Why register?

make an anime and manga list, and more! all free!

Theme

Patlabor: The Mobile Police

Alt titles: Mobile Police Patlabor

Patlabor: The Mobile Police main image
Avg
3.354 out of 5 from 739 votes
Rank #932
recommendations

Synopsis:

"Labors" are large construction robots that are now being used to commit crimes. To meet the challenge, Special Vehicle (SV) units are established by the Tokyo PD. However, the Second SV unit is a total joke. Determined to change this, Izumi and Shinohara become pilots of the new Ingram 98 police labors, and are determined to change that reputation, with the help of the SV-2 gang of misfits.

tags:

my anime:

not rated
add recommendations

0 filtered - clear filters

Planetes

Planetes main image

In the year 2075, humanity has spread to the stars, along with their technology, colonies, and... waste? At such great speeds in orbit, even a tiny bolt can cause a tragic disaster. Enter the team of the half division. Their job? To gather the garbage and debris that circles the Earth, in order to keep space safe. From broken-down satellites to bolts and nails, there's nothing that the underpaid and underappreciated staff can't salvage. Join Hachimaki, Tanabe, Fee, and the rest of the gang as they risk their lives to keep space clean, and keep their wallets... empty.

my anime:

not rated
3 people think you'd like this because...
add rec
snowcrash
Patlabor and Planetes both fall into similar categories. They're both "mundane" SF shows (the tech development is realistic-no aliens/outright breaking the laws of physics here). Both shows are more concerned with the characters, and how those characters react to potential technological developments than with the tech developments themselves. They both deal with realistic poilitical/ social issues (terrorism, inequality) in a serious manner. They're both clearly intended for fans of serious SF.
ironfrost
Patlabor, like Planetes, is serious Science Fiction. There isn't much of this about. It's not silly, it's not childish, and it's not about huge explosions or robot battles. Actually, the movies are probably closer in tone to Planetes itself, but the series has a lot in common too. Plus, half the characters in Planetes are rip-offs of the characters in Patlabor.
Niffgiffler

I'm hard pressed to think of two shows that are as analogous to each other as Patlabor.  Which is quite a feat when one thinks about it, like having Two Mona Lisas in the museum next to each other.  Many of the characters are direct analogs, such as Tanabe for Izumi and Shinohara for Hajimake.  Both are hard science fiction, with drama and character development with sprinklings of action. 

Irresponsible Captain Tylor

Irresponsible Captain Tylor main image

The future of humanity is in peril, as they are confronted with the threat of an intergalactic clash with a warrior-like alien race, and the only one who can save them is... Captain Tylor?! Join a crew of misfits and rejects including an alcoholic doctor, a gorgeous nurse, an anal-retentive commander and a bunch of really stupid marines as they try to make it out in space and to discover whether their captain is a misunderstood genius or a total moron like he seems to be.

my anime:

not rated
2 people think you'd like this because...
add rec
nextolast
I guess it's all about the uniforms. In addition to the way being part of a military/police force forces a certain degree of conformity (yes, extant even with tylor's informal way of things), these both through a nice amount of comedy in. Both patlabour and tylor manage to advance the plot at a satisfying pace, while leaving room for frequent lighter installments.
snowcrash
While Tylor and Patlabor are vastly different in terms of setting, they are similar in that they're both about "Misfits/ Losers who Save the Day". Both shows have a lighthearted approach to storytelling, though Tylor is more outright comedic compared to Patlabor.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Alt titles: Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion main image

In the future, a devastating event known as Second Impact destroyed Tokyo as we know it, giving rise to the current day Tokyo III, a city under siege by mysterious lifeforms known only as Angels. Mankind's only defense are Evangelions, man-made machines piloted by Rei, Shinji, and Asuka, all who are the tender age of fourteen. The fate of Japan and the entire world now lie with these children, though they might not have the power to save the most important thing of all: each other.

my anime:

not rated
1 person thinks you'd like this because...
add rec
nextolast
Evangelion is the quintessential mecha anime, (dont start about gundam) so if it was the 98's of Patlabor that turned your crank, then your set. On the other hand if it is saving the world as a theme, then your still set. Yup no downsides. However, I guess it depends on how you feel about shinji... but even if you dont like him (dont get me wrong... i think the characters in eva are fine... but ppl always whine so...) you still should watch. Patlabour has a fairly 'light' feel, so a nice/welcome contrast to eva.

Full Metal Panic!

Full Metal Panic! main image

Gonzo does it again with this action-packed mecha comedy. She's an ordinary high school girl. He's a counterterror agent assigned to protect her from those who would steal the information locked in her mind. OK, so she's not so normal after all. Armored Slave battles and lovers' spats abound as Sousuke and his comrades try to track down the mysterious Gauln before it's too late.

my anime:

not rated
1 person thinks you'd like this because...
add rec
nextolast
These are both mecha animes in what i would call a fairly realistic future sci fi type (sorry to raxephon and evangelion, but they are a little more farfetched) The mecha scenes just seem so believable (except for that damn giant red one in fmp... but i guess it's ok too) additionally the military organization and police force setting is quite similar, though you get more frequent escapes to school in fmp.

Macross Plus

Macross Plus main image

After years apart, childhood friends Isamu Dyson and Guld Bowman reunite as rival pilots, each showcasing an experimental plane for the military. But their mutual love for longtime friend Myung threatens to spin their already tense feelings out of control! Now, each battles to secure Myung's affections, but even more dangerous than their own dark secrets is a clandestine plot involving superstar singer Sharon Apple that threatens all of humanity!

my anime:

not rated
1 person thinks you'd like this because...
add rec
nextolast
While macross and patlabour are both deemed mechs, this is not really what i think makes them similar. Instead it is the military/institutional layout that overlays the bulk of the maincharacter's lives. The overall feel of the animation is similar in terms of the mecha design, although macross tends to be dark and stylized/techy where patlabour is lighter and more organic in feel. I always like having the different tone this way, as watching too many dark or bubbly animes in a row must be bad for you (well probably watching anything isnt that good for you, but oh well)