, each with a base that connects to form a '7' shape. PLAMAX also released the VF-19P Excalibur from Macross Dynamite 7, the first PLAMAX kit for that variant, with speaker units and a Nekki Basara figure. Hasegawa released a completed sample of its VF-25F Tornado Messiah kit from Macross F, priced at 5,720 yen for an August 5, 2026 release, and is selling a set pairing a Misa Hayase figure kit with a Tamago Hikoki VF-1S Super Valkyrie. Wave is reissuing its 1/100 scale VF-1J Valkyrie kits in Fighter and Battroid modes as Multiplex editions, with decals for Hikaru, Max, or Milia's units.
Bandai Spirits added Chuck Mustang's VF-31E Siegfried to its HG 1/100 Macross line, with a swap-part transformation system and a deluxe set option. The franchise is also reaching North American audiences: Anime Expo will host the first official North American screening of The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? on July 5, with a Big West panel on July 2. Anime NYC will feature a Big West panel and a screening of Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkure on August 22. A separate piece on Japan Powered reflects on how analyzing anime can erode the enjoyment of watching it, a theme that resonates with the franchise's long-running fan culture.
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AUGUST Inc. announced it is developing a revival version of the Macross rhythm game Uta Macross: Smartphone De Culture for release on iOS, Android, and Steam next spring. A crowdfunding campaign launches on Campfire Thursday with a 30 million yen goal to fund development and additional content.
Automaton's weekly roundup covers seven game articles. Highlights include 'Gundam Rogue Orbit' releasing March 5 next year, and 'Fate/EXTRA Record' finally getting a January 28 release date after multiple delays. Other entries cover 'Maneater 2', 'The Murder Case at Fleming Manor', 'Uta Macross', 'Tyr', and 'World Sweeper'.
AUGUST Inc. announced on September 3 that it is developing Uta Macross, a buy-to-play rhythm game based on the smartphone title Uta Macross: Smartphone De Culture, which ended service in 2022. The game is planned for Steam, iOS, and Android with a release around spring 2027. A crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE runs from September 10 at 20:00 through October 31 at 23:59, with funds going toward platform expansion and new song additions via DLC. The base package includes roughly 50 songs, more than 1,000 plates of rarity ★4 or higher, and over 20 costumes per singer, all available from the start. The gacha for raising plate rarity is free with unlimited pulls, switched to a box gacha type for easier completion. Development is handled by xeen, which worked on the original service version, with Big West and DeNA cooperating. Producer Hiroshi Hirono said the project began from fan requests for a revival after service ended. Macross series creator Shoji Kawamori also commented on the project's start.
Hasegawa will re-release three 1/72 scale VF-1J Battroid plastic model kits between November and December 2026. The lineup includes the Armored Valkyrie, the Armored Valkyrie "Operation Bulls-Eye Part 2," and the Super Battroid Valkyrie "Milia." Each kit features Hideki Tenjin package art and specific decals.
Bandai Spirits has announced the Origin of Valkyrie VF-1S Valkyrie Roy Focker Special + Super Pack Set 45th Anniv. Preorders open September 1 at general retail, with release planned for March 2027 at 19,800 yen. It is the second entry in the revived line, following the VF-1J Valkyrie 45th Anniv. that began preorders August 3.
Bandai Spirits will release the Origin of Valkyrie VF-1S Valkyrie Roy Focker Special + Super Pack Set 45th Anniv. in March 2027. Pre-orders open September 1. The set includes the Super Pack bonus part, new leg roll axes, and added head articulation. It follows the VF-1J 45th Anniv. set.
BANDAI SPIRITS announced the VF-1S Valkyrie Roy Focker Special + Super Pack Set 45th Anniv. action figure for The Super Dimension Fortress Macross. Preorders open at general retail stores on September 1, 2026. The 250mm figure includes a detachable Super Pack, a new head gimmick, and a replaceable canopy cover. Price is 19,800 yen, release in March 2027.
Bandai Namco Filmworks will release the Blu-ray of Shoji Kawamori's theatrical film Meikyu no Shiori on August 26, 2026. The limited special edition, priced at 13,200 yen including tax, includes a bonus disc with roughly 190 minutes of footage, stage greeting coverage, and the complete Special After Talk with SUZUKA and Takuto Teranishi.
AmiAmi has opened pre-orders for a new 1/7 scale figure of Lynn Minmay from the film "Macross: Do You Remember Love?" The figure is produced by the brand Arcadia and is based on the key visual from the orchestra concert "Super Dimension Orchestra," held in September 2017 to mark the 35th anniversary of the Macross franchise. The figure recreates the visual's gradient hair with pearl coating and clear parts at the tips, while the dress uses white pearl coating and the stole is made with clear parts. The acrylic base carries the U.N. Spacy emblem, and the set includes the figure body, the emblem base, and a base attachment for the left heel. The figure stands approximately 230mm tall, uses ATBC-PVC, ABS, acrylic, and iron in its construction, and is scheduled for release in May 2027. The reference price is 21,780 yen including tax. The product page notes that images and information may be updated, and buyers are encouraged to check the latest details.
Hasegawa is re-releasing its 1/72 scale plastic model kits of the F-14 and MiG-29 fighter aircraft from the OVA Macross Zero, with new prices. Both kits are scheduled for release on October 21, 2026, and include markings for the U.N. Spacy and Anti-U.N. Alliance aircraft.
Bandai Spirits opens preorders for the VF-1J Valkyrie 45th Anniv., a Macross 45th anniversary item shipping January 2027. The figure retains the original silhouette while adding head articulation, axis joints in the legs, a spring-loaded landing gear gimmick, and a new leg lock mechanism. It costs 17,600 yen.
Hasegawa released completed sample photos of its 1/72 scale VF-25F Tornado Messiah (Atmospheric Specification) kit from Macross F: The False Songstress. The kit includes newly molded Tornado Pack parts, a seated pilot figure, and decals for Alto Saotome's unit 007. It is priced at 5,720 yen and scheduled for release on August 5, 2026.
Anime NYC announced panels and premiere screenings for August 22, including a Big West panel on the Macross franchise with a screening of Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkure, the English dub premiere of Go Forward with a Q&A with director Phebe Fabacher, and the world premiere of the English dub of Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram.
Max Factory is accepting orders for the PLAMAX PX-20 VF-1J Super Fighter Valkyrie Max & Millia Galaxy Strongest Set, a 1/72 scale plastic model kit from Super Dimension Fortress Macross. The set includes two VF-1J Fighter Valkyries with Super Packs, six reaction missiles, and seated figures of Maximilian Jenius and Milia Fallyna Jenius in extra-atmospheric pilot suits. The model is multi-color molded with decals included. The set is priced at 11,000 yen and available for order until July 22, with shipping scheduled for December 2026.
Max Factory will re-release plastic models of Nekki Basara and Mylene Flare Jenius from Macross 7 in its minimum factory series in December 2026. Each 1/20 scale kit comes with a dedicated base that connects to form a '7' shape. The re-release follows fan demand.
Wave is reissuing the 1/100 scale VF-1J Valkyrie plastic model kits from "Super Dimension Fortress Macross" in Fighter and Battroid modes. The new Multiplex specification includes marking decals for Hikaru, Max, or Milia's units. Preorders are open at Rakuten Books at 4,435 yen each.
Max Factory has begun accepting orders for the PLAMAX PX-20 VF-1J Super Fighter Valkyrie Max & Milia Galaxy Strongest Set, a 1/72 scale plastic model kit of the VF-1J Fighter Valkyrie piloted by Maximilian Jenius and Milia Fallyna Jenius from Super Dimension Fortress Macross. The set includes the Super Pack, reaction missiles, seated pilot figures in extra-atmospheric suits, and a bonus decal folder for Good Smile Company orders. The kit is priced at 11,000 yen, with orders open until July 22 and shipping scheduled for December 2026.
Dengeki Hobby Web reports that Wave is re-releasing the 1/100 scale VF-1J Valkyrie plastic model kits from Super Dimension Fortress Macross in Fighter and Battroid modes, now as Multiplex specifications that let builders choose Hikaru, Max, or Milia's unit via included marking decals. The Fighter kit ships in late October 2026, the Battroid in late September 2026, each priced at 4,950 yen.
Bandai Spirits announced the HG 1/100 VF-31E Siegfried (Chuck Mustang's Machine) from Macross Delta, featuring a large radome and a swap-part transformation system. Three items launch June 6, 2026: the standard kit at 5,500 yen, a dedicated water-slide decal sheet at 770 yen, and a deluxe set with an acrylic stand and decals.
Max Factory's PLAMAX line is releasing a 1/72 scale plastic model of the VF-19P Excalibur in Battroid mode from Macross Dynamite 7. The kit includes new parts for the time-space resonance speaker units, a same-scale Nekki Basara figure, and a gunpod. Reservations are open at Rakuten Books for 7,806 yen.
Hasegawa is selling a set combining a 3D printed figure kit of Misa Hayase from Super Dimension Fortress Macross at 1/24 scale with the deformed plastic model Tamago Hikoki VF-1S Super Valkyrie. The figure prototype is by Tsurugi Dan. The set includes eye decals for the figure and aircraft markings for Hikaru Ichijyo's VF-1S. It is priced at 3,960 yen and releases July 1, 2026.
Bandai Spirits announced the DX Chogokin SDF-1 Macross, the first 45th anniversary product for Super Dimension Fortress Macross. The 1/2000 scale figure measures about 650 mm, transforms without replacement parts, and includes light-up gimmicks. Pre-orders open June 1 for a November 2026 release at 99,000 yen.
Crunchyroll released an illustration of Olympic gold medal figure skater Alysa Liu by Macross Frontier character designer Risa Ebata. Liu, a known anime fan who carried a Pochita plush from Chainsaw Man during the 2026 Winter Olympics, won individual and team gold at those Games.
Bandai Spirits confirmed a new DX Chogokin SDF-1 Macross toy to mark the franchise's 45th anniversary. The fully transformable figure measures 650 mm in fortress mode and over 700 mm in storm attacker mode, making it the largest such toy ever released. Pre-orders begin June 1 for a November 2026 release at 99,000 yen.
Anime Expo announced it will host the first official North American screening of The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? on July 5. The convention also revealed guests including voice actors Masakazu Morita and Machico, and a Macross panel by BIGWEST on July 2.
A writer for Japan Powered reflects on how turning anime into a subject for analysis has eroded the ability to watch it purely for enjoyment. The habit of comparing every narrative to touchstone series and hunting for article ideas means even bad shows get watched, and relaxation only comes from re-watching stories already mined for content.