Mobile Police Patlabor Returns After 32 Years With Brand New One Shot Manga Set in 2026

The legendary sci-fi manga Mobile Police Patlabor is officially returning with a completely new one shot story for the first time in 32 years. The new chapter, titled Mobile Police Patlabor 2026, was published in the May 18 issue of Weekly Spirits. It marks the franchise’s first new standalone manga story since the original series concluded in 1994.

According to the official website, the new story connects directly to the franchise’s long imagined future timeline.

Patlabor’s Fictional Future Has Finally Become Reality

During the original serialization from 1988 to 1994, the story of Mobile Police Patlabor was set in what was then considered near future Tokyo between 1998 and 2002. Now, in 2026, reality has finally caught up with the world the series once imagined decades ago.

The official description states:

“Back when the series was serialized from 1988 to 1994, the story took place in near future Tokyo from 1998 to 2002. Now that the real world has reached that once imagined future, it is finally the year 2026. Where are ‘they’ now? Thirty two years after the ending, they move once again.”

The special issue of Weekly Spirits also includes exclusive bonuses celebrating the new one shot. Readers receive special panel stickers as an extra supplement, along with feature articles introducing the upcoming anime Mobile Police Patlabor EZY and previously unreleased rough character design sketches by creator Masami Yuki.

A Landmark Mecha Franchise Returns

Mobile Police Patlabor originally debuted as an original video animation project in April 1988. Set in late 20th century Tokyo, the story depicts a world where giant police robots bearing the cherry blossom crest of the Metropolitan Police Department patrol the streets. Members of Special Vehicles Section 2 pilot humanoid robots known as Ingrams to battle crime and handle Labor related incidents.

The franchise became a massive multimedia success through OVAs, theatrical anime films, manga, and television anime adaptations. It remains beloved by fans even after the real world surpassed the series timeline. Director Mamoru Oshii also adapted the series into live action films.

New Anime Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Also Announced

The franchise’s newest anime project, Mobile Police Patlabor EZY, is scheduled for a theatrical release. The new series will consist of eight episodes divided into three chapters.

Source : ORICON NEWS