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 4

By otaku_kei
20th Aug 05

Section 9 is back! Having wrapped up the mystery of the Laughing Man case you'd think that maybe there would be medals and parades for these government agents. Or at least a steak dinner, right? Well apparently not for clandestine counter-terrorism units its all business as usual for the Major and her squad. Well the 'stand-alone' episodes come to the fore in this volume, having no need for any additions to the 'complex' story arc. Once again we get storylines that focus on the characters, or deliver a roller coaster of action.

Episode 13: Not Equal
Sixteen years ago the heir to the Tokra Electronics fortune, Tokra Eka was kidnapped by anti-cyberbrain terrorists known as 'The Kokoku Brigade'. But surveillence has recently been retrieved of a girl in the company of the brigade who looks just like Eka - but does not seem to have aged a bit! Section 9 are called in to retrieve the girl and put an end to the brigade, but appearances can be deceiving.

An action packed episode to kick off volume 4, with Section 9 being caught in a running firefight with the brigade, in what looks to be a trap laid out for the team. Also serves to bring a bit of storyline exploration into the Ghost In The Shell world. The Kokoku Brigade are reminiscent of the actions taken by communist 'revolutionary' brigades in both Germany and Italy in the 70's. Idealists transformed into terrorists as they feel it is the only way to get across their political beliefs. It may not be much but just another layer that develops this world into the living, vibrant, believable world that we are getting.

Episode 14: Yes
Section 9 help the local police break up a team of bank robbers who are determined to ruin a group of Japanese Corporations. Whilst it all goes relatively smoothly it looks like this group may have also employed an assassin to take out a prominent, reclusive multi-billionaire. Can Section 9 find out when and where the assassin will strike? And will they be in time when they finally work it all out?

Paced slower than the opening episode, Yes shows just how hampered they are by any issue where the information sources Section 9 uses come up dry. And for you fans of the Major, you'll be pleased to see a bit of fan-service as well as a face0off between everybodies favourite sexy cyborg versus chinese cyborg assassin.

Episode 15: Machines Desirantes
The Tachikomas seal their fate in this episode. Heedless of the Major's growing suspicions of Section 9's robot counterparts they continue to act out and discover there own growing individuality. This concern from the Major leads to some critical decisions being made about the Tachikomas future. But these robots will not quietly to their doom as they hatch a plot to convince the Major that she is wrong about them - by being a robot like as possible!

Whilst this episode may see the Tachikomas fate decided, I have to admit I spent most of this episode amused by their attempts to confuse the Major into thinking that they are 'all-robot'. Taking their cues from bad sci-fi B-movie dialogue the Tachikomas are just so adorable in this episode. Just a shame that there attempts to be more like robots may have alarmed the Major even more - nobody likes people with crazy personality shifts!

Episode 16: ag2o
This episode is one for Batou fans. This dark horse of Section 9 is left in charge when Aramaki and the Major take a trip to London. Having to oversee the Tachikomas being sent off for reprogramming, as well as investigating into possible espionage by one of his idols - an Olympic boxer now instructing the Japanese SDF in hand-to-hand combat, leaves Batou questioning his reasons and commitment to Section 9.

Batou has always been the conscience to the Majors cold businesslike manner. This level of humanity that Batou allows to be seen is truly effecting in this episode. His conflicting feelings and duties when it comes to the Tachikomas, and his respect for a man who was an inspiration to Batou hit the man at a low point. This episode really does help us understand Batou much more. And anyone who isn't touched by the dignity by which the Tachikomas leave this series must be a hard-hearted bastard.

Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex continues to go from strength to strength. Even when removed from any overarching plot line, this show can still deliver gripping and interesting episodes that help to develop the characters, and still leave you hanging on for more. If it was not for the technical issues with this disc (see below) then I think this volume would be nigh on perfect!

R2 DVD Notes

Features: Disc 1 - Japanese Language 5.1; English Language 5.1; English Language 2.0; English Language Subtitles; Interview with Koichi Yamadera (the voice of Togusa); Interview with Tamagawa Sakko (the voice of Tachikoma); Manga Entertainment Trailers; Ghost In The Shell video game trailer; Character Profiles Disc 2 - Japanese Language DTS; English Language DTS; English Language 2.0; English Language Subtitles; Volume 4 Quiz

Release information: OUT NOW

Notes: Well for anyone who has been keeping an eye on this release you will know that there have been a series of mistakes with the audio, and subtitles since volume 1. This volume is no different with some mis-timed audio, bad lip-synch, and audio dropout. This has become such an issue that Manga Entertainment are offering a replacement disc program for the run of discs that are effected. Go over to [url]www.standalonecomplex.co.uk[/url] or further details about replacement program. But whlst the audio track may be causing issues, it is good to see that ths show still looks superb. Clear, colourful, defined - a great picture as to be expected from such a recent show. Once again Manga have also delivered quite a few extras on this release. More cast interviews finally rounds up the principal VA cast. More character profiles on the episode sub-menus that add little to our understanding of the characters. A plethora of audio tracks, even if they are faulty on some discs, and once again a quiz that if you get all the questions right unlocks a secret preview of the next episode of the following volume. All in all, whilst this series continues to have technical difficulties, Manga Entertainment are striving to try to address those issues as well as deliver as much to the consumer as possible. A laudable ideal I'm sure you'll agree.

-- otaku_kei 20th Aug 05

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Images