Title: Ghost in the Shell: Stand-Alone Complex

Creator: Masamune Shirow

Company: Manga/Bandai

DVD Info:26 episodes, 4+ DVD's

Summary:In this independent TV sequel to the first Ghost in the Shell movie (available from Manga Entertainment), Section 9 police officer Major Motoko Kusangai and her partner Batou battle electronic terrorists. But in their futuristic world, the line between man and machine is blurring. Can man and machine truly be separate in a world of cyborgs and robots?

The Good: Despite the fact that it's a sequel to Ghost in the Shell, you don't need to have seen the original movie. It's got a Blade Runner feel to it, so people who enjoyed that movie should check this out as well. Motoko is a great heroine, and I love her all-business approach. (She's kind of like Ripley in the Alien movies.) The detail is beautiful, especially in the opening animation. And Yoko Kanno's music rocks!

The Bad:Sometimes it's a little slow.

Offensive Material: Mildly graphic violence and language.

Overall: Ghost in the Shell: Stand-Alone Complex is a mind-blowingly beautiful sci-fi.

My Review: 4.0

Category: C

Note: Ghost in the Shell: Stand-Alone Complex is inspired by the movie Ghost in the Shell, which was based on the manga of the same name published in America by Dark Horse. A sequel called Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence has been released theatrically by Dreamworks. Other titles created by Masamune Shirow include Appleseed and Dominion Tank Police. Production IG also created all the Ghost in the Shell movies, as well as Love Hina and Dead Leaves. Yoko Kanno's music has appeared in Please Save My Earth, Vision of Escaflowne, Cowboy Bebop, RahXephon, Memories, and Wolf's Rain. Other titles created by Production IG include: Ghost in the Shell 1 & 2, Appleseed, Love Hina, and Pilot Candidate.