Name(s): Mobile Police Patlabor: Reboot / Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: Reboot / Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor Reboot / Mobile Police Patlabor Reboot / 機動警察パトレイバーREBOOT
Format: Movie (7 minutes)
Studio(s): Khara
Related: Mobile Police Patlabor (1988-1989)

Review

I don’t really know why this exists. At the time of writing this (2017), it’s not even on Wikipedia yet, so maybe it doesn’t exist at all. Despite the title, I don’t think there’s going to be a true Patlabor revival anytime soon. We have to settle for this seven-minute short movie that feels like it’s teasing a new series. Of course, no one will actually make that series.

The main reason for that is their decision to set this in the future of an unspecified Patlabor timeline, and this police mission to stop a minor rogue construction mech is carried out by an entirely new cast of characters. They have the bones for being likable, as this is still Patlabor‘s iconic and endearing lightly comedic tone—but of course, it’s still all chicken feed for the starving fanbase. I particularly like the young ground support girl.

The animation quality is superb, and I love the credits theme song. Not much else to say. An enjoyable tease, if somewhat cruel.