"Macross Zero" is a five-episode OVA series set in the Macross universe, serving as a prequel to the original "Super Dimension Fortress Macross" series. The story takes place in 2008, a year before the outbreak of space war, and explores the origins of the transformative Valkyrie fighter jets and the mysteries surrounding the Protoculture, an ancient alien civilization.

The narrative centers on Shin Kudo, a former UN Spacy pilot who becomes embroiled in a conflict on the remote Mayan Island. After a dogfight with a rival pilot, Edgar LaSalle, Shin crash-lands on the island, where he encounters the indigenous Mayan people. The Mayans, led by the priestess Mao Nome, revere a mysterious artifact known as the "Bird Human," a relic tied to the Protoculture. Shin is drawn into the island's struggles as the UN Spacy and the Anti-UN forces vie for control of the artifact, believing it holds the key to advanced technology.

Shin's loyalties are tested as he forms a bond with Mao and her younger sister, Sara Nome, who possesses a deep connection to the Bird Human. Sara's abilities and the artifact's power become central to the escalating conflict. The UN Spacy, led by Commander D.D. Ivanov, seeks to harness the artifact for military purposes, while the Anti-UN forces, including Edgar, aim to prevent its exploitation. As tensions rise, the Bird Human awakens, revealing its destructive potential and forcing Shin to confront the consequences of humanity's pursuit of power.

The series delves into themes of cultural preservation, the ethics of technological advancement, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Shin's journey reflects his internal struggle between duty and morality, while the Nome sisters symbolize the fragile balance between humanity's past and its future. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation that underscores the cyclical nature of conflict and the enduring legacy of the Protoculture.

"Macross Zero" blends intense aerial combat sequences with a rich exploration of its characters and world-building. The series provides a foundational backdrop to the Macross saga, offering insights into the origins of its iconic technology and the broader implications of humanity's encounters with alien civilizations.