NoaIzumiManga Review: Patlabor
November 3rd 2008 16:52
Cover of the first volume
Labor: a human piloted, humanoid machine, built for industrial use. The use of labors has completely revolutionized all aspects of Japanese industry. But all new inventions have a sinister potential, and crimes involving labors have become more and more commonplace. In response, the Tokyo Police Department created a new unit. This series follows the men and women of Special Vehicles, Division 2 as they attempt to keep order on the streets of Tokyo.
Patlabor was one of the first animes I ever saw, and as you’ve probably guessed from my handle, it still ranks as one of my favorites. It has spanned two OVAs, one TV series, three movies, and this manga. The first book chronicles the beginning of the unit, the introduction of the cast, and their first time in action. It is essentially the same as the first episode of the OVA, with some extra background and a few differences. The second book (“Basic Training”) continues the story, as they have to learn how to properly work together in order to face a shadowy enemy. Like the first one, this volume uses a plot from the series, with some differences. It also introduces two characters seen in the TV series, Takeo Kumagami, a sergeant brought in to keep the unit in line (and one of my favorite characters from the franchise) and Utsumi, an executive for the multi-national corporation Schaft Enterprises and one of the cooler anime villains.
The greatest element of Patlabor’s success is its characters, and the manga follows this rule as well. All the members of Special Vehicles are shown at their most colorful. Noa Izumi, the main character although Patlabor is very much an ensemble piece, is still the Labor otaku, and in the manga, we get to spend some time with her as a cadet. The other characters are also well fleshed out.
My only complaint with the work is its length. There were 22 issues originally published, but these two volumes only account for 12 of them. Viz, the American publisher, only got halfway through the series when they decided to drop it. So the rest of the manga is only available in Japanese, and out of print now, although it should be easy enough to find with eBay and a little patience. The Viz publication leaves the story half finished, but at least it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, and the story is finished in the TV series, which you’ll definitely want to see anyway if you like the manga.
Great moments: Noa’s love and concern for labors, Takeo Kumagami’s introduction
Summary: Every bit as good as the anime, with a few differences to make it fresh. The story’s only half-finished, but still well worth your time. Grade: A-
Cover of the second volume
| 54 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by NoaIzumi
Fine Politics
Anime Bottle
It seems to me that it has a broad appeal too, because it combines the police comedy genre and the mecha genre. And of course, great characters and stories (especially the Griffin arc late in the TV series). I do know it was awfully popular in Japan when it was first released.
Unfortunately, its availibility outside of North America or Japan is limited. Only the movies have been released in regions 2 and 4.
Comment by jon
Orble News
Urban Hint
Blog Adviser
Jon's Bookmarks
Debate Battle
Orblepedia
Orble Notes
Sydney WeekendNotes
You may also need to add the email address admin -at- orblemail.com to your address book in order to receive Orble admin emails in the future.
Thanks,
Jon.
(Orble Admin)
Comment by NoaIzumi
Fine Politics
Anime Bottle
Anyhow, I'll be sending the email momentarily. (SPOILER ALERT: the answer's yes. I've already got the inactive blog picked out.) Thanks.