Ghost in the Shell - 1st GIG-2nd GIG and Solid State Society

[BlackDove]

They're all more than worth the time investment.

I'm not even going to write what GitS is about; everyone should know that already from the movies.

I personally delayed watching Stand Alone Complex because it didn't appeal to me at first, mostly because I didn't quite get what was going on from the start (well that's not true - the stuff going on didn't grapple me... then) but I got back to it and as I went episode after episode, I realized that when I was finished with the first season I saw it all in one day from episode 6 to 26.

I'm halfway through the second season, and it's even better than the first one by my count. From the way the movies were done and the first season, by the way this season is going, Stand Alone Complex is more or less, along with the movies and the entire universe surrounding Motoko Kusanagi, it'll rival NGE for the first place of "Best Anime Ever" in my book.

Props to Shirow Masamune for this. A really awesome world he created and shared.

I'll probably finish the second season off tomorrow and then I'll have to wait for Solid State Society to get subtitles, but this really has no chance of carrying any disappointments.

Anyone who hasn't should see everything "Ghost in the Shell" related, Stand Alone Complex primarily.

Beyond recommended.

[Stracius]

Aye, first season was great. I've got the second season floating around somewhere, but haven't watched it yet. They definitely did a good job with this series, on all points.

One thing I haven't figured out though. The first season of the series takes place before the first movie, yes? So when does the second season take place, before the first season? Just trying to get my timeline down.

[Futile Resistance]

Gawd... BD has more marathoning time than me!

[Drongnel]

<3

What BD said, the series is so good, personally i preffered second gig too

[BlackDove]

One thing I haven't figured out though. The first season of the series takes place before the first movie, yes? So when does the second season take place, before the first season? Just trying to get my timeline down.

Movies are unrelated to the series as far as plot points go. Movies go from 1st to 2nd and are based on the universe, but deal with other issues entierly. The series are more akin to the manga, and the original flow of Masamune's events.

Stand Alone Complex however has a sequence of First Season > Second Season > Solid State Society movie that was shown on the first of September this year.

[BlackDove]

And I just finished the second season.

After NGE, it's definatly my most favorite anime ever.

Just awesome.

Can't wait for SSS to be subbed.

[Fenavian]

The way the series ended, esspecially with how things went down with the Tachikoma's, was just nothing short of brilliant. I esspecially loved how it ended the begining of the manga.

But I think what got me most hooked on the series is the Music. I cannot say enough good things about the music of the series.

HOwever I did not hear anything about Solid State Society. Is it any good?

[BlackDove]

Well people who don't understand Japanese and who saw the RAW said it was great. I assume it's more amazing if you actually understand it.

As expected anyway.

Oh and as far as music goes, I'm actually listening to Torquea right now.

[Fenavian]

Oh and as far as music goes, I'm actually listening to Torquea right now.

I have never heard of Torquea. perhaps you will have to enlighten me.

[BlackDove]

Ooops my misspelling bad.

Torquia is in the third OST for the 2nd GIG.

It is the piece of music that goes along Cyber Bird and adds about 30% to the feeling of the overall scenes (the 70% being done by the video).

Catch me on irc sometime.

[BlackDove]

And I just saw Solid State Society.

The story was nothing short of awesome in my opinion, and sets the stage for the third season/next movie quite well. I was wondering where they had left to go with the Stand Alone Complex syndrome after the Laughing Man incident and subsequently the Individual Eleven/Kuze that was SAC's involvement on a larger scale. This movie pretty much put the bridge between what was, is and what could be threatening the system that the S9 is trying to protect. I actually think that was really the intent in retrospect now after seeing it, and I'd expect a series season to emerge as the continuation of the storyline for that reason.

Also Origa's two themes are also nothing short of pure excellence, of course in the vein with the first and second GIG. Can't wait for the OST to be honest, the music during is also fairly brilliant as well.

Also Motoko's last line might be indicative of a third series season or another movie.

-Ah actually scratch that, they already announced at Anime Expo this year that Solid State Society is not the final iteration of Stand Alone Complex.

Can't wait for more.

[Fenavian]

I just saw it as well.. Wow! I think this will be at the top 3 of my favorite anime movies. And as you said the music was top notch. Though I saw that they included a track from the first OST.

I can't get over how great this was.

[BlackDove]

Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society OST hits tomorrow on the 22nd, with the full version of "Player" (OP of the movie).

[BlackDove]

Oh how I'm in love with "Replica" (infiltration of the building near the end accompanying theme).

[Fenavian]

Oh how I'm in love with "Replica" (infiltration of the building near the end accompanying theme).

Yeah I have to say that's a personal favorite of mine as well.