The 5-episode OVA series Macross Zero, a prequel to the original 1982 Super Dimension Fortress Macross, has landed on Hulu with both English dub and subtitle options. The series chronicles the final days of an Earth-based conflict between the U.N. Spacy and anti-U.N. factions, one year before the Zentraedi invasion.
Produced by Satelight, Macross Zero delves into the origins of the iconic Variable Fighters (Valkyries) and the complex political landscape leading up to the first alien contact. It follows ace pilot Shin Kudo after he is shot down over the remote Mayan island, where he encounters a primitive culture and becomes embroiled in the escalating aerial battles.
With a MAL score of 7.5, the series offers fans a deep dive into the lore of the beloved mecha franchise, exploring themes of environmentalism and the human cost of war. Its relatively short runtime makes it an accessible entry point for those curious about the Macross universe's foundational story.