MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR

— by Kenneth Jin-ho Cho

The story of the Mobile Police Patlabor force is now a mainstay in the world of anime through a lengthy television series, several OVAs and 2 feature-length films. From series creator Masami Yuki and Viz comes the manga version of this venerable tale of special police division SV2 and their Patlabor units.
PATLABOR'S history and plot are familiar to most anime fans: an off-kilter collection of police officers, led by the enigmatic Lt. Goto, enforce the law of a future Tokyo with the assistance of specialized mecha called Labors. Originally machines built to assist man with menial labor like construction, a new breed of crime has arisen, manipulating these Labors for criminal acts. It's SV2's duty to enforce the laws concerning this new classification of crimes. Mixed in with comedy, action and drama, they get the job done.
Viz's premiere issue of the English-language Patlabor manga features Yuki's story and own artwork, although his character designs remain somewhat faithful to anime character designer Akemi Takada's concept. The main character of the first issue, but by no means of the whole series, is Noa Izumi (one of

PATLABOR'S draws is its entire casting of interesting and comical characters, none of whom really take the front stage overwhelmingly). Her entrance to the Mobile Police force marks the beginning of the PATLABOR manga. A spirited girl who dreams of piloting one of the new AV-98 Ingram Labors, Noa brings a wishful and tomboy-ish quality to the cast of PATLABOR. The manga introduction of Noa into the Mobile Police force differs somewhat from the television start and could be seen as a prequel to the OVA beginning. Other characters introduced in the first issue are Lt. Goto, Assistant Inspector Nagumo, Chief Engineer Sakaki and in a cameo, Detective Matsui.
The first issue of Viz's release reads quickly, and before you know it, it's over. The artwork is quite clean and for some reason, has the feeling of Kaoru Shintani's AREA 88 manga series. The translation is fine, and actually provides a great script for the story. While nothing is really spectacular about the cover or presentation, there's nothing to really complain about either.
Perhaps the only complaint of Viz's PATLABOR is that the issue just seemed too short - which remains why this reviewer prefers manga in tankoubon release, something Viz will no doubt produce as they have with all their other series.
But if you can't wait that long, then Viz's monthly release of PATLABOR is a justified purchase.