Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

[DB]

Being a fan of both GitS manga and anime, I had been waiting for a chance to watch this series. Finally had a chance to, and here's my review.

Coolness.

I probably ought to elaborate on that. SAC isn't a continuation of the GitS anime, but given what happened at the end of that, it couldn't be. Unlike a lot of relaunches of series (Tenchi Muyo, El Hazard, etc) this one doesn't suck, as it stays true to its origins and what makes it run. If you liked the previous material, you'll probably like this one as well. Ifyou didn't like the previous series, you might not care for it.

I won't bother taking up space rehashing the universe GitS takes place in, since most should know it by now. The semi-dystopic future mechanized Japan is the same as in the original series. This time out, Section 9 is closer to its manga counterpart, including some of the members that had been left out of the movie due to size constraints. Aramaki is in charge, Motoko is his right hand woman, and S9 continues to deal with both highly specialized cybernetic crimes, as well as watchdoging things both of a foriegn nature and abroad.

The title to the series is a sort of double entendre. The episodes are divided into two types: 'Stand Alone' and 'Complex'. Stand Alones are for the most part just that. The plot and resolution are dealt with in that episode (though there is a running subplot through several involving the unit's artificially intelligent mechs, called Tachikomas).

Complex episodes deal with an ongoing plot involving a mysterious uberhacker known as 'The Laughing Man' (And no, it's not another Puppet Master, like before). Complex episodes don't begin until the 5th, and are sparce until about halfway through the series, when there's nothing but Complex eps as they really get into the Laughing Man story and events build up to the climax.

The series emphasis is more on the plots and stories than the characters, though their habits and tendencies shine through, at least the main ones. Motoko, Bateu, Aramaki, and Togusa are the ones that get some level of development and have stories that center on them, and the Tachikomas humorous antics are enjoyable throughout the episodes they appear in.

While the Stand Alone episodes are enjoyable, it's the Complex ones that really piqued my interest. The ongoing story there had me intruiged from start to finish, especially since what seems pretty straight forward at the beginning turns out to be a smoke and mirrors game were the motives of some of the participants is unclear until almost the end.

Animation quality was outstanding, and the music scores by Yoko Kanno is the hit you would expect it to be (I especially enjoyed the OP). One of the more enjoyable things I've listened to in a while. The contrast between Stand Alone and Complex episodes helped the series stay fresh for me, though I would have personally included more Complex episodes in the early going, mostly because I favored that over the SA eps. Aside from that there were no drawback in it for me.  

Overall, it meets highly with my approval. I give it an 8 out of 10.