Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - wikipedia Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex This article is about the TV series. For other uses, see Ghost in the Shell ( disambiguation ). Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex complete collection cover 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX ( Kōkaku Kidōtai Sutando Arōn Conpurekkusu ) Anime television series Directed by Kenji Kamiyama Produced by Charles McCarter Kaoru Mfaume Yuichiro Matsuka Atsushi Sugita Written by Kenji Kamiyama Music by Yoko Kanno Studio Production I.G Licensed by Madman Entertainment Bandai Entertainment Manga Entertainment Original network NTV English network SBS One, Sci Fi Channel ( Animax ) Adult Swim AnimeCentral YTV ( Bionix ) Animax Animax Asia Adult Swim ( Toonami ) Animax South Africa, SABC Original run October 1, 2002 -- January 8, 2005 Episodes 52 ( List of episodes ) Novel series Written by Junichi Fujisaku Published by Tokuma Shoten English publisher Dark Horse Comics Original run January 2004 -- February 2005 Volumes Original video animation The Laughing Man Individual Eleven Directed by Kenji Kamiyama Music by Yoko Kanno Studio Production I.G Licensed by Madman Entertainment Bandai Entertainment Manga Entertainment Released September 23, 2005 -- January 27, 2006 Runtime 160 minutes each Episodes Manga Written by Yu Kinutani Published by Kodansha English publisher Kodansha Comics Demographic Seinen Magazine Young Magazine Original run December 2009 -- present Volumes 5 Manga Tachikomatic Days Written by Yoshiki Sakurai Mayasuki Yamamoto Published by Kodansha Demographic Seinen Magazine Young Magazine Original run December 2009 -- present Volumes 5 Anime film Solid State Society Video games Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( PlayStation 2 game ) Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( PlayStation Portable game ) First Assault Online Anime and Manga portal Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex, known in Japan as Mobile Armored Riot Police : Stand Alone Complex ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 Stand Alone Complex ( スタンド ・ アローン ・ コンプレックス ),, Kōkaku Kidōtai Sutando Arōn Conpurekkusu ), is a Japanese anime television series produced by Production I.G and based on Masamune Shirow 's manga Ghost in the Shell. It was written and directed by Kenji Kamiyama, with original character design by Hajime Shimomura and a soundtrack by Yoko Kanno. The first season aired from October 2002 to October 2003 and was positively received by critics. A second season titled Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd GIG, known in Japan as Mobile Armored Riot Police : S.A.C. 2nd GIG ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 S.A.C. 2nd GIG ( エス ・ エー ・ シー セカンド ギグ ),, Kōkaku Kidōtai Esu Ē Shī Sekando Gigu ), aired from January 2004 to January 2005. The series centers on the members of an elite law enforcement unit known as Public Security Section 9 as they investigate cybercrime and terrorism cases ; these cases often are connected to their pursuit of an elite `` Super Class A '' hacker and corporate terrorist known as `` The Laughing Man ''. A series of associated short comic animations, titled Tachikomatic Days, aired after each episode. These shorts star the Tachikoma `` think - tanks '' from the main series, and they typically relate directly to the story of the preceding Stand Alone Complex episode. The first season was adapted into a feature - length OVA titled The Laughing Man, which was released in 2005. The series had also received video game spin - offs for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and mobile phones. 2nd GIG was also later adapted into a feature - length OVA entitled Individual Eleven, which was released in 2006. Solid State Society, a TV - film sequel to the Stand Alone Complex series, was also released in that year. Contents 1 Plot 1.1 Premise 1.2 Season 1 1.3 Season 2 2 Production 2.1 Music 3 Broadcast 4 Related media 4.1 OVA 4.2 Video games 4.3 Novels 4.4 Manga 4.5 Other 5 Reception 6 Notes 7 References 8 Further reading 9 External links Plot Premise See also : World of Ghost in the Shell and List of Ghost in the Shell characters The members of Section 9. From bottom left to top right : Paz, Borma, Saito, Batou, Motoko, Togusa, Aramaki, and Ishikawa The series takes place in the year 2030, where many people have become cyborgs with prosthetic bodies. Primarily set in the fictional Japanese city of Niihama, Niihama Prefecture ( 新浜 県 新浜 市, Niihama - ken Niihama - shi ), the series follows the members of Public Security Section 9, a special - operations task - force made up of former military officers and police detectives. While the group investigates various crimes, both seasons feature ongoing investigations into two incidents that embroil the group in corruption within other branches of the Japanese government. Season 1 The first season of Stand Alone Complex focuses on the Laughing Man incident, wherein a hacker ultimately reveals to the Major that he had discovered that several micromachine manufacturing corporations, in association with the Japanese government, suppressed information on an inexpensive cure to a debilitating cyberization disease in order to profit from the more expensive micromachine treatment. He abducted one of the owners of the company and attempted to force him to reveal the truth on live television, resulting in the hacker live - hacking everyone 's vision and cameras at the event to cover his face with the stylized laughing face logo that became synonymous with his image. His popularity spawned several genuine imitators, resulting in the series ' titular Stand Alone Complex. When Section 9 discovers that these companies and several Japanese politicians later used the Laughing Man 's image to garner public support and profit, they begin a campaign to disseminate the truth, ultimately leading to the Cabinet labeling them as domestic terrorists and forcibly disbanding them, resulting in the capture of several members and the apparent death of Motoko Kusanagi. However, it is all a ruse to deceive the government, and the very alive and well members of Section 9 regroup to bring the micromachine corporations and corrupt politicians to justice, resulting in the dissolution of the current Japanese government. Season 2 The second season, 2nd GIG, set two years after the events of the first season, explores the political and social ramifications of the two world wars that took place prior to the events of the series. At the time of the Third and the Fourth World Wars, about three million Asians became refugees and were invited into Japan as a source of cheap labor. These `` invited refugees '', based on the reclaimed island of Dejima, soon became unemployed in the post-war period, and their social unrest borders on outright war. Section 9 's involvement in the refugee issue begins after they successfully stop a hostage crisis caused by a terrorist group known as the Individual Eleven, after which newly elected Prime Minister Yoko Kayabuki officially reinstates the organization. The group seems to be modeling themselves after the May 15 Incident, where a group of naval officers assassinated the Prime Minister and then gained the support of the public, and hope to stir up the refugees ' spirits by fighting for them against the Japanese government. The group also comes into contact with Kazundo Goda, head of the Cabinet Intelligence Service, who gets assistance from the group in defusing several instances between the refugees as well as assisting him in transporting plutonium through Dejima, result in several failures and refugee deaths, further straining relations. Section 9 ultimately discovers that Goda has been manipulating both events behind the scenes, leaking the social virus that creates the Individual Eleven ideology and creating a new Stand Alone Complex, as well as the intentional failures with the refugees. However, he can not account for the charismatic Hideo Kuze who genuinely believes in the best for the refugees and helps rally for their independence from Japan. Throughout the investigation, Kusanagi discovers she may know Kuze from her childhood. Ultimately, Goda is found guilty of his part in the refugee incidents and killed before he can defect to the American Empire, but not before his ministrations also result in the death of Kuze. In the film Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society, taking place two years following the resolution of the Individual Eleven incident, the Major has left Section 9, and Togusa is now field commander, leading an investigation into several deaths of refugees from the Siak Republic, which results in the discovery of a government computer system coordinating the kidnappings of 20 thousand abused children who have had their cyberbrains replaced and placing them under the care of several senior citizens made comatose by another government program that takes care of all of their bodily needs. Their investigation, which brings the Major out of hiding, reveals an entity known as the Puppeteer behind the kidnappings, but the Puppeteer is a rhizome formed by the collective will of the senior citizens, and it was only the Siak Republic 's intent to use the kidnapped children in their plans that led to their downfall. However, the investigation further reveals that a member of the House of Representatives is also using the children for his nationalistic purposes, and Section 9 with the Major infiltrates a welfare center where the MP brainwashes the children, resulting in the Puppeteer revealing his own identity that the senior citizens wished to give the children free will in their future, with the politician interfering in that new plan. Production Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex was animated by Production I.G, and produced by Bandai Visual, Bandai Entertainment, Dentsu, Nippon Television Network, Tokuma Shoten, Victor Entertainment, and Manga Entertainment. The series was directed by Kenji Kamiyama and written by Yoshiki Sakurai. Masamune Shirow, author of the original Ghost in the Shell manga, provided plot for several episodes, sketches of characters and mechanical designs ( including the Tachikoma ), and gave his approval to the scripts before production. The series was produced with an 800 million yen investment. Kenji Kamiyama decided to make the anime television series as a `` relative '' to the manga and film, serving as a separate parallel world from both. For the second season, Mamoru Oshii had contributed with his ideas to the concept of the entire series and initial planning stages. Shuko Murase stated that they were initially going to concentrate on how Japan was going to participate in war after 9 / 11 as intended to portray a fictional future. But by the time they were working on the episodes, the Iraq War had already started and Japan 's Self - Defense Force was sent to Iraq. During this time Japan also had an election. Murase continued to state that he created the `` Individual Eleven '' episodes to express irresponsibility of the Japanese people when they voted for the politicians that planned to send Japanese troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. Music Main article : Music of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Yoko Kanno, composer of the music for the Stand Alone Complex series The soundtrack for the series was composed by Yoko Kanno and produced by Victor Entertainment. The first season 's opening theme is `` Inner Universe '' performed by Origa ( written by Origa and Shanti Snyder ). The lyrics are in Russian, English, and Latin. The first season 's ending theme is `` Lithium Flower '' performed by Scott Matthew ( written by Tim Jensen ). When the series was later re-broadcast on terrestrial television in Japan, `` Inner Universe '' was replaced with `` GET9 '', performed by jillmax ( written by Tim Jensen ), while `` Lithium Flower '' was replaced with `` I Do '', written and performed by Ilaria Graziano. The opening theme for S.A.C. 2nd GIG is `` Rise '' performed by Origa ( written by Tim Jensen ), while the ending theme is `` Living Inside the Shell '' performed by Steve Conte ( written by Shanti Snyder ). 2nd GIG also used alternate opening and closing themes when it was re-broadcast on terrestrial television, with `` Rise '' was replaced by `` CHRisTmas in the SiLenT ForeSt '' performed by Ilaria Graziano ( written by Shanti Snyder ), and `` Living Inside the Shell '' was replaced by `` Snyper '', performed by Ilaria Graziano ( written by Tim Jensen ). Broadcast Main articles : List of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex episodes and List of Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd GIG episodes The anime television network Animax first licensed and broadcast the series in 2002 across most of Asia, as well as in Latin America. It was subsequently licensed by both Bandai Entertainment and Manga Entertainment in the North America, and Madman Entertainment in Australia. It was broadcast in the United States on Cartoon Network 's Adult Swim programming block, in Canada by YTV and in the United Kingdom by AnimeCentral. A series of associated short comic animations, titled Tachikomatic Days ( タチコマ な 日々, Tachikoma na Hibi ), aired immediately after each episode of the series. These shorts star the Tachikoma `` think - tanks '' from the main series, and typically relate directly to the story of the preceding Stand Alone Complex episode. The second season of Stand Alone Complex, titled Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd GIG, aired on Animax from 1 January 2004 to 8 January 2005. The production of a second season was immediately decided after the first season 's TV airing. The second season was initially hinted when Bandai has extended the episode list to 52 episodes at Otakon of 2003. On Halloween of 2003, Production I.G officially announced a second season for Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex. It premiered on 1 January 2004 in Japan on SKY PerfecTV ! 's Perfect Choice ( Animax ), on a pay - per - view basis. The series was later aired on the terrestrial Nippon TV from 6 April 2005. Animax also later aired the series across its other networks worldwide, including its English language networks in Southeast Asia and South Asia, as well as its other networks in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Latin America, and several other regions. 2nd GIG was also later aired in the United States on Cartoon Network 's Adult Swim block. Bandai Visual owns the DVD distribution rights in Japan, while Bandai Entertainment and Manga Entertainment owns the distribution rights in North America and Europe. The show began airing daily on AnimeCentral beginning 4 November 2007 in both English ( two nightly screenings ) and original Japanese ( one late - night screening ). On 18 March 2015 it was announced that Stand Alone Complex would receive a full weekly rebroadcasting in Japan on BS11, starting on 1 April 2015 onward. Related Media OVA See also : Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society A feature - length OVA titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man was released in Japan on 23 September 2005, and in North America on 2 October 2007. The OVA retells the first season of the anime television series with minor alterations to the storyline to accommodate an abbreviated take on the Laughing Man affair. Some additional animation and voice work was also added. Although the Japanese - language version retained the voice cast from the anime series, the English version has a new cast of voice actors. The dialogue recording for the English version was produced by Ocean Productions. A Blu - ray version was released on 22 December 2010. Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd GIG -- Individual Eleven is a feature - length OVA which retells the events of S.A.C. 2nd GIG, altered to focus on both the Individual Eleven investigation and the relationship between Hideo Kuze and Motoko Kusanagi. Newly animated scenes and a remixed soundtrack are also included. A TV - film sequel titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society was released in 2006. Video games Main articles : Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( 2004 video game ), Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( 2005 video game ), and Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex has received three video game spin offs. The first video game is Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex for the PlayStation 2 and was developed by Cavia. It was released on 4 March 2004 in Japan and 8 November 2004 in North America. The second video game is for the PSP, was developed by G - Artist, and is also titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex. It was released in Japan on 15 September 2005 and in North America on 25 October 2005. The third is an online first person shooter for the PC, titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online. Although it is still in beta at the time of this writing it is an open beta and it already has many players. Several mobile phone games have been released exclusively to Japan. The first is titled Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. Cyber Mission ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 S.A.C. サイバー ミッション, Kōkakukidōtai SAC Saibā Misshon ) and was developed by GREE and released on 14 February 2011. The second shares the name of the anime and PlayStation 2 video game, was developed by Mobage and released on 16 November 2011. The game focuses on an unnamed new detective who works for Section 9. The third is a social game also developed by Mobage, titled Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. Tachikoma Wars ! ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 S.A.C. タチコマ ウォーズ !, Kōkaku Kidōtai S.A.C. Tachikoma Wōzu ! ), and released on 29 March 2012. On 13 December 2012, Nexon stated it had obtained the rights of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex for the purpose of the creation of a massively multiplayer online game. On 12 February 2013, the first details were released through Online Gamer Japan. The game was formally announced on 17 September 2015, under the title of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online. The game is a first - person shooter with a heavy basis on hacking and customization of the player 's cyberized body. First Assault Online entered early access on Steam on 14 December 2015, and has mostly positive reviews from users. Novels A three - volume novel series based on the anime television series was written by staff writer Junichi Fujisaku. The novels were published by Tokuma Shoten and distributed by Dark Horse Comics in the United States. The first volume, titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - The Lost Memory, was released on 21 January 2004 in Japan and on 24 May 2006 in the US. The second volume, Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Revenge of the Cold Machines, was released on 8 July 2004 in Japan and on 26 September 2006 in the US. The third volume, Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - White Maze was released on 4 February 2005 in Japan and on 2 January 2007 in the US. Manga Two manga series based on Stand Alone Complex have been published by Kodansha. The first series, Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. - Tachikomatic Days ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 S.A.C. タチコマ な ヒビ, Kōkaku Kidōtai S.A.C. Tachikoma na Hibi ), is based on the associated Tachikomatic Days shorts. The manga was drawn by Mayasuki Yamamoto and was launched on 9 December 2009 in Monthly Young Magazine. Three tankōbon volumes were released on 5 November 2010, 4 March 2011 and 5 August 2011 respectively. The second manga series, sharing its name with the television series, was drawn by Yu Kinutani and launched on 14 December 2009 in Weekly Young Magazine. The manga is an adaptation of the first season of the anime series. Three tankōbon volumes were released. The first volume subtitled `` Episode 1 : Section9 '' was released on 6 April 2010 in Japan and on 24 May 2011 in North America. The second volume subtitiled `` Episode 2 : Testation '' was released on 5 November 2010 in Japan and on 29 November 2011 in North America. The third volume subtitled `` Episode 3 : Idolater '' was released on 5 August 2011 in Japan. The fourth volume subtitled `` Episode 4 : ¥ € $ '' was released on 6 March 2012 in Japan. Other An official guidebook / DVD to the first 19 episodes of the TV series titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Official Log 1 was released by Bandai and Manga Entertainment on 25 October 2005. The guidebook and DVD contains several interviews from several staff members, reports on several animation techniques and other reports on several concepts of the series. A second guidebook / DVD titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Official Log 2 was released on 24 January 2006 featuring background, commentary and examination of the remaining 7 episodes. Another guidebook titled Ghost in the Shell : SAC - Ultimate Archive ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 SAC アルティメット アーカイブ, Kōkaku Kidōtai SAC Arutimetto Ākaibu ) was published by Tokuma Shoten and released on 31 March 2007. Another guidebook titled Tachikoma 's All Memory. Numerous figurines have been released for Stand Alone Complex versions of the characters with Motoko and Tachikoma being a central focus. Various figures have been produced from CM Corporation, and Kaitendo. Tachikoma figures have been produced by various companies, including one by the Good Smile Company in cooperation with Nendoron. A 1 / 24th scale plastic model kit of the Tachikoma was produced by Wave in December 2005. Other merchandise includes clothing, key chains, notebooks, patches, bags, posters and body pillows. Reception Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex received critical acclaim from reviewers, who praised the series ' high quality of animation and the musical score by Yoko Kanno. In particular, reviewers reacted positively to the world of high - technology that Stand Alone Complex presents, described as `` believably futuristic ''. Lawrence Person from Locus Online wrote that `` the world of ( Stand Alone Complex ) is recognizably our own, or rather, one recognizably extrapolated from modern Japan. While parts of the technology seem unlikely in the time - frame allotted, none seems impossible. '' In addition, several reviews mentioned what they perceived to be overarching themes explored in the series as a result of the setting ; specifically, the meaning of humanity in a world where the lines between man and machine were becoming increasingly blurred, as well as various societal issues that might emerge as a result of advances in technology. Reviewers agreed that the main `` Laughing Man '' storyline was satisfying, characterizing it variously as `` interesting '', `` complex '', and `` engaging ''. Reaction to the series ' `` Stand Alone '' episodes, however, was mixed : some reviewers considered these episodes to be boring and, in some cases, the worst episodes of the series, while others contended that they allowed further development of the characters and the futuristic setting. Certain commentators specifically focused on the series ' success or failure in achieving the high standards set by the critically acclaimed 1995 film Ghost in the Shell. Opinion in this regard was divided : although these reviewers took an overall favorable view, some reviews criticized the quality of animation, while others felt that the series ' story lacked the depth of the original film. This `` lack of depth '', however, was attributed to the fact that Stand Alone Complex is an action - oriented series with a limited episode length in which to explore deeper themes. Bolstering the generally positive reviews of the series, Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex won an Excellence Prize ( Animation Division ) at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival, a Notable Entry Award at the 2003 Tokyo International Anime Fair, and was featured in June 2004 by Newtype USA, with a `` double scoop '' cover story. The Japan Media Arts Festival provided a brief summary of Stand Alone Complex, calling it a `` completely original television series... entertaining and easy to understand ''. Chris Beveridge of Mania gave 2nd GIG an overall score of A praising its coloring stating, `` Colors are gorgeous and solid, especially all the various areas of large soft colors that look to be amazingly solid and with no visible break - up even during pausing. '' Mark Thomas of Mania also gave it an overall score of A, stating : `` It has plenty of good action and thought provoking plot points. '' Andy Patricio of IGN rated the first DVD volume 9 / 10 praised the animation, stating : `` Artwork is richer ; this is easily the best - looking anime Production I.G. has ever produced. CG is richer and more widely - used. Animation is more complex and fluid, although it 's still a little jerky, which is common in TV shows. '' Joe Luscik of Animefringe ranked the series 4.5 out of 5 praising the animation stating it `` is just awesome ''. Adam Arseneau of DVD Verdict praised the direction of the 2nd season compared to the first stating, `` The tongue - in - cheek humor that made the show clever and endearing is still present, but the atmosphere feels more violent, more urban and dystopic, as if no longer afraid to address the social problems of the future. '' Notes Jump up ^ In the series ' soundtracks, `` Snyper '' is titled `` From the Roof Top ~ Somewhere in the Silence ( Sniper 's Theme ) ''. Jump up ^ In Japan, the game is known as Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Domain of the Hunters - ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX - 狩人 の 領域 -, Kōkaku Kidōtai STAND ALONE COMPLEX - Karyūdo no Ryōiki - ) Jump up ^ In Japan, this novel is titled Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Dream Circuit ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX 虚 夢 回路, Kōkaku Kidōtai STAND ALONE COMPLEX Kiyomu Kairo ) Jump up ^ Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Frozen Machine ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX 凍える 機械, Kōkaku Kidōtai STAND ALONE COMPLEX Kogoeru Kikai ) in Japan. Jump up ^ Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Coffin of a Sleeping Man ( 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX 眠り 男 の 棺, Kōkaku Kidōtai STAND ALONE COMPLEX Nemuri Otoko no Kan ) in Japan. References Jump up ^ `` Kôkaku kidôtai : Stand alone complex - The laughing man ( Video 2005 ) - Technical Specifications - IMDb ''. Jump up ^ `` Kôkaku kidôtai : S.A.C. 2nd GIG. Individual eleven ( Video 2005 ) - Technical Specifications - IMDb ''. ^ Jump up to : `` Into the Network : The Ghost in the Shell Universe ''. Production I.G. Archived from the original on 30 January 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2011. Jump up ^ `` Production I.G. - Ghost in the Shell Solid State Society ''. Production I.G. Archived from the original on 30 January 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2011. Jump up ^ `` Interview : Kenji Kamiyama ''. Production I.G. Retrieved 16 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Individual Eleven ''. Production I.G. Retrieved 16 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Staff & Cast ''. Production I.G. Archived from the original on 1 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Interview ''. Anime News Network. Retrieved 4 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd Gig ''. Production I.G. Retrieved 7 January 2013. Jump up ^ Scally, Deborah ; Drummond - Mathews, Angela ; Hairston, Marc. ( 3 September 2007 ). `` Interview with Murase Shūkō and Satō Dai ''. Mechademia 4 : War / Time. University of Minnesota Press. pp. 330 -- 333. ISBN 978 - 0 - 8166 - 6749 - 9. Jump up ^ `` Animax 's official GitS : SAC webpage '' ( in Japanese ). Animax. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2011. Jump up ^ `` Bandai Visual anime titles, 2000 - 2006 ''. Bandai Visual Co., Ltd. Archived from the original on 2 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010. Jump up ^ `` Manga Entertainment 's official UK GitS : SAC website ''. Manga Entertainment. Archived from the original on 6 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010. Jump up ^ `` Madman Entertainment 's official GitS : SAC webpage ''. Madman Entertainment. Retrieved 2 September 2011. Jump up ^ `` Adult Swim 's GitS : SAC webpage ''. Adult Swim. Archived from the original on 2 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010. Jump up ^ `` Channel Canada reports on YTV 's fall 2005 lineup, including GitS : SAC ''. Channel Canada. Archived from the original on 30 January 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2010. Jump up ^ `` AnimeCentral 's Series page for GitS : SAC ''. CSC Media Group Ltd. Archived from the original on 20 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010. Jump up ^ `` Bandai Entertainment - Otakon - 2003 ''. Retrieved 16 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Production I.G announces Stand Alone Complex Second Season ''. Retrieved 16 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` 「 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX 」 関東 地上 波 独立 局 に て 4 月 より 再 放送 決定 ! ''. Kokaku - a Blog. Retrieved 20 March 2015. Jump up ^ `` 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX The Laughing Man ( Blu - ray ) '' ( in Japanese ). Jbook. Retrieved 13 February 2012. Jump up ^ Individual Eleven features the same voice cast as The Laughing Man and was released in Japan on 27 January 2006. / 5w6ucvbNQ archivedate = 29 January 2011 Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Solid State Society Overview ''. Production I.G. 24 November 2006. Retrieved 8 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( PS2 ) ''. GameSpy. Retrieved 9 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( PSP ) ''. GameSpy. Retrieved 9 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` 「 攻 殻 機動 隊 S.A.C. サイバー ミッション 」 SNS ゲーム で GREE に 登場 '' ( in Japanese ). Animeanime.jp. Retrieved 23 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` 『 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX 』 ソーシャル ゲーム で 捜査 開始 ! Mobage で 事前 登録 受付 が スタート '' ( in Japanese ). Famitsu. Retrieved 23 December 2012. Jump up ^ タチコマ が ソーシャル ゲーム に 「 攻 殻 機動 隊 」 の 世界 を 描く ( in Japanese ). Animeanime.jp. Retrieved 5 November 2012. Jump up ^ Ishaan. `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Online Game Coming From Nexon ''. Siliconera. Ishaan. Retrieved 20 February 2013. Jump up ^ YJ. `` Nexon provides a brief on their upcoming Ghost in the Shell MMO ''. Saint - ism. Retrieved 29 July 2013. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell First Assault Online Shooter Game 's English Gameplay Trailer Streamed ''. Anime News Network. Retrieved 22 September 2015. Jump up ^ Ishaan. `` Ghost in the Shell Online Game Is An FPS With A Focus On Hacking ''. Siliconera. Siliconera. Retrieved 20 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` Now Available on Steam Early Access - Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online ''. Valve Corporation. 14 December 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online ''. Valve Corporation. Retrieved 2 June 2016. Jump up ^ 攻 殻 機動 隊 虚 夢 回路 ( in Japanese ). Tokuma Shoten. Retrieved 6 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Volume 1 The Lost Memory ( Novel ) ''. Dark Horse. Retrieved 6 November 2011. Jump up ^ 攻 殻 機動 隊 凍える 機械 ( in Japanese ). Tokuma Shoten. Retrieved 6 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Volume 2 Revenge of the Cold Machines ( Novel ) ''. Dark Horse. Retrieved 6 November 2011. Jump up ^ 攻 殻 機動 隊 眠り 男 の 棺 ( in Japanese ). Tokuma Shoten. Retrieved 6 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Volume 3 White Maze ( Novel ) ''. Dark Horse. Retrieved 6 November 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` Ghost in the Shell : SAC to Spawn 2 New Manga in Japan ( Updated ) ''. Anime News Network. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` 攻 殻 機動 隊 S.A.C. タチコマ な ヒビ '' ( in Japanese ). Kodansha. Retrieved 15 November 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX '' ( in Japanese ). Kodansha. Retrieved 15 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex 1 ''. Kodansha. Retrieved 9 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex 2 ''. Kodansha. Retrieved 9 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` GHOST IN THE SHELL : STAND ALONE COMPLEX OFFICIAL LOG VOLUME ONE ''. Anime News Network. Retrieved 17 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` 攻 殻 機動 隊 SAC アルティメット アーカイブ '' ( in Japanese ). Retrieved 11 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` しょく ~ ん ! 攻 殻 機動 隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX TACHIKOMA 'S ALL MEMORY '' ( in Japanese ). Retrieved 11 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Gutto kuru Figure Collection Kusanagi Motoko ( PVC Figure ) ''. Retrieved 6 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the shell Stand Alone Complex Kusanagi Motoko ( PVC Figure ) ''. Retrieved 6 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Nendoroid Tachikoma ''. Good Smile Company. Retrieved 6 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Tachikoma ( Plastic model ) ''. Retrieved 6 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Ghost in the Shell Store : Merchandise ''. GKWorld. Retrieved 6 January 2013. ^ Jump up to : Beveridge, Chris ( 19 June 2004 ). `` Review of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Vol. # 1 ''. Mania.com ( formerly AnimeOnDVD ). Retrieved 9 February 2009. ^ Jump up to : Tucker, Derrick. `` Review of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ''. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Archived from the original on 26 July 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2009. ^ Jump up to : Santos, Carlo. `` Review of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Vol. # 1 ''. Anime News Network. Retrieved 9 February 2009. ^ Jump up to : Lineberger, Robert ( 5 August 2004 ). `` Review of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Vol. # 1 ''. DVDverdict. Retrieved 9 February 2009. ^ Jump up to : Person, Lawrence ( 15 January 2006 ). `` Review of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ''. Locus Online. Archived from the original on 26 July 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2009. ^ Jump up to : Moure, Dani ( 21 February 2005 ). `` Review of Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Vol. # 2 ''. Mania.com ( formerly AnimeOnDVD ). Retrieved 9 February 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` Excellence Prize, Animation Division : Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ''. Japan Media Arts Festival. 2002. Archived from the original on 2 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010. Jump up ^ `` Award - winning List ''. Tokyo International Anime Fair. Archived from the original on 20 December 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2010. Jump up ^ `` Newtype USA Vol. 3, # 6 ( June 2004 ) ''. Madman Entertainment. Archived from the original on 4 September 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2010. Jump up ^ Beveridge, Chris ( 16 September 2005 ). `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( 2nd Gig ) SE Vol. # 1 ''. AnimeOnDVD. Retrieved 7 November 2011. Jump up ^ Thomas, Mark ( 8 February 2007 ). `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig Set ( Anime Legends ) ''. Mania.com. Retrieved 7 November 2011. Jump up ^ Patricio, Andy ( 6 February 2006 ). `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - 2nd Gig ( Vol. 1 ) ''. IGN. Retrieved 7 November 2011. Jump up ^ Luscik, Joe. `` Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd Gig Vol. 1 ''. Animefringe. Retrieved 11 November 2011. Jump up ^ Arseneau, Adam. `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig Vol. 1 ''. DVD Verdict. Retrieved 17 December 2011. Further reading Beveridge, Chris ( 18 March 2005 ). `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex SE Vol. # 05 ''. Mania.com. Santa Monica, California : Demand Media. Archived from the original on 23 November 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2011. Chipman, Jay Scott ( 2010 ). `` So Where Do I Go from Here ? Ghost in the Shell and Imagining Cyborg Mythology for the New Millennium ''. In Perlich, John ; Whitt, David. Millennial mythmaking : essays on the power of science fiction and fantasy literature, films and games. Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co. pp. 167 -- 192. ISBN 978 - 0 - 7864 - 4562 - 2. Corbett, Austin ( March 2009 ). `` Beyond Ghost in the ( Human ) Shell ''. Journal of Evolution & Technology. 20 ( 1 ) : 43 -- 50. Retrieved 7 November 2011. Laeno, Dominic ( 17 November 2006 ). `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ''. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. Mesa, Arizona : T.H.E.M. Archived from the original on 2 January 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2011. Orbaugh, Sharalyn ( 2008 ). `` Emotional Infectivity : Cyborg Affect and the Limits of the Human ''. In Lunning, Frenchy. Mechademia 3 : Limits of the Human. Minneapolis : University of Minnesota Press. pp. 150 -- 172. ISBN 978 - 0 - 8166 - 5482 - 6. Rocks, Jennifer ( 28 November 2007 ). `` Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex : The Laughing Man ''. Mania.com. Santa Monica, California : Demand Media. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2011. Ruh, Brian ( 31 August 2010 ). `` Short Term Memory - BD ''. Anime News Network. External links Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex official website ( in Japanese ) Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex official English website Production I.G 's Stand Alone Complex website Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( anime ) at Anime News Network 's encyclopedia Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG ( anime ) at Anime News Network 's encyclopedia Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex on IMDb Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex at TV.com Masamune Shirow 's Ghost in the Shell Media Manga 1995 film Video game Innocence 2017 live - action film Stand Alone Complex Episodes Music PS2 game PSP game Solid State Society First Assault Arise Episodes The New Movie Universe Characters Motoko Kusanagi Batou Togusa Saito Tachikoma World Public Security Section 9 Seburo Related Mamoru Oshii Kenji Kamiyama Production I.G Intron Depot 1 Category Works of Masamune Shirow Manga Black Magic ( 1983 ) Appleseed ( 1985 -- 1989 ) Dominion ( 1986 ) Ghost in the Shell ( 1989 -- 1990 ) Ghost in the Shell 2 : Man - Machine Interface ( 1991 -- 1997 ) Ghost in the Shell 1.5 : Human Error Processor ( 1991 -- 1996 ) Orion ( 1991 ) Pandora in the Crimson Shell : Ghost Urn ( 2012 -- present ) Anime Films Ghost in the Shell ( 1995 ) Ghost in the Shell 2 : Innocence ( 2004 ) Appleseed ( 2004 ) Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society ( 2006 ) Appleseed Ex Machina ( 2007 ) Appleseed Alpha ( 2014 ) Ghost in the Shell : The New Movie ( 2015 ) Pandora in the Crimson Shell : Ghost Urn ( 2015 ) TV series Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( 2002 -- 2003 ) Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd GIG ( 2004 -- 2005 ) Ghost Hound ( 2007 -- 2008 ) Real Drive ( 2008 ) Ghost in the Shell : Arise - Alternative Architecture ( 2015 ) Pandora in the Crimson Shell : Ghost Urn ( 2016 ) OVAs Black Magic M - 66 ( 1987 ) Appleseed ( 1988 ) Dominion ( 1988 -- 1989 ) New Dominion Tank Police ( 1993 -- 1994 ) Tank Police Team : Tank S.W.A.T. 01 ( 2006 ) Ghost in the Shell : Arise ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Other Intron Depot 1 ( art book ) Games Ghost in the Shell ( PlayStation, 1997 ) Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( PlayStation 2, 2004 ) Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex ( PlayStation Portable, 2005 ) Fire Emblem : Shadow Dragon ( Nintendo DS, 2008 ) Masamune Shirow Animax Networks Asia Germany, Austria and Switzerland ( on demand ) South Korea ( joint - venture with KT SkyLife ) UK ( on demand ) Former networks Africa Eastern Europe India Latin America Portugal Spain Brands and awards Animax Taishō Animax Anison Grand Prix Original productions Aishiteruze Baby Area 88 ( Soundtracks ) Astro Boy : Tetsuwan Atom Dotto ! Koni - chan Ginga Legend Weed Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Hungry Heart : Wild Striker Hell Girl Jūsō Kikō Dancouga Nova Kaiketsu Zorori Kappa no Kaikata Kamisama Kazoku Kurozuka Marvel Anime Meine Liebe Ultra Maniac Ultraviolet : Code 044 Viper 's Creed Whistle ! Yōkai Ningen Bem Zipang LaMB Other broadcast programs People and companies Sony Masao Takiyama Yoshirō Kataoka Sunrise Toei Animation TMS Entertainment Nihon Ad Systems Nippon Animation Yukari Tamura Kōsuke Okano Sayuri Yahagi Natsuki Katō Website : animax.co.jp Works by Production I.G Feature films 009 Re : Cyborg Appleseed XIII : Ouranos Appleseed XIII : Tartaros Attack on Titan - Part 1 : Crimson Bow and Arrow Attack on Titan - Part 2 : Wings of Freedom Blood - C : The Last Dark Blood : The Last Vampire Book Girl Broken Blade Cyber Team in Akihabara : Summer Holidays of 2011 Dante 's Inferno : An Animated Epic Dead Leaves The End of Evangelion Garm Wars : The Last Druid Ghost in the Shell Ghost in the Shell 2 : Innocence Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society Ghost in the Shell : The New Movie Giovanni 's Island Jin - Roh : The Wolf Brigade Kick - Heart Kill Bill : Volume 1 ( animated sequence ) Kuroko 's Basketball The Movie : Last Game A Letter to Momo Loups = Garous Nadesico : Prince of Darkness Mass Effect : Paragon Lost Miss Hokusai Neon Genesis Evangelion : Death & Rebirth Oblivion Island : Haruka and the Magic Mirror MiniPato Patlabor : The Movie Patlabor 2 : The Movie Pokémon the Movie : Black -- Victini and Reshiram and White -- Victini and Zekrom Pokémon the Movie : Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice Psycho - Pass : The Movie Sakura Wars : The Movie Sengoku Basara : The Last Party Tachigui : The Amazing Lives of the Fast Food Grifters Tennis no Ōjisama -- Futari no Samurai The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom The Sky Crawlers The Weathering Continent Tales of Vesperia : The First Strike xxxHolic : A Midsummer Night 's Dream Television series Ani * Kuri15 ( animated sequence ) Ace of Diamond Atom : The Beginning Attack on Titan Attack on Titan : Junior High Blade of the Immortal Blood+ Blood - C Blue Seed Blue Spring Ride Broken Blade Bunny Drop Cromartie High School Eden of the East FLCL Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet Genshiken : Second Season Ghost Hound Ghost in the Shell : Arise - Alternative Architecture Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Ghost in the Shell : S.A.C. 2nd GIG Guilty Crown Haikyu ! ! Idaten Jump Immortal Grand Prix Joker Game Kimi ni Todoke Kemono no Sōja K - tai Investigator 7 Kuroko 's Basketball Lagrange : The Flower of Rin - ne Le Chevalier D'Eon Legend of the Galactic Heroes : Die Neue These Kaikō Library War Magical Circle Guru Guru Maria the Virgin Witch Medabots Damashii Moribito : Guardian of the Spirit Moshidora Otogi Zoshi PaRappa the Rapper Pikaia ! Pokémon Origins PoPoLoCrois The Prince of Tennis Psycho - Pass Reideen Real Drive Robotics ; Notes Sands of Destruction Sengoku Basara : Samurai Kings Shining Hearts : Shiawase no Pan Sisters of Wellber Tales of Eternia : The Animation Ultraman Vampiyan Kids Welcome to the Ballroom Windy Tales xxxHolic Yondemasuyo, Azazel - san Zillion ( produced by Tatsunoko ) Original video animations The Ancient Magus ' Bride : Those Awaiting a Star Appleseed XIII Batman : Gotham Knight ( animated sequence ) Book Girl Bronze : Zetsuai Since 1989 Chocolate Underground Combustible Campus Guardress The Enemy 's the Pirates ! ( episodes 3 and 4 ) Eyeshield 21 : The Phantom Golden Bowl FLCL Ghost in the Shell : Arise Golden Boy Halo Legends ( animated sequence ) Hiyokoi Kai Doh Maru The King of Fighters : Another Day Leave it to Chocola Neo Yokio Noblesse : Awakening One Piece : Defeat The Pirate Ganzak ! Please Save My Earth The Prince of Tennis The Special Duty Combat Unit Shinesman Tokyo Marble Chocolate Tsubasa : Reservoir Chronicle Vassalord Video Girl Ai Yondemasuyo, Azazel - san Zillion : Burning Night ( produced by Tatsunoko ) Video games Ace Combat 3 : Electrosphere BlazBlue : Central Fiction Children of Mana Ghost in the Shell Infinite Space Jikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū 12 Lethal Enforcers 3 Namco × Capcom Persona 5 Professor Layton and the Curious Village Sands of Destruction Sakura Wars : So Long, My Love Sonic Riders Star Ocean : First Departure Star Ocean : Second Evolution Summon Night 4 Surveillance Kanshisha Tales Valkyrie Profile 2 : Silmeria Valkyria Chronicles III Wario Land : Shake It ! Xenogears Category VIAF : 180141885 LCCN : no2011120145 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghost_in_the_Shell:_Stand_Alone_Complex&oldid=813254078 '' Categories : Anime OVAs Manga series 2009 manga 2002 anime television series 2004 anime television series 2004 Japanese television seasons 2005 anime OVAs 2006 anime OVAs Animax shows Bandai Entertainment anime titles Brain transplantation in fiction Cyberpunk anime and manga Detective anime and manga Japanese novels Madman Entertainment anime Post-apocalyptic anime and manga Postcyberpunk Bandai Visual Production I.G Seinen manga Stand Alone Complex Nippon Television shows Television series reboots Television series set in the 2030s Toonami Hidden categories : Articles containing Japanese - language text CS1 Japanese - language sources ( ja ) CS1 uses Japanese - language script ( ja ) Pages using deprecated image syntax All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from February 2015 Articles with Japanese - language external links Use dmy dates from February 2015 Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikiquote Azərbaycanca Deutsch Español Français 한국어 Italiano Lietuvių 日本 語 Português Русский Svenska Tagalog Türkçe Українська 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 2 December 2017, at 18 : 43. 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Question: who is the laughing man in ghost in the shell
Answer: an elite "Super Class A" hacker and corporate terrorist