Damn Academy

Whoever came up with that name is a real chad

Love it! Awesome story plot

STORY: 7  
Let's dive into a compelling narrative where technology is on the brink of transforming information into a new form of consciousness, crafted before the era of mass cellphones and social media! While some elements remain ambiguous and the pacing can feel uneven at times, this manga excels in blending cybernetics, geeky sci-fi, political intrigue, and police action seamlessly.  

ART: 9  
A masterpiece that helped shape the visual style of 90s mangas, this work continues to impress even three decades later. The integration of computerized textures from 1990 still enhances the graphics, defying expectations of obsolescence.  

POLITICAL POTENTIAL: 6  
Section 9, the protagonist's unit, delves into themes like democracy manipulation, corruption, exploitative foreign policies, and terrorism. The story masterfully presents multiple perspectives, revealing that heroes aren't always virtuous and villains may have sympathetic motives. It also explores profound questions about human rights and the essence of humanity itself. My favorite quote: "Emphasizing a lifestyle based on consumption is the ultimate violence against poor countries."  

FEMINISM: 6  
The cyborg Major Kusanagi, a female character, serves as the central figure in this manga. She exemplifies excellence in her field with unmatched skills, an extensive information network, and top-secret advanced body parts. Whether infiltrating high-ranking politicians, confronting terrorists, or battling colossal robots, she dominates every scene. Her personal life includes relationships with both men and women, showcasing her independence. Her partner, Batou—resembling Arnold Schwarzenegger—provides steadfast support but is portrayed as less capable. Major Kusanagi truly commands respect.  
However, aside from her, women are largely absent from positions of influence. Most female characters share a stereotypically alluring physique, regardless of their roles as sex-dolls, secretaries, technicians, or nurses. One might interpret this as reflecting societal sexism within the fictional world, yet it arguably mirrors the biases prevalent in 90s manga culture.  

CONCLUSION: 7  
This is a timeless classic and an essential read for anyone planning to watch the anime adaptation—a true masterpiece.

“... but now it's time to shed all constraints and layers, transitioning to a more advanced system..."

Ghost in the Shell is a work that perpetually questions what lies ahead. Whether it's the next potential move of a cyber-terrorist, the next version of technology and weaponry, or the next stage in human evolution. We understand where we are currently, and we may have an idea of where we could be headed, but... what exactly comes next?

It is the year 2029 in Newport City, Japan. Section 9, a division of Public Security, has recently been established as a unit specialized in counter-terrorism and anti-cybercrime. When necessary, they also serve as oversight against governmental corruption. Their team consists of an impressive group of highly-skilled individuals.

Major Motoko Kusanagi leads the assaults. She's sharp-tongued with hacking abilities few can match globally. Batou is formidable even without weapons; Ishikawa is the tech expert; Saito is the sniper; Togusa is the rookie ex-policeman; Boma is the demolition specialist; Pazu is the versatile one; and Chief Aramaki is the mastermind behind them all. Watching their teamwork is the highlight, but some members don't get much screen time. We spend little time with Ishikawa, Boma, and Pazu — and beyond Motoko, there aren't many character development arcs.

Thankfully, their battles are enhanced by the quirky fuchikomas. I use 'quirky' affectionately. Depending on how their humor resonates with you, it might be love at first byte. A fuchikoma is a think tank, an AI-controlled armed robot that operates independently or serves as a vehicle when piloted. They resemble cute, chubby, mechanical spiders. Much of the manga's humor stems from these curious, occasionally obstinate, automatons.

Though often, it's Major's own defiance towards authority that elicits the biggest laughs.

The world of Ghost in the Shell is saturated with technology. It's omnipresent, often unnoticed due to its prevalence. People have started replacing their flesh and organs with cybernetic enhancements or full cybernization. Cyborgs are commonplace. Motoko herself appears no different from an average, fully-human girl you might see combating criminals while wielding Seburo-style firearms. Only upon closer inspection, lifting her hair, do you notice the ports on the back of her neck for hardwiring into computer terminals or direct cyborg connections.

Early in the manga, there's a particularly profound scene where Motoko witnesses the creation of a cyborg. An entirely biomechanical cyber-body is opened at the neck, ready to receive the only remaining organic material of the woman being cybernized — her brain and spinal cord. Is this what our individual consciousnesses can be reduced to? Our bodies, like a two-meter high block of flesh and blood instead of marble, chiseled down to this small yet crucial part?

No wonder the Major frequently ponders the nature of her 'ghost'. In a body 90% manufactured, it's challenging to ascertain what is genuinely 'her' and what isn't. Is there a ratio of human-to-machine where Motoko's identity fades and 'she' transforms into something else entirely? And would 'she' even recognize the change? At one point, she jokes that perhaps only two brain cells remain the 'real' her.

Shirow manipulates this concept of identity with precision akin to playing a violin.

It's easy to fall into a false sense of security regarding our self-perception. Our bodies support our brains; our brains generate consciousness. We are our bodies. However, in this new era, hackers challenge this assumed permanence. Now, cyberbrains can be infiltrated and implanted with fabricated memories and personalities or be hijacked remotely like puppets. The main storyline involves such a character: The Puppeteer, a master hacker capable of breaching the toughest defenses and using people as pawns. Thus, the question shifts from retaining identity to whether it's even feasible.

Despite being steeped in deeper philosophies, Ghost in the Shell primarily delivers action-packed excitement. Whether utilizing a thermo-optically camouflaged fuchikoma for stealth, hunting down a fugitive, or bursting onto the scene with force, Section 9 and the Major take you on a thrilling ride. Even when the story builds gradually, there's a strong sense of anticipation for the impending payoffs. Shirow's artistry excels in creating tension-and-release, crafting dramatic moments sequentially. A shootout might span just a few pages here or there, but it's graceful, brutal, and gratifying. And when the onslaught continues for page after page, hold on tight!

Whether Shirow's technical prowess surpasses his creative decisions is an academic debate. Both elements are seamlessly integrated. He makes Motoko visually cool and enhances that coolness by making her a cyborg. Similarly, Newport City fascinates both in appearance and the futuristic technology he incorporates. His ideas and execution are remarkable. Occasionally prescient, given its initial publication in 1989. As with William Gibson's Neuromancer, perhaps there's something unique in the cyberpunk ethos.

To inquire about what comes next is to embrace change. "Change is the only constant." It feels trite to say so. It's one of those simple truths spanning from the cosmic to the microscopic. And there we are, right in the midst of it. I've evolved while writing this sentence. You've transformed while reading this one. Our cells renew, divide, perish. Granted, those are minor changes. Motoko confronts a significant transformation directly, the "what comes next" in our species' progression. It's merely one of numerous possible paths we could pursue, I imagine. It's plausible we're already treading her footsteps and gathering the courage to follow suit. Perhaps we've already made the decision.

Motoko discusses her 'ghost'. It's the final fragment of her identity housed within the cybernetic shell of her body. It whispers to her, guides her, offering as much reassurance as possible despite her fear that it might not exist. Housed within a life of ceaseless change, what permanence can we discover?

Maybe just those changes that give birth to a new future... and being fortunate enough to witness them as they unfold.

The book comes across as overly self-important. The Deluxe edition is filled with annotations that emphasize the author's admiration for himself. The climax lacks emotion; it's a long, pedantic speech that leads to a decision devoid of feeling or clear reasoning. I prefer the anime adaptation—it's better. Even the live-action version surpasses it in my opinion. Maybe I'm too dull, but I value emotion. This book seems more focused on speculating about the future and showcasing the author's grasp of...odd...sci-fi concepts and weaponry?<br /><br />

That said, it's an interesting read. It might not be my style, but it offers a unique viewpoint, especially when considering a pre-internet era. In a way, it's prophetic, and I understand that. However, my enjoyment of this book shouldn't rely solely on a clever idea from decades ago.<br /><br />

For instance, Akira isn't great just because it predicted the Tokyo Olympics. If you enjoyed Ghost in the Shell, I'd love to discuss it. I want to appreciate this book, but I feel like I need guidance. I've been stuck on the second book for quite some time now—far too long. <p>

I picked up "Ghost in the Shell" (GitS) over the last summer. Already being a huge fan of the movies and series, I was excited to explore where it all started. Prior to this, I hadn't read any Shirow manga except for parts of "Appleseed." When I got home, it was nearly 3 AM, yet I still didn't go to sleep until around 5.

Why?

Because this book is absolutely incredible. I'm astonished by how few people have actually picked it up, considering the near fanaticism the show inspired. One reason for this might be some extremely graphic content in the manga. Given that Shirow also creates hentai, I now expect this, but it did unsettle me initially when I first read it. Don't worry; it only lasts about three pages, and if you delve into the extensive extra information at the back, it all makes sense.

The art in this manga is both beautiful and brutal at times. Shirow is undoubtedly a master at crafting realistic and detailed backgrounds. His cityscapes and mechanical designs seem plausible in real life. You can definitely tell this was created in the early '90s, as some inking styles and color sections scream that era.

The characters, I'll admit, aren't as developed as they become in the show. However, the groundwork is laid. Togusa is still a father and husband, Batou remains the smart aleck, and Motoko continues to be cold and efficient. Fans of the series will notice the absence of Tachikomas. Their predecessors, the Fuchikomas, are essentially the same but with noticeably different mech designs.

The story revolves mainly around random crimes and special operations handled by the Section 9 team, making it seem like a cop drama at its core. Eventually, it reaches the Puppeteer, and fans of the movies already know the outcome. Some twists and turns make it more enjoyable (at least to me) than the movie based on this, and some sci-fi elements are explained in greater detail. Again, this is where the directory at the back proves useful. Without reading it, the story might not make sense unless you're a scientist, military expert, or an exceptionally well-read religious practitioner.

My enjoyment of this manga is evident, and overall, I believe any fan of the series, movies, or sci-fi and cyberpunk in general should give it a try.

GiTS, telling the story of an anti-terrorist team comprised of humans and cyborgs as they combat cyber crimes, is far more than what initially meets the eye. GiTS is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most impactful works in the cyberpunk genre within manga, a masterpiece whose depth and intricacy have yet to be surpassed by any other creation. To put it frankly, The Matrix trilogy seems amateurish in comparison. Here's a rundown of all the incredible aspects found within this manga:

1) Exceptional artwork and cinematics. Masamune Shirow clearly had a passion for drawing machines and cybernetic characters, and this enthusiasm shines through vibrantly. Each panel is meticulously detailed, with battles choreographed masterfully and explanatory diagrams that clarify new technologies and applications in a way that feels accessible. It instills the belief that these concepts are not only possible but probable, making them seem credible rather than like the incomprehensible "magic technology" often found in other sci-fi works.

2) A compelling narrative and groundbreaking concepts. While the line between reality and virtual reality might seem commonplace today, this manga is one of the earliest examples to explore such themes and remains among the most sophisticated and thoughtfully executed takes on the subject. Indeed, numerous directors, filmmakers, and mangakas openly acknowledge the profound influence this work has had on them, with any similarities likely being a nod or tribute to GiTS. Moreover, unlike many other narratives centered around augmented or virtual reality that focus narrowly on specific ideas or parts of the world, GiTS encompasses every facet of life – from societal structures, religion, and philosophy, to personal quests for identity and happiness. And if you think the concept has become simplistic over the years due to its mainstream acceptance, feel free to delve into the second GiTS manga or watch the second GiTS movie, where the complexity intensifies significantly. Good luck navigating those; I personally got lost at some point, my organic memory faltered, and I decided to leave it for another time.

3) Memorable characters. Motoko, Batou, and Togusa represent three personalities that are both easy to grasp and deeply intricate, each shaped by the era they inhabit and influenced by ever-present technology while still exercising their own agency. The manga balances cooperative missions and criminal pursuits with existential dialogues and the exploration of reality versus illusion. There are no clear-cut villains or heroes here; most individuals are either driven by greed or apathy, rendering morality less of a barrier. Mercenaries, corporate executives, and politicians alike simply strive to maximize their gains in a world governed by information, where the power of stealth proves more potent than the power of firearms.

One notable aspect is the contrasting tone between the movie and anime versions, which tend to portray the characters more seriously. In the manga, the characters exhibit a comedic side, occasionally providing laughter without undermining their authenticity. This isn't much of an issue compared to the somewhat disjointed plot across the various missions. The storyline is highly episodic, which might feel underwhelming for those who prefer tightly woven narratives. Nevertheless, I didn't find it particularly bothersome and would still wholeheartedly recommend it as one of the pioneering and finest cyberpunk works ever crafted.

As a huge fan of the Ghost in the Shell movies and TV series, I eventually decided to explore the original source material behind one of the greatest sci-fi anime ever created.  

Before diving into Ghost in the Shell, I wasn't really into manga at the time. However, I approached it with an open mind and after finishing the manga, I became even more inclined to read more manga. It also deepened my appreciation for Ghost in the Shell, making me love it even more than I already did.  

The story contains familiar elements from the films and shows, along with additional narratives that I found highly engaging. All of them are rich with great sci-fi components, which as a sci-fi enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed—ranging from hacking to exploring the internet in a unique way.  

The art style in this manga is among the best I've encountered, which is impressive considering it was released in 1987. One standout feature is the fight scenes, which are superbly executed. Additionally, the depictions of futuristic technology are stunning, and you'll find it challenging to find another work that visually matches its quality.  

The characters align somewhat with what I expected from the anime but have noticeable differences. A prime example is the Major herself. If you've seen the anime, you know she's a badass, confident, and introspective about her purpose and reality. However, the manga reveals a more immature side to her. And if you thought she didn't tolerate nonsense in the anime, reading the manga will show you just how far she takes it.  

There’s one last point worth mentioning: the infamous lesbian cyber sex scene between the Major and two of her cyborg friends. To be honest, it's not as significant as some might think. It lasts only about two pages and occurs within a dream sequence while they're connected via some kind of drug (though it's not explicitly mentioned). So, I don't think it will shock anyone over 18.  

In conclusion, the Ghost in the Shell manga is a classic that all anime and manga fans should read. Even if you're just a fan of sci-fi, it's definitely worth your time. It's a timeless piece and a cornerstone of one of the greatest sci-fi franchises in anime and manga history.