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Ghost in the Shell

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This article is about the media franchise. For other uses, see Ghost in the Shell (disambiguation).
Ghost in the Shell
Created byMasamune Shirow
Original workGhost in the Shell (manga)
  • Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface
  • Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor
Print publications
Book(s)
  • Ghost in the Shell Continuty Script Story Board
  • The Ghost in the Shell: Fuchikoma Papercraft
  • My Favorite Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Official Log 1
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Tachikoma All Memory
  • Ghost in the Shell: SAC Ultimate Archive
  • Groundworks of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Art Book
  • Innocence - World of Mamoru Oshii
  • Innocence & Ghost in the Shell Complete Book
  • Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG Visual Book
  • Groundworks of Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C 2nd GIG Art Book
  • Ghost in the Shell SAC - Solid State Society Visual Book
Novel(s)
  • Ghost in the Shell: Burning City
  • Ghost in the Shell 2: Star Seed
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Graphic Novel 1: The Lost Memory
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Graphic Novel 2: Revenge of the Cold Machines
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Graphic Novel 3: White Maze
  • Innocence: After the Long Goodbye
Comics
  • Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Tachikoma na Hibi
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Films and television
Film(s)
Animated series
Games
Video game(s)
Audio
Soundtrack(s)
  • Ghost in the Shell: Original Soundtrack
  • Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body
  • Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence O.S.T.
Original musicMusic of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Miscellaneous
Toy(s)Action figures

Ghost in the Shell (攻殻機動隊, Kōkaku Kidōtai, literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police"), also known as The Ghost in the Shell, is a Japanese seinen manga series written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow. The manga was serialized in Young Magazine and was followed by a sequel, Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface (攻殻機動隊2, Kōkaku Kidōtai 2) and a collection of manga chapters previously unreleased, titled Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor (攻殻機動隊1.5, Kōkaku Kidōtai 1.5) serving as an interquel. Each series was later published as its own tankōbon volume by Kodansha. The plots feature a collection of scenarios featuring counter-terrorist organization Public Security Section 9, of which the protagonist Major Motoko Kusanagi belongs, in a futuristic Japan.

The series was first adapted into a 1995 film by Production I.G. followed by a 2004 sequel, Innocence. An anime TV series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex aired on Animax from 2002 to 2005; there were also several OVAs based on the anime series. Video games, soundtracks, light novels, art books and other merchandise have also been released. A new anime project entitled Ghost in the Shell: Arise is set to launch in 2013.

Setting

Main article: World of Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell as a media franchise consists of alternate universes and different viewpoints of relative material due to the roles of different directors and writers who produced the media. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex takes place in a parallel world compared to the original comic because it is based on the assumption that Motoko Kusanagi did not meet the Puppet Master in 2029.[1]

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is set between the years 2030 and 2035 after World War III, a nuclear war between the developed countries which changed the global balance of power, and a non-nuclear World War IV, which resulted in the collapse of Third World states. Civil wars and non-state revolutionary movements pose a constant security threat worldwide, and the millions of refugees displaced by the global tumult have become a major problem. The advance of technology, particularly cyberization technology and the internet, has also drastically increased the frequency of cyber-terrorism. The ability to ghost hack, the act of intruding into the brain of an individual, is one of the most heinous cyber crimes, and is used by individuals such as the Laughing Man. The distinction between human and machine intelligences blur as cyborgs, dolls and robots begin to coexist together.[2]

Primarily set in the fictional Japanese city of New Port, the series follows the members of Public Security Section 9, a special-operations task-force made up of former military officers and police detectives. Political intrigue and counter-terrorism operations are standard fare for Section 9, but the various actions of corrupt officials, companies, and cyber-criminals in each scenario are unique and require the diverse skills of Section 9's staff to prevent a series of incidents from escalating.

Characters

Main article: List of Ghost in the Shell characters
  • Motoko Kusanagi (草薙 素子, Major Kusanagi Motoko) is the protagonist of the series. She is a cyborg employed as the squad leader of Public Security Section 9. Motoko's personality varies throughout the media, retaining seriousness in the TV and films, but showing a more humorous side in the manga.
  • Batou (バトー, Batō) is a member of Section 9, under the command of Motoko. His demeanor varies based on his portrayal in the media, most notably with a lack of emotion in the movie Innocence and a jokester in the manga.
  • Daisuke Aramaki (荒巻 大輔, Aramaki Daisuke) is the head of Section 9. He is strict and knows how to get the most desirable outcome of any situation. He uses political connections and bargaining to get what he wants, including reestablishing Section 9 for 2nd GIG. While he never takes action in the field, Aramaki's role and dedication to the his team's survival often means putting his career on the line.
  • Togusa (トグサ) is an investigator of Section 9. In the manga, Togusa is emotional and plagued with feelings of failure; but in the films he is savvier but inexperienced, and in the Stand Alone Complex his personality is a combination of the two. Prior to joining Section 9 he was a detective for the police.

Themes

Main article: Philosophy of Ghost in the Shell

The works of Ghost in the Shell serve as vehicles for social commentary and about humanity itself. With cybernization the boundary between human and machine is defined by a "ghost" (ゴースト, gōsuto) which is defined as an individual's consciousness. By integrating brain tissue with electronic circuitry, a cyberbrain is created. The ghost of the user is retained within the cyberbrain. Cyberbrains are commonplace in the Ghost in the Shell world, and such prevalence has led to scenarios involving sexuality, body swapping, copying and immortality. Political corruption and terrorists are a frequent antagonists of the franchise which allows for philosophical dialogue about concepts relating to morality, nationality and humanity. Ghost hacking, the act of taking control of another person's cyberbrain is a serious crime in the Ghost in the Shell universe. The victim is controlled by the hacker to commit any act including murder, and often the memories of the victim may be altered or deleted without the victim ever realizing it.

Manga

Main article: Ghost in the Shell (manga)

Written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, 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.[3] Dark Horse Comics initially published it monthly into eight-issue series from March 1, 1995 to October 1, 1995 with the translation of Studio Proteus.[4][5] It was later collected into a single volume in trade paperback format on early December 1, 1995.[6] An uncensored version was later released by Dark Horse on October 6, 2004.[7] The manga was later republished by Kodansha Comics USA on October 13, 2009.[8]

Masamune Shirow created a sequel titled Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface. 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 Kōkaku Kidōtai SOLID BOX (攻殻機動隊SOLID BOX, Mobile Armored Riot Police Solid Box) on December 1, 2000. The manga was then distributed in English by Dark Horse Comics as a 11-issue series from January 29, 2003 to December 31, 2003.[9][10] Masamune Shirow manually redrew the manga for the English version so that it could be read from left to right.[11] It was later collected into a single volume in trade paperback format on January 12, 2005.[12] The manga was later republished by Kodansha Comics USA on August 10, 2010.[13]

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.[14] Dark Horse released it as an eight-issue series from November 1, 2006 to June 6, 2007 and was the first of the Ghost in the Shell manga released in the U.S. to read right-to-left.[15][16] The four original titles were each split into two each, to make up the eight in this series. It was later collected in a single volume in trade paperback format on October 10, 2007.[17] The manga was later republished by Kodansha Comics USA on September 25, 2012.[18]

A box set titled Kōkaku Kidōtai Cyberdelics (攻殻機動隊Cyberdelics, Mobile Armored Riot Police Cyberdelics) was released on July 8, 1997. The box set contains a collection of posters illustrated by Masamune Shirow, a booklet and a puzzle.[19]

Four manga set in the Stand Alone Complex universe were written by Yu Kinutani and published by Random House Inc.[20]

Films

Main article: Ghost in the Shell (film)

The manga was first adapted into a theatrical anime film in 1995, Ghost in the Shell (GHOST IN THE SHELL／攻殻機動隊, Gōsuto In Za Sheru/Kōkaku Kidōtai), directed by Mamoru Oshii and animated by Production I.G. The film portrays the events of Section 9 in its hunt to capture the hacker known as the Puppet Master. The film was updated in 2008 and re-released as Ghost in the Shell 2.0; the majority of the changes involved updating the computer graphics and re-recording the sound in 6.1 surround sound. The new version premiered on 12 July 2008 in Japan.[21]

Main article: Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence

The film was followed by a sequel, also directed by Oshii, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (Innocence (イノセンス) in Japan). Produced in 2004, it places the character of Batou in the lead role in an investigation of a cyborg-corporation called LOCUS SOLUS whose sex dolls malfunction and go on a killing spree.

Main article: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society

The Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV series was later followed by an OVA/film sequel, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama and premiered on the SKY Perfect satellite television network on September 1, 2006 as a TV movie,[22] it was also aired as part of the SyFy Channel's Ani-Monday programming block.[23] Solid State Society was later remade in 3D and released at Tokyo's Shinjuku Wald 9 theater on March 25, 2011.[24]

As of 2008, DreamWorks have acquired the rights to produce a live-action film adaptation of the original manga with Steven Spielberg. Avi Arad and Steven Paul are confirmed producers; Jamie Moss was originally hired to adapt the manga into a screenplay[25] but in October 2009 it was announced that Laeta Kalogridis had replaced Moss as writer.[26]

Anime series

Main articles: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG

The series has been adapted into an anime series titled Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex with a total of two seasons and one TV film. The series was written and directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Production I.G, airing on Animax from 1 October 2002 to 25 March 2003 with a total of 26 episodes. The second season titled Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG was also written and directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Production I.G. 2nd GIG aired on Animax from 1 January 2004 to 8 January 2005, with a total of 26 episodes.[27] The anime TV series was adapted into OVAs,[28] novels,[29] manga,[30] and video games[31] as well.

Main article: Ghost in the Shell: Arise

A new anime series titled Ghost in the Shell Arise was announced on January 15, 2013. Like all other animated features of the franchise, it will be produced by Production I.G, now with Kazuchika Kise as chief director and Tow Ubukata as head writer. A special presentation with further details was streamed live worldwide on February 12 on Niconico, Bandai Channel and YouTube.[32] The series has been confirmed to be a prequel series and will release the first part in theaters on July 22, 2013.[33]

Video games

Main article: Ghost in the Shell (video game)

The PlayStation third-person shooter game Ghost in the Shell, loosely based on the first film and the manga, was developed by Exact and released on July 17, 1997 in Japan by Sony Computer Entertainment.[34] It was distributed by THQ and released on November 3, 1997 in North America.[35] Players take on the role of an unnamed Section 9 member referred to as 'Rookie' who pilots a Fuchikoma robot to stop the Human Liberation Movement.

Main articles: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (PS2) and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (PSP)

The PlayStation 2 game Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and developed by SCE Japan Studio and Cavia, was released to the United States on November 8, 2004.[36] The game is partly based on the events of the TV anime Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. The player takes control of Motoko and Batou, to stop a terrorist organization. A PlayStation Portable (PSP) game also titled Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex was released to the United States on October 25, 2005, produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and developed by G-artists.[37] This game is a first-person shooter in which the player takes control of Section 9 members over various mission and is a sequel to the PlayStation 2 game Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. It is an original story that uses the Stand Alone Complex timeline.[38]

On December 13, 2012, Nexon stated it had obtained the rights of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex for the purpose of the creation of a massively multiplayer online game.[39] On February 12, 2013, the first details were released through Online Gamer Japan. Titled Ghost in the Shell Online with the possibility of a different name to come at a later point, the game will be an FPS with a heavy basis on customization of a cyberized body and hacking.[40]

Novels

Three novels were written and illustrated by Junichi Fujisaku who was one of the screenplay writers of the anime TV series. The novels were published by Dark Horse Comics. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Graphic Novel 1: The Lost Memory was released on April 26, 2006. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Graphic Novel 2: Revenge of the Cold Machines was released on September 16, 2006. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Graphic Novel 3: White Maze was released on November 08, 2006.

The novel Innocence: After the Long Goodbye (イノセンス After the Long Goodbye) by Masaki Yamada serves as a prequel for Innocence. The story is written from Batou's perspective as he surrounds his search for his dog Gabriel (Gabu). It was published by Tokuma Shoten and released on February 29, 2004.[41] It was later published by Viz Media in the United States and released on October 2005.[42] Viz Media later released a four-volume ani-manga boxset on April 2005.[43]

Music

The soundtrack for the PlayStation game was released by Sony Music Entertainment Japan as Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body in 1997.[44]

Art books

A number of artbooks detailing the concept art and world of Ghost in the Shell have been released. An art book titled 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, lit. "Mobile Armored Riot Police Fuchikoma three-dimensional picture book") was released by Kodansha on July 24, 2000. The book contains several different artwork and paper cut out figures of the Fuchikoma.[45]

Merchandise

Numerous statuettes and action figures have been released for Ghost in the Shell, primarily around the Stand Alone Complex versions of the characters with Motoko and Tachikoma being a central focus. Various figures have been produced from CM Corporation,[46] and Kaitendo.[47] Tachikoma figures have been produced by various companies, including one by the Good Smile Company in cooperation with Nendoron.[48] Other merchandise includes clothing, key chains, notebooks, patches, bags, posters and body pillows.[49]

Impact and influence

The Wachowskis, makers of The Matrix trilogy, have stated that the first Ghost in the Shell film by Mamoru Oshii, influenced their work.[50] They showed the Ghost in the Shell to producer Joel Silver to indicate the style and look they wanted for The Matrix. James Cameron and Quentin Tarantino have also acknowledged the influence of Ghost in the Shell's rococo plots and stylized visuals.[51]

References

  1. ^ "Into the Network: The Ghost in the Shell Universe". Production I.G. Retrieved January 08, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ "4.Megatech Machine 2 – The Making of a Cyborg". Ghost in the Shell.
  3. ^ "攻殻機動隊（１）" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
  4. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL #1 (OF 8)". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  5. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL #8 (OF 8)". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  6. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL TPB". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  7. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL 1 2ND EDITION TPB". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-20.
  8. ^ "Ghost in the Shell Volume 1". Kodansha Comics USA. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  9. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE #1". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  10. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE #11". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  11. ^ "Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface". ICv2. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  12. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL VOLUME 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE TPB". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  13. ^ "Ghost in the Shell Volume 2". Kodansha Comics USA. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  14. ^ "攻殻機動隊１．５" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
  15. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5: HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSOR #1". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  16. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5: HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSOR #8". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  17. ^ "GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5: HUMAN-ERROR PROCESSOR TPB". Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved 2012-10-12.
  18. ^ "Ghost in the Shell 1.5". Kodansha Comics USA. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  19. ^ "攻殻機動隊　Ｃｙｂｅｒｄｅｌｉｃｓ" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-11-24.
  20. ^ "Yu Kinutani (Works)". Random House. Retrieved January 06, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  21. ^ "Ghost in the Shell to Return to Japanese Theaters". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  22. ^ "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Solid State Society Overview". Production I.G. November 24, 2006. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  23. ^ "Ani-Monday HOME". NBC Universal. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
  24. ^ Saabedra, Humberto (2010-11-22). "Ghost in the Shell Solid State Society 3D Screening in March 2011". AnimeNews.biz. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
  25. ^ Siegel, Tatiana; Fleming, Michael (April 14, 2008). "DreamWorks to make 'Ghost' in 3-D". Variety.com. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  26. ^ Siegel, Tatiana (October 22, 2009). "Kalogridis to adapt 'Ghost in the Shell'". Variety.com. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  27. ^ "Staff & Cast". Production I.G. Archived from the original on 09-02-2011. Retrieved 09-02-2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |archivedate= (help)
  28. ^ "攻殻機動隊 ＳＴＡＮＤ ＡＬＯＮＥ ＣＯＭＰＬＥＸ Ｔｈｅ Ｌａｕｇｈｉｎｇ Ｍａｎ（Ｂｌｕ－ｒａｙ）" (in Japanese). Jbook. Retrieved 2012-02-13.
  29. ^ "攻殻機動隊 虚夢回路" (in Japanese). Tokuma Shoten. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
  30. ^ "Ghost in the Shell: SAC to Spawn 2 New Manga in Japan (Updated)". Anime News Network. November 7, 2009. Retrieved 2011-11-04.
  31. ^ "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex". IGN. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
  32. ^ "Ghost in the Shell Arise Anime to Launch in 2013". Anime News Network. January 15, 2013. Retrieved 2013-01-15.
  33. ^ "Ghost in the Shell Arise Anime's Details Outlined (Update 3)". Anime News Network. February 19, 2013. Retrieved 2013-02-19.
  34. ^ "攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL". Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
  35. ^ "Ghost in the Shell". IGN. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  36. ^ "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex". IGN. Retrieved January 04, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  37. ^ "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex". IGN. Retrieved January 04, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  38. ^ "Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex interview". Siliconera. Retrieved January 08, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  39. ^ "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Online Game Coming From Nexon". Siliconera. Ishaan. Retrieved 20 February 2013. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  40. ^ "Ghost in the Shell Online Game Is An FPS With A Focus On Hacking". Siliconera. Siliconera. Retrieved 20 February 2013. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  41. ^ "イノセンス After the Long Goodbye" (in Japanese). Tokuma Shoten. Retrieved 11-25-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  42. ^ "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (Novel-Hard cover)". Viz Media. Retrieved 11-25-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  43. ^ "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence Ani-Manga". ICv2. Retrieved 11-27-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  44. ^ "世界中で絶賛されている近未来SFコミックス「攻殻機動隊」のプレイステーション・ゲームのSound [Techno] Trax。". Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Retrieved January 04, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  45. ^ "攻殻機動隊フチコマ立体図鑑" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
  46. ^ "Gutto kuru Figure Collection Kusanagi Motoko (PVC Figure)". Retrieved January 06, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  47. ^ "Ghost in the shell Stand Alone Complex Kusanagi Motoko (PVC Figure)". Retrieved January 06, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  48. ^ "Nendoroid Tachikoma". Good Smile Company. Retrieved January 06, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  49. ^ "Ghost in the Shell Store : Merchandise". GKWorld. Retrieved January 06, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  50. ^ WarnerVideo.com, Interview with the Wachowski siblings, Warner Brothers Studios, Official Website.
  51. ^ Mann, Charles (September 2004). "The Giants of Anime are Coming". Wired. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
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