Pat Labor OVAs are a series of anime OVAs produced by Headgear. These OVAs are a part of the Pat Labor franchise, which started with a manga series in the late 1980s. The Pat Labor franchise has spun off into various anime adaptations, including movies, OVAs, and TV series.
The OVAs are set in a fictional world where "Labors," humanoid robots controlled by human pilots, are an integral part of Japanese society. The story focuses on the daily lives of the members of the Pat Labor police force, who are responsible for dealing with Labor-related incidents in and around the city of Tokyo.
The Pat Labor OVAs are different from the other anime adaptations of the franchise in that they have a more episodic structure. Each OVA tells a self-contained story that can be watched without prior knowledge of the franchise. These stories range from police procedural cases to sci-fi tales involving high-tech weaponry and mecha battles.
The OVAs are made up of seven episodes, which were released between 1988 and 1992. The first three OVAs (00, 01, and 02) were directed by Mamoru Oshii, who was also involved in the production of the original Pat Labor manga. The remaining OVAs were directed by Naoyuki Yoshinaga.
The main characters of the Pat Labor OVAs are members of the Pat Labor police force. The team is led by Captain Kiichi Goto, who is known for his calm and practical demeanor. The main protagonist of the series is Noa Izumi, a rookie pilot who is enthusiastic about her job and often goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Other important characters include Asuma Shinohara, Noa's partner, who is a bit of a slacker but always comes through in a pinch. Kanuka Clancy, a second-generation Japanese-American, is a tough and capable officer who often clashes with Goto due to their differing opinions on policing. Finally, there's Ota, a gruff and sarcastic officer who is always ready for a fight.
One of the most notable features of the Pat Labor OVAs is their attention to detail in depicting the everyday workings of the police force. The OVAs explore the bureaucracy, politics, and interpersonal relationships that make up the Pat Labor police force. This attention to detail makes the OVAs stand out from other mecha anime of the time, which often focused purely on action and spectacle.
The OVAs also deal with more serious themes, such as the ethics of using mecha for law enforcement and the consequences of relying too heavily on technology. These themes are explored through the characters' interactions with each other and the world around them, rather than through lengthy speeches or exposition.
The animation in the OVAs is of a high quality for its time, with fluid mecha animation and detailed character designs. The music, composed by Kenji Kawai, is atmospheric and haunting, adding to the series' overall tone.
In conclusion, the Pat Labor OVAs are an excellent entry point into the franchise for those unfamiliar with it. These OVAs are a testament to Mamoru Oshii's vision, which emphasized character-driven storytelling and attention to world-building. If you're a fan of mecha anime, police procedurals, or sci-fi stories with a human touch, then the Pat Labor OVAs are definitely worth checking out.
Pat Labor OVAs is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between May 9, 2013 and on Headgear
