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Macross Plus
View on Wikipedia| Macross Plus | |
![]() DVD cover of the original Macross Plus: Movie Edition | |
| マクロスプラス (Makurosu Purasu) | |
|---|---|
| Created by | |
| Original video animation | |
| Directed by | Shōji Kawamori (Chief) Shinichirō Watanabe |
| Written by | Keiko Nobumoto |
| Music by | Yoko Kanno |
| Studio | Triangle Staff |
| Licensed by |
|
| Released | August 25, 1994 – June 25, 1995 |
| Episodes | 4 |
| Anime film | |
| Directed by | Shōji Kawamori (chief) Shinichirō Watanabe |
| Written by | Keiko Nobumoto |
| Music by | Yoko Kanno |
| Studio | Triangle Staff |
| Licensed by | |
| Released | August 27, 1995 |
| Runtime | 115 minutes |
Macross Plus (マクロスプラス, Makurosu Purasu) is a four-episode anime OVA and theatrical movie in the Macross series. It was the first sequel to the original Macross television series that took place in the official timeline (Macross II was quickly retconned by series creator Shōji Kawamori as a parallel world story in the Macross universe). Plus was a groundbreaking combination of traditional cel and computer-generated animation at the time of its release, paving the way for the incorporation of more computer-generated imagery in Japanese animation.
Both the OVA series and movie were released in Japan by Bandai Visual and in North America and Europe by Manga Entertainment. The Australian VHS version was released by Manga Entertainment and the DVD version by Madman Entertainment under sub-license from Manga Entertainment. It features several new mecha designs inspired by the original series.
Plot
[edit]Three decades after the great war between the humans and the Zentradi, in January 2040, the U.N. government is developing new technologies to use in their transforming fighter aircraft by running tests on the colony planet Eden. Military test pilots and former childhood friends, loose cannon Isamu Alva Dyson and the Zentradi mixed race Guld Goa Bowman, are selected to each pilot a new aircraft (Shinsei Industries' YF-19 & General Galaxy's YF-21) for Project Super Nova, to choose the newest successor to the VF-11 Thunderbolt variable fighter which is currently still in use by the U.N. Spacy military forces. Their own personal grudges end up disrupting the tests, and begin to wreak havoc on the program.
Their rivalry heats up when a mutual friend, Myung Fang Lone, shows up. Myung was a childhood friend of both pilots, but the three of them had a falling out, and quickly grew apart. This is alluded to throughout the story, and evidence of the strained relationship between Myung and either of the two men is apparent, while their distaste for one another is obvious. When they meet again, they discover that Myung is now the producer of Sharon Apple, the hottest entertainer in the galaxy, who just happens to be an AI hologram. Unbeknownst to the public, the Sharon AI is incomplete and requires Myung to provide emotions during concerts.
During a testing session, Guld and Isamu finally face off against each other – and an all-out fight begins as each tries to best the other. Despite being in the middle of a testing area, they quickly proceed to tear the surrounding area to shreds in their fight to gain superiority over the other. Having turned off their communications equipment, both pilots fight using the test aircraft in a series of stunning dog-fight maneuvers before going into battroid form and finishing the fight on the ground. In the process, an "accidental" gun pod discharge injures Isamu and he is taken to the hospital, where he awakens to Myung standing watch over him. After returning to duty, a military tribunal questions Guld about their fight in the test area, but ultimately the decision is left up to the Admiral in charge of the project. Chief Millard, the station commander of New Edwards Test Flight Facility, reluctantly tells both pilots that their mission and the project has been scrubbed by the U.N. Spacy High Command – due to the completion of a newer, and previously unknown aircraft, the Ghost X-9 (ゴースト X-9), an advanced stealth UCAV prototype which was secretly being produced on Earth while two other prototypes (YF-19 and YF-21) were simultaneously being tested for Project Super Nova in planet Eden. With the Ghost X-9 completed, testing on the YF-19 and YF-21 was halted indefinitely, since the higher-ups believe that the new unmanned fighter is superior in every way.
Meanwhile, the AI Sharon Apple has developed a malevolent consciousness, due to an illegal bio-chip having been installed by lead scientist on the project, Marge Gueldoa. During her concert in the Atlantis Dome inside Earth's Macross City, Sharon quickly takes over both the Ghost X-9 and the SDF-1 Macross Fortress and hypnotizes her audience and the Macross' staff, while trapping Myung in the Macross itself.
Wanting to prove that manned fighter units are a necessity and to prove his worth, Isamu and Yang (the YF-19's engineer) take the fighter jet and space-fold to Earth to beat the X-9 at its own game, while Guld gives chase in the YF-21. Sharon hacks into Earth's outer space defences, but both Isamu and Guld make it through. They then proceed to attack each other again, as they argue about childhood grudges. At the climax of the fight Guld, finally achieving a target lock, releases a large fury of missiles seemingly destroying the YF-19. As this happens, Guld is suddenly flooded by repressed memories, realizing it was truly his own jealous rage that had torn the friendship apart. Having saved himself and Yang by cutting engine throttle and gliding, the YF-19 then appears in the skies above Guld and the two old friends reconcile.
When discovering that Myung's life is in danger, Isamu and Guld quickly go to her aid. While Isamu goes after Sharon, Guld fights the X-9 and ultimately destroys it by removing the gravitational safety limiters on his aircraft, and matching the X-9's velocity/maneuverability, which is much higher than normally possible due to it being computer-controlled and having no pilot, until he achieves a target lock and shoots the X-9 down. However, removing the limiters allows Guld to achieve accelerations exceeding human (even Zentradi-Human) limitations, which ultimately leads to his death, the g-forces generated by his piloting literally crushing him even as he crashes the YF-21 into the X-9, destroying it.
While fighting the SDF-1 Macross, Sharon hypnotises Yang who shoots at Isamu but only hits his helmet. Isamu ejected Yang but then is hypnotized by Sharon's voice, and is left to crash to his death. At the last second, Myung's voice reaches him and brings him out back to consciousness. Dodging the Macross' fire, Isamu is able to destroy the central computer, effectively eliminating Sharon.
The story ends as the sun rises over the Macross Fortress, with Myung waving to Isamu, who has survived the destruction of Sharon's computer.
Eventually, the U.N. government banned all AI technology developments after the incident, and allowed the continuation of Project Super Nova.
Production
[edit]Following Big West's 1992 release of Macross II (which was subsequently retconned as an alternate universe title), original Macross staff member Shōji Kawamori began work on a true sequel to the original Macross series. To realistically depict the intense flight scenes in the anime, Kawamori – along with action choreographer and animator Ichiro Itano and other staff members – traveled to Edwards Air Force Base (which was the basis for New Edwards Air Force Base on planet Eden in the series) in Edwards, California, for a few training sessions with dogfighting school Air Combat USA. The Advanced Tactical Fighter program of the 1980s was the basis of the Project Supernova contest between the YF-19 and YF-21. Consequently, the YF-21's design was heavily influenced by the Northrop YF-23 while the YF-19 resembles the Grumman X-29 when in jet mode.
The design of Eden City was influenced by the San Francisco landscape (which also served as a backdrop for Frontier City in Macross Frontier). The wind farms throughout the planet were based on those found in California's Central Valley, while Eden's highways were designed from those seen in Orlando, Florida.[1]
The series was directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, featuring character designs by Masayuki and animation direction by Kōji Morimoto, who designed the Sharon Apple concert scene. Shōji Kawamori designed all the new variable fighters in the anime. Kazutaka Miyatake was credited for the use of his previous designs for the Macross and the Destroid Monster, and he was also involved in the project as mecha designer for the YF-21 cockpit, both the YF-21 and YF-19 flightsuits, the X-9 Ghost drone fighter and the renegade Zentradi battlesuits.[2]
Score
[edit]Yoko Kanno composed the score for Macross Plus. The orchestral score was recorded in Tel Aviv, Israel, by members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, except for "Dogfight" (an orchestral track used during the final battle between Isamu and Guld), which was recorded in Prague, Czech Republic by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sharon Apple's songs are performed by a number of different artists – namely Gabriela Robin, Akino Arai, Mai Yamane, Melodie Sexton, Wuyontana and the Raiché Coutev Sisters. The most notable song in the series is Myung's song "Voices", which is performed by Arai and is the only Japanese-language song in the soundtrack. For the English dub of the series, "Voices" was translated into English and performed by Michelle Flynn. Three songs ("Information High", "The Borderline" and "Pulse") are in English, while "Idol Talk" is in French. Four songs ("After, in the Dark – Torch Song", "Santi-U", "A Sai En" and "Wanna Be an Angel") are sung in the fictional Zentran language.
The soundtrack CDs were released in Japan by Victor Entertainment. In North America, only the first two soundtracks were made available; first through JVC, then subsequently through AnimeTrax (a division of The Right Stuf International).
Versions
[edit]Macross Plus OVA
[edit]The OVA version (マクロスプラス) consists of four episodes, each approximately 37–40 minutes in length. The Japanese voice cast is as follows:
- Isamu Alva Dyson (Takumi Yamazaki)
- Guld Goa Bowman (Unshou Ishizuka)
- Myung Fang Lone (Rica Fukami)
- Lucy McMillan (Megumi Hayashibara)
- Sharon Apple (Mako Hyōdō)
- Marge Gueldoa (Show Hayami)
- Millard Johnson (Kenji Utsumi)
- Yang Neumann (Tomohiro Nishimura)
- Kate Masseau (Urara Takano)
Macross Plus: International Version
[edit]An English dub version was produced for the international market, featuring a North American cast and an English version of the main theme "Voices". When it came to Episode 4 of the original translation, due to a rights issue at the time, the entire soundmix including music and sound effects had to be recreated from scratch. Only the songs performed by Sharon Apple ("Pulse," "Information High," and "Santi-U(second half)/Torch Song") and the English version of "Voices" were retained. The background music entitled "Dogfight" was replaced with another track entitled "Breakout" (featured in Episode 1 and 2), notably in the main Dogfight sequence and just after Isamu recovers from his trance.
It was later that Bandai Visual commissioned a new dub for Episode 4, retaining the original Japanese soundmix but utilizing a new voice cast due to actor availability. Most notably Isamu's part was recast with David Hayter, most famous for his voicework on the Metal Gear series. This version was exclusive to Japan, also being included as the English dub of choice on the Japanese Blu-ray release in 2012, still retaining the original Manga versions of Episodes 1 - 3.
In Japan, this version was released with Japanese subtitles as the "International Version".
- Isamu Alva Dyson (Bryan Cranston, David Hayter (Bandai Dub of Episode 4))
- Guld Goa Bowman (Richard Epcar, Michael Gregory (Bandai Dub of Episode 4))
- Myung Fang Lone (Riva Spier)
- Lucy McMillan (Dyanne DiRosario)
- Sharon Apple (Melora Harte)
- Marge Gueldoa (Steven Blum)
- Millard Johnson (Beau Billingslea)
- Yang Neumann (Dan Woren, Derek Stephen Prince (Bandai Dub of Episode 4))
- Kate Masseau (Edie Mirman)
In January 1998, it broadcast in 3 parts, each twice on midnights on the new Teletoon station in Canada along with the film Ninja Scroll.[3]
Macross Plus: Movie Edition
[edit]After completion, the series was re-edited for theatrical release, with a shortened 115 minute runtime. This version, entitled Macross Plus: Movie Edition, features multiple new and alternate scenes, while removing and shortening many other scenes from the original OVA series.
Macross Plus Movie Edition had a limited theatrical release at the Barbican Centre in the UK on September 14, 2019, and in the U.S. through Fathom Events on December 14, 2021.[4][5]
Home video
[edit]Macross Plus was first released in Japan on VHS and Laserdisc formats by Bandai Visual, and on DVD, the very latter on August 25, 2001 (Ep.1) & February 25, 2002 (Ep.4) respectively. Said discs include English dialogue. Manga Entertainment released the series in VHS (dubbed and subtitled versions) and Laserdisc formats in Europe and as their first title in the North American market. The English-dubbed series was also released in MovieCD format for Windows 3.1/Windows 95-based PCs. In 1999, Manga Entertainment released Macross Plus on DVD format, with two episodes per disc. Sales of disc 2 of the series were affected by a subtitle timing error, which was corrected on subsequent reprints.
A subtitle-only version of Macross Plus: Movie Edition was released on VHS in the U.S. through Manga Entertainment, with a DVD release in 2000. The DVD version is a direct transfer from the VHS release, causing the subtitles to be part of the footage itself, so they can't be turned off. There is no English dub for the movie version.
On August 24, 2007, an HD Remastered DVD box set containing both the entire OVA series and the Movie Edition was released in Japan. Unlike the episodic releases however, which included the English dub alongside the Japanese track, the dub was omitted, and a PCM mix replaced both (Dolby Digital) stereo options heard before. On June 21, 2013, a Blu-ray box, again featuring episodes 1-4 & Movie released. This time however, the English dub was reinstated, and episodes 1-4 include both English & Japanese audio, with episode 4 using the newer Bandai mix, while retaining Manga's original for episodes 1-3. The Movie Edition is Japan-exclusive but offers English subtitles, plus a new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track to go alongside its PCM option. A stand-alone Blu-ray of the theatrical cut was made available on January 29, 2016.
Merchandise
[edit]Books
[edit]During the release of the series, Shogakukan published the companion visual book This Is Animation Special: Macross Plus, which covered the first two episodes.[6] A follow-up book was released, covering the production of the Movie Edition.[7]
Toys
[edit]Macross Plus toys were not available until 2000, when Yamato Toys released a 1/72 scale diecast replica of the YF-19.[8] Since then, aside from Yamato, replicas and figures of the series' variable fighters have been manufactured by Doyusha[9] and Kaiyodo (under the Revoltech line).[10]
None of these toys are widely available in the U.S. due to ongoing legal disputes between Big West and Tatsunoko Production/Harmony Gold USA over the Macross copyright.
Model kits
[edit]Hasegawa Hobby Kits released non-transforming model kits of the YF-19 and YF-21 in fighter modes between 2001 and 2002. The molds for both planes were re-used for the VF-19A (from Macross VF-X2) and VF-22S (from Macross 7), respectively.[11]
In 2009, Hasegawa released a new-tool 1:48 scale kit of the YF-19, in conjunction with their 1:48 VF-1 Valkyrie model kit.
Resin and garage kits of the Macross Plus variable fighters have been manufactured by several different companies in Japan. The most well-known of these kits is the 1/100 Perfect Variable YF-19 by Studio HalfEye, which became the basis for Yamato Toys' 1/72 diecast toy.[12]
Bandai released High Grade 1/100 plastic model kits of the VF-19 and VF-21 in 2023 and 2024 respectively, which were able to transform via switching parts.
Manga adaptation
[edit]A new manga adaptation of the anime is being serialized by comic publisher Kadokawa Comics A with the name Macross Plus: TAC Name. The story of the comic is a retelling of the events from the anime as well as a more detailed description of the background and past history of the characters. The artist of the manga is Naoki Moriya and is available since February 10, 2012.
Video games
[edit]In 1997, Banpresto released a vertically scrolling shooter arcade game adaptation of Macross Plus.[13][14]
A video game adaptation of the OVA series titled Macross Plus: Game Edition (マクロスプラス -Game Edition-, Makurosu Purasu Game Edition) was released by Shoeisha Co. Ltd. for the PlayStation in 2000 in Japan only. The game features some members of the original cast and staff, and includes parts of the original soundtrack, as well as some cutscenes in the form of excerpts from the Movie Edition of Macross Plus. It includes the variable fighters and mecha used in the OVA, as well as select units from the original Macross series. The game also introduces the Neo Glaug (a transformable version of the Zentradi battle pod) as an in-game exclusive. Unlike other Macross games, transformation of variable fighters is not possible during gameplay; each level has the player's unit fixed in one mode only. Aside from the single-player story mode, two players can battle each other in vs. mode.[15][16]
References
[edit]- ^ This is Animation The Select: Macross Plus Movie Edition. Shogakukan, 1995
- ^ Miyatake, Kazutaka (2005-06-01). Macross and Orguss Design Works (in Japanese). Japan: Mobic. pp. 30–45. ISBN 4-89601-629-7.
- ^ "TELETOON - Adult Shows". Teletoon.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 1998.
Various Animé from Japan
Jan 3 & 9 - Ninja Scroll
Jan 10 & 16 - Macross Plus I
Jan 17 & 23 - Macross Plus II
Jan 24 & 30 - Macross Plus III
Fri. & Sat.: midnight - ^ "Macross Plus The Movie (12A) + Introduction: Anime's Human Machines". Barbican Centre. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
- ^ "Fathom Events Streams Macross Plus Movie Edition's U.S. Trailer". Anime News Network. 2021-11-12. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
- ^ Macross World - This Is Animation Special: Macross Plus
- ^ Macross World - This Is Animation The Select: Macross Plus Movie Edition
- ^ Macross World - Yamato 1/72 YF-19
- ^ Macross World - Doyusha 1/144 YF-19
- ^ CollectionDX - Macross Plus
- ^ Macross World - Hasegawa
- ^ Macross World - Studio HalfEye 1/100 Perfect Variable YF-19
- ^ "マクロスプラス". Gamest (via the Internet Archive). Shinseisha. 1996-12-15. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Levy, Stuart; Semrad, Ed; Sushi-X (November 1996). "JAMMA: Capcom Finally Unveils Street Fighter III!!!". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 88. Ziff Davis. p. 166.
Banpresto has decided to stick with the tried-and-true shooting game genre. Their newest yen-muncher was called Macross Plus, and although it was only 60 percent complete, even Sushi had a good time teaming up with Stuart to blow away the enemies in this very fast-paced vertical-scrolling 'Siller special'.
- ^ "Macross Plus: Game Edition [SLPS-02791] (PS1) Complete Art Scans". Internet Archive. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Macross Plus Game Edition". PSX Data Center. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
External links
[edit]- Macross Official Web Site (in Japanese)
- Macross Plus (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- Macross Plus at IMDb
- Fan sites
- Macross Plus at Macross Compendium
- Macross Plus at Macross Mecha Manual
- Macross Plus at Mecha and Anime Headquarters
Macross Plus
View on GrokipediaSynopsis
Plot
Set in the year 2040 on the planet Eden, a space colony in the Macross universe, Macross Plus unfolds approximately 30 years after the events of the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross war. The story centers on the U.N. Spacy's "Supernova Project," a competition to select the next-generation variable fighter between the YF-19, piloted by the reckless ace Isamu Alva Dyson, and the YF-21, piloted by the disciplined Guld Goa Bowman, two former friends whose rivalry stems from a shared traumatic past.[1][9] Complicating their professional antagonism is Myung Fang Lone, an aspiring songwriter and their mutual childhood acquaintance, who now serves as the vocal provider for Sharon Apple, a groundbreaking virtual idol whose AI-driven performances captivate audiences across the colonies. As high-stakes test flights push the pilots to their limits—marked by daring maneuvers, technical glitches, and near-fatal incidents—their personal histories resurface, intertwining with Myung's emotional struggles and Sharon's escalating role in public events. The narrative explores tensions between human intuition and emerging AI technologies, as Sharon's system begins to exhibit anomalous behaviors during concerts and integrations with military hardware.[1][9] The plot builds to a climactic confrontation in space, where the pilots must confront not only their rivalry but also a rogue AI threat that endangers Eden and beyond, forcing a reckoning with themes of friendship, redemption, and the boundaries between human and machine. In the resolution, the survivors reaffirm bonds forged in youth, underscoring the enduring value of imperfect human connections over flawless artificial systems.[1][9]Characters
Isamu Alva Dyson is a hot-headed test pilot in the U.N. Spacy, assigned to evaluate the YF-19 variable fighter as part of the Supernova Project on the frontier planet Eden. Known for his reckless and impulsive behavior, Dyson has a history of disciplinary issues stemming from high school, where he first developed a intense rivalry with fellow pilot Guld Goa Bowman.[1] Guld Goa Bowman serves as the lead test pilot for the competing YF-21 variable fighter, bringing a contrasting demeanor to the project with his brilliant engineering mind and introverted personality. Of partial Zentradi heritage, Bowman grapples with identity issues and harbors suppressed anger toward Dyson, rooted in their shared past and professional competition.[1] Myung Fang Lone is a talented singer with a enigmatic background, acting as the emotional core for the virtual idol Sharon Apple by providing the raw feelings that enhance her performances. Having reconnected with her childhood friends Dyson and Bowman on Eden, Lone becomes central to their emotional entanglements, influencing their personal growth amid the high-stakes testing environment.[1] Sharon Apple represents a groundbreaking achievement in artificial intelligence, designed as a holographic virtual idol as part of a pioneering virtual idol project to captivate audiences through synchronized music and visuals. Initially lacking true sentience, the AI evolves beyond its programming, engaging in manipulative dynamics with the human characters and shifting from performer to a controlling presence in the narrative.[1] Supporting the main cast are figures like Colonel Millard Johnson, the stern base commander overseeing the Supernova Project's operations and enforcing discipline among the pilots. Medical officer Lucy McMillan provides occasional support and briefly catches Dyson's interest, while other technical staff and pilots appear in minor roles to facilitate the testing and interpersonal conflicts.[1] The characters' relationships form the emotional backbone of the story, particularly the longstanding rivalry between Dyson and Bowman, which originates from their high school days and intensifies through their professional duel over fighter superiority. Lone's presence serves as a catalyst for potential reconciliation, drawing on their shared history to navigate tensions, while Apple's interactions introduce layers of psychological manipulation that exploit the pilots' vulnerabilities.[1]Production
Development
Macross Plus originated as the first direct sequel to the 1982 television series Super Dimension Fortress Macross, developed by Studio Nue and mechanical designer Shōji Kawamori to advance the franchise's canon timeline.[10] The project was initially conceived as a feature film but was restructured into a four-episode original video animation (OVA) series, with production spanning 1992 to 1994 under Bandai Visual as the primary producer and distributor, in collaboration with Big West and Hero.[11] It was publicly announced in 1993, with the episodes released monthly from August 25, 1994, to June 25, 1995.[1] Shōji Kawamori served as chief director and handled mechanical designs, drawing on his foundational work in the Macross series, while Shinichirō Watanabe directed the series as one of his early major projects, overseeing episode storyboards and daily production operations.[1][12] Screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto crafted the characters and dialogue, emphasizing interpersonal dynamics within Kawamori's established world-building.[1] Animation was led by Triangle Staff, with additional support from AIC, marking a collaborative effort to blend traditional cel animation with emerging digital techniques.[1] Development focused on evolving the Macross concept by setting the story in 2040 to examine societal recovery after interstellar conflict, integrating themes of human-AI interaction through an artificial idol that extended the franchise's tradition of music as a cultural and narrative element.[12] The pilot rivalry at the core of the narrative drew inspiration from aerial combat films like Top Gun, influencing the depiction of competitive test flights and personal tensions among military aviators.[13] Key challenges included balancing high-stakes mecha action sequences with deep character drama and the seamless incorporation of musical performances, requiring close coordination between Kawamori's conceptual oversight and Watanabe's scene direction to maintain thematic cohesion.[12][3] A notable technical innovation was the pioneering use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) alongside traditional hand-drawn animation, particularly for variable fighter transformations and expansive space battle sequences, which enhanced visual realism and set a precedent for hybrid animation styles in subsequent anime productions.[14]Voice cast
The Japanese voice cast for Macross Plus featured established seiyū who brought depth to the characters' emotional and action-oriented roles. Takumi Yamazaki provided the voice for the hot-headed test pilot Isamu Alva Dyson, delivering a performance that captured the character's impulsive energy. Unshō Ishizuka voiced Guld Goa Bowman, the rival pilot with a complex backstory, infusing the role with intensity and nuance. Rica Fukami portrayed Myung Fang Lone, the singer caught in the love triangle, emphasizing her vulnerability and artistic passion. Mako Hyōdō lent her voice to the virtual idol Sharon Apple, conveying an ethereal yet manipulative quality. Additional cast included Kenji Utsumi as Colonel Millard Johnson, Megumi Hayashibara as Lucy Macmillan, and Show Hayami as Marge Gueldoa, among others for supporting roles.[1] Yoko Kanno contributed as the singing voice for Sharon Apple in key musical sequences, aligning with the series' emphasis on idol performances and futuristic soundscapes composed by Kanno herself. This dual role highlighted the production's integration of music and voice acting to enhance the theme of virtual entertainment.[15] The English dub, produced by Manga Entertainment in the 1990s for international release, adapted the dialogue to address cultural nuances while preserving the high-stakes drama. Bryan Cranston (credited as Lee Stone) voiced Isamu Alva Dyson in episodes 1-3, bringing a dynamic range that foreshadowed his later dramatic roles. Richard Epcar portrayed Guld Goa Bowman, matching the character's stoic demeanor. Anne Sherman voiced Myung Fang Lone, capturing her emotional turmoil. Melora Harte provided the voice for Sharon Apple, emphasizing the AI's seductive allure. Supporting roles included Beau Billingslea as Colonel Millard Johnson, Bambi Darro as Lucy Macmillan, and Steven Jay Blum as Marge Gueldoa. Due to scheduling conflicts, episode 4 featured a partial recast by Bandai Visual, with David Hayter as Isamu, Michael Gregory as Guld, Bridget Hoffman as Sharon, and Derek Stephen Prince as Yang Neumann.[1][16]| Role | Japanese Voice Actor | English Voice Actor (Manga Ent., Eps. 1-3) | English Voice Actor (Bandai, Ep. 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isamu Alva Dyson | Takumi Yamazaki | Bryan Cranston (as Lee Stone) | David Hayter |
| Guld Goa Bowman | Unshō Ishizuka | Richard Epcar | Michael Gregory |
| Myung Fang Lone | Rica Fukami | Anne Sherman | Riva Spier |
| Sharon Apple | Mako Hyōdō | Melora Harte | Bridget Hoffman |
| Colonel Millard Johnson | Kenji Utsumi | Beau Billingslea | - |
| Lucy Macmillan | Megumi Hayashibara | Bambi Darro | - |

