GITS: Stand Alone Complex Visual Book

Posted by Zeb in Artbook Reviews on Dec 4th, 2005 | 0 comments
Title Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex Visual Book
Artist N/A
Published 15/07/2004
Publisher Hobby Japan/Production I.G.
Content 128 pages in total; 13 pages of colour illustrations; 8 pages of cel intro art to characters; 12 pages of Arms Report; 12 pages of scenes from the various episodes; 17 pages entitled ‘Laughing Man Report’; 5 b&w pages entitled GITS SAC Analysis; 17 b&w pages of sketches of characters, mech and weapons; 7 pages of b&w comic by series staff; 3 pages of production staff and book info; 18 pages of live action photos of GITS SAC Motoko; 14 pages of story digest and merchandise information; Softcover
Extras None
Cover Price ¥1905
ISBN 4-89425-341-0
Rate Average
Purchase ??/??/2005 | Graphic Novel Cafe | NZ$??.??
Comments As much as I like the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (GITS:SAC) series, I can’t say I found this book impressive. It has your usual array of cel caps from the various episodes, character/world/mech information and design sketches, which by in large would only interest someone who has a serious GITS:SAC fetish. The parts that actually interest me are the photo shoots done for a “live action” version of Motoko, and the pages detailing all the GITS:SAC merchandise that had been released at the time of this book’s printing.

Random thoughts: This book covers the first series of GITS:SAC and hints at the 2nd GIG series, it must also be noted that the manga in this book was not drawn by Masamune Shirow! Can’t stress that enough, so don’t buy this book hoping you’ll get any Shirow content. The book reads in the traditional Western style of left to right which is just a bit strange. There are also a couple of illustrations at the beginning of this book featuring Motoko, that were used in various advertising and promotional materials.

All in all an average book, with not much to actually distinguish it. Typical of most artbooks concentrating solely on anime content. Get this only if you’re a fan of the series.
GITS:SAC Visual Book



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