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Title:
 Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG vol 5

UK Distributor:  Manga Entertainment

BBFC Certificate:  15

Suggested Retail Price (SRP):  £19.99

Episodes:  17-20 (of 26)

Audio Options:  English & Japanese 5.1 DTS, 5.1 & 2.0

Subtitles:  English

Reviewer:  Rich (Webmaster)

 

Click here to visit the Official Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG site!

Despite all of their releases this year, and the high profile release of Naruto, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG remains Manga Entertainment's current flaghip series.  Anyone who's been watching it so far will know why, and if you haven't been you're missing one of the best anime series of recent years.

Section 9 are closing in on the ever-elusive refugee leader Kuze, with Kusanagi tracking him through Taiwan and the refugee colonies on the island of Dejima.  It's not easy to concentrate on her goal though, her helping of a young Taiwanese boy puts her in the firing line of the Taiwanese Mafia.  Progress is slowed further when she and Batou are dispatched to Germany as part of an international task force aiming to capture the infamous terrorist Angel Wing.  The stakeout doesn't really suit the all-action Batou and he soon finds his attention slipping to the sad figure of a lonely disabled girl waiting for her estranged father.  The arrival of Angel Wing could have massive repercussions for the girl, and will also leave Batou with a terrible choice to make.  Meanwhile back in Japan, Kuze and the refugees really up the ante.  The refugee stronghold of Dejima declares its independence from Japan and Section 9 learn that they are trying to get hold of nuclear material to force the world to recognise them.  With time running out and relations deteriorating rapidly Section 9 try desperately to intercept the nuclear material before it's too late.  However, with Gohda pulling strings from the shadows things are not going to be easy...
 

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG delivers intrigue, action, drama and superb action and music as standard, but this is a particularly strong volume.  What I have really liked about the series so far is that it isn't scared to explore the world it is set in or build a complex and gripping story that really makes you think.  Even now, with just six episodes left until the end of the series, it is still impossible to see where it is going or what Gohda's aims are.  It's this sense of mystery that makes the series so watchable.  There are lots of loose ends to tie up in the main story,


Tensions within Section 9 are mounting

whilst the side stories push the boundaries of the series and explore different elements of the world and the characters themselves.

Despite all the action on this volume I must admit that I found the slow and reflective episode in which Batou and Motoko track Angel Wing the best on the volume.  The change of pace from the high-octane action and investigation that punctuates the other episodes is refreshing and in no way jarring.  You get to see Batou's softer side as the understatedly tragic story plays out, all set against the beautiful architecture of a snowswept Berlin.  Batou's chivalrous nature has often caused him difficult choices between his own sense of justice and his duty, but the situation he is faced with at the end of this episode is truly moving.  However, the character with the biggest challenges to face is - for once - Kusanagi. and makes it even better than it was before.
 


The Tachikiomas still rock

 Motoko Kusanagi has nearly always been on top of everything throughout the whole of the two series of Stand Alone Complex.  She always seems one step ahead of her enemies and compatriots (Aramaki excepted) but she really seems to have met her match this time.  Kuze is outwitting her in cyberspace, where she has previously been unbeatable, and Gohda is keeping one step ahead of her investigations at all times.  Kusanagi is under pressure and after an episode in Thailand which shows her at her best, she starts to make some deadly and uncharacteristic mistakes.  It's going to be intriguing to see

how she deals with the consequences of her actions, and it's always intriguing to see her infallible mask slip.  Unfortunately for Section 9, Kusanagi's struggles come when they can least afford them, and this volume ends on a massive cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for the next volume.

Once again Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG delivers the goods and the plot is now thundering along at a frightening pace.  It's hard to see where it is going or how Section 9 can outwit two opponents who, at the moment at least, easily have the upper hand, but something tells me there are more twists and plenty of intrigue to come.  The Kuze story is moving forward at a rate of knots and I for one can't wait for the next volume, it's sheer genius!

Extras

Creator interviews once again, providing yet more insight into the creation of such a great series.  Director Kenji Kamiyama once again features in both interviews, the first alongside voice actors Atsuko Tanaka (Kusanagi) and Akio Ontsuka (Batou), and the second with voice actors Koichi Yamadera (Togusa) and Taro Yamaguchi (Borma).  The interviews are a decent length but once again are joined only by some Manga trailers.

Ratings

Feature:   Extras:
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