There are three different universes in the world of Ghost in the Shell. The manga, the two movies by Mamoru Oshii, and then Stand Alone Complex. Feel free to start any one of them when you like, just go in order for in each universe.
The Manga by Masamune Shirow:
Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell 2: Man/Machine Interface
Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human Error Processor
Notes: 1.5 is chapters edited out from volume 2. Don't bother with reader after volume 1. It was mostly created as a response to volume one's success and is universially panned.
The Movies Directed by Mamoru Oshii:
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
Notes: The first movie is based off of the manga, but they are actuallyl very differnt. The manga is much more episodic by chapter and many of the short stories that apprear in it form the basis of quite a few episodes to the 1st season of Stand Alone Complex and even a few are fitted into the second season. Also, the movie plot is more accuartely discribed as a combination of multiple shorts and changed around enough to form a larger overarching story (a little similar to what was done with Akira). In order to met the funding for 2, Studio Ghibli chipped in money and helped with the production of it.
Stand Alone Complex:
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (series)
-Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex-The Laughing Man (movie)
Ghost in the Shell: S.A. C. 2nd Gig (series)
-Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex-Individual Eleven (movie)
Ghost in the Shell: S.A. C. Solid State Society (movie)
Note: The pieces indicated by a - are optional works that are not required to see in sequentail order. They are mostly abridgements of the series (Individual Eleven has the same premise but a different story then the series). I haven't seen them either but understood the stuff afterwards with ease. |
Pierre_BezukhovJul 4, 2009 10:31 PM
"In the Beginning, the creative energy radiates from within."
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No, no. That's Lame. Sounds like something out of a Jodorowsky comic.
The Tokusyu Manga Club - Features alternative comics/avant-garde comics/outsider comics/psychdelic comics/surrealistic comics/underground comics + La Nouvelle Manga (part of Alternative).
If I'm here, its because I have nothing better to do. |