Kerberos Panzer Cop
Encyclopedia
Kerberos Panzer Cop, also known as Kerberos Panzer Cops literally , is a 1988 to 2000 Kerberos saga
manga
written by Mamoru Oshii
and illustrated by Kamui Fujiwara
(Studio 2B) with mechanical design by Yutaka Izubuchi
. This comic series tales events prior to those portrayed in Oshii's 1987 live-action feature film
The Red Spectacles
. In 1991, Mamoru Oshii directed the movie StrayDog: Kerberos Panzer Cops which is based on the first volume of Kerberos Panzer Cop. The complete comic series was loosely adapted for the screen in the 1999 animated feature Jin-Roh
directed by Hiroyuki Okiura
and written by Mamoru Oshii.
Part One (Act 1~4) of Kerberos Panzer Cop was published in various Japanese comic magazines from 1988 to 1990, it was later completed with Part Two (Act 5~8) published in Monthly Shōnen Ace from 1999 to 2000. Translated versions of the complete series were issued in South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan in the early 2000s. A sequel named Kerberos Saga: Rainy Dogs was serialized in Ace Tokunoh from 2003 to 2005, then published as an extended single volume in 2005.
An English language adaptation of the first four acts was published under the title Hellhounds: Panzer Cops in 1994 by Dark Horse Comics
. The American translators from Studio Protheus, Alan Gleason and Toren Smith
, randomly used the alternative titles Hellhounds (Cerberos -sic
-: Panzer Cop) and Hellhounds. This adaptation was later issued in the United Kingdom by Diamond Comic Distributors
in 1998, and a translated version was published in the German magazine Manga Power in 1996.
On April 2010, as a twentieth anniversary of the Original Edition (1990 volume compilation), Gakken
publisher will issue Kerberos Panzer Cop a Revision : 20th edition, a planned revised version (Act 1~8) with corrected scenes and "digitally refine" graphics by Kamui Fujiwara. A 16 pages extra Act Kerberos Panzer Cop: Special Issue (前夜-ケルベロス騒乱異聞, zenya - keruberosu souran ibun) was prepublished in Kerberos Panzer Cops: Tokyo War, the Kerberos Saga's definitive guide.
" hellhound
.
The manga ends with the fall of the M.P.'s Special Armed Garrison to the JGSDF's special force
"Molosser
" during a failed coup d'état
in Tokyo. The putschs failing is due to a complex political conspiracy and a harsh struggle for command between rival police administrations. This Kerberos Saga key event is called "Kerberos Riot" (ケルベロス騒乱, keruberosu sōran). Though, three Special Armed Garrison veterans escape, Koichi Todome, Midori Washio and Soichiro Toribe (a.k.a the Devil's Trio).
During the era of high economic growth
, the Metropolitan Police (Shutokei in Japanese, a.k.a. "Capital Police" or "CAPO" in the English adaptation) was born to battle against the anti-government military forces. Especially the conflict between the Special Armed Garrison of the M.P. called "Tokki-tai" was extraordinarily violent. This coloured introductive chapter provides a historical, political and social background of the post-World War II
parallel universe
Japan. Therefore the building of the Tokyo Tower
(1957~1958) as well as the communist students and activists-led (Zengakuren
) anti Japan-US Security Treaty
protests in front of the National Diet Building
(1960) - replaced by fictitious anti Weimar Establishment
movement - were both removed from the English adaptation. The Prologue was replaced by a single page synopsis without any illustration nor actual reference to Japan (known as "the country") and its military occupation (1945~1952) by Germany (replacing the United States). William Shakespeare
's Julius Caesar
quote "Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war" was kept though. However, the Prologue was included in Jin-Rohs opening and it was later detailed in Mamoru Oshii's animated feature Tachiguishi-Retsuden
.
The opening chapter concerns a new recruit of the Metropolitan Police, Toru Inui, who first fails to kill a suicide bomber in the sewer system and later fails to apprehend a suspicious wounded man in the company of an innocent woman escaping from a manhole. The wounded man is shot by M.P. snipers and is revealed to be an armed terrorist. Inui is reassigned to training and his superiors not only wonder why he failed to shoot, but why he transferred into the unit ("perhaps because of the smell of his own kind", one of many stray dog references in the series). He is sent back into the field and while covering the rear of the patrol, comes across the same woman and another injured man. Before he realizes what is going on, the seemingly innocent woman reveals herself to be a terrorist and shoots Inui dead. This first act was loosely adapted for the screen in Jin-Roh.
The second chapter concerns Hachiro Kishu, a helicopter pilot whose dream has been the thrill of flying and the challenge of aerial combat. Stuck to flying recon and traffic patrol on board a Fa-330 gyroglider, Kishu gets his chance when the Metropolitan Police's Aerial Squadron (首都圏上空) is issued a new state-of-the-art assault helicopter prototype (Fa-666 "Jagdhund
") and he has been assigned to fly it. Meanwhile, outside Metropolitan Police Public Security Division agents are tracking down a mole within the Metropolitan Police, but before they can arrest him and his accomplices, the Kerberos 9th Platoon "Schweißhund" raids an accomplice's house, killing much of the cell, but the mole escapes. When the M.P. Public Security Division agents inform their director Bunmei Muroto, while they have not identified the mole, they uncovered a plot to sabotage the Special Armed Garrison's upcoming aerial demonstration. However, in order to avenge his men who had their mission ruined by the Kerberos, Muroto does not inform the M.P. Defense Division's ("Capital Area Security Police Agency" in the English adaptation) director Isao Aniya and allows the parade to go on. The Sect mole, revealed to be aircraft mechanic within the Aeronautical Experiments Platoon, plants a bomb on board the Jagdhund prototype, which explodes during the aerial demonstration. Kishu can only watch in horror as his dream falls to the ground.
Muroto realized the society has evolved since the days of the Metropolitan Police creation, the Kerberos era's end is inevitable ("there's not enough room for two dogs in one dog house. but if you need the bloodline of both dogs you can resolve the situation by mating them..."). Therefore Muroto works against the M.P. Defense Division's interest throughout the series, although it is unclear if Muroto is doing this out of self-interest or for loftier goals. In addition to letting a terrorist bomb the parade flight of the Special Armed Garrison's Jagdhund helicopter, it is revealed that Muroto is planning to merge his M.P. Public Security Division with the rival Self-Police ("Metropolitan Police Force" and "NPA
" are randomly used in the English adaptation) to create "a new public peacekeeping apparatus that has the Public Security Division at its core". A such move implies to dismantle Shiro Tatsumi's Kerberos unit. Knowing that M.P. Defense Division director Isao Aniya may see this as a betrayal after years of faithful service and loyalty and attempt to strike back, Muroto knows that in order for the Metropolitan Police merger to continue, he must publicly discredit or eliminate the Special Armed Garrison. Following a secret meeting with Self-Police Public Security Bureau
officials, he confronts an underling, Tsujimura, of leaking secrets to a friend in the Kerberos unit. M.P. Public Security Division agents come to take Tsujimura away, but unmasking director Muroto's ambition ("say, Boss, who is it the dog is supposed to preserve his bloodline for, anyway?") he pulls a gun on him, forcing the agents to kill Tsujimura. This chapter also foreshadows the downfall of the Special Armored Garrison, when a stray dog finds the corpse of Tsujimura in a junkyard, then wanders next to a large pile of discarded Stahlhelm
helmets, machineguns, and armored personnel carriers
, all presumably from the Kerberos unit, with the gleaming glass office buildings of Tokyo in the background.
The Sect creates a hostage crisis at the German embassy in Japan. If any hostages are killed during the siege, an international incident could erupt. The Kerberos Assault Platoons storm the embassy, eliminating the radicals within minutes. However, the embassy takeover was a diversion by a splinter group of the Sect. The main cell and their leader, Fujiwara, has hijacked a Luft Hansa
Focke-Wulf Fw 200
at the Tokyo International Airport
(a.k.a. Haneda Airport). It is soon revealed that Fujiwara's splinter cell broke off from the Sect following a series of incidents similar to the Special Armed Garrison: the Sect's leadership, behind bars, has compromised with the government and has abandoned its more extremist and violent members, calling themselves the Four Seasons League. The goal of the splinter faction's hijacking is an appointment with glory with the Kerberos unit.
The Kerberos Assault Platoon unit is charged with the capture of Fujiwara ("No one else is to take him") and is dispatched to Haneda Airport, but soon has a conflict over jurisdiction
with the Self-Police, who polices the airport. The jurisdiction conflict comes to a head when the unit commander, Handa, orders the Kerberos unit to ignore the Self-Police's SSG (Spezial Sturm Gruppe, a fictitious special assault unit inspired by the actual GSG 9
) blockade, resulting in a public armed standoff inside the airport terminal
. The resulting backlash quickly dumps the Kerberos unit on the tarmac, where Handa formulates one last plan to capture Fujiwara. Handa has his unit secure a Volkswagen Type 26 service truck and sends Koichi Todome, Midori Washio, and Soichiro Toribe to infiltrate the Fw 200 as caterers delivering food to the hostages, violating the Self-Police's jurisdiction. If they are caught, they can be arrested and the scandal would destroy the Kerberos unit.
Handa launches a diversion as Koichi, Midori and Soichiro storm the plane and kill most of the splinter faction, but before they can fully secure the plane, Fujiwara orders the pilot to takeoff. Koichi, Midori and Soichiro force the plane down by shooting the engines. The plane crash-lands on a landfill on Showa Island and Fujiwara makes his escape. Koichi and Soichiro are in a daze from the crash, but Midori climbs up on the fuselage and begins setting up her Mauser C96
pistol for long-range shooting. Handa and the rest of the Kerberos unit scramble to the crash site, but are beaten by the Self-Police. Fujiwara meets a wall of Self-Police in riot gear, waiting to apprehend him, but instead resisting arrest, he turns to face the distant crashed plane and Midori, who shoots him between the eyes.
Tetsurō Kai, the young leader of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
's (陸上自衛隊) Panzer Jäger Unit (ギア部隊) incorporates the Kerberos organization's Academy Training School (首都警·養成学校) as an undercover trainee. There he met and fall in love with instructor Midori Washio. Special Armoured Suits Type 61 used by the JGSDF's Panzer Jäger special force (a.k.a "Molosser") are publicly unveiled during a military parade at the Mount Fuji
in December 19XX. The JGSDF's 1st Airborne Brigade
(第1空挺団) is modeled after the fictitious World War II
German elit unit (with Special Armored Suits Type 34 "Wolfpelz") which fought and eventually defeated the Soviets at the decisive Battle of Stalingrad
that turned the tide of war (see Kerberos Panzer Jäger
).
The Kerberos organization's reputation worsen further with the Fast Food Grifter Clubbed To Death Case. A Fast Food Grifter (立食師 tachiguishi) that goes by the name Cold Badger Masa is brutally murdered by 7th Platoon "Schäferhund" Kerberos Chuichi Koshiramaru in a stand-and-eat soba
, which is called Mach (マッハ軒・立食) as a reference to Ernst Mach
. The Self-Police quickly arrests Koshiramaru and rumors of an anti-Kerberos conspiracy starts to emerge. Soon another rumor arise, the existence of a self-preservation underground cell within the Kerberos members called Jin-Roh
. The police investigation led by Detective Matsui (from the Patlabor
animation TV series and feature films Oshii directed) unveils the existence of Fast Food Grifters among the society, the most famous of them, Moongaze Ginji (from The Red Spectacles), does a cameo. This Act is taglined "Fast Food Grifter Clubbed to Death Case" (マッハ軒立食師撲殺事件異聞) for it is the comic adaptation of radio drama While Waiting For The Red Spectacles
s eponymous Third night. This event is later adapted for the screen in Tachiguichi-Retsuden.
When two German officials have to come in Japan on a diplomatic trip, hundreds of anti-Weimar Establishment (ワイマール体制) protesters gather at a bridge junction near the airport. As the Self-Police using rubber bullets is overwhelmed by violent rioters enforcing the security barrage and eventually molesting the diplomatic convoy, standing Kerberos, which were sent in for backup, fire over the protesters. This event becomes a political scandal known as "the incident of the 200 killed" (a.k.a. "Park Incident") and the National Public Safety Committee
votes for the Metropolitan Police's dismantlement order. Isao Aniya and Shiro Tatsumi refuse it and instead plan a coup d'état
, then Hajime Handa gathers the three Kerberos companies and delivers a rousing speech. The climactic "Kerberos Riot" is about to begin (see February 26 incident
).
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On February 26 of 19XX, 7:12AM, Tokki-tai Captain Tatsumi Shiro led the 1st Company "Kurzhaar" to Kasumigaseki
-district of most of Japan's cabinet ministry offices- he was supported by Tokki-tai Vice-Chief Hajime Handa's 2nd Company "Langhaar". Forces were respectively about 22 vehicles per 120 men and 31 vehicles per 180 men. Aerial support was granted by the Tokki-tai Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon "Laelaps
" made of 22 men (mechanics and pilots) and 5 Fa-330 gyrogliders. Hachiro Kishu, a.k.a. "Laelaps 4", launched the initial assault against a Self-Police Riot Police patrol at 7:30AM. Laelaps attacked a second patrol at 7:33AM in a joint-assault with the 1st Company. At 7:55AM, the 3rd Company "Drahthaar" led by 9th Platoon "Schweißhund" Platoon Leader Ichirō Kure stormed the Self-Police's (National Police Agency
) governmental building (警察庁・庁舎). While succeeding in taking control of the Self-Police's building the 3rd Company was eventually decimated by Bunmei Muroto's agents who freed the hostages. Following these events Muroto drove to the Prime Minister
's cabinet, Kantei
, to a rendez-vous with Metropolitan Police's (Shutokei) director of division Isao Aniya. At 8:25AM refuelling Laelaps was attacked by Self-Police policemen who killed all mechanics and engineers, all five gyrogliders escaped in extremis though. Laelaps fought back and killed the Self-Police agents. At 8:32AM 1st Company and 2nd Company bessieged the Self-Police HQ -Tokyo M.P.D.-
(警視庁庁舎) with Laelaps harassing the defenders until Handa ordered the all-out assault. Shortly after, three incoming Japan Air Self-Defense Force
(航空自衛隊) fighters Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1j
were spotted by Laelaps 4. At 9:05AM, Hachiro Tohbe and a fellow 2nd Company veteran instructor are sharing their last cigarette as the Kerberos Academy Training School "Zucht Schanze" is going under siege by the Self-Police's Riot Police. 11:55AM, Tatsumi Shiro and Hajime Handa are reporting the situation from the Self-Police director's office before Protect Gear-dressed Shiro prepares to launch the final battle. 12:00AM, Shiro exits the Kerberos-held Self-Police HQ which is now under siege by the JGSDF's 1st Airborne Brigade. As Shiro leads his men rushing toward the Panzer Jäger Trooper (Molosser) lines, Tetsurō Kai shouts "fire!!". During the fierce battle, Koichi Todome, Midori Washio and Soichiro Toribe runaway on board a kübelwagen toward the docks (see The Red Spectacles
).
. The motion picture's introduction is the direct sequel of the event which is fully described in Kerberos Panzer Cop volume 2, act 8.
is a 1991 live-action film adaptation of Kerberos Panzer Cop volume 1. The motion picture's opening scene is part of the "Kerberos Riot" event which is years later fully described in Kerberos Panzer Cop volume 2, act 8. Also the character named Toru Inui shares some background with act 1's main character, Inui
.
feature Jin-Roh
is an adaptation of Parts I & II of Kerberos Panzer Cop. Jin-Roh is about a major conspiracy against the Kerberos organization taking part in Tokyo during the 1950s. The main character, Kazuki Fuse, was created after Inui, a Kerberos performed by Yoshikatsu Fujiki, in the 1991 live-action adaptation and also featured in the manga. The manga and original story's Todomo-Washio-Toribe trio was removed and the "Kerberos Riot" event was simplified and replaced by a self conservation unit, the "Jin-Roh Brigade". The original storyboard by Oshii was modified by director Okiura, notably with the addition of romantic scenes.
is a manga sequel, serialized from 2003 to 2004 in Ace Tokunoh magazine. It was published as a single volume in 2005 by Kadokawa Shoten
.
Magazine serializations, Original, Complete and Kerberos Saga editions are standard B5 (25.7 cm x 18.2 cm / 10.1" x 7.2"). Popular edition is A5 size (21 cm x 14.8 cm) and Frozen edition is B6 size (18 cm x 13 cm). Additional contents such as prologues, production notes, scenarios, organization charts, glossary, staff interviews and bibliographies are always included in tankōbon
editions to explain the Kerberos Saga's complex background.
Amazing Comics serialization (Act1~2 / B5)
Kerberos Panzer Cop was first published in October 1988 through Amazing Comics
(アメージング·コミックス), a Science fiction
/Horror
two-monthly comics magazine published from 1988 to 1989 by Kasakura Shuppansha.
Combat Comic serialization (Act1~4 / B5)
After Amazing Comics last issue in April 1989, Kerberos Panzer Cop: Part I serialization restarted in Combat Comic (コンバットコミック), a monthly SF and Fantasy
comic magazine published from 1985 to 1990 by Nihon Shuppansha. Part One (Act1~4) was completed in July 1990.
Original edition (Part I / B5)
In December 1990 Nihon Shuppansha compiled Kerberos Panzer Cop: Part One in a single paperback volume with the original cheap paper quality and B5 size kept (25.7 cm x 18.2 cm). This original edition features a curved silver dust jacket cover. A white obi strip
promoting the StrayDog theatrical adaptation's March 1991 roadshow ("映画化公開決定!") was included over the dust jacket cover.
Popular edition (Part I / A5)
Re-issue of the 1990 Original edition by Nihon Shuppansha. Paper size is smaller than the original B5 edition (now 21 cm x 14.8 cm) but the paper quality is a bit better. Half of the bonus material was removed though for a budget release.
Monthly Shōnen Ace serialization (Act5~8 / B5)
The sequel and completion of Kerberos Panzer Cop, featuring Acts 5~8 (第二部, Part 2) was published in Monthly Shōnen Ace
(月刊少年エース, Gekkan Shōnen Esu) monthly comics magazine, property of Kadokawa Shoten
. Kerberos Panzer Cop was completed in January 2000.
Frozen edition (Part I & II / B6)
The "Frozen version" is a 2-volume renewal edition. The first volume is a reissue of the 1993 Popular edition, though it is a smaller format (18 cm x 13 cm) but the paper quality is even better (supercalendered). The second volume is the first ever compilation of Kerberos Panzer Cop Part II. It is dubbed "Conclusion" and was issued as a 10th anniversary of the Original edition, and also to coincide with the release of the theatrical adaptation, Jin-Roh, in Japan. Both volumes were issued within illustrator Kamui Fujiwara's works collection reissue.
Complete edition (Part I & II / B5+CD)
The Zen edition is a boxset reissue of the Frozen version including Acts 1~8 in a +400 pages single volume bundled with goodies. As a collector item it was packaged in a white carton box bearing a "Zen" sticker and including a deluxe black carton boxset (with grey obi), three original B5 postcards, the drama CD version of While Waiting For The Red Spectacles
("Radio Kerberos"), the revised script for While Waiting For The Red Spectacles and various appendices. A limited Kerberos Panzer Cop Kubrick
(Protect-Gear '92) was offered to first print pre-orderers on Kadokawa's website. The "Zen" (literally "complete book") edition was produced in small quantities sold 5,800¥ (+51$).
Kerberos Saga edition (Part I / B5)
Single act releases reissue in B5 format by Barque (Raiden company) through the Kerberos Saga official website. Kerberos Panzer Cops (with the plural form as in the live-action film StrayDog) is used instead of the original title Kerberos Panzer Cop.
Kerberos saga
The is a military science fiction franchise and alternate history universe created by the Japanese writer and filmmaker Mamoru Oshii in 1986. The saga is centered around the fictitious Tokyo police Special Armed Garrison which emblem and nickname is Kerberos , the mythological three-headed...
manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
written by Mamoru Oshii
Mamoru Oshii
Mamoru Oshii is a Japanese filmmaker, television director, and writer. Famous for his philosophy-oriented storytelling, Oshii has directed a number of popular anime, including Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer, Ghost in the Shell, and Patlabor 2...
and illustrated by Kamui Fujiwara
Kamui Fujiwara
is a Japanese character designer and manga artist. Fujiwara's father was a soldier in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. He excelled in mathematics and computer science when in grade school. He graduated from the Kuwasawa Design School, which is attached to Tokyo Zokei University...
(Studio 2B) with mechanical design by Yutaka Izubuchi
Yutaka Izubuchi
is a Japanese anime designer and director. Izubuchi is credited for designing costumes, characters and creatures, but most of his designs are mechanical...
. This comic series tales events prior to those portrayed in Oshii's 1987 live-action feature film
Feature film
In the film industry, a feature film is a film production made for initial distribution in theaters and being the main attraction of the screening, rather than a short film screened before it; a full length movie...
The Red Spectacles
The Red Spectacles
is a 1987 absurdist, surrealist Japanese film directed by Mamoru Oshii, co-written with Kazunori Ito, and starring Shigeru Chiba and Mako Hyodo.This is the first film of the Kerberos saga and last episode in Oshii's Orwellian Watchdog of Hell feature trilogy.-Chronicles:Kerberos saga historical...
. In 1991, Mamoru Oshii directed the movie StrayDog: Kerberos Panzer Cops which is based on the first volume of Kerberos Panzer Cop. The complete comic series was loosely adapted for the screen in the 1999 animated feature Jin-Roh
Jin-Roh
is a 1999 Japanese animated feature film directed by Hiroyuki Okiura. The film is the third adaptation of Mamoru Oshii's Kerberos saga manga, Ken-Roh Densetsu, after The Red Spectacles released in 1987 and StrayDog: Kerberos Panzer Cops released in 1991 in Japanese theaters.The film takes place in...
directed by Hiroyuki Okiura
Hiroyuki Okiura
is a Japanese animation director and animator.Okiura, who entered the industry at the age of 16 with no academic background , is known for his detailed effects animation in, for example, the chopper attack scene in Patlabor The Movie 2, and more recently his highly realistic character animation in...
and written by Mamoru Oshii.
Part One (Act 1~4) of Kerberos Panzer Cop was published in various Japanese comic magazines from 1988 to 1990, it was later completed with Part Two (Act 5~8) published in Monthly Shōnen Ace from 1999 to 2000. Translated versions of the complete series were issued in South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan in the early 2000s. A sequel named Kerberos Saga: Rainy Dogs was serialized in Ace Tokunoh from 2003 to 2005, then published as an extended single volume in 2005.
An English language adaptation of the first four acts was published under the title Hellhounds: Panzer Cops in 1994 by Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent American comic book and manga publisher.Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals. Richardson started out by opening his first comic book...
. The American translators from Studio Protheus, Alan Gleason and Toren Smith
Toren Smith
Toren Smith is a manga translator and founder of Studio Proteus. He was born in Alberta, Canada, learned to read by the age of four, and by the age of 12 had won his first award for writing from the Calgary Stampede and Exhibition. By thirteen he had sold his first magazine article, an...
, randomly used the alternative titles Hellhounds (Cerberos -sic
Sic
Sic—generally inside square brackets, [sic], and occasionally parentheses, —when added just after a quote or reprinted text, indicates the passage appears exactly as in the original source...
-: Panzer Cop) and Hellhounds. This adaptation was later issued in the United Kingdom by Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. is the largest comic book distributor serving North America. They transport comic books from both big and small comic book publishers, or suppliers, to the retailers. Diamond dominates the direct market in the United States, and has exclusive arrangements with most...
in 1998, and a translated version was published in the German magazine Manga Power in 1996.
On April 2010, as a twentieth anniversary of the Original Edition (1990 volume compilation), Gakken
Gakken
is a Japanese publishing company founded in 1947 by Hideto Furuoka, which also produces educational toys. Their annual sales is reported at ¥ 821 billion ....
publisher will issue Kerberos Panzer Cop a Revision : 20th edition, a planned revised version (Act 1~8) with corrected scenes and "digitally refine" graphics by Kamui Fujiwara. A 16 pages extra Act Kerberos Panzer Cop: Special Issue (前夜-ケルベロス騒乱異聞, zenya - keruberosu souran ibun) was prepublished in Kerberos Panzer Cops: Tokyo War, the Kerberos Saga's definitive guide.
Plot
Kerberos Panzer Cop is more of an anthology of vignettes depicting "incidents", eight acts, all of which contribute to the tale of the closing battles between Antigovernment urban guerrilla organizations, such as The Sect, and the Metropolitan Police's (M.P.) Special Armed Garrison nicknamed "", the Greek word for the mythological "CerberusCerberus
Cerberus , or Kerberos, in Greek and Roman mythology, is a multi-headed hound which guards the gates of the Underworld, to prevent those who have crossed the river Styx from ever escaping...
" hellhound
Hellhound
A hellhound is a supernatural dog, found in folklore. A wide variety of ominous or hellish supernatural dogs occur in mythologies around the world, similar to the ubiquitous dragon...
.
The manga ends with the fall of the M.P.'s Special Armed Garrison to the JGSDF's special force
Special Force
Special Force is a first-person shooter military video game, published by Hezbollah, created using the Genesis 3D engine. The game is set in a 3D environment, in which the player takes the role of a Hezbollah combatant fighting the IDF...
"Molosser
Molosser
Molosser is a category of large, solidly-built dog that includes several breeds, probably all descended from the same root stock. The name derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus, ancient Greece, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus.The proper noun "Mastiff", however,...
" during a failed coup d'état
Coup d'état
A coup d'état state, literally: strike/blow of state)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden, extrajudicial deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either...
in Tokyo. The putschs failing is due to a complex political conspiracy and a harsh struggle for command between rival police administrations. This Kerberos Saga key event is called "Kerberos Riot" (ケルベロス騒乱, keruberosu sōran). Though, three Special Armed Garrison veterans escape, Koichi Todome, Midori Washio and Soichiro Toribe (a.k.a the Devil's Trio).
During the era of high economic growth
Japanese post-war economic miracle
The Japanese post-war economic miracle is the name given to the historical phenomenon of Japan's record period of economic growth following World War II, spurred mainly by Japanese economic policy, in particular through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry...
, the Metropolitan Police (Shutokei in Japanese, a.k.a. "Capital Police" or "CAPO" in the English adaptation) was born to battle against the anti-government military forces. Especially the conflict between the Special Armed Garrison of the M.P. called "Tokki-tai" was extraordinarily violent. This coloured introductive chapter provides a historical, political and social background of the post-World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
parallel universe
Parallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
Japan. Therefore the building of the Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
is a communications and observation tower located in Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. At , it is the second tallest artificial structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower that is painted white and international orange to comply with air safety regulations.Built in...
(1957~1958) as well as the communist students and activists-led (Zengakuren
Zengakuren
Founded in 1948, Zengakuren is a communist / anarchist league of students in Japan. The word is an abridgement of which literally means “All-Japan League of Student Self-Government.” Notable for organizing protests and marches, Zengakuren has been involved in Japan’s Anti-Red Purge Movement,...
) anti Japan-US Security Treaty
Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan
The was signed between the United States and Japan in Washington, D.C. on January 19, 1960. It strengthened Japan's ties to the West during the Cold War era...
protests in front of the National Diet Building
National Diet Building
The is the place where both houses of the Diet of Japan meet. It is located at 1-chome, Nagatachō, Chiyoda, Tokyo.Sessions of the House of Representatives take place in the left wing and sessions of the House of Councillors in the right wing....
(1960) - replaced by fictitious anti Weimar Establishment
Weimar Republic
The Weimar Republic is the name given by historians to the parliamentary republic established in 1919 in Germany to replace the imperial form of government...
movement - were both removed from the English adaptation. The Prologue was replaced by a single page synopsis without any illustration nor actual reference to Japan (known as "the country") and its military occupation (1945~1952) by Germany (replacing the United States). William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"...
's Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar (play)
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, also known simply as Julius Caesar, is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1599. It portrays the 44 BC conspiracy against...
quote "Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war" was kept though. However, the Prologue was included in Jin-Rohs opening and it was later detailed in Mamoru Oshii's animated feature Tachiguishi-Retsuden
Tachiguishi-Retsuden
is a 2006 animation movie directed by Japanese filmmaker Mamoru Oshii, who also wrote the eponymous novel on which the film was based. Both works are part of the "Kerberos saga"...
.
The opening chapter concerns a new recruit of the Metropolitan Police, Toru Inui, who first fails to kill a suicide bomber in the sewer system and later fails to apprehend a suspicious wounded man in the company of an innocent woman escaping from a manhole. The wounded man is shot by M.P. snipers and is revealed to be an armed terrorist. Inui is reassigned to training and his superiors not only wonder why he failed to shoot, but why he transferred into the unit ("perhaps because of the smell of his own kind", one of many stray dog references in the series). He is sent back into the field and while covering the rear of the patrol, comes across the same woman and another injured man. Before he realizes what is going on, the seemingly innocent woman reveals herself to be a terrorist and shoots Inui dead. This first act was loosely adapted for the screen in Jin-Roh.
The second chapter concerns Hachiro Kishu, a helicopter pilot whose dream has been the thrill of flying and the challenge of aerial combat. Stuck to flying recon and traffic patrol on board a Fa-330 gyroglider, Kishu gets his chance when the Metropolitan Police's Aerial Squadron (首都圏上空) is issued a new state-of-the-art assault helicopter prototype (Fa-666 "Jagdhund
Hunting dog
A hunting dog refers to any dog who assists humans in hunting. There are several types of hunting dogs developed for various tasks. The major categories of hunting dogs include hounds, terriers, dachshunds, cur type dogs, and gun dogs...
") and he has been assigned to fly it. Meanwhile, outside Metropolitan Police Public Security Division agents are tracking down a mole within the Metropolitan Police, but before they can arrest him and his accomplices, the Kerberos 9th Platoon "Schweißhund" raids an accomplice's house, killing much of the cell, but the mole escapes. When the M.P. Public Security Division agents inform their director Bunmei Muroto, while they have not identified the mole, they uncovered a plot to sabotage the Special Armed Garrison's upcoming aerial demonstration. However, in order to avenge his men who had their mission ruined by the Kerberos, Muroto does not inform the M.P. Defense Division's ("Capital Area Security Police Agency" in the English adaptation) director Isao Aniya and allows the parade to go on. The Sect mole, revealed to be aircraft mechanic within the Aeronautical Experiments Platoon, plants a bomb on board the Jagdhund prototype, which explodes during the aerial demonstration. Kishu can only watch in horror as his dream falls to the ground.
Muroto realized the society has evolved since the days of the Metropolitan Police creation, the Kerberos era's end is inevitable ("there's not enough room for two dogs in one dog house. but if you need the bloodline of both dogs you can resolve the situation by mating them..."). Therefore Muroto works against the M.P. Defense Division's interest throughout the series, although it is unclear if Muroto is doing this out of self-interest or for loftier goals. In addition to letting a terrorist bomb the parade flight of the Special Armed Garrison's Jagdhund helicopter, it is revealed that Muroto is planning to merge his M.P. Public Security Division with the rival Self-Police ("Metropolitan Police Force" and "NPA
National Police Agency (Japan)
The is an agency administered by the National Public Safety Commission of the Cabinet Office in the cabinet of Japan, and is the central coordinating agency of the Japanese police system....
" are randomly used in the English adaptation) to create "a new public peacekeeping apparatus that has the Public Security Division at its core". A such move implies to dismantle Shiro Tatsumi's Kerberos unit. Knowing that M.P. Defense Division director Isao Aniya may see this as a betrayal after years of faithful service and loyalty and attempt to strike back, Muroto knows that in order for the Metropolitan Police merger to continue, he must publicly discredit or eliminate the Special Armed Garrison. Following a secret meeting with Self-Police Public Security Bureau
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Public Security Bureau
The is a bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department in charge of public security with jurisdiction over Tokyo metropolis. It has a force of more than 2,000 officers....
officials, he confronts an underling, Tsujimura, of leaking secrets to a friend in the Kerberos unit. M.P. Public Security Division agents come to take Tsujimura away, but unmasking director Muroto's ambition ("say, Boss, who is it the dog is supposed to preserve his bloodline for, anyway?") he pulls a gun on him, forcing the agents to kill Tsujimura. This chapter also foreshadows the downfall of the Special Armored Garrison, when a stray dog finds the corpse of Tsujimura in a junkyard, then wanders next to a large pile of discarded Stahlhelm
Stahlhelm
Stahlhelm is German for "steel helmet". The Imperial German Army began to replace the traditional boiled-leather Pickelhaube with the Stahlhelm during World War I in 1916...
helmets, machineguns, and armored personnel carriers
Armoured personnel carrier
An armoured personnel carrier is an armoured fighting vehicle designed to transport infantry to the battlefield.APCs are usually armed with only a machine gun although variants carry recoilless rifles, anti-tank guided missiles , or mortars...
, all presumably from the Kerberos unit, with the gleaming glass office buildings of Tokyo in the background.
Deutsche Luft Hansa
Deutsche Luft Hansa A.G. was a German airline, serving as flag carrier of the country during the later years of the Weimar Republic and throughout the Third Reich.-1920s:Deutsche Luft Hansa was founded on 6 January 1926 in Berlin...
Focke-Wulf Fw 200
Focke-Wulf Fw 200
The Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor, also known as Kurier to the Allies was a German all-metal four-engine monoplane originally developed by Focke-Wulf as a long-range airliner...
at the Tokyo International Airport
Tokyo International Airport
, commonly known as , is one of the two primary airports that serve the Greater Tokyo Area in Japan. It is located in Ōta, Tokyo, south of Tokyo Station....
(a.k.a. Haneda Airport). It is soon revealed that Fujiwara's splinter cell broke off from the Sect following a series of incidents similar to the Special Armed Garrison: the Sect's leadership, behind bars, has compromised with the government and has abandoned its more extremist and violent members, calling themselves the Four Seasons League. The goal of the splinter faction's hijacking is an appointment with glory with the Kerberos unit.
The Kerberos Assault Platoon unit is charged with the capture of Fujiwara ("No one else is to take him") and is dispatched to Haneda Airport, but soon has a conflict over jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction is the practical authority granted to a formally constituted legal body or to a political leader to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility...
with the Self-Police, who polices the airport. The jurisdiction conflict comes to a head when the unit commander, Handa, orders the Kerberos unit to ignore the Self-Police's SSG (Spezial Sturm Gruppe, a fictitious special assault unit inspired by the actual GSG 9
GSG 9
The GSG 9 der Bundespolizei , is the elite counter-terrorism and special operations unit of the German Federal Police.-History and name:...
) blockade, resulting in a public armed standoff inside the airport terminal
Airport terminal
An airport terminal is a building at an airport where passengers transfer between ground transportation and the facilities that allow them to board and disembark from aircraft....
. The resulting backlash quickly dumps the Kerberos unit on the tarmac, where Handa formulates one last plan to capture Fujiwara. Handa has his unit secure a Volkswagen Type 26 service truck and sends Koichi Todome, Midori Washio, and Soichiro Toribe to infiltrate the Fw 200 as caterers delivering food to the hostages, violating the Self-Police's jurisdiction. If they are caught, they can be arrested and the scandal would destroy the Kerberos unit.
Handa launches a diversion as Koichi, Midori and Soichiro storm the plane and kill most of the splinter faction, but before they can fully secure the plane, Fujiwara orders the pilot to takeoff. Koichi, Midori and Soichiro force the plane down by shooting the engines. The plane crash-lands on a landfill on Showa Island and Fujiwara makes his escape. Koichi and Soichiro are in a daze from the crash, but Midori climbs up on the fuselage and begins setting up her Mauser C96
Mauser C96
The Mauser C96 is a semi-automatic pistol that was originally produced by German arms manufacturer Mauser from 1896 to 1937...
pistol for long-range shooting. Handa and the rest of the Kerberos unit scramble to the crash site, but are beaten by the Self-Police. Fujiwara meets a wall of Self-Police in riot gear, waiting to apprehend him, but instead resisting arrest, he turns to face the distant crashed plane and Midori, who shoots him between the eyes.
Tetsurō Kai, the young leader of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
The , or JGSDF, is the army of Japan. The largest of the three services of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Ground Self-Defense Force operates under the command of the chief of the ground staff, based in the city of Ichigaya, Tokyo. The present chief of ground staff is General Yoshifumi Hibako...
's (陸上自衛隊) Panzer Jäger Unit (ギア部隊) incorporates the Kerberos organization's Academy Training School (首都警·養成学校) as an undercover trainee. There he met and fall in love with instructor Midori Washio. Special Armoured Suits Type 61 used by the JGSDF's Panzer Jäger special force (a.k.a "Molosser") are publicly unveiled during a military parade at the Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji
is the highest mountain in Japan at . An active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707–08, Mount Fuji lies about south-west of Tokyo, and can be seen from there on a clear day. Mount Fuji's exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and...
in December 19XX. The JGSDF's 1st Airborne Brigade
1st Airborne Brigade (Japan)
The , also known as the Narashino Airborne Brigade , is stationed in the Narashino Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Base in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. It is part of the Eastern Army in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force...
(第1空挺団) is modeled after the fictitious World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
German elit unit (with Special Armored Suits Type 34 "Wolfpelz") which fought and eventually defeated the Soviets at the decisive Battle of Stalingrad
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a major battle of World War II in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad in southwestern Russia. The battle took place between 23 August 1942 and 2 February 1943...
that turned the tide of war (see Kerberos Panzer Jäger
Kerberos Panzer Jäger
Kerberos Panzer Jäger is a 2006 radio drama series based on a story written by Japanese filmmaker and novelist Mamoru Oshii...
).
The Kerberos organization's reputation worsen further with the Fast Food Grifter Clubbed To Death Case. A Fast Food Grifter (立食師 tachiguishi) that goes by the name Cold Badger Masa is brutally murdered by 7th Platoon "Schäferhund" Kerberos Chuichi Koshiramaru in a stand-and-eat soba
Soba
is the Japanese name for buckwheat. It is synonymous with a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour, and in Japan can refer to any thin noodle . Soba noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup...
, which is called Mach (マッハ軒・立食) as a reference to Ernst Mach
Ernst Mach
Ernst Mach was an Austrian physicist and philosopher, noted for his contributions to physics such as the Mach number and the study of shock waves...
. The Self-Police quickly arrests Koshiramaru and rumors of an anti-Kerberos conspiracy starts to emerge. Soon another rumor arise, the existence of a self-preservation underground cell within the Kerberos members called Jin-Roh
Jin-Roh
is a 1999 Japanese animated feature film directed by Hiroyuki Okiura. The film is the third adaptation of Mamoru Oshii's Kerberos saga manga, Ken-Roh Densetsu, after The Red Spectacles released in 1987 and StrayDog: Kerberos Panzer Cops released in 1991 in Japanese theaters.The film takes place in...
. The police investigation led by Detective Matsui (from the Patlabor
Patlabor
Patlabor also known as , is an anime and manga franchise created by Headgear, a group consisting of director Mamoru Oshii, writer Kazunori Itō, mecha designer Yutaka Izubuchi, character designer Akemi Takada, and manga artist Masami Yūki.The popular franchise included a manga, a TV series, two OVA...
animation TV series and feature films Oshii directed) unveils the existence of Fast Food Grifters among the society, the most famous of them, Moongaze Ginji (from The Red Spectacles), does a cameo. This Act is taglined "Fast Food Grifter Clubbed to Death Case" (マッハ軒立食師撲殺事件異聞) for it is the comic adaptation of radio drama While Waiting For The Red Spectacles
While Waiting For The Red Spectacles
is a 1987 radio drama written and directed by Mamoru Oshii. The music is composed and performed by Kenji Kawai.It was released in 2000 as a limited CD drama bundled with Kerberos Panzer Cop: Complete Book [Zen] edition.-Kerberos:...
s eponymous Third night. This event is later adapted for the screen in Tachiguichi-Retsuden.
When two German officials have to come in Japan on a diplomatic trip, hundreds of anti-Weimar Establishment (ワイマール体制) protesters gather at a bridge junction near the airport. As the Self-Police using rubber bullets is overwhelmed by violent rioters enforcing the security barrage and eventually molesting the diplomatic convoy, standing Kerberos, which were sent in for backup, fire over the protesters. This event becomes a political scandal known as "the incident of the 200 killed" (a.k.a. "Park Incident") and the National Public Safety Committee
National Public Safety Commission (Japan)
The is a Japanese Cabinet Office commission. It is headquartered in the 2nd Building of the Central Common Government Office at 2-1-2 Kasumigasaeki in Chiyoda, Tokyo....
votes for the Metropolitan Police's dismantlement order. Isao Aniya and Shiro Tatsumi refuse it and instead plan a coup d'état
Coup d'état
A coup d'état state, literally: strike/blow of state)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden, extrajudicial deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either...
, then Hajime Handa gathers the three Kerberos companies and delivers a rousing speech. The climactic "Kerberos Riot" is about to begin (see February 26 incident
February 26 Incident
The was an attempted coup d'état in Japan, from February 26 to 29, 1936 carried out by 1,483 troops of the Imperial Japanese Army. Several leading politicians were killed and the center of Tokyo was briefly occupied by the rebelling troops...
).
Kasumigaseki
Kasumigaseki is a district in Chiyoda Ward in Tokyo, Japan. It is the location of most of Japan's cabinet ministry offices...
-district of most of Japan's cabinet ministry offices- he was supported by Tokki-tai Vice-Chief Hajime Handa's 2nd Company "Langhaar". Forces were respectively about 22 vehicles per 120 men and 31 vehicles per 180 men. Aerial support was granted by the Tokki-tai Aerial Reconnaissance Platoon "Laelaps
Laelaps (mythology)
Laelaps was a Greek mythological dog who never failed to catch what he was hunting. In one version of Laelaps' origin, he was a gift from Zeus to Europa. The hound was passed down to King Minos. Minos had been cursed by his wife; he ejaculated scorpions and spiders that would devour the genitals...
" made of 22 men (mechanics and pilots) and 5 Fa-330 gyrogliders. Hachiro Kishu, a.k.a. "Laelaps 4", launched the initial assault against a Self-Police Riot Police patrol at 7:30AM. Laelaps attacked a second patrol at 7:33AM in a joint-assault with the 1st Company. At 7:55AM, the 3rd Company "Drahthaar" led by 9th Platoon "Schweißhund" Platoon Leader Ichirō Kure stormed the Self-Police's (National Police Agency
National Police Agency (Japan)
The is an agency administered by the National Public Safety Commission of the Cabinet Office in the cabinet of Japan, and is the central coordinating agency of the Japanese police system....
) governmental building (警察庁・庁舎). While succeeding in taking control of the Self-Police's building the 3rd Company was eventually decimated by Bunmei Muroto's agents who freed the hostages. Following these events Muroto drove to the Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Japan
The is the head of government of Japan. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members, and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office...
's cabinet, Kantei
Kantei
The is the principal workplace of the Prime Minister of Japan.- About :Located at 2-3-1 Nagata-chō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8968, it is diagonally adjacent to the National Diet Building. The new residence went into service in April 2002 and replaced the former residence, built in 1929. The former...
, to a rendez-vous with Metropolitan Police's (Shutokei) director of division Isao Aniya. At 8:25AM refuelling Laelaps was attacked by Self-Police policemen who killed all mechanics and engineers, all five gyrogliders escaped in extremis though. Laelaps fought back and killed the Self-Police agents. At 8:32AM 1st Company and 2nd Company bessieged the Self-Police HQ -Tokyo M.P.D.-
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department serves as the police force for the entire Tokyo metropolis. Founded in 1874, it is headed by a superintendent general, who is appointed by the National Public Safety Commission and approved by the prime minister.The Metropolitan Police, with a staff of more...
(警視庁庁舎) with Laelaps harassing the defenders until Handa ordered the all-out assault. Shortly after, three incoming Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
The , or JASDF, is the aviation branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces responsible for the defense of Japanese airspace and other aerospace operations. The JASDF carries out combat air patrols around Japan, while also maintaining an extensive network of ground and air early warning radar systems...
(航空自衛隊) fighters Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1j
Messerschmitt Me 262
The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but engine problems prevented the aircraft from attaining operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944...
were spotted by Laelaps 4. At 9:05AM, Hachiro Tohbe and a fellow 2nd Company veteran instructor are sharing their last cigarette as the Kerberos Academy Training School "Zucht Schanze" is going under siege by the Self-Police's Riot Police. 11:55AM, Tatsumi Shiro and Hajime Handa are reporting the situation from the Self-Police director's office before Protect Gear-dressed Shiro prepares to launch the final battle. 12:00AM, Shiro exits the Kerberos-held Self-Police HQ which is now under siege by the JGSDF's 1st Airborne Brigade. As Shiro leads his men rushing toward the Panzer Jäger Trooper (Molosser) lines, Tetsurō Kai shouts "fire!!". During the fierce battle, Koichi Todome, Midori Washio and Soichiro Toribe runaway on board a kübelwagen toward the docks (see The Red Spectacles
The Red Spectacles
is a 1987 absurdist, surrealist Japanese film directed by Mamoru Oshii, co-written with Kazunori Ito, and starring Shigeru Chiba and Mako Hyodo.This is the first film of the Kerberos saga and last episode in Oshii's Orwellian Watchdog of Hell feature trilogy.-Chronicles:Kerberos saga historical...
).
Special Issue
The Special Issue tales the following of the "Park Incident" (Act 7) with Midori Washio, Soichiro Toribe, Koichi Todome and Kurosaki.The Red Spectacles
Kerberos Panzer Cop is a manga adaptation of Mamoru Oshii's 1987's live-action film The Red SpectaclesThe Red Spectacles
is a 1987 absurdist, surrealist Japanese film directed by Mamoru Oshii, co-written with Kazunori Ito, and starring Shigeru Chiba and Mako Hyodo.This is the first film of the Kerberos saga and last episode in Oshii's Orwellian Watchdog of Hell feature trilogy.-Chronicles:Kerberos saga historical...
. The motion picture's introduction is the direct sequel of the event which is fully described in Kerberos Panzer Cop volume 2, act 8.
Stray Dog: Kerberos Panzer Cops
Stray Dog: Kerberos Panzer CopsStray Dog: Kerberos Panzer Cops
StrayDog: Kerberos Panzer Cops, lit. , a 1991 Japanese film directed by Mamoru Oshii and starring Shigeru Chiba and Yoshikatsu Fujiki. It is the first theatrical film related to the Kerberos saga manga Kerberos Panzer Cop, the second one being Jin-Roh .-Overview:This film is the second episode of...
is a 1991 live-action film adaptation of Kerberos Panzer Cop volume 1. The motion picture's opening scene is part of the "Kerberos Riot" event which is years later fully described in Kerberos Panzer Cop volume 2, act 8. Also the character named Toru Inui shares some background with act 1's main character, Inui
Inui
-People:*Emi Inui , Japanese Olympic softball player*Kurumi Inui , Japanese novelist and mystery writer*Sekihiko Inui, Japanese manga artist*Takashi Inui , Japanese association football player-Characters:...
.
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
The animatedAnime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
feature Jin-Roh
Jin-Roh
is a 1999 Japanese animated feature film directed by Hiroyuki Okiura. The film is the third adaptation of Mamoru Oshii's Kerberos saga manga, Ken-Roh Densetsu, after The Red Spectacles released in 1987 and StrayDog: Kerberos Panzer Cops released in 1991 in Japanese theaters.The film takes place in...
is an adaptation of Parts I & II of Kerberos Panzer Cop. Jin-Roh is about a major conspiracy against the Kerberos organization taking part in Tokyo during the 1950s. The main character, Kazuki Fuse, was created after Inui, a Kerberos performed by Yoshikatsu Fujiki, in the 1991 live-action adaptation and also featured in the manga. The manga and original story's Todomo-Washio-Toribe trio was removed and the "Kerberos Riot" event was simplified and replaced by a self conservation unit, the "Jin-Roh Brigade". The original storyboard by Oshii was modified by director Okiura, notably with the addition of romantic scenes.
Kerberos Saga: Rainy Dogs
Kerberos Saga Rainy DogsKerberos Saga Rainy Dogs
Kerberos Saga Rainy Dogs, . Hayashi . .]]Kerberos Koichi Todome chases elite sniper Eito Kurosaki a.k.a. "Afghan Hound" in Asia with a vengeance. During the Kerberos Riot event , Kurosaki betrayed the Special Armed Garrison by letting know Bunmei Muroto about the coup d'état...
is a manga sequel, serialized from 2003 to 2004 in Ace Tokunoh magazine. It was published as a single volume in 2005 by Kadokawa Shoten
Kadokawa Shoten
is a well-known Japanese publishing company based in Tokyo, Japan. Kadokawa has published both manga novels and magazines, such as Newtype magazine...
.
Issues
As a hit series, various editions and reissues were released since 1988 to present day. Not only the paper size differs from one issue to another but also the bonus material.Magazine serializations, Original, Complete and Kerberos Saga editions are standard B5 (25.7 cm x 18.2 cm / 10.1" x 7.2"). Popular edition is A5 size (21 cm x 14.8 cm) and Frozen edition is B6 size (18 cm x 13 cm). Additional contents such as prologues, production notes, scenarios, organization charts, glossary, staff interviews and bibliographies are always included in tankōbon
Tankobon
, with a literal meaning close to "independently appearing book", is the Japanese term for a book that is complete in itself and is not part of a series , though the manga industry uses it for volumes which may be in a series...
editions to explain the Kerberos Saga's complex background.
Amazing Comics serialization (Act1~2 / B5)
Kerberos Panzer Cop was first published in October 1988 through Amazing Comics
Amazing Comics
was a bi-monthly manga magazine in Japan published by Kasakura Shuppansha. Publication started in April 1989 and ended in May 1990 with issue #5. Amazing Comics quickly focused on "SF & Horror" manga series, and famous were published including Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira , Mamoru Oshii's Kerberos...
(アメージング·コミックス), a Science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
/Horror
Horror fiction
Horror fiction also Horror fantasy is a philosophy of literature, which is intended to, or has the capacity to frighten its readers, inducing feelings of horror and terror. It creates an eerie atmosphere. Horror can be either supernatural or non-supernatural...
two-monthly comics magazine published from 1988 to 1989 by Kasakura Shuppansha.
| Release | Magazine | Title | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988.10 | アメージング·コミックス 第2号 Amazing Comics #2 |
犬狼伝説 Kerberos Panzer Cop |
第1話: 捨て犬 Act 1: The Forsaken Dog |
| 1989.02 | アメージング·コミックス 第4号 Amazing Comics #4 |
犬狼伝説 Kerberos Panzer Cop |
第2話 前編: 猟犬 Act 2: The Hound part 1 |
| 1989.04 | アメージング·コミックス 第5号 Amazing Comics #5 |
犬狼伝説 Kerberos Panzer Cop |
第2話 後編: 猟犬 Act 2: The Hound part 2 |
Combat Comic serialization (Act1~4 / B5)
After Amazing Comics last issue in April 1989, Kerberos Panzer Cop: Part I serialization restarted in Combat Comic (コンバットコミック), a monthly SF and Fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
comic magazine published from 1985 to 1990 by Nihon Shuppansha. Part One (Act1~4) was completed in July 1990.
| Release | Magazine | Title | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989.11 | コンバットコミック 第30号 (1989年11月号) Combat Comic #30 |
押井守&藤原カムイ: 犬狼伝説 Mamoru Oshii & Kamui Fujiwara: Kerberos Panzer Cop |
Act 1/Act 2 |
| 1989.12 | コンバットコミック 第31号 (1989年12月号) Combat Comic #31 |
押井守&藤原カムイ: 犬狼伝説 Mamoru Oshii & Kamui Fujiwara: Kerberos Panzer Cop |
Act 3 |
| 1990.01 | コンバットコミック 第32号 (1990年1月号) Combat Comic #32 |
押井守&藤原カムイ: 犬狼伝説 Mamoru Oshii & Kamui Fujiwara: Kerberos Panzer Cop |
Act 4 part 1 |
| 1990.03 | コンバットコミック 第34号 (1990年3月号) Combat Comic #34 |
押井守&藤原カムイ: 犬狼伝説 Mamoru Oshii & Kamui Fujiwara: Kerberos Panzer Cop |
Act 4 part 2 |
| 1990.06 | コンバットコミック 第37号 (1990年6月号) Combat Comic #37 |
押井守&藤原カムイ: 犬狼伝説 Mamoru Oshii & Kamui Fujiwara: Kerberos Panzer Cop |
Act 4 part 3 |
| 1990.07 | コンバットコミック 第38号 (1990年7月号) Combat Comic #38 |
押井守&藤原カムイ: 犬狼伝説 Mamoru Oshii & Kamui Fujiwara: Kerberos Panzer Cop |
Act 4 part 4 |
Original edition (Part I / B5)
In December 1990 Nihon Shuppansha compiled Kerberos Panzer Cop: Part One in a single paperback volume with the original cheap paper quality and B5 size kept (25.7 cm x 18.2 cm). This original edition features a curved silver dust jacket cover. A white obi strip
Obi strip
An is a strip of paper looped around a book or other product. This extends the term obi used for Japanese clothing; it is written with the same kanji. It is also referred to as a , or more narrowly as .-For books:...
promoting the StrayDog theatrical adaptation's March 1991 roadshow ("映画化公開決定!") was included over the dust jacket cover.
| Release | Book | Title | Contents (•Extra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990.12.20 | Nihon Shuppansha ISBN 4-89048-271-7 (B5, 234p.) |
犬狼伝説 (オリジナル版) Kerberos Panzer Cop (Original Edition) |
Act1~4 with Prologue •犬狼伝説 設定解説 押井守篇 Kerberos Panzer Cop: Setting Explanation by Mamoru Oshii •出渕裕デザインワークス Yutaka Izubuchi Design Works •不適な笑み 高取英 Unsuitable Smile by Ei Takatori •シナリオ 犬狼伝説 第3話:野犬 押井守 Scenario: Kerberos Panzer Cop Act3: The Stray Dog by Mamoru Oshii •ガキ大将=文学青年=押井守 友成純一 Gaki Daisho=Seinen Literature=Mamoru Oshii by Junichi Tomonari •犬と立喰い 押井守 (05.11.1990) Dogs & Fast Food by Mamoru Oshii (1990.11.05) •おとがき 藤原カムイ Otogaki by Kamui Fujiwara •参考文献一覧 Enumerative bibliography |
Popular edition (Part I / A5)
Re-issue of the 1990 Original edition by Nihon Shuppansha. Paper size is smaller than the original B5 edition (now 21 cm x 14.8 cm) but the paper quality is a bit better. Half of the bonus material was removed though for a budget release.
| Release | Book | Title | Contents (•Extra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993.11.20 | Nihon Shuppansha ISBN 4-89048-402-7 (A5, 206p.) |
犬狼伝説 (普及版) Kerberos Panzer Cop (Popular Edition) |
Act1~4 with Prologue •シナリオ 犬狼伝説 第3話:野犬 押井守 Scenario: Kerberos Panzer Cop Act3: The Stray Dog by Mamoru Oshii •犬と立喰い 押井守 (05.11.1990) Dogs & Fast Food by Mamoru Oshii (1990.15.10) •おとがき 藤原カムイ Otogaki by Kamui Fujiwara •参考文献一覧 Enumerative bibliography |
Monthly Shōnen Ace serialization (Act5~8 / B5)
The sequel and completion of Kerberos Panzer Cop, featuring Acts 5~8 (第二部, Part 2) was published in Monthly Shōnen Ace
Shonen Ace
is a monthly shōnen manga magazine in Japan published by Kadokawa Shoten, started in 1994. Unlike the big shōnen weeklies with circulation figures in the millions, Ace is aimed at a less mainstream audience, and has a particular emphasis on anime tie-ins...
(月刊少年エース, Gekkan Shōnen Esu) monthly comics magazine, property of Kadokawa Shoten
Kadokawa Shoten
is a well-known Japanese publishing company based in Tokyo, Japan. Kadokawa has published both manga novels and magazines, such as Newtype magazine...
. Kerberos Panzer Cop was completed in January 2000.
| Release | Magazine | Title | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999.08 | 月刊少年エース 8月号 Monthly Shōnen Ace #8 |
犬狼伝説 第二部 Kerberos Panzer Cop - Part II |
Act5 |
| 1999.09 | 月刊少年エース 9月号 Monthly Shōnen Ace #9 |
犬狼伝説 第二部 Kerberos Panzer Cop - Part II |
Act6 |
| 1999.10 | 月刊少年エース 10月号 Monthly Shōnen Ace #10 |
犬狼伝説 第二部 Kerberos Panzer Cop - Part II |
Act7 |
| 1999.11 | 月刊少年エース 11月号 Monthly Shōnen Ace #11 |
犬狼伝説 第二部 Kerberos Panzer Cop - Part II |
Act8 part 1 |
| 1999.12 | 月刊少年エース 12月号 Monthly Shōnen Ace #12 |
犬狼伝説 第二部 Kerberos Panzer Cop - Part II |
Act8 part 2 |
| 2000.01 | 月刊少年エース 1月号 Monthly Shōnen Ace #1 |
犬狼伝説 第二部 Kerberos Panzer Cop - Part II |
Act8 part 3 |
Frozen edition (Part I & II / B6)
The "Frozen version" is a 2-volume renewal edition. The first volume is a reissue of the 1993 Popular edition, though it is a smaller format (18 cm x 13 cm) but the paper quality is even better (supercalendered). The second volume is the first ever compilation of Kerberos Panzer Cop Part II. It is dubbed "Conclusion" and was issued as a 10th anniversary of the Original edition, and also to coincide with the release of the theatrical adaptation, Jin-Roh, in Japan. Both volumes were issued within illustrator Kamui Fujiwara's works collection reissue.
| Release | Book | Title | Contents (•Extra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999.06.25 | Kadokawa Shoten ISBN 4-04-713274-8 (B6, 200p.) |
"そしていま、戦いの犬が野に放たれる." 犬狼伝説 (藤原カムイコレクション 1) Kerberos Panzer Cop (Kamui's Collection Issue #001) |
Act1~4 with Prologue |
| 2000.01.31 | Kadokawa Shoten ISBN 4-04-713324-8 (B6, 184p.) |
"立ち塞がる者あらば、これを撃て" 犬狼伝説 完結篇 (藤原カムイコレクション 4) Kerberos Panzer Cop: Conclusion (Kamui's Collection Issue #004) |
Act5~8 •Text 1:Organisation File 1:Organization •Text 2:Hauptstadt Polizei File 2:Capital Police •Text 3:Kerberos File 3:Cerberus •Text 4:Formation File 4:Organic •Text 5:Waffe File 5:Weapon •Text 6:Anmerkung File 6:Annotation |
Complete edition (Part I & II / B5+CD)
The Zen edition is a boxset reissue of the Frozen version including Acts 1~8 in a +400 pages single volume bundled with goodies. As a collector item it was packaged in a white carton box bearing a "Zen" sticker and including a deluxe black carton boxset (with grey obi), three original B5 postcards, the drama CD version of While Waiting For The Red Spectacles
While Waiting For The Red Spectacles
is a 1987 radio drama written and directed by Mamoru Oshii. The music is composed and performed by Kenji Kawai.It was released in 2000 as a limited CD drama bundled with Kerberos Panzer Cop: Complete Book [Zen] edition.-Kerberos:...
("Radio Kerberos"), the revised script for While Waiting For The Red Spectacles and various appendices. A limited Kerberos Panzer Cop Kubrick
Kubrick
is a line of collectible block-style figures and associated products created by Japanese toy company MediCom Toy Inc. Kubrick figures are produced in three scales, designated as 100% , 400% , and 1000%...
(Protect-Gear '92) was offered to first print pre-orderers on Kadokawa's website. The "Zen" (literally "complete book") edition was produced in small quantities sold 5,800¥ (+51$).
| Release | Book | Title | Contents (•Extra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000.09.30 | Kadokawa Shoten ISBN 4-04-713343-4 (B5, 411p.) |
犬狼伝説 [全] ZEN Kerberos Panzer Cop: Complete Book |
Act1~8 with Prologue •紅い眼鏡を待ちつつ ドラマCD •Kerberos Words |
Kerberos Saga edition (Part I / B5)
Single act releases reissue in B5 format by Barque (Raiden company) through the Kerberos Saga official website. Kerberos Panzer Cops (with the plural form as in the live-action film StrayDog) is used instead of the original title Kerberos Panzer Cop.
| Release | Book | Title | Contents (•Extra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007.04 | Barque KS200702 (B5, 56p.) |
犬狼伝説 01 Kerberos Panzer Cops 01 |
捨犬 Act1: Suteinu |
| 2007.06 | Barque KS200709 (B5, 56p.) |
犬狼伝説 02 Kerberos Panzer Cops 02 |
猟犬 (ヤクトハウンド) Act 2: Ryōken (Jagdhund) |
| 2008.02 | Barque KS200801 (B5, 56p.) |
犬狼伝説 03 Kerberos Panzer Cops 03 |
戦闘犬 端緒/対峙 Act 3: Sentoken - Chapter 1: Tansho/Chapter 2:Taishi |
| 2008.07 | Barque KS200804 (B5, 56p.) |
犬狼伝説 04 Kerberos Panzer Cops 04 |
戦闘犬 突入 Act 3: Sentoken - Chapter 3: Totsunyū |