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Click here to visit the Official Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex site! The last volume of such a great series really has a lot to live up to, and luckily Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex vol 7 manages it. The last volume had really set the scene for an epic confrontation in this volume, and to start with this is what we get. Under fire from powerful enemies, Section 9 is really on the ropes as their headquarters come under siege and the agents are forced to go to ground in order to survive. How will each member react now the tables have been turned and they are fugitives? And more to the point, how will the Laughing Man plot finally come to a satisfying conclusion? This final volume really starts with a bang, there are shootouts and fights galore as the army storm the Section 9 headquarters and the individual members of Section 9 try to avoid arrest. The action is superb with a palpable sense of tension as Section 9 crumbles, and you are really left guessing as to how their enigmatic chief Aramaki could possibly get them out of the mess they're in. The story throws up several plot twists as the volume progresses and you can't see how it could possibly be concluded in just three episodes, which is something I'll come back to. One of the things that has always impressed me with Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is that, because of the overlying examination of technology's effect on individuality and interaction, it has always focused on people. This volume is no different for the most part, as each member of Section 9 is given a bit more character by their actions and an interesting subplot gives an insight into the relationship Batou and Kusanagi share. The story continues to be intelligent and thought-provoking despite the large amount of action, but the ending will not appeal to all. The story appears to end quite abruptly it must be said, in fact even in the final episode it seems like the series is going to continue for a while yet. The way the story ends is clever, it may seem to end quickly but in fact it draws together an ending which has been nonchalantly built up over several episodes, but it still feels slightly unsatisfying. Also, the Laughing Man - who you have pretty much forgotten about - turns up at the end to have a deep philosophical conversation with Kusanagi. Whilst it is very thought-provoking and it does explain a lot about the series, it does so in a similar way to the infamous Architect scene at the end of The Matrix Reloaded, which will no doubt annoy some viewers. Despite this, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex vol 7 is a suitably explosive ending to an explosive series. As with the previous volumes it provides plenty of depth if you want it, but if not enough flashes and bangs to keep you enthralled, it balances brains and brawn almost perfectly. The ending may be a bit too philosophical for some but it does explain things and leaves you thinking well past the end credits. A great ending to one of the best anime series of recent years. Superb. Extras Some decent extras on view once more. The episode synopses are replaced this time round by descriptions of important series concepts, and alongside the new Manga trailer reels and a trailer for the game we also get some more interviews. Series director Kenji Kamiyama comes under the spotlight on disc 1 in an interesting interview which also includes footage of him brainstorming story ideas with the scriptwriters, but the highlight is disc 2's UK exclusive interview with Terratag's Paul Nicholson, designer of the Laughing Man logo. There is also some DVD ROM content this time too, and a hidden sneak peek of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG, so another decent crop of extras! Ratings Feature:
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