The popular "Mobile Police Patlabor" anime and other media franchise is seeing increased activity in new projects. The first chapter of "Mobile Police Patlabor EZY," the first new anime in about 10 years, premiered in theaters on May 15th, and a new chapter of Masami Yuki's manga version, the first in about 32 years, was published in the May 18th issue of the manga magazine "Weekly Big Comic Spirits" (Shogakukan), generating considerable buzz. Amidst all this, it has now been announced that a "French version" is in the works.
◇The rights and obligations have been clarified.
"Patlabor" is a multimedia project created by the legendary creative group "HEADGEAR," consisting of Masami Yuki, Yutaka Izubuchi, Kazunori Ito, Akemi Takada, and Mamoru Oshii. It began in 1988 with an OVA (Original Video Animation) called "Early Days," and has since expanded into manga by Yuki, television anime, theatrical anime films, novels, audio dramas, games, and live-action films.
The "French version" was announced on May 26th at the staff talk event "Butchan's Room Part 1" for the first chapter of the new anime "EZY," held at Shinjuku Piccadilly (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo). Director Izubuchi and producer Taro Maki, President and CEO of Genco, appeared at the event.
Maki has been involved with "Patlabor" from its early stages. As a producer at Tohokushinsha, he worked with Shin Unozawa, a producer at Bandai, on "Early Days," which was released in 1988-89. In 1997, he established the planning and production company Genco. He is also known for producing works such as "In This Corner of the World," "Millennium Actress," and "PLUTO."
At the event, Izubuchi revealed that Maki was the driving force behind the creation of the new anime "EZY," saying, "Maki sorted out the unclear points regarding the rights of HEADGEAR, which made it possible to make the anime."
Following the clarification of the rights issues, Izubuchi said, "We can expand 'Patlabor' beyond 'EZY.' Maki has suggested doing it overseas as well, and I think it's fine to have something with a different direction emerge, with 'EZY' as the core." Maki then announced that they were "making a French version of Patlabor." The sudden announcement of the "French version" caused a stir among the fans gathered at the venue.
◇ "Patlabor" has the potential for expansion
"Patlabor" has gained high praise from non-anime fans as a masterpiece, particularly with "Mobile Police Patlabor the Movie" and "Mobile Police Patlabor 2 the Movie," both directed by Mamoru Oshii. However, each of the other versions, such as "Early Days," "ON TELEVISION (TV anime version)," "NEW OVA," "WXIII Mobile Police Patlabor," and Yuuki's manga version, also has its own unique appeal. A novel written by Ito, "' Mobile Police Patlabor' Sushi Chef Goto" (Bungei Shunju), will also be released on June 25th.
Throughout the history of numerous works produced, while the settings and characters may be the same, they have often unfolded as parallel worlds with different storylines.
"EZY" is set in Japan in the 2030s, a time when the working population is declining and automation through AI technology is advancing. New members of Special Vehicles Division 2 take center stage, and characters from previous "Patlabor" series also appear, having aged approximately 30 years.
As Maki said, "When I created 'EZY,' the character changed. I realized that if you stick to certain principles, it can be versatile. I think that was a discovery," so "Patlabor" is probably a project with great potential for expansion.
If "EZY" is a hit, it's possible that even more new works will be produced in the future. From Izubuchi-san and Maki-san's statements, I also sensed their enthusiasm to further expand "Patlabor."
While the specific details of the "French version" will have to wait for future announcements, it is likely to attract attention as a move that indicates further development of the series. (Manami Anima/MANTANWEB)
