Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Highly recommended

Publisher
Manga
Director
Kenji Kamiyama
Production
Bandai, Dentsu, Production IG, Victor Entertainment
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
26 episodes
Year
2002

Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex Volume 3

By otaku_kei
20th Apr 05

With the Laughing Man case now reopened after the overt attack on the Chief of Police, Section 9 are put on high alert to track down any other leads that would result in the apprehension of this cyber criminal extraordinaire. But no matter how tight a net that Kusanagi, Batou and Togusa try to throw around this mastermind he keeps managing to slip through the net. Section 9 need to move fast if they are to contain this threat, but the Laughing Man is not the only problem they are going to have to face in this volume. Four more episodes of Manga's premier title on this release, which bring us to the halfway mark of this series so how is it progressing so far?

With the 2 different types of episodes in this series the 'complex' and the 'stand alone', this show can sometimes be a bit of a mixed bag. The quality of the show production never wanes but the interest in certain episodes can be sporadic. Once again on this release certain episodes really stand out, first being the tale of a serial killer stalking the streets of Tokyo that brings back some disturbing memories for Batou. Also the episode that focus' on Togusa's infiltration of a children's mental hospital as Section 9 are on the trail of the Laughing Man. The other episodes on this disc follow Kusanagi's online investigation into the Laughing Man, and a Tachikoma's solo adventure into the real world. This does result in a mixed release with definite high and low points with the serial killer episodes being one of the best episodes of the series so far.

This release also furthers the Laughing Man case quite a bit, but only serves to increase questions around the investigation. Who is the real Laughing Man? Are there copycat villains out there? Questions that will of course be addressed in upcoming episodes but it is good to see that this casefile will not be closed so quickly.

All in all this series is still managing to keep up the impressive pace set from the opening disc. The action set-pieces still carry the viewer along, and the plot expositions are executed well enough that the show never drags. Also the production quality of this show has never flagged, securing this shows place as one of the most prestigious titles being released in the UK at the moment. Hopefully this show will continue to go from strength to strength, as I'm sure everyone is eagerly awaiting the release of Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG!

R2 DVD Notes

Features: Disc 1 - English Language 5.1; English Language 2.0; Japanese Language 5.1; Japanese Language 2.0; English Subtitles; Interview with Akio Otsuka (VA of Batou); Interview with Kazuhiro Wakabayashi (sound director); Manga Entertainment Trailers; GITS Video Game Trailer; Character Profiles Disc 2 - English Language DTS; Japanese Language DTS; Quiz

Release information: 25th April -OUT SOON

Notes: Once again another fine release from Manga, kind of a shame that Manga are not generally known for the quality that is going into this release. With 3 seperate audio tracks in both English and Japanese we are certainly spoilt for choice. And the interviews do provide an insight into the production side of this show. Unfortunately the other extras are pretty standard fare for UK releases. But there is a nice easter egg if you complete the quiz then you get a bonus preview at volume 4!

-- otaku_kei 20th Apr 05

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Images