Rick Hunter
Encyclopedia
- This article is about the character from RobotechRobotechRobotech is an 85-episode science fiction anime adaptation produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. and first released in the United States in 1985...
. See Hikaru IchijyoHikaru IchijyoHikaru Ichijyo is one of the main fictional characters of the Macross Japanese anime series. His voice actor was Arihiro Hase in the Original Japanese version and Vic Mignogna in the English dub by ADV Films in January 2006...
for the original inspiration for this character in The Super Dimension Fortress MacrossThe Super Dimension Fortress Macrossis an anime television series. According to story creator Shoji Kawamori, it depicts "a love triangle against the backdrop of great battles" during the first Human-alien war....
. See Hunter, starring Fred DryerFred DryerJohn Frederick "Fred" Dryer is an American actor and former football defensive end in the National Football League . Dryer played 13 years in the NFL, playing 176 games, starting 166, and recording 104 career sacks with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams...
, for the main character of that TV series.
Rick Hunter, voiced by veteran voice actor Tony Oliver
Tony Oliver
Rafael Antonio Olivier , better known as Tony Oliver, is an American voice actor best known for voicing Rick Hunter from Robotech and Arsène Lupin III from Lupin The 3rd...
, is one of the fictional character
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
s in the Robotech
Robotech
Robotech is an 85-episode science fiction anime adaptation produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. and first released in the United States in 1985...
anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
television series. He begins the series as a naive and headstrong nineteen-year-old civilian pilot, having flown for his father "Pops" Hunter's world-class flying circus
Flying Circus
Flying Circus may mean:In aviation:*Jagdgeschwader 1 , a German World War I fighter wing commanded by Manfred von Richthofen at one point*The American World War II air corps led by Joe Foss...
. Yet by the end of the series, he matures into a well-respected, experienced, and visionary military commander.
Rick originally shares his father's pacifist view of war, until the alien race known as the Zentraedi
Zentradi
The are a fictional, militastic race of alien, humanoid giants and often the main antagonist in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross anime series and its Robotech adaptation....
attack the Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
. Rick then spends the series struggling to reconcile his personal feelings with the realities of war, and the need to confront the incredible alien threat.
First Robotech War
The first episode begins with Rick Hunter arriving as a visitor to Macross Island in 2009 to watch the launching of the Super Dimensional Fortress OneSDF-1 Macross
The SDF-1 Macross is a fictional interstellar transforming spacecraft from The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, an anime science fiction series that aired in Japan in 1982–1983, and its American adaptation Robotech...
. Visiting his "big brother", Roy Fokker
Roy Focker
is a fictional character from the Japanese anime science fiction series Macross and the prequel OVA Macross Zero...
, Rick is in the cockpit of one of the transformable Veritech fighters, and receives a crash course in piloting the strange craft from Roy in the midst of an all-out alien invasion. He is present when the SDF-1's accidental hyperspace-fold in the atmosphere takes the island and its inhabitants of Macross City all the way to Pluto, on the edge of the solar system.
During this encounter, Rick rescues and falls for a young girl, Lynn Minmay. The two find themselves trapped in a remote section of the giant ship and become very close during their time together. However, just as they are about to kiss for the first time (in a pretend wedding), the two are finally rescued. Although he is not initially open to the idea, the constant danger to the ship and the city it carries compels Rick to sign up with the Robotech Defense Force
Robotech Armed Forces
The Robotech Armed Forces are the fictional military force depicted in Robotech.After the events of The Macross Saga the Robotech Expeditionary Force is formed and leaves Earth to hunt for the Robotech Masters; returning during the 2030s and 2040s to battle the Invid.-Robotech Defense Force:...
, and soon becomes an ace veritech fighter pilot, despite the fact that he is only 19 years old. During his time on the SDF-1, Rick has many dealings with Lisa Hayes
Lisa Hayes
Lisa Hayes is one of the fictional characters in the first Robotech anime television series. She is known as Misa Hayase in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, the series which was adapted into the first saga of Robotech.- Biography :...
, the disciplined and reserved second-in-command of the great ship. During the initial battle on Earth, Rick insults Lisa...thus, when he enlists into the military, she takes it upon herself to ride him a little harder than most new recruits. Due to the constant attacks by the Zentraedi, many veritech pilots are killed or injured and Rick increasingly looks toward Minmay, who has now become a popular singer and New Macross pageant winner, as a source of inspiration and happiness. However, despite their initial closeness, the two gradually grow apart as Rick focuses on his military career while Minmay is constantly mobbed by fans who love her music.
After a mission to rescue Lisa from the soon-to-be-destroyed Mars Base Sara, Rick is awarded a medal, promoted to Lieutenant, and is given his own command (Vermilion Squadron) and two subordinates (Max Sterling
Max Sterling
Maximillian Sterling, voiced by Cam Clarke , is one of the fictional characters in the Robotech anime television series. He is a young fighter pilot assigned to Rick Hunter's various commands along with Ben Dixon...
and Ben Dixon). Throughout the course of the series, Rick matures and gains experience as the SDF-1 slowly travels back towards Earth while under constant attack from Zentraedi forces, such as learning to eagerly concede that Sterling is far and away the superior pilot compared to himself (and thus a prized wingman
Wingman
A wingman is a pilot who supports another in a potentially dangerous flying environment. Wingman was originally a term referring to the plane flying beside and slightly behind the lead plane in an aircraft formation....
). Nevertheless, Rick is accounted as one of the most dangerous and accomplished Robotech warriors in all three series.
During a reconnaissance mission, Rick, Lisa and Ben are captured by the enemy Zentraedi and interrogated by Supreme Commander Dolza, Breetai
Breetai
In the fictional Robotech universe, Commander Breetai is second in command of all Zentraedi forces, after Supreme Commander Dolza himself. Breetai was one of the original creations of the Robotech Masters, and has lived for over 500,000 years. Breetai has shown himself, a true military genius, time...
and Exedore
Exedore
Exedore is a fictional character in the Robotech Universe. In the original Macross version, he was called Exsedol Folmo.Exedore is a Zentraedi who serves as adviser to Fleet Commander Breetai during their search for Robotech Master Zor's missing battlefortress...
. Lisa, suspicious as to why Dolza doesn't just order his massive fleet to attack the SDF-1, yells that Dolza doesn't have the power to attack and that the SDF-1 is far superior to his "bucket of bolts". Infuriated, Dolza slams his hand on the table with enough force to cause the captives to lose their balance. Dolza then extends his hand and grabs Lisa, lifting her up in front of his face. He orders her to tell him by what process humans become human-size. Defiant, Lisa refuses to respond, and Dolza tightens his grip around her until she screams in pain. Fearing that Dolza will kill Lisa, Rick yells at him to stop squeezing her and explains that humans are born, at their current size, when a man and woman love each other. When Breetai asks how "this love" is often expressed, Rick responds that it is often done by kissing one another. Demanding a demonstration, Dolza suggests that Rick and Ben kiss one another, but Rick refuses. As Dolza threatens to crush all of them if he doesn't see a demonstration, Lisa says she will demonstrate. After Dolza returns her to the table, Lisa orders Rick to kiss her, an action which shocks Dolza and the other Zentraedi present. This kiss, ironically, is the start of Rick and Lisa's difficult romance and the beginning of the love triangle between Rick, Lisa and Lynn Minmei.
After being rescued, Lisa shakes off the event and immediately returns to duty, but she cannot help the feelings she is now developing for Rick, and soon becomes jealous of his obsession with Minmay. Although neither realized it at the time, this kiss marked the start of Rick and Lisa's difficult romance that would take years to ultimately come to fruition, and only after many challenges and heartbreaks. Lisa and Rick's personal relationship would continue to mature, and would eventually progress into an uneasy friendship. Rick is initially uncomfortable around Lisa, not only because she is a superior officer but also because she is five years older than he is. Rick remains fixated on Minmay, hanging her posters in his home, much to the dislike of Lisa. Yet despite Rick's feelings, Minmay's music career and her cousin Lynn Kyle, make their romance more and more difficult.
Even after reaching Earth, the crew of the vast ship are not safe. During a battle led by Miriya Parina
Miriya Parina Sterling
Miriya Parina Sterling, voiced by Edie Mirman, is one of the fictional characters in the anime television series Robotech. She is the self-styled "finest combat pilot in all the Zentraedi forces." She is distinguished by her slim figure, green eyes and her long green hair.-First Robotech War:Miriya...
to hunt down and destroy Max Sterling
Max Sterling
Maximillian Sterling, voiced by Cam Clarke , is one of the fictional characters in the Robotech anime television series. He is a young fighter pilot assigned to Rick Hunter's various commands along with Ben Dixon...
, Roy Fokker
Roy Focker
is a fictional character from the Japanese anime science fiction series Macross and the prequel OVA Macross Zero...
is killed. A heartbroken Rick is given command of the Skull Squadron, and is issued Roy's VF-1S Veritech. Shortly thereafter, Rick is faced with another tragedy when his second wingman, Ben Dixon, is killed in the line of duty. The loss of two of his closest friends devastates Rick emotionally, but he finds the strength to carry on.
Rick faces a challenge of a different sort when his wingmate and best friend Max falls in love with Miriya
Miriya Parina Sterling
Miriya Parina Sterling, voiced by Edie Mirman, is one of the fictional characters in the anime television series Robotech. She is the self-styled "finest combat pilot in all the Zentraedi forces." She is distinguished by her slim figure, green eyes and her long green hair.-First Robotech War:Miriya...
after she is micronized and infiltrates the SDF-1. Despite Miriya's initial intention to kill Max, she eventually realizes that the feelings Max had awakened in her were not of hate but of love, and the two decide to get married. Max soon meets with Rick to explain his plans to marry Miriya. Rick, after spitting out his coffee in surprise, initially objects to Max's plans and ridicules them as "silly idealism". Rick asks, aside from the fact that he and Miriya have only been on one date, what a human and a Zentraedi could possibly have in common. Max vigorously defends his plan to marry Miriya and introduces her to Rick. Rick, after seeing Miriya in a pink dress, is amazed at how beautiful she is and he suddenly changes his mind. Rick even agrees to help them with their wedding plans. That night, as he lies in bed, he thinks to himself how happy Max is to be married, despite that fact that Miriya is an alien of a hostile race. His thoughts soon drift to Lisa as he tries to sort out the love triangle between Lisa, Minmay and himself.
In the battle against the Zentraedi Grand Fleet, Rick, like the rest of the SDF-1 crew, is devastated as he watches the fleet fire on Earth and destroy almost all life on the planet. Rick fears for Lisa, who had been assigned to Alaska base after returning to Earth and being unable to leave. In the subsequent battle, Rick's fighter takes damage and he is temporarily knocked out. When he comes to, he picks up a distress signal from Alaska Base from Lisa Hayes. Despite the risk, Rick flies into the heavily damaged base and descends several miles until he reaches Lisa. The two run into each others arms before racing back to the fighter. As the base starts collapsing, Rick manages to fly his fighter out of the base and lands it on the planet's devastated surface. As Rick and Lisa stand together, wondering if anyone else survived, they look up and watch the SDF-1, although severely damaged from battle, land safely nearby, marking the end of the First Robotech War.
As the 70,000 survivors of the Zentraedi holocaust rebuild Earth, Rick once again becomes obsessed with Minmay, much to the dislike of Lisa who wishes that Rick could understand that she loves him. After Minmay and her cousin Kyle are kidnapped by Khyron, Rick leads a rescue operation to save her. Afterward, Rick and Minmay rekindle their love and share a kiss on Christmas Eve. Lisa is devastated and initially decides to resign her military commission as she feels she cannot serve beside Rick due to her feelings for him.
When Khyron attacks New Macross City and the SDF-1 in January 2014, Rick must tear himself away from Minmay's arms to attend to his duty. Minmay cannot accept that Rick must constantly risk his life in battle and begs him to leave the military, something that Rick could never do. Khyron eventually launches a suicide run at the SDF-1, killing himself and everyone aboard except for Lisa, who was pushed into an ejection pod at the last moment by Admiral Henry J. Gloval
Bruno J. Global
is the fictional captain of the SDF-1 Macross in the anime series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross. In the Macross TV Japanese series Captain Global is an Italian submarine skipper and UN Spacy officer who was involved in the refit of the crashed Alien Star Ship 1 into the SDF-1 Macross...
. In addition to Admiral Gloval, Lisa's close friends Claudia Grant
Claudia Grant
Claudia Grant is a fictional character from Robotech, specifically the part of the anime series known as Macross .Born in 1983, Claudia is distinguished by her blue eyes and short dark brown hair...
, Vanessa Leeds, Sammy Porter and Kim Young
Macross operators
The Macross operators — Vanessa Laird, Kim Kabirov, and Shammy Milliome — were three minor fictional characters in the first Macross series...
are killed. As Rick realizes that Lisa is alive, the two run into each others arms as Minmay watches nearby. Rick and Minmay have already realized that they could never be together as he is dedicated to the military and she is dedicated to her music. Rick also realizes that his love for Minmay is based on euphoria while his love for Lisa is stronger and deeper than he had ever realized until now.
During the war and its aftermath, Rick rises to become one of Earth's greatest heroes, commanding the SDF-1's fighter squadrons during the desperate battles of the First Robotech War. At the same time, he matures greatly as a person, growing from a brash teenager to a responsible and dedicated soldier. Rick and Lisa are two of the most influential surviving military figures of the human race, and together with the Zentraedi Commander Breetai
Breetai
In the fictional Robotech universe, Commander Breetai is second in command of all Zentraedi forces, after Supreme Commander Dolza himself. Breetai was one of the original creations of the Robotech Masters, and has lived for over 500,000 years. Breetai has shown himself, a true military genius, time...
, they construct the SDF-3, with which they intend to take humanity to its destiny in the stars.
Robotech Expeditionary Force
In December 2022, Rick, now at age 32 and a Major General of the fleet, prepares to join now-Admiral Lisa HayesLisa Hayes
Lisa Hayes is one of the fictional characters in the first Robotech anime television series. She is known as Misa Hayase in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, the series which was adapted into the first saga of Robotech.- Biography :...
on the SDF-3, flagship of the Robotech Expeditionary Force
Robotech Armed Forces
The Robotech Armed Forces are the fictional military force depicted in Robotech.After the events of The Macross Saga the Robotech Expeditionary Force is formed and leaves Earth to hunt for the Robotech Masters; returning during the 2030s and 2040s to battle the Invid.-Robotech Defense Force:...
, which is about to depart after eight years under construction. The mission's primary goal was to find the Robotech Masters
Robotech Masters
-Robotech:In the fictional Robotech universe, the Robotech Masters are a species of humanoidswho mostly appear as triumvirates, native to Tirol, a moon of the planet Fantoma. According to the Jack McKinney novelizations , a Tirolian scientist named Zor discovered the Invid homeworld, and the...
and forge a peace in order to prevent another catastrophic war on Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
. On the day before the SDF-3 launches, Lisa and Rick are finally married in a huge wedding ceremony attended by all of their friends on board the Zentraedi Factory Satellite. The wedding ceremony can be seen in Robotech II: The Sentinels
Robotech II: The Sentinels
Robotech II: The Sentinels was an attempt by Harmony Gold USA to continue the original 1985 Robotech television series. Only three episodes were ultimately animated before the project was canceled in 1986, and a feature-length film was released from footage taken from the completed episodes...
. Lisa's one-time rival for Rick's affections, Lynn Minmay, eventually makes peace with the officer well enough to volunteer to sing at her wedding. Dana Sterling
Dana Sterling
Dana Sterling is a fictional character from the Robotech anime television series. The character was adapted from the originally unrelated characters Komilia Maria Fallyna Jenius in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross and Jeanne Francaix in Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross...
, now aged 10, serves as a flower girl and Bowie Grant, Claudia Grant
Claudia Grant
Claudia Grant is a fictional character from Robotech, specifically the part of the anime series known as Macross .Born in 1983, Claudia is distinguished by her blue eyes and short dark brown hair...
's nephew, serves as the ring bearer. Breetai
Breetai
In the fictional Robotech universe, Commander Breetai is second in command of all Zentraedi forces, after Supreme Commander Dolza himself. Breetai was one of the original creations of the Robotech Masters, and has lived for over 500,000 years. Breetai has shown himself, a true military genius, time...
, the former ruthless Zentraedi warlord turned ally, (who has now been micronized) gives away the bride, while Max Sterling
Max Sterling
Maximillian Sterling, voiced by Cam Clarke , is one of the fictional characters in the Robotech anime television series. He is a young fighter pilot assigned to Rick Hunter's various commands along with Ben Dixon...
is the best man. The wedding is the happiest day of their lives even though their honeymoon lasts only a few hours as they must be ready for the SDF-3 to launch early the next morning. Although they hoped the mission would be over quickly, events would keep the SDF-3 away from Earth for the next 22 years.
By the time of Robotech's third generation, some thirty years after the first generation, Rick is referred to as "Admiral Hunter," who appears to be in command of the Robotech Expeditionary Force that is attempting to liberate Earth from the Invid
Invid (Robotech)
The Invid are a fictional alien race in the Robotech storyline. They appear in the New Generation portion of the series, which uses the animation of the unrelated Japanese series Genesis Climber MOSPEADA, so their on-screen behavior and appearance matches the antagonists of that series, called the...
. (His experiences during the intervening years, as well as his relationship with now-wife Lisa Hunter, are chronicled in Jack McKinney's Sentinels
Robotech II: The Sentinels
Robotech II: The Sentinels was an attempt by Harmony Gold USA to continue the original 1985 Robotech television series. Only three episodes were ultimately animated before the project was canceled in 1986, and a feature-length film was released from footage taken from the completed episodes...
novels). The SDF-3, with Rick Hunter aboard, never arrives at Earth with the main REF fleet at the end of the original Robotech
Robotech
Robotech is an 85-episode science fiction anime adaptation produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. and first released in the United States in 1985...
series. The quest to find the SDF-3, and Admiral Hunter and company, is a major plot thread in the Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the 2006 animated sequel to the 1985 Robotech television series. It was released on DVD on February 6, 2007.- Plot :...
feature film, and its forthcoming sequel(s).
Use of the Neutron-S Missles
An interesting development seen on Robotech discussion boards centers on a plot element of the original Genesis Climber MospeadaGenesis Climber Mospeada
is an anime science fiction series created by Shinji Aramaki and Hideki Kakinuma. The 25-episode television series ran from late 1983 to early 1984 in Japan...
, which became Robotechs third generation. At the end of the war with the Invid, it is decided that if the Invid can not be dislodged, then the REF is authorized to use the Neutron-S misslies (a devastating new superweapon obtained from the Haydonites
Haydonites
The Haydonites are a fictional, highly advanced cybernetic race that appears in Robotech and made their first appearance in the comic Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles. They are also seen the subsequent movie, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles...
) to destroy the Invid, although they will also destroy most (or possibly all) life on Earth.
In the original Robotech saga, Rick Hunter is named as the originator of this order. Since many human civilians and troops are alive on Earth, and the imminent threat of the Invid to the rest of the universe is not clear to all, Rick Hunter might be found guilty of numerous charges. These include conspiracy to commit war crimes, conspiracy to commit multiple-million counts of murder, conspiracy to commit multiple-million counts of assault, willful destruction of property on a global scale, treason, and others. However, the ordering the destruction of the Earth and all its inhabitants could also be considered legally-correct and factually-prudent action, or that Rick Hunter's orders were prematurely executed as they were to be executed "only if everything else has failed" in the event of "our total annihilation."
In subsequent Robotech installments, the Rick's justification for the use the Neutron-S missiles has been further clarified by several additional factors:
- The Invid Regess had already decided to kill all of the remaining humans living on Earth once they were no longer needed (and in the meantime, subjected many to horrific medical experiments);
- The REF had committed all available ships and manpower to the Battle of Reflex PointReflex PointReflex Point is location of the Invid hive complex inhabited by the Invid Queen Regess in the Robotech animated series, and is also thought to be located upon the ruins of the SDF-1...
and if the attack failed, the massive losses sustained would cripple the REF sufficiently to make any further offensives impossible; - The Invid, using Earth's vast supply of Protoculture, were continuing to evolve at an accelerated rate, and that their numbers and weaponry were growing in size and sophistication at a rate equal to or greater than that of the REF;
- Once powerful enough, the Invid would pose a threat to the entire galaxy, including the REF and the Sentinel races.
In Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles, it is revealed that Rick's decision (to authorize the use of the Neutron-S missiles only as a last resort) was actually criticized by some senior REF officers, who believed that the missiles should simply be used immediately.
Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles
In the comic Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow ChroniclesRobotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles
Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles is a five-part comic book mini-series written by Tommy Yune along with the Waltrip brothers, who were previously the art-and-writing team of the Robotech II: The Sentinels comic series. It was published under DC Comics' Wildstorm imprint...
, Rick and Lisa, still happily married, are expecting their first child. Lisa is an Admiral of the fleet while Rick is a Major General. The comic begins with Rick and Lisa facing the betrayal of the Robotech Expeditionary Force (REF) by T. R. Edwards
T. R. Edwards
Thomas Riley Edwards is a fictional character from the universe of Robotech. He would have been a main character in the storyline of the aborted animated sequel series Robotech II: The Sentinels, which was later realized as both a series of a novels and comic books.-Concept and creation:T.R...
, as he defects to the side of the Invid Regent
Invid (Robotech)
The Invid are a fictional alien race in the Robotech storyline. They appear in the New Generation portion of the series, which uses the animation of the unrelated Japanese series Genesis Climber MOSPEADA, so their on-screen behavior and appearance matches the antagonists of that series, called the...
. As the SDF-3 pursues Edward's ship, the Invid Regent
Invid (Robotech)
The Invid are a fictional alien race in the Robotech storyline. They appear in the New Generation portion of the series, which uses the animation of the unrelated Japanese series Genesis Climber MOSPEADA, so their on-screen behavior and appearance matches the antagonists of that series, called the...
's supercarrier defolds nearby. The SDF-3 launches an attack but the Regent's supercarrier is able to fire first, causing extensive damage and severely injuring Lisa. Later, Rick meets with his close friends, Vince Grant and his wife, Dr. Jean Grant, to ask about Lisa. Rick is happy when he is told that Lisa will survive and he states he is looking forward to her resigning her commission after she found out she was pregnant with their first child. However, it is then that Jean Grant, with a sad look on her face, says: "Rick... She lost the baby." Rick is overwhelmed and collapses in shock and sadness.
At the end of the comic, Rick orders all available REF forces to assemble at Moon base ALUCE to prepare for one final assault on Earth to dislodge the Invid with the use of the new shadow technology obtained from the Haydonites
Haydonites
The Haydonites are a fictional, highly advanced cybernetic race that appears in Robotech and made their first appearance in the comic Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles. They are also seen the subsequent movie, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles...
. Rick, now at the age of 54, looks and acts considerably different from the young man in the original Robotech series.
Reluctantly, Rick authorizes the use of the newly acquired Neutron-S missiles if the REF's assault against the Invid on Earth is unsuccessful. The Neutron-S missiles are a devastating new superweapon developed with the assistance of the Haydonites
Haydonites
The Haydonites are a fictional, highly advanced cybernetic race that appears in Robotech and made their first appearance in the comic Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles. They are also seen the subsequent movie, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles...
, a highly advanced cybernetic race which also opposes the Invid. This decision is difficult for Rick, since although the missiles are more than powerful enough to destroy the Invid's central hive at Reflex Point
Reflex Point
Reflex Point is location of the Invid hive complex inhabited by the Invid Queen Regess in the Robotech animated series, and is also thought to be located upon the ruins of the SDF-1...
, they will also wipe out most (or possibly all) life on Earth. Rick's decision is criticized by some of his officers who believe that the Neutron-S missiles should simply be used immediately; Like Rick, they are well aware that an attack against the Invid forces on Earth, even if successful, will likely result in very heavy losses to the REF. However, Rick refuses this request and orders that the missiles only be used as a last resort. Before the SDF-3 joins the attack, Rick asks Max Sterling
Max Sterling
Maximillian Sterling, voiced by Cam Clarke , is one of the fictional characters in the Robotech anime television series. He is a young fighter pilot assigned to Rick Hunter's various commands along with Ben Dixon...
to join him on the SDF-3 and appoints his daughter, Maia Sterling, to lead Skull Squadron in his place. Lisa, now fully recovered, also joins Rick on the bridge of the SDF-3. General Reinhardt, aboard the newly-completed SDF-4 Izumo is placed command of the REF fleet assembling at Moon Base ALUCE - Rick orders the SDF-3 to the Omicron Sector to oversee the test firing of a Neutron-S missile before it joins the rest of the fleet for the attack. However, the test goes horribly wrong as the true power of the missiles become apparent.
The comic ends here and paves the way for the movie Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the 2006 animated sequel to the 1985 Robotech television series. It was released on DVD on February 6, 2007.- Plot :...
.
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Robotech: The Shadow ChroniclesRobotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the 2006 animated sequel to the 1985 Robotech television series. It was released on DVD on February 6, 2007.- Plot :...
picks up where the comic left off with Admiral Rick Hunter, along with Lisa and Max, unaware of the destructive power of the Neutron-S missiles, orders a test-firing of one of the missiles in the Omicron Sector. The detonation of the missile creates a black hole
Black hole
A black hole is a region of spacetime from which nothing, not even light, can escape. The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass will deform spacetime to form a black hole. Around a black hole there is a mathematically defined surface called an event horizon that...
. Despite being more than 800 million kilometres (500 million miles) from the detonation, the SDF-3 sustains heavy damage and everyone, except the android Janice Em
Janice Em
Janice Em—an acronym alias for Junctioned Articifial Neuro-Intigrated Cybernetic Entity M1—is a fictional android from the universe of Robotech...
, is killed onboard the science vessel Deukalion. Vince Grant, captain of the battlecruiser Icarus, is dispatched to rescue the SDF-3 and Admiral Hunter. Because of hostile jamming by unknown forces (later revealled to be the Haydonites
Haydonites
The Haydonites are a fictional, highly advanced cybernetic race that appears in Robotech and made their first appearance in the comic Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles. They are also seen the subsequent movie, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles...
), Captain Grant is forced to leave the SDF-3 behind, as Rick orders him to return immediately to the battle raging against the Invid near Earth to warn the REF that the Neutron-S missiles cannot be used on Earth under any circumstances. The SDF-3 is last seen adrift in space, being slowly pulled towards the newly created black hole. At the end of the movie, it is stated that the SDF-3 may not have been destroyed as initially thought. The Ark Angel, now under the command of Vince Grant is ordered by General Reinhardt to begin a search mission to try and reach the SDF-3 before the Haydonites do. It is believed by fans that Rick's fate will be revealed in a future proposed Robotech installment.
As in the Prelude comic, Rick's formerly dark hair is now white, and he has a prominent scar on the right side of his jaw.