Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex: Volume 7

Before I begin, please note that this review will contain some spoilers. Adding spoiler tags would render much of this review pointless, so feel free to skip on to the DVD portion.

Section 9 has everything to play for as they’re dealt their final cards. Aramaki must make some vital decisions as his team is disbanded, with each member being sent away to look after themselves. As “The Laughing Man”’s presence lingers in the shadows and powerful industry figures tiptoe around, Section 9 faces the daunting realisation that they are being targeted for destruction.


All indicators pointed to this final volume as being something very special, and indeed it is. It’s clear by this final outing that the writers are making full use of their instructions, by borrowing ideas from several well known features and series. Much of Stand Alone Complex’s intense storytelling has been inspired, though not to the extent that it’s become all too noticeable. Because of how well it’s been balanced the more obvious parts have managed to seep in with no trouble. Of course most of it has been masked considerably well amidst the political intrigue that’s perpetuated throughout the series. But this final volume goes all out as it hits hard with Section 9’s disbandment, with the team being hunted down, having to hide and then hitting back with the big reveal, which I have to say is wonderfully staged. It isn’t until all the evidence has surfaced do you realise that you’ve seen almost similar premises play out. But that isn’t a deterrent in the slightest, in fact it’s one huge adrenaline rush. Here we have characters who we genuinely care about; people who we don’t want to see hurt and when bad things start to happen and twists begin to surface at every turn it begins to conjure up mixed emotions. At this stage we’re 100% behind section 9.

Speaking of which, you just have to applaud the way in which each character has been fleshed out over the series. While Kusanagi and Batou are naturally strong presences, it’s Togusa who we journey and identify with the most. None so is more apparent than after seeing this final volume and realising just how integral to the series he has been, as much of what we see is through his eyes, and whose actions are entirely human. He makes mistakes, gets himself into trouble and even doubts Section 9 at times; but his job is all too clear, and he does it without the need to alter his body, refusing to lose the importance of one’s own identity. Throughout the series there have been some great exchanges between these characters; more pop up here as Kusanagi and Batou share a special moment, while Aramaki gets on with his own agenda. I have to say though that an unexpected event ultimately cheered me up, and saddened me along the way.


If you’ve read my reviews up to this point you’ll have seen me harp on about the Tachikoma units. They sadly left us, the tone suddenly became darker and the series continued on as strongly as ever. As we get closer to the series’ climax the Tachikoma return. It’s a relief to see that half of them were never destroyed, instead they were sent away to perform various duties, from tending to the elderly to helping out on construction sites. No matter where they were or what they were doing they always had Section 9 in the back of their mind and their consciences continued to grow. It was this very thing that prompted Kusanagi to get rid of them in the process, and it’s a decision that ultimately haunts her and highlights one of her flaws in the end. Back to these cute units though, it’s a joyous occasion to see those who have survived the leap from Section 9 band together as a result of their adoration for it. With the team under severe pressure the units set out to make their last stand. In the end we really do discover just how human they were, that in the end they were fully capable of evolving and ultimately - should they decide to - sacrifice themselves for the ones they love.

I can’t fault anything when it comes to how the series has been handled. Sure there have been some disappointing decisions, but upon reflection they were for the best. There have been even bigger surprises with the entire “Laughing Man” storyline, which finally comes to a satisfactory close. The series has managed to keep this viewer on his toes, always pointing in new directions, and in turn creating various states of paranoia within. The evolvement of “The Laughing Man”’s storyline has been an intriguing one, and come the latter volumes the light which is shed upon him as been something of a considerable surprise.

In the end there is nothing left to linger, save for the memories of a fantastic series and the hopeful prospects of future ones. Volume 7 finishes up with three of the most rewarding episodes and guarantees that that after you’ve seen them you’ll want to revisit the series once more and take it all in for a second time.


Episodes

Volume 7 contains the final three episodes:

Annihilation
Togusa asks to be put back on his case after recovering in hospital. He joins Aramaki who intends to inform the Prime Minister of Section 9’s discoveries, but they have the media to worry about when suddenly they’re ousted as having links with “The Laughing Man”. Aramaki must take drastic action, while Togusa is arrested and questioned about possible data fabrication.

Barrage
Section 9 is now dismantled and the team must separate and go into hiding. Aramaki seeks help from the justice committee, while the Tachikoma units come together and devise a plan to help their friends. Meanwhile Kusanagi, Batou and company are being hunted down one by one.

Stand Alone Complex
Togusa begins to have some doubts about Chief Aramaki. Is he being kept out of the loop? Elsewhere Kusanagi has an unlikely encounter with “The Laughing Man”. Finally the truth is about to come out. Will this be the end for Section 9 or is their a silver lining over the rainbow?


The DVD

A/V

I’m afraid that Volume 7 doesn’t improve upon the last one. While it is presented in an anamorphic ratio of 1.78:1 and features some fine detail and beautiful colours it is marred by poor encoding all round. The image suffers from aliasing, judders, minor banding and macro blocking. All of these traits have plagued every volume to date and I’m tired now of reporting the same faults. There’s nothing like hearing yourself complain about the same things for twelve months. If all of this sounds like a broken record then I understand, I’m just here to give you the facts.

As for sound I can actually rate this one highly. The DTS track is error free and as such its ripe with amazing surround usage. There’s plenty of action and tense scoring through this volume, which is very involving and offers some fine separation.

As for subtitles these are a little problematic. Again we have several occasions whereby the subtitles lag behind the dialogue. Sometimes they correct themselves and match up perfectly, other times they just pop up too slowly, which makes them a little distracting when dialogue is moving along at a brisk pace.

Extras

First up is a 15-minute interview with director Kenji Kamiyama. Here he describes various elements of the series, from Section 9’s inner workings and how the script team came together during meetings; we get to see a fair amount of behind the scenes footage that takes please during these meetings. He goes on to talk about how the world of Stand Alone Complex isn’t too dissimilar from our own, with its political and social troubles.
The first disc also includes the usual game trailer and Manga previews. Replacing character profiles is a section focusing on the science of the series.

Disc 2 contains another quiz, this time unlocking a preview to 2nd gig, while we get a more worthwhile addition in the Terratag Featurette. Running for almost 13-minutes this interview features Paul Nicholson, who designed the well recognised “Laughing Man” insignia. The English designer talks about his time spent at Studio IG and the back and fourth collaboration between himself and the series creators. He lists his influences and talks a little about his work in the upcoming 2nd Gig.


Overall

Stand Alone Complex has quite simply been riveting from start to finish. It has managed to do the rare thing by never presenting a dull moment. At times it has been almost too intricate for its own good but the sheer meticulousness and loving attention poured into its 26-episode run has been nothing short of astounding. Along the way we’ve been treated to some very special moments; many of these have been charming, some poignant and others just mind blowing. In all my years watching anime I can honestly say that this is one of the greatest series I’ve ever had the good fortune to follow. Stand Alone Complex will be around for a long time, and people will hopefully acknowledge it as being a masterpiece of science fiction. 2nd Gig isn’t far off now and I only wonder if it can live up to the reputation sealed by this first series. For those who still have doubts just trust me, this is gripping stuff that you don’t want to miss.

Over the past year or so as I’ve been writing these reviews I’ve had to report some unfortunate problems with the discs. I only hope that in future Manga can fix these problems and re-release the series. I for one wouldn’t scoff at that, although they really shouldn’t have been put out like this in the first place. However I understand that many viewers won’t be too phased in regards to the A/V, and in that respect they’d do well to pick up Manga’s newly released complete collection which can be had for a very good price through our affiliates.

So, until 2nd Gig then.