"Macross 7: Trash" is a manga series set in the expansive Macross universe, serving as a side story to the anime "Macross 7." The narrative unfolds in the year 2045, decades after humanity's first contact with alien species and the subsequent interstellar conflicts. The story centers on the 37th Long-Distance Emigrant Fleet, led by the Macross 7, as it ventures into deep space in search of a new home for humanity. The fleet faces constant threats from the Protodeviln, a powerful and malevolent alien race seeking to consume the life energy of other beings.

The protagonist, Nekki Basara, is a passionate and unconventional musician who pilots a Valkyrie fighter transformed into a sound system. Unlike traditional soldiers, Basara believes in the power of music to communicate and resolve conflicts, often clashing with the military's more pragmatic approach. His band, Fire Bomber, becomes a symbol of hope and resistance, using their songs to combat the Protodeviln's influence and inspire the fleet's inhabitants. Basara's unwavering idealism and refusal to conform to military orders create tension but also drive the story's exploration of non-violent solutions to conflict.

Key supporting characters include Mylene Flare Jenius, the band's bassist and a skilled Valkyrie pilot, who struggles with her own identity and expectations as the daughter of legendary pilots Max and Milia Jenius. Gamlin Kizaki, a disciplined and by-the-book military officer, serves as a foil to Basara, embodying the traditional military perspective. Their dynamic highlights the series' central theme of balancing pragmatism with idealism. The Protodeviln, led by figures like Sivil and Gavil, are portrayed as complex antagonists, with some members showing the capacity for change through Basara's music.

The plot intertwines space battles, personal struggles, and the transformative power of music. As the Protodeviln's attacks intensify, Basara's music becomes a crucial weapon, capable of disrupting their energy-draining abilities and awakening their dormant emotions. The series delves into themes of communication, understanding, and the potential for harmony between disparate species. Through its blend of action, character development, and philosophical undertones, "Macross 7: Trash" expands the Macross universe while maintaining a focus on the enduring power of art and humanity's capacity for growth.