It goes without saying, as a prelude, that much of this series as a manga is not translated. In fact, only the first volume of this manga is translated as are none of its spin offs or sequels regarding Rainy Dogs or Tachiguchi (some of the original Radio Drama can be found translated, and most of the films set within this series can be relatively found in english). As a header, this will be focusing on the original volume of Kerberos: Panzer Cops released in 1990

It goes without saying that Mamoru Oshii is one of the greatest anime auteurs of all time. Ghost in the Shell, Angel's Egg, Patlabor, and a few others are some of many fantastic examples of Oshii's rich work in the medium. Works that are proud in its drenched out, philosophical nature and superb artistic direction. Oshii is somewhat of a master of his craft, and an easy favorite of mine. Outside of the medium, he has also written and directed a variety of Live Action works, novels, and namely, manga. One of those live action works would sprout into a multi media work of his. A sort of personal series that he himself has an affinity or self expression within: Kerberos. Starting with 1987's "While Waiting for the Red Specatcles" and its subsequent film "The Red Specatcles", Kerberos stances itself as a series in harsh political climate that takes no brakes in becoming a heafty thesis on post-war Japan politics coincided with alternative, speculative history. "The Red Specatcles" itself was and is an incredibly mind bending experience that serves as a sort of thesis or the series as a whole, a zany and fundamentally insane literate introduction in the world that would bring Kerberos: Panzer Cops and Jin-Roh into fruition later on.

Kerberos Panzer Cops, as a book in itself, is an absolute mirage of incredible dense political topics that Oshii lays about. Oshii as an artist is someone unafraid to approach his stances and interests in philosophy and the political world into his work. This is absolutely no exception. Kerberos wastes no time introducing the reader into a hypothetical alternative history Japan. The Axis has won. Nazi germany has De-nazified, the April 20th plot succeeded, Japan is on a state of relative fascist control, the works. Oshii makes no stops to encourage literate readers to stance themselves and engage in this densely political world. In all means, this book is a fictitious bout of fascinating politics; it condenses itself and lays forth its world while raising pallatable, believable, and real-world related issues while keeping a tight pace with fascinating imagery.

Split into 4 chapters, with the last being a narrative and the first 3 being more so Oshii like anthologies set within this world, work together to truly influx the reader into an alterantive poliltical hounded world. Chapter 1 is brutal, sudden tale of Japan's un savory stubbornness regarding the Kerberos; a fantastic intro to the brutal political climate and an example of Oshii's keen eye for thrilling sequences. Chapter 2 is a sort of meditation and hope tale that dilludes the sides between the Kerberos and Sect regarding Air superiority and warfare and just how that jurisdiction is hounded and dismantled by the rest of the Japanese government. Chapter 3 is an airy, abstract rumination on the ideals of power, the jurisdiction and power split between Japan's defensive clauses (including Kerberos) told through surrealist panel usage (also, through a prose format found at the back of the book. Well written, as well!). Chapter 4 closes off the book and seems to really start off what "The Red Specatcles" had been building in the first place all the way back when this multi media series starts. Regarding a supposed amateur insurrection of left-wing terrorists, the Kerberos struggle with their fascist power struggle and outlook as their own members follow the ideaology, even under public view, a pathetically power hungry image. Each one of these stories work with each other, making the book as a whole a fascinating read given 4 different styles of narrative under the confounds of Oshii's world. This is maybe not quite as indulgent and literate as "Innocence" or even "The Red Specatcles", but Oshii makes no mistake into leaning on superbly well considered political structures that reward careful readers.

The writing of this manga is purely expressed through its bouts of literacy and political intriugue; pannel work is at times abstract and violent as it plots out beautiful scenery and dense conflict. Simply put: this manga is an absolute wet dream for fans of the political thriller genre. It is frequently smart and believable whilst churning out incredibly exciting set pieces framed by incredible art direction that fails to dissapoint. I absolutely loved this, and would absolutely love to see this manga be further translated.