Ghost in the Shell Standalone Complex, Volume 2

March 15, 2012

With a huge fan base, the Ghost in the Shell (GITS) universe spans several manga from originator Masamune Shirow, plus novels and anime. This attractive manga recaps plots from the TV anime and will disappoint fans looking for a new spin on gorgeous cyberwarrior Motoko and the rest of cybercop unit Section 9. Yet it provides more details about the anime stories, which flash quickly over the screen in a chaos of political intrigue, switched identities, new characters, implausible but juicy tech-speak, and the bouncy Tachikoma robovehicles. Volume 1 unpacks in detail the brain-swap scam of the supposed Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Volume 2 reveals more clearly the psychology of Takeshi Kago, a man who reincarnates himself as a giant warrior tank now hell-bent on visiting his parents one last time--maybe to kill them, maybe not. VERDICT Because this manga explains the actions and characters beyond the screen version, it will suit those with slower video comprehension ability. It can also act as an introduction to the GITS cyberpunk universe. Recommended for older teen and adult manga fans.--M.C.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.