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Ghost in the Shell README: 1995-2017
The definitive history of the most influential cyberpunk anime of all time! This beautiful, color hardcover guide begins with the seminal feature that inspired The Matrix and many other films, comics, and novels, and ends with the live-action Hollywood adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson. Follow the franchise that made manga master Shirow Masamune, legendary director Mamoru Oshii, and the studio Production I.G the legends they are today.
In-depth interviews, stunning concept art, and tales of behind-the-scenes triumphs and near-tragedies from the 22-year history of The Ghost in the Shell. Begin with the original anime, which was released in Japan in 1995 and subsequently took the West by storm, through the award-winning sequel Innocence and the global smash hit TV adaptation Stand Alone Complex, all the way up to 2017, with the release of the new live-action film from Paramount Pictures.
In-depth interviews, stunning concept art, and tales of behind-the-scenes triumphs and near-tragedies from the 22-year history of The Ghost in the Shell. Begin with the original anime, which was released in Japan in 1995 and subsequently took the West by storm, through the award-winning sequel Innocence and the global smash hit TV adaptation Stand Alone Complex, all the way up to 2017, with the release of the new live-action film from Paramount Pictures.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published November 7, 2017
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About the author
Masamune Shirow
424 books497 followersMasamune Shirow is an internationally renowned manga
Masanori Ota, better known by his pen name Masamune Shirow (Japanese: 士郎正宗), is a Japanese manga artist renowned for his influential contributions to the cyberpunk genre. Born in Kobe in 1961, he studied oil painting at Osaka University of Arts, where he developed an interest in manga. His early work Black Magic led to the critically acclaimed Appleseed, which won the 1986 Seiun Award for Best Manga. Shirow achieved global recognition with Ghost in the Shell, a groundbreaking manga that inspired multiple anime films and series, a live-action Hollywood adaptation, and numerous video games. His stories are known for blending action with philosophical inquiries into AI, post-human existence, and the ethics of technology. He has collaborated with Production I.G on projects like Ghost Hound and Real Drive. Shirow’s distinctive style and thought-provoking narratives have left a lasting impact on manga, anime, and science fiction worldwide, influencing creators including the Wachowskis of The Matrix fame.
Masanori Ota, better known by his pen name Masamune Shirow (Japanese: 士郎正宗), is a Japanese manga artist renowned for his influential contributions to the cyberpunk genre. Born in Kobe in 1961, he studied oil painting at Osaka University of Arts, where he developed an interest in manga. His early work Black Magic led to the critically acclaimed Appleseed, which won the 1986 Seiun Award for Best Manga. Shirow achieved global recognition with Ghost in the Shell, a groundbreaking manga that inspired multiple anime films and series, a live-action Hollywood adaptation, and numerous video games. His stories are known for blending action with philosophical inquiries into AI, post-human existence, and the ethics of technology. He has collaborated with Production I.G on projects like Ghost Hound and Real Drive. Shirow’s distinctive style and thought-provoking narratives have left a lasting impact on manga, anime, and science fiction worldwide, influencing creators including the Wachowskis of The Matrix fame.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 6, 2018
Yes this is a 5 star - but in all honesty its a very selective one.
Now I know star ratings are very personal and by that very nature incredibly selective however this I feel is even more so than others. You see this is a guide to the world of Ghost In the Shell a classic of it's time which has had its influence felt far and wide.
The book delves in to each of the various incarnations of this story, both reimagining and new material, with plot line breakdowns, character bios and introductions to the landscape, supporting characters and defining moments.
To any anime fan of the various films and TV series this is an amazing insight in to the worlds they create.
So why say this is so personal - well I was introduced to Akira at university (many) years ago and as such have kept an eye on the medium through the years. I was lucky enough to see the theatrical release of the original Ghost in the shell and that has stuck with me through the years.
I think for me having worked in the engineering world I see how many of the "high" concepts that where once only the realm of science fiction are slowly coming in to reality. Now these shows (both films and series) have all the action and intrigue but also question the human element to it all, and I cannot but wonder if at some point we may have to face challenges similar to those shown here.
Now future shock and dystopia aside these are great shows and the various remakes, reissues and new stories for me stands as testament to the strength of the appeal and I hope long may it continue.
Now I know star ratings are very personal and by that very nature incredibly selective however this I feel is even more so than others. You see this is a guide to the world of Ghost In the Shell a classic of it's time which has had its influence felt far and wide.
The book delves in to each of the various incarnations of this story, both reimagining and new material, with plot line breakdowns, character bios and introductions to the landscape, supporting characters and defining moments.
To any anime fan of the various films and TV series this is an amazing insight in to the worlds they create.
So why say this is so personal - well I was introduced to Akira at university (many) years ago and as such have kept an eye on the medium through the years. I was lucky enough to see the theatrical release of the original Ghost in the shell and that has stuck with me through the years.
I think for me having worked in the engineering world I see how many of the "high" concepts that where once only the realm of science fiction are slowly coming in to reality. Now these shows (both films and series) have all the action and intrigue but also question the human element to it all, and I cannot but wonder if at some point we may have to face challenges similar to those shown here.
Now future shock and dystopia aside these are great shows and the various remakes, reissues and new stories for me stands as testament to the strength of the appeal and I hope long may it continue.
January 30, 2018
This is pretty much an art book/coffee table book. It has all the beautiful art work and rough sketches along with detailed information about every anime version of the show. While also touching on the manga and live action movie. A great touch is interviews with the two Japanese voice actresses for Motoko and all three directors of the diffrent anime versions in a round table style. And it goes into detail about the characters, guns, machines, landscapes, episodes, finalies, and plot for all versions. It an amazing book if your a fan of any version of the Ghost in the Shell anime and want to compare the versions or get more insight.
May 20, 2019
Cool summary of the entire IP.
July 2, 2019
A collectible with quality pictures and lots and lots of extra information for the serious GITSophiles out there!
April 2, 2018
„Ghost in the shell“ ist still one of the publications that embodies cyberpunk chic at its best. There is something in this world that feels fast, dangerous and otherworldly. Therefore I was eager to get back in touch with this world by this book.
The star rating really depends on how to read it. I enjoyed the book and like to revisit old places, but found the texts in it a good chunk redundant and sometimes lazy. So, if you want to have a good look at the artwork and refresh your memories without watching everything again, this is your book. If you want to gain new insights, maybe it is not
The star rating really depends on how to read it. I enjoyed the book and like to revisit old places, but found the texts in it a good chunk redundant and sometimes lazy. So, if you want to have a good look at the artwork and refresh your memories without watching everything again, this is your book. If you want to gain new insights, maybe it is not
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews