Carl Macek - Original Robotech producer dies

[LordFett]

http://www.robotech.com/news/viewarticle.php?id=418

Carl F. Macek passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2010 of a heart attack.

From his early days at California State University Fullerton, where he served as a librarian of popular culture, Carl was set on a course to make his mark on the anime industry in the United States. Fans know him as the producer who originally weaved together the Robotech saga out of separate anime series when faced with broadcast syndication hurdles in 1985. The result was a science fiction phenomenon that launched popular lines of novels, comics, videos, toys, and other memorabilia that continue to be coveted collectibles to this day. Sure, Robotech had its ups and downs over the years, but Carl relished its longevity and resurgence.

Carl later went on to found Streamline Pictures, which was known for releasing major anime titles such as Akira and Vampire Hunter D. He was also directly involved in the first English adaptations of many of Hayao Miyazake's classics such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro, My Neighbor Totoro. Recently, Carl had worked on the adaptation of many of the episodes of the hit anime series Bleach. Outside of anime, Carl had also written many books, from The Art of Heavy Metal to the novel War Eagles, an epic adventure which he also adapted into a screenplay for a film in development.

Carl was delighted to get involved again in the Robotech universe for its 25th anniversary, not to mention the widespread anticipation over a live action movie on the horizon.

Carl Macek spent the past Saturday, April 17th as he often did, enjoying life to its fullest at a concert with his beloved wife Svea. Then a massive heart attack took him away from all of us. It was a bitter pill to swallow. This did not seem fair. He was still so full of creative energy. However, with the amazing legacy of his work, Carl has left us much to remember him by, and in this way, he has truly become immortal.

Just heard about this.

 

[Solo4114]

Just saw this. R.I.P. Carl Macek

Though there are many who'd curse his name for how he edited several different anime, let us not forget that Carl Macek brought Robotech to these shores, and thereby kindled the imaginations of countless kids in the 80s, not to mention probably sparked an appreciation for anime itself and a curiosity for the original materials. I know that's how it happened with me, at least.

Here's to you, Carl. Thanks for some fond memories.

http://www.robotech.com/news/viewarticle.php?id=418

 

[LordFett]

Re: Just saw this. R.I.P. Carl Macek

Saw this yesterday. Dude was pretty young.

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=84244

 

[Ghadrack]

Re: Just saw this. R.I.P. Carl Macek

I posted my condolences over on the Robotech Boards the other day. Regardless of your take on Robotech / Macross, he helped expose millions of kids in the US to anime and started many of us on the road to a new hobby and many to career choices.

 

[Mechamaniac]

Re: Just saw this. R.I.P. Carl Macek

Holy crap that sucks. RIP Carl.

 

[LordFett]

My and my best friend growing up would spend our days after school in the university canteen watching Robotech on the local fox affiliate. I am just getting a Robotech RPG campaign started (one of my favorite systems and my favorite game.)

I never knew the dude by name, but he has had a huge impact on my life.

 

[propologist]

man that stinks. Meet him several times back in the day when Robotech was hot. Got my comics signed back then. Loved them and the series. a great series before everyone got into mechs.

 

[SVTStingRay]

thats sad, robotech was awesome. rip dude

 

[tain669]

I saw this in the LA Times..they also had a full page ad with his pic and pics of some of the RT gang and news about a Robotech live action movie.