History Main / Macekre

''No examples, please. This page describes a common emotional reaction to CutAndPasteTranslation; examples of such practices can be found on that page. In addition, keep in mind that Administrivia/TropesAreTools. Some people use such dubs as a GatewaySeries, and the virulent fan reaction against the dubs may puzzle those not familiar with the original version, or even perhaps those that watched the dubs first. Also, the sliding scale of Macekre varies from person to person; what one may consider [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks bad changes]], another may not mind quite as much.''

Pronounced similarly to "massacre", the term was coined by anime fans from the name of producer/writer [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Macek Carl Macek]], whose early "free adaptations" of anime frequently bore little or no resemblance to the original Japanese stories. His usual procedure was to dispose of the original script entirely, and write his own from scratch. This was no ''Anime/SamuraiPizzaCats'', however. He would often combine two or more unrelated series simply in order to have enough episodes to fulfill a syndication deal, the most famous (and successful) of these resulting in ''Anime/{{Robotech}}''. He is particularly reviled for the seemingly xenophobic ruthlessness with which he purged any hint of Japanese culture -- what he euphemistically called "ethnic gestures" -- from the series which he adapted.[[note]]Macek later claimed that many of these changes, including his having to splice together three different series to create ''Robotech'', were a case of ExecutiveMeddling; he was required to force the show to fit syndication-length guidelines, without having complete scripts for any of them, while still making it compelling enough to sell the accompanying toy lines. Trying to tie the three shows together by giving them a unified script was his attempt at meeting these conditions; obviously, this didn't work as well as he hoped. As to the charges of removing "ethnic gestures" from scripts: to be fair to Mr. Macek, there is some evidence that his original plan was to have Hikaru Ichijyo/Rick Hunter remain ethnically Japanese, naming him "Rick Yamada". It is also very apparent that simply making ''Robotech'' an anthology was, for whatever reason, not a viable option.[[/note]]

Pronounced similarly to "massacre", the term was coined by anime fans from the name of producer/writer [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Macek Carl Macek]], whose early "free adaptations" of anime frequently bore little or no resemblance to the original Japanese stories. His usual procedure was to dispose of the original script entirely, and write his own from scratch. This was no ''Anime/SamuraiPizzaCats'', however. He would often combine two or more unrelated series simply in order to have enough episodes to fulfill a syndication deal, the most famous (and successful) of these resulting in ''Anime/{{Robotech}}''. He is particularly reviled for the seemingly xenophobic ruthlessness with which he purged any hint of Japanese culture -- what he euphemistically called "ethnic gestures" -- from the series which he adapted.[[note]]Macek later claimed that many of these changes, including his having to splice together three different series to create ''Robotech'', were a case of ExecutiveMeddling; he was required to force the show to fit syndication-length guidelines, without having complete scripts for any of them, while still making it compelling enough to sell the accompanying toy lines. Trying to tie the three shows together by giving them a unified script was his attempt at meeting these conditions; obviously, this didn't work as well as he hoped. As to the charges of removing "ethnic gestures" from scripts: to be fair to Mr. Macek, there is some evidence that his original plan was to have Hikaru Ichijyo/Rick Hunter remain ethnically Japanese, naming him "Rick Yamada".[[/note]]

[[SocietyMarchesOn Over the years]], a small but growing contingent of fans began to recognize what remained of the quality of the original works in the stripped versions they were exposed to, and endeavored to reconstruct as much as possible of the original stories and characters from what they had and learn as much as possible from the scant translated information available to them. This grew to include research into the original Japanese material by those few capable of translating and understanding the language, and fanclubs were born. At the time, the term "anime" wasn't known yet and the fandom was called "Japanimation". As these fanclubs grew, they began to advocate the position that if Japanese material could be translated and presented in such a way that the bulk of the original spirit was retained, it would be of excellent storytelling quality and could find an audience. Considering that market proof for an audience for non-comedic animation that skewed older than the 8-12 demographic was, [[AnimationAgeGhetto at the time, basically nonexistent]], this was a difficult sell indeed.

Over the years, the Macekre has become a DiscreditedTrope as syndicated television has lost its luster following [[TechnologyMarchesOn the rise of cable]] and on-demand streaming. Likewise, companies that were prominent for heavy anime edits in the 1970s-2000s have either closed their doors or left the industry, while anime distributors who produce faithful dubs, even for children's television, have taken their place.[[note]]''Franchise/PowerRangers'', while [[{{Toku}} not an anime]], seems to be the sole exception today, likely because to do so would be to produce a show that was very much not ''Power Rangers'' any more.[[/note]]

Pronounced similarly to "massacre", the term was coined by anime fans from the name of the late producer/writer [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Macek Carl Macek]], whose early "free adaptations" of anime frequently bore little or no resemblance to the original Japanese stories. His usual procedure was to dispose of the original script entirely, and write his own from scratch. This was no ''Anime/SamuraiPizzaCats'', however. He would often combine two or more unrelated series simply in order to have enough episodes to fulfill a syndication deal, the most famous (and successful) of these resulting in ''Anime/{{Robotech}}''. He is particularly reviled for the seemingly xenophobic ruthlessness with which he purged any hint of Japanese culture -- what he euphemistically called "ethnic gestures" -- from the series which he adapted.[[note]]Macek later claimed that many of these changes, including his having to splice together three different series to create ''Robotech'', were a case of ExecutiveMeddling; he was required to force the show to fit syndication-length guidelines, without having complete scripts for any of them, while still making it compelling enough to sell the accompanying toy lines. Trying to tie the three shows together by giving them a unified script was his attempt at meeting these conditions; obviously, this didn't work as well as he hoped. As to the charges of removing "ethnic gestures" from scripts: to be fair to the late Mr. Macek, there is some evidence that his original plan was to have Hikaru Ichijyo/Rick Hunter remain ethnically Japanese, naming him "Rick Yamada".[[/note]]

Historically, ''Anime/SpeedRacer'', ''[[Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato Star Blazers]]'' (Another series where episode order is crucial to the story), and ''Voltron'' led to ''Robotech'', which in turn led to ''Manga/{{Akira}}''. Without those groundbreaking early steps, the later ones would have been impossible.

See also DifficultyByRegion and DubNameChange.

Historically, ''Anime/SpeedRacer'', ''[[Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato Star Blazers]]'', and ''Voltron'' led to ''Robotech'', which in turn led to ''Manga/{{Akira}}''. Without those groundbreaking early steps, the later ones would have been impossible.

'''Bottom:''' What [[Creator/FourKidsEntertainment 4Kids]] gave us.]]

.

-->-- Creator/GregAyres recounting his first meeting with Carl Macek

[[quoteright:350:[[Manga/OnePiece https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/4kids_boot_gun1.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Left, Creator/FourKidsEntertainment version. Right, original version.]]

Pronounced similarly to "massacre", the term was coined by anime fans from the name of the late producer/writer [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Macek Carl Macek]], whose early "free adaptations" of anime frequently bore little or no resemblance to the original Japanese stories. His usual procedure was to dispose of the original script entirely, and write his own from scratch. This was no ''Anime/SamuraiPizzaCats'', however. He would often combine two or more unrelated series simply in order to have enough episodes to fulfill a syndication deal, the most famous (and successful) of these resulting in ''Anime/{{Robotech}}''. He is particularly reviled for the seemingly xenophobic ruthlessness with which he purged any hint of Japanese culture -- what he euphemistically called "ethnic gestures" -- from the series which he adapted.[[note]]Macek later claimed that many of these changes, including his having to splice together three different series to create ''Robotech'', were a case of ExecutiveMeddling; he was required to force the show to fit syndication-length guidelines, without having complete scripts for any of them, while still making it compelling enough to sell the accompanying toy lines. Trying to tie the three shows together by giving them a unified script was his attempt at meeting these conditions; obviously, this didn't work as well as he hoped. As to the charges of removing "ethnic gestures" from scripts: to be fair to the late Mr. Macek, there is some evidence that his original plan was to have Hikaru Ichijyo/Rick Hunter remain ethnically Japanese, naming him "Rick Yamada".[[/note]]

-->-- Creator/GregAyres recounting his first meeting with Carl Macek.

'''Carl Macek:''' Oh... So you must think I'm the Antichrist, huh? ''({{Beat}})'' Well, they always shoot the first guy past the finish line.

'''Greg Ayres: I like '''''Macross'''''.\\

->'''Carl Macek''': So you like ''Anime/{{Robotech}}''?\\
'''Creator/GregAyres''': I like '''''Anime/{{Macross}}'''''.\\

-->-- Ayres recounting his first meeting with Macek

'''Carl Macek:''' Oh... So you must think I'm the Antichrist, huh? ''({{Beat}}) Well, they always shoot the first guy past the finish line.

->'''Ichigo:''' Mew Mew Power, I think I'll pass. Your Mew Mew Power, can kiss my a--...\\
'''Mint:''' ''ICHIGO!''
-->-- [[http://pictures.fanart-central.net/w/wlk/504784/wlk-504784-Mew_Mew_Power_vs._Tokyo_Mew_Mew.jpg Fan art]] of ''Manga/TokyoMewMew'' that made the rounds upon the release of ''[[Creator/FourKidsEntertainment Mew Mew Power]]''.

->'''Ichigo:''' [=MewMew=] Power, I think I'll pass. Your Mew Mew Power, can kiss my a--...\\

->'''Ichigo:''' [=MewMew=] Power, I think I'll Pass. Your Mew Mew Power, Can Kiss My A--...\\

Over the years, the Macekre has become a DiscreditedTrope as syndicated television has lost its luster following [[TechnologyMarchesOn the rise of cable]] and on-demand streaming. Likewise, companies that were prominent for heavy anime edits in the 1970s-2000s have either closed their doors or left the industry, while anime distributors who produce faithful dubs, even for children's television, have taken their place.[[note]]''Franchise/PowerRangers'', while [[{{Toku}} not an anime]], seems to be the sole exception today.[[/note]]

''No examples, please. This page describes a common emotional reaction to CutAndPasteTranslation; examples of such practices can be found on that page. In addition, keep in mind that Administrivia/TropesAreTools. Some people use such dubs as a GatewaySeries, and the virulent fan reaction against the dubs may puzzle those not familiar with the original version, or even perhaps those that watched the dubs first. Also, the sliding scale of {{Macekre}} varies from person to person; what one may consider [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks bad changes]], another may not mind quite as much.''

''No examples, please. This page describes a common emotional reaction to CutAndPasteTranslation; examples of such practices can be found on that page. In addition, keep in mind that Administrivia/TropesAreTools. Some people use such dubs as a GatewaySeries, and the virulent fan reaction against the dubs may puzzle those not familiar with the original version, or even perhaps those that watched the dubs first. Also, the sliding scale of macekre varies from person to person; what one may consider [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks bad changes]], another may not mind quite as much.''

Pronounced similarly to "massacre", the term was coined by anime fans from the name of the late producer/writer [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Macek Carl Macek,]] whose early "free adaptations" of anime frequently bore little or no resemblance to the original Japanese stories. His usual procedure was to dispose of the original script entirely, and write his own from scratch. This was no ''Anime/SamuraiPizzaCats'', however. He would often combine two or more unrelated series simply in order to have enough episodes to fulfill a syndication deal, the most famous (and successful) of these resulting in ''Anime/{{Robotech}}''. He is particularly reviled for the seemingly xenophobic ruthlessness with which he purged any hint of Japanese culture -- what he euphemistically called "ethnic gestures" -- from the series which he adapted.[[note]]Macek later claimed that many of these changes, including his having to splice together three different series to create ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'', were a case of ExecutiveMeddling; he was required to force the show to fit syndication-length guidelines, without having complete scripts for any of them, while still making it compelling enough to sell the accompanying toy lines. Trying to tie the three shows together by giving them a unified script was his attempt at meeting these conditions; obviously, this didn't work as well as he hoped. As to the charges of removing "ethnic gestures" from scripts: to be fair to the late Mr. Macek, there is some evidence that his original plan was to have Hikaru Ichijyo/Rick Hunter remain ethnically Japanese, naming him "Rick Yamada".[[/note]]

Historically, ''Anime/SpeedRacer'', ''[[Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato Star Blazers]]'', and ''Anime/{{Voltron}}'' led to ''Robotech'', which in turn led to ''Manga/{{Akira}}''. Without those groundbreaking early steps, the later ones would have been impossible.

Until ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' did it, even the Japanimation fans who had advocated so hard for "as faithful as possible" translations were unsure that the concept could be financially successful. Even the concept of showing a syndicated animated series [[OutOfOrder in proper episode order]] was at that time unprecedented, as were things like [[NeverSayDie actually allowing the concept of death to be handled on screen]]. What Macek did was a huge risk, and thankfully it paid off. Unfortunately, Harmony Gold apparently didn't want to credit the original creators or animators who were the real reasons for the success of ''Robotech''.[[note]]Shoji Kawamori, Noboru Ishiguro, Sukehiro Tomita, Haruhiko Mikimoto and Ichiro Itano from the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' side, and Creator/YoshitakaAmano and Shinji Aramaki from the ''Anime/GenesisClimberMospeada'' side.[[/note]] ''Robotech'' not only found its audience of older animation fans, it won awards and opened the eyes of the Western world to the possibilities of "grown up" animation. [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny Sure, it's easy to look back now and criticize it for what it's not]], in context of modern material that has been the beneficiary of the revolution it began, but [[FairForItsDay in the context of the time, it was nothing short of radical and groundbreaking]].

Until ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' did it, even the Japanimation fans who had advocated so hard for "as faithful as possible" translations were unsure that the concept could be financially successful. Even the concept of showing a syndicated animated series [[OutOfOrder in proper episode order]] was at that time unprecedented, as were things like [[NeverSayDie actually allowing the concept of death to be handled on screen]]. What Macek did was a huge risk, and thankfully it paid off. Unfortunately, Harmony Gold apparently didn't want to credit the original creators or animators who were the real reasons for the success of ''Robotech''.[[note]]Shoji Kawamori, Noboru Ishiguro, Sukehiro Tomita, Haruhiko Mikimoto and Ichiro Itano from the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' side, and Creator/YoshitakaAmano and Shinji Aramaki from the ''Anime/GenesisClimberMospeada'' side.[[/note]] ''Robotech'' not only found its audience of older animation fans, it won awards and opened the eyes of the Western world to the possibilities of "grown up" animation. [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny Sure, it's easy to look back now and criticize it for what it's not]], in context of modern material that has been the beneficiary of the revolution it began, but [[FairForItsDay in the context of the time it was nothing short of radical and groundbreaking]].

Over the years, the Macekre has become a DiscreditedTrope as syndicated television has lost its luster following [[TechnologyMarchesOn the rise of cable]] and on-demand streaming. Likewise, companies that were prominent for heavy anime edits in the 1970s-2000s have either closed their doors or left the industry, while anime distributors who produce faithful dubs, even for children's television, have taken their place.[[note]]''Franchise/PowerRangers'', while [[TokuSatsu not an anime]], seems to be the sole exception today.[[/note]]

A strongly held opinion that a {{cut and paste translation}} of an {{anime}} is a mockery of the original work.

''No examples, please. This page describes a common emotional reaction to CutAndPasteTranslation; examples of such practices can be found on that page. In addition, keep in mind that TropesAreTools. Some people use such dubs as a GatewaySeries, and the virulent fan reaction against the dubs may puzzle those not familiar with the original version, or even perhaps those that watched the dubs first. Also, the sliding scale of macekre varies from person to person; what one may consider [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks bad changes]], another may not mind quite as much.''

-->-- Fan art of ''Manga/TokyoMewMew'' that made the rounds upon the release of ''[[Creator/FourKidsEntertainment Mew Mew Power]]''.