The plots of every single episode are just so well thought out. Sure there might be little off-story episodes, but they all contribute to the entire main plot. The whole entire thing is one confusing mindfuck, in the good way that makes you think on a mental level rather than some confusing nonsensicle thing like certain anime do for some supposed "Artist" method, which is fine something but some overdo it way too much.
Enough of that though, the character in Ghost In the Shell are there, yet for some reason they all display such unique roles for themselves that can easily differentiate them. This is only my first watch so I didn't gain every bit of information by default yet. But still, I can just feel the characters are very well thought out as well to play their roles and also drive the story to different lengths! Remember Batou almost killing that one guy he remembered from war, or even Motoko shooting the shit out of that white-colroed mech for getting revenge on Togusa, it's all just pure awesome stuff.
The art simply has such a great style to it. Especially for a 2001 TV anime, it's very well damn good! No, it's fantastical and inspiring to me, and perhaps many other works of entertainment! Sure the character art may be simplified at times, but this is I.G. producing a TV anime, not madhouse producing Yoshiaki's movies like Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust or Highlander: The Search for Vengeance. I.G. really sets one good standard on pushing the boundaries in art, which is shown here in Stand Alone Complex, but especally in Blood: The Last Vampire or that fantastic visual ride, Ghost In The Shell: Innocence.
The OST in Stand Alone Complex, many of the individual songs are really works of fantastic art. Almost every song is just a new feel, a new chapter in something. They’re all unique and quite fun to listen to. Perhaps one of the greatest Original Sound Tracks I've ever heard. Then that would have to compete with Metroid Prime’s OST.
Overall, Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex is one landmark anime that should never be forgotten. Complex plot filled with philosophy, different ideologies such as politics, great action, hard sci-fi feel where many things are given in detail, great cast of characters, rarely any slow pacing, and an interesting ending to top it all off. It truly it something I rarely can say for anything: A Masterpiece.
10/10
