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{{merge to|Ghost in the Shell|discuss=Talk:Ghost in the Shell#Proposed merge with Ghost in the Shell (manga)|date=October 2013}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name = Ghost in the Shell
| image = [[File:Ghost in the Shell.jpg|230px]]
| caption = Cover of ''The Ghost in the Shell'', the first volume of the manga
| ja_kanji = 攻殻機動隊
| ja_romaji = Kōkaku Kidōtai
| genre = [[Cyberpunk]]
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| title = The Ghost in the Shell
| author = [[Masamune Shirow]]
| publisher = [[Kodansha]]
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher
| NA = [[Dark Horse Comics]] (former) <br> [[Kodansha Comics USA]] (current)
| UK = [[Titan Books]]}}
| demographic = ''[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]''
| magazine = [[Young Magazine]]
| first = May 1989
| last = November 1990
| volumes = 1
| volume_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| title = Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface
| author = Masamune Shirow
| publisher = Kodansha
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher
| NA = [[Dark Horse Comics]] (former) <br> [[Kodansha Comics USA]] (current)
| UK = [[Titan Books]]}}
| demographic = ''Seinen''
| magazine = Young Magazine
| first = September 1991
| last = August 1997
| volumes = 1
| volume_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| title = Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human Error Processor
| author = Masamune Shirow
| publisher = Kodansha
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher
| NA = [[Dark Horse Comics]] (former) <br> [[Kodansha Comics USA]] (current)
}}
| demographic = ''Seinen''
| magazine = Young Magazine
| first = 1991
| last = 1996
| volumes = 1
| volume_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title = Related
| content =
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell (film)|Ghost in the Shell]]'' (film)
** ''[[Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence]]''
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell (video game)|Ghost in the Shell]]'' (video game)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]''
** ''[[Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG|2nd GIG]]''
** ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society|Solid State Society]]''
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Arise]]''
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

{{nihongo|'''''Ghost in the Shell'''''|攻殻機動隊|Kōkaku Kidōtai|literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police"}} is a Japanese [[seinen manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Masamune Shirow]], the first in the [[Ghost in the Shell|media franchise of the same name]]. The manga, first serialized in 1989 under the subtitle of ''The Ghost in the Shell'', and later published as its own [[tankōbon]] volumes by [[Kodansha]], told the story of the fictional counter-cyberterrorist organization [[Public Security Section 9]], led by protagonist Major [[Motoko Kusanagi]], in the early 21st century of Japan.

==Story==
{{main|List of Ghost in the Shell characters}}
{{nihongo|''The Ghost in the Shell''|攻殻機動隊 THE GHOST IN THE SHELL|Kōkaku Kidōtai Za Gōsuto In Za Sheru}} begins in 2029, and features Section 9, led by Chief [[Daisuke Aramaki]] and Major [[Motoko Kusanagi]], as they investigate the Puppeteer, a cyber-criminal wanted for committing a large number of crimes by proxy through "[[ghost hacking]]" humans with [[cyberbrain]]s. As the investigation continues, Section 9 discovers that the Puppet Master is actually an advanced [[artificial intelligence]] created by a department of the Japanese government, taking up residence in a robot body. After destroying the latest host of the Puppeteer, Section 9 believes all is well, until the Major discovers the Puppet Master in her own mind. After hearing the Puppeteer's wishes to reach its next step in evolution, Kusanagi allows it to become one with her own ghost. After this event, the Major leaves Section 9 to work as a private contractor, with the remaining members of the unit [[Batou]], [[Togusa]], Ishikawa, Saito, Paz, Borma, and Azuma, continuing their work as covert operatives, occasionally meeting up with the Major in her various guises. These stories were later collected under the name {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor''|攻殻機動隊1.5 HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSER|Kōkaku Kidōtai Ittengo Hyūman Erā Purosessā}}. In 2035, the Major, now known as Motoko Aramaki, works as a security expert for Poseidon Industrial, now an entity composed of multiple identities that she controls via the network in other prosthetic bodies that attack industrial spies, assassins, and cyber-hackers, solving various crimes, while still at her day job. However, a psychic investigator finds something dangerous emerging as the teachings of a professor of artificial intelligence fall into the wrong hands and attempt to intermingle with the Major's current evolving sense of self. These stories are collected under the title {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface''|攻殻機動隊2 MANMACHINE INTERFACE|Kōkaku Kidōtai 2 Manmashīn Intāfēsu}}.

== Characters ==
Motoko Kusanagi, also known as "the Major". Motoko's body was chosen by Shirow to be a mass production model so she would not be conspicuous. Her electrical and mechanical system within is special and features parts unable to be obtained in the civilian market. Shirow intentionally chose this appearance so Motoko would not be harvested for those parts.<ref name="dh1" />

== Creation and development ==
While writing the manga, Masamune Shirow struggled to make it neither too complex nor too simple.<ref name="MS-interview">{{cite web |title= An Interview with Masamune Shirow |url= http://www.jai2.com/MSivu.htm |publisher=Frederick L. Schodt |accessdate=2012-12-08}}</ref> Two official names exist for the works, the first is {{nihongo3|officially "''Armored Shell''"; literally "''Mobile Armored Riot Police''"|攻殻機動隊|Kōkaku Kidōtai}} and the second is "''Ghost in the Shell''". Masamune Shirow originally wanted to use the name "''Ghost in the Shell''" for the publication, as an homage to [[Arthur Koestler]]'s ''[[The Ghost in the Machine]]'', from which he drew inspiration.<ref>{{cite book|title=Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex'' Official Log 1|page=9|publisher=[[Young Magazine]]|year=2003}}</ref> Kōichi Yuri, First Coordinator at ''Young Magazine'', requested a "more flashy" name and Shirow came up with {{nihongo3||攻殻機動隊|Kōkaku Kidōtai}}. Shirow requested that "Ghost in the Shell" be included on the title even if it was in small print. Yuri believes that ''Kōkaku Kidōtai'' is the mainstream title while "Ghost in the Shell" is the theme. While most Japanese publications use both names, the original publication of in [[Young Magazine]] was ''Kōkaku Kidōtai''.<ref name=log>{{cite AV media |people= |year=2003 |title=攻殻機動隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX Official Log ①|trans_title=Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Official Log 1 |medium=DVD |language=Japanese |url= |accessdate= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |format= |time= |publisher= |location= |id= |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |ref= }}</ref>

When developing ''Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface'', Shirow initially wanted to use a new title by changing the last [[kanji]] character meaning {{nihongo|"military unit"|隊|tai}}, to the homophonic kanji for {{nihongo|"body"|体|tai}} so that it would literally translate {{nihongo|"Mobile Unit Body Entity"|攻殻機動体|Kōkaku Kidōtai}}, but eventually he decided not to do so.<ref name= "Gits2 notes">{{cite book |last=Shirow |first=Masamune |authorlink=Masamune Shirow |title=Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface |url= |accessdate= |year=2001 |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |location=Japan |isbn=4-06-336310-4 |page=|volume=11}}</ref> The production of ''Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface'' manga was done digitally, which was difficult for Shirow's because of troubles including a hard disk failure which resulted in the loss of 16 gigabytes of data, USB hardware troubles and reading manuals related to new application upgrades. Shirow considers the manga a completely different kind of work and not a true sequel of ''Ghost in the Shell''. The original manga revolved around Public Security Section 9 and ''Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface'' follows what happens to the Major after she merges with the Puppeteer. Shirow drew the color pages on computer, in which he states was difficult to due to technical issues with his computer. In the "short-cut" version of the manga, Masamune Shirow made the color darker and softer, but used more contrasting colors in the "standard" version.<ref name="MS-interview-2">{{cite web |title= Web Interview Masamune Shirow |url= http://kukaku.free.fr/interview/kodanclub.com.html |publisher=Kukaku.free.fr|accessdate=2012-12-19}}</ref>

=== Design and philosophy ===
Shirow's thoughts and work on Ghost in the Shell contains numerous footnotes and detailed explanations about scenes to give readers an understanding of the sociological differences or technological advances and philosophical discussion of the material. Concepts like the future of hacking techniques, in which a cyberbrain can be hacked to copy information without being detected. Shirow explains instances of spirit channeling in cyborgs with kiko energy. Shirow even wrote that this phenomenon may be related to the "hearing voices" in individuals that suffer from mental disabilities like schizophrenia. This belief is represented in Motoko's reasons for head hunting Togusa for Section 9.<ref name="dh1">{{cite book | title=Ghost in the Shell | publisher=Dark Horse | author=Masamune, Shirow | year=1995}}</ref> Shirow also notes that he believes these channelers do not speak with a human-like god, but instead tap into a phase of the universe which synchronizes with the channeler's functions. Other philosophical stances are represented such as Shirow's personal beliefs regarding [[death sentence]]s and crime and punishment.<ref name="dh1">{{cite book | title=Ghost in the Shell | publisher=Dark Horse | author=Masamune, Shirow | year=1995}}</ref>

Shirow explains numerous facets of the daily life throughout his notes in Ghost in the Shell. Cyborgs are shown consuming food, but Shirow noted that early in the development would have been pills or paste substance that would have both psychological and physical functions. The Fuchikoma robots also must consume in a sense, requiring replenishment of fluid for their neurochips every two months, but Fuchikoma are not entirely bio-robots. Shirow discussed in his notes how the family of Yano received notification of his death and what would be disclosed, but also notes strategic use and premature notifications exist for various purposes. The advancement of technology in Shirow's vision of the future is rapid, but the advancements are at least partially related to than-current technology. The concepts of a 3-D viewing room was based on "crude" golf simulator technology.<ref name="dh1" />

Other personal beliefs of Shirow are represented in the scenes and author's commentary, such metaphysics, religious references, and other philosophical stances that enter a range of topics including his thoughts on a rotating universe.<ref name="dh1" />

=== Censorship ===
The removal of a two-page sex scene in [[Studio Proteus]]'s localization of ''Ghost in the Shell'' was not well received, with readers reacting negatively to the removal of the previously uncensored content that was included in the original Dark Horse release. Toren Smith commented on Studio Proteus's actions claiming that requirement of the "Mature Readers Only" would translate into a 40% lost in sales and likely have caused the immediate cancellation of the series. Shirow, who grew tired of "taking flak" over the pages, opted to remove them and reworked the previous page as necessary.<ref name=Toren>{{cite web | url=http://www.sazan.net/digest/news/toren.shtml | title=Toren Smith on Manga Censorship | accessdate=2013-04-29}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The original ''Ghost in the Shell'' ran from April 1989 to November 1990 in [[Kodansha]]'s manga anthology ''[[Young Magazine]]'', and was released in [[tankobon]] format on October 2, 1991.<ref name="GITS-KC">{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊（１） |url= http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product/top.php/1234577897 |language= Japanese |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |accessdate=2012-10-13 }}</ref> Dark Horse initially published it in English monthly into eight comic issues from March 1, 1995 to October 1, 1995 with the translation of [[Studio Proteus]].<ref name="GITS-1/8">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL #1 (OF 8) |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/93-818/Ghost-in-the-Shell-1-of-8 |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref><ref name="GITS-8/8">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL #8 (OF 8) |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/94-125/Ghost-in-the-Shell-8-of-8 |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref> It was later collected into a single volume in [[trade paperback]] format on early December 1, 1995.<ref name="GITS-manga-TPB">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL TPB |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/44-818/Ghost-in-the-Shell-TPB |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref> An uncensored version was later released by [[Dark Horse Comics]] on October 6, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL 1 2ND EDITION TPB |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/10-029/Ghost-in-the-Shell-Volume-1-2nd-edition-TPB |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-20 }}</ref> The censored version of the Dark Horse manga was later republished by [[Kodansha Comics USA]] on October 13, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ghost in the Shell Volume 1 |url= http://www.randomhouse.com/book/166169/the-ghost-in-the-shell-volume-1-by-shirow-masamune/9781935429012/ |publisher=[[Kodansha Comics USA]] |accessdate=2012-10-31 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://kodanshacomics.tumblr.com/post/56881920605/hi-i-wanted-to-ask-if-the-ghost-in-the-shell-manga-is | title=Kodansha Comics | publisher=Kodansha Comics | date=30 July 2013 | accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref>

The sequel ''Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface'' was penned by Shirow later. The manga series ran in ''Young Magazine'' from September 1991 to August 1997 and was originally released in [[hardcover]] format along with the original manga in a limited edition box set titled {{Nihongo|''Kōkaku Kidōtai SOLID BOX''|攻殻機動隊SOLID BOX}} on December 1, 2000. The box set also contained a booklet titled ''ManMachine Interface Inactive Module'', a poster and a Fuchikoma robot action figure.<ref name="GITS2-solidbox-KC">{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊ＳＯＬＩＤ　ＢＯＸ |url= http://www.7netshopping.jp/books/detail/-/accd/1101992033/subno/1 |language= Japanese |publisher=7net |accessdate=2012-10-13 }}</ref> Kodansha later released the standard edition in tankobon format on June 26, 2001.<ref name="GITS2-soft-KC">{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊２ |url= http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product/top.php/1234583601 |language= Japanese |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |accessdate=2012-10-13 }}</ref> The ''SOLID BOX'' version added over 140 pages of new content and more changes were added to the tankobon version, such as 24 color pages and large modifications to over 20 pages. However, 200 pages from the original version that ran in ''Young Magazine'' were not included in either the ''SOLID BOX'' or the tankobon version.<ref name="GITS2-interview">{{cite web |title= Ghost in the Shell 2--The Dark Horse Interview |url= http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1764.html|publisher=ICv2 |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref> The manga was then distributed in English by Dark Horse Comics into 11 comic issues from January 29, 2003 to December 31, 2003.<ref name="GITS2-1/11">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE #1 |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/12-117/Ghost-in-the-Shell-2-Man-Machine-Interface-1 |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref><ref name="GITS2-11/11">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE #11 |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/12-127/Ghost-in-the-Shell-2-Man-Machine-Interface-11 |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref> Masamune Shirow manually redrew the manga for the English version so that it could be read from left to right.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface|url= http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/178.html |publisher= ICv2 |accessdate=2012-11-27}}</ref> It was later collected into a single volume in trade [[paperback]] format on January 12, 2005.<ref name="GITS2-TPB">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL VOLUME 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE TPB |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/13-288/Ghost-in-the-Shell-Volume-2-Man-Machine-Interface-TPB |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref> The manga was later republished by Kodansha Comics USA on August 10, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ghost in the Shell Volume 2 |url= http://www.randomhouse.com/book/200115/the-ghost-in-the-shell-volume-2-by-shirow-masamune/9781935429036/ |publisher=[[Kodansha Comics USA]] |accessdate=2012-10-31 }}</ref>

Four chapters that were not released in tankobon format from previous releases, were later collected into a single volume titled ''Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor'' serving as an interquel. The manga was published in July 23, 2003 by Kodansha.<ref name="GITS1.5-KC">{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊１．５ |url= http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product/top.php/1234588254 |language= Japanese |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |accessdate=2012-10-13 }}</ref> It contained a booklet and a CD-ROM featuring the full stories, adding music to the manga scenes, and a screen saver.<ref name="GITS1.5-CD">{{cite web |title= ＣＤ‐ＲＯＭ　攻殻機動隊１．５ |url= http://www.7netshopping.jp/books/detail/-/accd/1101986610/subno/1 |language= Japanese |publisher=7net |accessdate=2012-11-10 }}</ref> Dark Horse Comics announced an English version at the 2005 [[San Diego Comic-Con International|San Diego Comic-Con]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Dark Horse Comic-Con Announcements |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-07-14/dark-horse-comic-con-announcements |publisher = Anime News Network |accessdate=2012-10-29}}</ref> The series was released as eight individual comic issues from November 1, 2006 to June 6, 2007 and was the first of the ''Ghost in the Shell'' manga released in the United States to read right-to-left.<ref name="GITS1.5-1/8">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5: HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSOR #1 |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/14-247/Ghost-in-the-Shell-1-5-Human-Error-Processor-1 |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref><ref name="GITS1.5-8/8">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5: HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSOR #8 |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/14-254/Ghost-in-the-Shell-1-5-Human-Error-Processor-8 |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref> The four original titles were each split into two each, to make up the 8 in this series. It was later collected in a single volume in trade paperback format on October 10, 2007.<ref name="GITS1.5-TPB">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5: HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSOR TPB |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/14-264/Ghost-in-the-Shell-1-5-Human-Error-Processor-TPB |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref> The manga was later republished by Kodansha Comics USA on September 25, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ghost in the Shell 1.5 |url= http://www.randomhouse.com/book/213293/the-ghost-in-the-shell-15-by-shirow-masamune |publisher=[[Kodansha Comics USA]] |accessdate=2012-10-31 }}</ref>

=== Art books ===
A number of artbooks detailing the concept art and world of ''Ghost in the Shell'' have been released. A box set titled {{nihongo|''Kōkaku Kidōtai Cyberdelics''|攻殻機動隊Cyberdelics}} was released on July 8, 1997. The box set contains a collection of posters illustrated by Masamune Shirow, a booklet and a puzzle.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊　Ｃｙｂｅｒｄｅｌｉｃｓ |url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3363015 |language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-24}}</ref> A guidebook titled {{nihongo|''The Ghost in the Shell: Mechanical Analysis Reader''|攻殻機動隊メカニカル解析読本|Kōkaku Kidōtai mekanikaru kaiseki dokuhon}} was published by Kodansha and released on January 16, 1998.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊メカニカル解析読本 |url=http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3198901 |language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2013-05-12}}</ref> An art book titled {{nihongo|''The Ghost in the Shell: Fuchikoma Papercraft''|攻殻機動隊フチコマ立体図鑑|Kōkaku Kidōtai fuchikoma Rittai Zukan}} was released by Kodansha on July 24, 2000. The book contains several different artwork and paper cut out figures of the Fuchikoma.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊フチコマ立体図鑑 |url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3343170 |language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-12}}</ref>

==Volume list==
{{Graphic novel list/header
| Language=Japanese
| SecondLanguage=English
| WithTitle = yes
| Width =98%
}}
{{Graphic novel list
| VolumeNumber = 1
| LicensedTitle = ''Ghost in the Shell''
| OriginalTitle = 攻殻機動隊 THE GHOST IN THE SHELL
| TranslitTitle = Kōkaku Kidōtai THE GHOST IN THE SHELL
| OriginalRelDate = October 2, 1991<ref name="GITS-KC">{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊（１） |url= http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product/top.php/1234577897 |language= Japanese |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |accessdate=2012-10-13 }}</ref>
| OriginalISBN = 4-06-313248-X
| LicensedRelDate = December 1, 1995<ref name="GITS-manga-TPB">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL TPB |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/44-818/Ghost-in-the-Shell-TPB |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref>
| LicensedISBN = 1-56971-081-3
| ChapterList =
* "01 Prologue"
* "02 Super Spartan" - 10.4.2029
* "03 Junk Jungle" - 27.7.2029
* "04 Megatech Machine 1 - Revolt of the Robots"
* "05 Megatech Machine 2 - The Making of a Cyborg"
* "06 Robot Rondo - 1.10.2029"
| ChapterListCol2 =
* "07 Phantom Fund - 24.12.2029"
* "08 Dumb Barter - 2.5.2030"
* "09 Bye Bye Clay - 15.7.2030"
* "10 Brain Drain - 9.9.2030"
* "11 Ghost Coast - 18.9.2030"
| Summary = In 2029 [[Public Security Section 9]] led by Major [[Motoko Kusanagi]] hunts down the [[Puppet Master (Ghost in the Shell)|Puppet Master]], a cyber-criminal wanted for committing a large number of crimes by proxy through "[[ghost hacking]]" humans with [[cyberbrain]]s. The investigation soon discovers that the Puppet Master is actually an advanced artificial intelligence project developed by Section 6, the Treaty Bureau of the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]. After subduing the Puppet Master's robot host and destroying it, they believe the Puppet Master is gone, but the Major believes otherwise, and is proven right when she discovers the Puppet Master in her own cyberbrain. The Puppet Master wishes to seek its next step in evolution, and Kusanagi allows it to merge with her ghost.
}}
{{Graphic novel list
| VolumeNumber = 2
| LicensedTitle = ''Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface''
| OriginalTitle = 攻殻機動隊2 MANMACHINE INTERFACE
| TranslitTitle = Kōkaku Kidōtai 2 MANMACHINE INTERFACE
| OriginalRelDate = June 26, 2001<ref name="GITS2-soft-KC">{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊２ |url= http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product/top.php/1234583601 |language= Japanese |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |accessdate=2012-10-13 }}</ref>
| OriginalISBN = 4-06-336310-4
| LicensedRelDate = January 12, 2005<ref name="GITS2-TPB">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL VOLUME 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE TPB |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/13-288/Ghost-in-the-Shell-Volume-2-Man-Machine-Interface-TPB |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref>
| LicensedISBN = 1-59307-204-X
| ChapterList =
* "01 Prologue 2035.03.06.AM05:05"
* "02 Underwater 2035.03.06.AM05:45"
* "03 Circuit Weapon 2035.03.06.PM01:12"
| ChapterListCol2 =
* "04 Fly by Orbit 2035.03.06.PM01:12"
* "05 Mold of Life 2035.03.06.PM01:54"
* "06 Epilogue 2035.03.06.05:35AM"
| Summary = On March 6, 2035 (five years after the events of ''The Ghost in the Shell''), the Major, now known as Motoko Aramaki, is now chief security officer for a giant multinational conglomerate. She digitally transfers her personality and capabilities between cyborg bodies stashed around the world, as she attacks industrial spies, assassins, and cyber-hackers while keeping up a steady stream of digital communications with various robotic assistants and her secretary back at the office. However, when the teachings of artificial intelligence professor Dr. Rahampol fall into the hands of data pirates, psychic investigator Tamaki Tamai senses that something dangerous is happening that involves Motoko's self as well.
}}
{{Graphic novel list
| VolumeNumber = 1.5
| LicensedTitle = ''Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor''
| OriginalTitle = 攻殻機動隊1.5 HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSER
| TranslitTitle = Kōkaku Kidōtai 1.5 HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSER
| OriginalRelDate = July 23, 2003<ref name="GITS1.5-KC">{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊１．５ |url= http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product/top.php/1234588254 |language= Japanese |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |accessdate=2012-10-13 }}</ref>
| OriginalISBN = 978-4-06-350406-4
| LicensedRelDate = October 10, 2007<ref name="GITS1.5-TPB">{{cite web |title= GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5: HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSOR TPB |url= http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/14-264/Ghost-in-the-Shell-1-5-Human-Error-Processor-TPB |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] |accessdate=2012-10-12 }}</ref>
| LicensedISBN = 978-1-59307-815-7
| ChapterList =
*"Fat Cat" 01 and 02
*"Drive Slave" 01 and 02
| ChapterListCol2 =
*"Mines of Mind" 01 and 02
*"Lost Past"
| Summary = A series of four cases Section 9 investigates during the time between ''The Ghost in the Shell'' and ''Man-Machine Interface''. In "Fat Cat", the team investigates a man's recent strange activities at the behest of his daughter, one of Chief [[Daisuke Aramaki]]'s friends. In "Drive Slave", Section 9 protects a key witness in a court case from various cyborg assassins sent to kill him, while Major Kusanagi arrives, having been sent to capture the man responsible for the assassins. The story "Mines of the Mind" features [[Batou]] and [[Togusa]] investigating a series of murders, with all the victims marked with the same tattoo. In "Lost Past", the investigation into a kidnapping gone wrong has Section 9 suspecting that Section 6 hired a sniper to make it go wrong in the first place.
}}
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==Reception==
''Ghost in the Shell'' had received mainly positive reviews. ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' praised the manga for its artwork: "Masamune's b&w drawings are dynamic and beautifully gestural; he vividly renders the awesome urban landscape of a futuristic, supertechnological Japan."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-59307-228-5 | title = GHOST IN THE SHELL | accessdate = 2012-11-29 | work = Publishers Weekly}}</ref> Leroy Douresseaux of the website ComicBookBin gave the manga an A stating: "It is visually potent and often inscrutable, but its sense of wonder and exploration makes its ideas still seem fresh two decades after its debut."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.comicbookbin.com/theghostintheshell001.html | title =The Ghost in the Shell: Volume 1| accessdate = 2012-11-13 | last = Douresseaux | first = Leroy | work = ComicBookBin}}</ref> Peter Gutiérrez of the website Teenreads praised the manga, writing: "In short, ''Ghost in the Shell'' is hard sci-fi of the best possible sort: the type that’s so full of both undiluted artfulness and philosophy that it’s arguably a must-read even for those who don’t usually take to the genre."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.comicbookbin.com/theghostintheshell001.html | title =The Ghost in the Shell, Vol. 1| accessdate = 2012-11-13 | last = Gutiérrez | first = Peter | work = Teanreads}}</ref> The website Read About Comics praised the artwork, however criticized the manga for it's story pacing and collection of short adventures stating, "I’m glad I got to experience Shirow’s artistic view of the future and am a little interested in the idea of his ''Intron Depot'' art books, but on the whole ''Ghost in the Shell'' was a massive shell game: flashy and fascinating from a glance, but ultimately empty when you decide to dive in."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.readaboutcomics.com/2005/02/28/ghost-in-the-shell/ | title = Ghost in the Shell| accessdate = 2012-11-13 | work = Read About Comics}}</ref>

''Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface'' had sold over 100,000 copies from its initial printing in Japan.<ref name="GITS2-interview">{{cite web |title= Ghost in the Shell 2--The Dark Horse Interview |url= http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1764.html|publisher=ICv2 |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref> [[Diamond Comic Distributors]] ranked the manga #7 in its Top Performing Manga list of 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-01-23/diamond-announces-top-direct-market-performers | title = Diamond Announces Top Direct Market Performers | accessdate = 2012-12-15 | work = Anime News Network}}</ref> Mike Crandol of [[Anime News Network]] criticized for being too complex and overwhelming stating it is "too technical for its own good" but praised the new artwork, stating that Shirow's "canny drawing skills are supplemented by an innovative use of CGI graphics that represent the series' boldest artistic endeavor."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ghost-in-the-shell-2/manga | title = Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface (manga)| accessdate = 2012-10-29 | last = Crandol | first = Mike | work = Anime News Network}}</ref> ''Publishers Weekly'' praised the artwork as "the color and b&w graphics are stunning, brilliantly evoking the nonvisual world of data transmission" but criticized the story can be confusing.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-59307-204-9 | title = GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: Man-Machine Interface | accessdate = 2012-11-29 | work = Publishers Weekly}}</ref>

''Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor'' was ranked #10 in ''[[The New York Times]]'' Manga Best Seller List on October 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-10-19/new-york-times-manga-best-seller-list-october-7-13 | title = New York Times Manga Best Seller List, October 7-13| accessdate = 2012-10-30 | work = Anime News Network}}</ref> Scott Green of [[Ain't It Cool News]] praised the manga for its footnotes that "alone are worth the price of admission. The degree to which he apparently takes every aspect seriously and the amount of information he'd like to convey verges on a disorder."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33925 | title = AICN Anime-Sci-Fi Reviews of Ghost in the Shell 1.5 and Freedom (Featuring Design by Akira's Katsuhiro Otomo) | accessdate = 2012-11-18 | work = Ain't It Cool News}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Ghost in the Shell}}

Revision as of 01:09, 11 November 2013

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