Beating the heat with some Robotech celebration on another AnniversaryCast!
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Our subject for this edition is the character that probably most makes you do a double-take when you look at the stark contrasts of how he is portrayed in the Original 85 versus the Expanded Universe. His name.....ANATOLE LEONARD.
In the Original 85, he is at the head of the Southern Cross. He sees only one viable response to the attacking forces of the Robotech Masters...no quarter given. He wants to see the enemy destroyed and there is absolutely no room for negotiation. He throws every available resource at them, whether those "human resources" agree with him or not. Although in the end there is a "human" victory, you really can't give the credit to Leonard, that goes to a Zor clone who actually just makes it worse for the Earth. Because of the tactical blunders and wasteful attacks. The miltary left after the Masters Saga is in shambles and will be easy pickings for the Invid swarm.
He is willing even to get rid of those who don't agree with his philosophy to the front lines like a Roman Emperor sending troublesome governor's to a far away province. Some of his military startegies make you just want to slap him and say, "What are you a masochist???..Do you get a kick out of our forces getting beat up?"
In the Expanded Universe, this gluttony for punishment is explained......boy is it ever!
Our first real look at the EU Leonard is in the Malcontent Uprisings comics miniseries. He is a shrewd when it comes to politics and Leonard here sees the Zentraedi as an excuse in taking advantage of a situation to solidify his powerbase. Bill Spangler really tells his story quite well, especially in a. The "shocking moment" of the series comes when his connection to the aliens is revealed.
The Jack Mckinney novels take it even a step further......religious fanaticism...holy order......a deep seated hatred for anything "Robotech" related....
.....and Leonard literally loving to get his ass whooped. (for those of you that don't understand....listen to the episode) Leonard's "skeletons" in the closet are indeed disturbing.
And THAT makes for such a rich, complex and intriguing character. He'd make a hell of a college term paper......
I can't help but think of the word "freaky" when I go back to look at the Original 85 and see him. There are many fans that will totally disavow EU Leonard and that's ok. At the end of the day...I see him as another diverse character in an incredible story.
As part of this AnniversaryCast, we have the results to our recent poll questions and one of them turned out to be our very first "100% to 0%" result!
And since we take down the old....we put up the NEW...we have a fresh basket of questions for you to pick from!
With the character of Leonard, it brings up the neverending subject of canon vs. non-canon. I give you my feelings on the subject with the help of an old mentor......."Bruce" . I can honestly say it helps me look at Robotech without complicating myself.
Be water my friends......
And to cap it off I will give you a few more nuggets about "The Summer of The Protoculture Times". A lot of celebrating.....a lot of fun........A LOT OF ROBOTECH!
It all starts next Wednesday, June 16th with an event where the worldwide Robotech fandom can make a statement.
I'm so excited I may start it sooner.......that's a maybe though....
We'll see.....
IT'S ANNIVERSARY TIME BABY!!!!!!!!
REVIVE FOR 25!!!!!!....'CAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE!!!
-JT
protoculturetimes@gmail.com
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