Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Volume 04 (Special Edition)
The search for the mysterious cyber-villain the Laughing Man falls by the wayside in this collection. Mamoru Oshii's original feature focused on Major Motoko Kusanagi; in the broadcast series, Batou emerges as a more complex and compelling character: Episode 16 hints at the complicated past that forged the human-cyborg fusion he ultimately became. In "Machines Desirantes," the Tachikomas, crab-like robots used by Public Security Section 9, appear to be developing individual personalities and a sense of their existence. Not surprisingly, they fear Kusanagi, but like Batou. The Tachikomas also seem to recognize some of the implications of their growing consciousness, and look toFlowers for AlgernonandI, Robotfor inspiration. However, their cute, childish voices--modeled after the performance of Japanese actress Akiko Tamagawa--sound odd discussing deep philosophical questions. (Rated 13 and older: considerable violence, grotesque imagery, alcohol and tobacco use)--Charles Solomon