Robotech Defenders: Difference between revisions
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|date = '''DC Comics''':<br />January 1985 - April 1985 |
|date = '''DC Comics''':<br />January 1985 - April 1985 |
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|issues = 2 |
|issues = 2 |
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|main_char_team = see the comic series enclosed with the model kits |
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|writers = Andrew Helfer |
|writers = Andrew Helfer |
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The '''Robotech Defenders''' are a line of [[scale model]] kits released by [[Revell]] during the 1980s. The line was meant to be tied to an ongoing [[comic book]] series of the same name. It shares a common feat of other Sci-Fi series of that time |
The '''Robotech Defenders''' are a line of [[scale model]] kits released by [[Revell]] during the 1980s. The line was meant to be tied to an ongoing [[comic book]] series of the same name. It shares a common feat of other Sci-Fi series of that time: invading aliens called Grelons conquer earth for colonization, using titanic humanoid warmachines, and the Earth people's only defense are the ancient Robotech Defenders, a small unit of diverse similar alien war machines, which each have a unique range of possibilities and environmental specialities (eq. Aqualon was capable of diving and sea-based activities). [[DC Comics]] agreed to publish a three-part mini-series in 1984 to test the waters, but the comic was of such poor quality, it was cancelled after only two issues. |
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==The Model Kits== |
==The Model Kits== |
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Revision as of 17:27, 17 October 2010
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 | This article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject. (October 2009) |
| Robotech Defenders | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| Schedule | Limited |
| Format | Limited series |
| Genre | |
| Publication date | DC Comics: January 1985 - April 1985 |
| No. of issues | 2 |
| Main character(s) | see the comic series enclosed with the model kits |
| Creative team | |
| Written by | Andrew Helfer |
| Penciller(s) | Judith A. Hunt |
| Inker(s) | Murphy Anderson |
| Letterer(s) | Ben Oda |
The Robotech Defenders are a line of scale model kits released by Revell during the 1980s. The line was meant to be tied to an ongoing comic book series of the same name. It shares a common feat of other Sci-Fi series of that time: invading aliens called Grelons conquer earth for colonization, using titanic humanoid warmachines, and the Earth people's only defense are the ancient Robotech Defenders, a small unit of diverse similar alien war machines, which each have a unique range of possibilities and environmental specialities (eq. Aqualon was capable of diving and sea-based activities). DC Comics agreed to publish a three-part mini-series in 1984 to test the waters, but the comic was of such poor quality, it was cancelled after only two issues.
The Model Kits
Unlike many people think, the Revell "Robotech Defenders" have absolutely nothing in common with the Japanese "Robotech" Anime/Manga series. Revell went to Japan to look for suitable mecha models before 1984. They eventually licensed a few of the BattleMechs from FASA's "BattleTech" tabletop strategy game universe and released them as upscaled plastic model kits (eg. Zoltek is the BT Warmaster 'Mech, others are variants of Griffin, Wolverine, etc). These were repackaged for a North American and European release. The mecha were given new names and functions, most of which were unrelated to the original names, factions and functions of the BattleTech series.
This caused a problem for media company Harmony Gold, who licensed the North American video rights to the Japanese Macross anime series. Since Revell was already distributing the models, Harmony Gold could not support the show with merchandising. In the end, both companies decided to enter into a co-licensing agreement and the name Robotech was eventually adopted for the syndicated television show that the home video line had transformed into.
The Comics
The comic, a two-issue mini-series, was published by DC Comics in 1984. It was originally intended to be a trilogy, but was reduced to the first normal-sized issue and a 32-page second issue with no advertisement. The story followed the battles of a team of pilots who fight a savage race of aliens who have been given superior technology. The pilots are losing badly when their leader accidentally activates one of the Robotech Defenders. She then learns of the existence of the other machines, which are scattered on the other pilots' home planets. By the end of the first issue, the team have managed to recover all the robots and engage the enemy in battle, but are still defeated and get captured. They escape by pushing a big red button which releases the Defenders' minds, unleashing the latters' full combat capabilities. The pilots then track down the controller of the savage aliens. They defeat him by causing the evil alien energy siphon to suck the energy from the sun, causing their space ship to explode.
References
- Robotech Defenders (1985) at the Grand Comics Database
- Robotech Defenders (1985) at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)