Talk:Laughing Man (Ghost in the Shell)

message: Should it be mentioned that the Laughing Man has CS? I remember that he said that he did in the last episode, and it seems important pertaining towards the plotline (since he originally kidnapped Serrano to get him to reveal the truth about the Murai vaccine and how the nanomachines were ineffective against CS). --M45k3d N1Nj4 G4R0 04:39, 4 October 2006 (UTC)
thread_title: Cyberbrain Sclerosis

message: In the article, it states that the laughing man references "phonies." Although I did notice this myself, subtitles and dubs are not always representational of the original Japanese script. Can someone clarify that the original Japanese text matches the Japanese translation of The Catcher in the Rye?
The boy in "The Catcher in the Rye" uses the word 'phonies' a lot, therefore the dub/subtitles should be representational of the novel and character.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 144.138.132.148 (talk) 11:46, 12 November 2017 (UTC)
thread_title: "Phonies"

message: i thought he got his logo from the starchild coffee, would anyone confirm which existed 1st? -Q
Well, isn't that the entire point of the series? Something without an origin, a Stand Alone Complex. It would make sense if the phonies used the Laughing Man to sell overpriced coffee though, haha.
err, my question was did Laughing Man used an overpriced coffee logo instead of the other way around as suggested in the article... the comment doesn't appear to address the question at all because in the discussed case, the coffee is the original... -Q
:Well, I would have to say it's a statement that even the in wanting to hide his identity, the perpetrator of the acts was being a bit of a phony himself, and acknowledging that.  Sort of like those punk rock songs about selling out.  I know it sounds a little weird but bare with me, he was stating that everyone was a phony, including himself.  He hated the fact that he was a phony, but there was nothing he could do about it.  This is why he plastered everything over with the composite logo.  At least, that's my take. --RuediiX 22:36, 6 March 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: "logo is retooled for the fictional Starchild Coffee"

message: In Japanese Aoi does not mean Hollyhock, it means Blue, as in the colour of the paint he used, the colour of his hoodie (or at least the hoodie the Major wore when she impersonated him),and the colour of his Laughing Man logo.
I've only seen the Japanese version of GitS, so apologies beforehand. In the last episode, Motoko hinted that the Laughing Man might be a female. As she picked up the red hunting cap, she said something that roughly translates to "Indeed, not a Laughing MAN". Also, the Japanese name Aoi, is a lot more common as a girl's name, though, one might argue that it is a unisex name (along the lines of names like "Makoto" or "Kaoru"). --Kimon wataru 17:20, 3 November 2006 (UTC)
replies: text: I just took it as referring to how he was so young and more a boy than a man. --Gwern  (contribs) 20:02, 3 November 2006 (UTC)

text: In that episode she referring to the fact that she was planning to pose as The Laughing Man to get something done that was on both of their agendas, but she wanted to know for herself, not stand from the sidelines and get the media's view. RuediiX 22:15, 6 March 2007 (UTC)

text: Chief is the name of the person who tells stories of The Laughing Man in the story The Laughing Man.  I have a feeling this is the reference.  Especially with the Catchers mitt and all.  However, the Chief's exploits are much like the true story. RuediiX 22:15, 6 March 2007 (UTC)

text: I'd also like to point out that in the book One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which takes place in a mental hospital (not unlike the facility shown in episode 11), the point of view is from a man called the "Chief" who pretends to be a deaf-mute. Thought it was relevant. TheShadowZero (talk) 08:39, 12 July 2010 (UTC)
thread_title: His name as the "Chief"

message: Consensus was do not merge, removing  template. --Lowg 04:14, 8 September 2006 (UTC)
replies: text: I don't think a "consensus" was found to not merge this article, but it is fairly large, and for the time being we didn't merge the larger character articles. So it was just a simple decision, not really a consensus. -- Ned Scott 04:18, 8 September 2006 (UTC)
replies: text: Well, in any case, I just wanted to notify the editors why I removed the tag. Thanks. Lowg 04:25, 8 September 2006 (UTC)
thread_title: Merge

message: I am in dire need of this link and I know a few people who would appreciate the help. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.45.26.39 (talk • contribs) 
:You do realize that what you wrote made absolutely no sense, right? --Gwern  (contribs) 01:13, 2 November 2006 (UTC)
replies: text:  You mean link to the moving logo? Check out the Australian site here http://www.ghostintheshell.com.au it's in flash but at least you can see it. --Ethikos 15:09, 5 November 2006 (UTC)

text: If you do a search on http://www.deviantart.com for Laughing Man you'll find quite a few full motion reproductions.  Not all of them are accurate, but many are very close.  This is an excellent one done in flash.  http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/41729209/?qo=46&q=laughing+man&qh=boost%3Apopular+age_sigma%3A24h+age_scale%3A5  Phereion 09:26, 25 November 2006 (UTC)
thread_title: Request for a link to the image moving

message: Episode 9 which is set in the chat room features interface consoles on the table for each user which closely resemble the laughing-man logo itself; which is in the background. These 'cyber-brain interfaces' also appear in other episodes and are similar in shape and have a blue circle inside the white border. 
In the Tachikoma follow up to this episode the Tachikoma holds up a RED interface and says "You know, the round shape of this interface reminds me of something".
Since the Tachkoma shorts always address the episode it seems this supports the theory that the design of the cyber brain interface is related to the design of the laughing man logo and this is being hinted by the producers. --Ethikos 15:29, 5 November 2006 (UTC)
thread_title:  Logo Origin - Laughing man logo = Cyber brain interface? 

message: Referring to the episode Portraze:
. . . or should I.
My impression of this statement was that upon witnessing what he saw in the center, he was no longer feeling as content as he was about letting the world feast on it's bad karma of it's own squabbles, but he felt he may actually want to do something about it, and become the Laughing Man they portrayed him as, without his decision.
In the end of the episode where he finds he is doing more harm than good he leaves a catcher's mitt, and everyone has seemingly forgotten about him except the kids who forget all the facts, not his existence.
He leaves one thing for the kids to remember him by, the lefty's catcher's mitt displayed as a piece of modern art.  On it is written in blue paint the famous ending quote from Catcher in the Rye.  Stating the Zen statement that he played a move in the game by not playing any more moves in the game, and he now understands that and must learn to continue this vastly disabling, yet incredibly strong card to his advantage, instead of just letting it fester in spite as it was.
There are two other points where he appears.  One, in Chat Chat Chat.  Also there is a person in that center, who points out the server.  The person enters and leaves through a map of a library, the same library as The Laughing Man's employment.
One final note, his affinity for that center, and the resemblance of him in the photo from the final episode, in reference to the suspected physical attribute tendencies towards people with autism-related savant syndrome.
RuediiX 21:53, 6 March 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  ...or should I. 

message: In the second gig, (SPOILERSPOILERSPOILER) when you see Motoko as a kid. she's wearing a red hunting cap. What gets me is, that it's actually backwards too. And of course, you can tell that Aoi's the Laughing Man from the fact you can see that red hunting cap in the episode where he poses as an interviewer. Then boom, laughing man face'd. Kid Kusanagi's hat is in the Motoko Kusanagi article here on wikipedia of course. And GoSeeBanafish isn't added here, that's in the trivia of the main Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex article.
Someone add this as I'm quite illiterate. 
142.162.137.27 23:32, 27 April 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Red hunting caps, and GoSeeBanafish 

message: I think that someone with more editing experince than I should edit the section "Salinger references" so that it doesn't redundantly use 'Another is....' It is a simple change that would increase the article's quality. It's no big deal and I'll change it to the best of my ability if needed. Lowtech42 03:21, 28 May 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  RE: Salinger references 

message: :Image:Starchild Coffee company logo.png is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.
If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page.  Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.BetacommandBot 07:31, 6 June 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Fair use rationale for Image:Starchild Coffee company logo.png

message: It doesn't really matter which but it would be better to pick one over the other instead of half and half.  Its late and the policy/guideline to quote this by is avoiding my mind... akuyumeTC 08:23, 12 June 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: British (or REAL) english as its about a british made design. Terrasidius (talk) 21:47, 31 March 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  American English or British English? 

message: :Image:TheLaughingMan.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.
If there is  other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page.  Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.
BetacommandBot 04:41, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Fair use rationale for Image:TheLaughingMan.jpg

message: :Image:Sun flower society logo-3.png is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.
If there is  other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page.  Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.
BetacommandBot 04:54, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Fair use rationale for Image:Sun flower society logo-3.png

message: Seeing as it's been undone there: [] 
I really thought that the whole article can ruin much of the fun from watching the series.
Sure, it's a loose call, that someone would stumble upon the article and carelessly read on, but still. :/ 85.141.245.254 12:20, 18 August 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Homebrew spoiler tags are against the guideline at WP:SPOIL. There's a tag for that purpose. Kuronue 19:07, 18 August 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Is spoiler warning inappropriate? 

message: :Image:Laughing man big 2.png is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.
If there is  other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page.  Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.
BetacommandBot 18:41, 3 October 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Fair use rationale for Image:Laughing man big 2.png

message: Removed this external link: 
* [www.cafepress.com/trading_co Laughing Man Underground Merchandise ]
As the site is clearly not official (it's a [CafePress.com|CafePress] site). It's just an attempt to get some income by abusing wikipedia's popularity. (76.204.193.62 (talk) 03:56, 18 November 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Link to Cafepress Shop Removed

message: Has anyone noticed how some Japanese blogs and news sites use the Laughing Man logo instead of pixelization to censor possibly obscene things? For example: <this is a link to Kotaku; click the external link at the bottom of the article to get to the proper page; NSFW>. I was wondering if anyone has found any reliable sources documenting this phenomenon. Axem Titanium (talk) 03:42, 13 December 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Also here, to protect anonymity; SFW. Maybe it's just Akibablog? Axem Titanium (talk) 03:44, 13 December 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Laughing Man's logo used as censorship method in Japan 

message: There is a citation request for the following description in the article
He also kept a prized left-handed baseball catcher's mitt for a time with a quote from The Catcher in the Rye written on it. Ironically, while the mitt is actually real, the term "a lefty's catcher mitt" is described as being net jargon for "something people think exists, but really doesn't."
I'm not much of a Wikipedia editor, but for whoever wants to make the reference, one of the characters gives this description of the term at the end of the episode "Portraitz" in the English dub. Episode 11, I believe.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.177.164.184 (talk) 06:42, 18 January 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Citation request for 'Lefty's Catcher's Mitt' Statement 

message: Thanks. The original one was way off. I tried and failed horribly to amend it. The new article correctly expresses the true laughing man. And not simply Aoi. delete this when received.
                                                     71.86.87.131 (talk) 09:23, 7 February 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  To whomever revised the laughing man history. 

message: iv seen some nerdy statements in my day. that there, is about as nerdy as it gets. and you tried and failed? how is that even possible. all hail king nerd. This message will self destruct upon nerd detection.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:6C0:C001:9E80:3D11:BF11:809B:5A85 (talk) 07:13, 30 January 2021 (UTC)
thread_title:  To whomever made a point to thank the one that revised the revision 

message: I worked on this this morning, since I couldn't find it existed. Something maybe to put up if someone wants to the main page.
--!CS-Borma (talk) 15:44, 16 October 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  A Gift To Launghingman's Fans 

message: Anyone familiar with the series should notice that the way the logo is shown is different than the logo used in this article.  The word covered up by the Starchild Coffee handle is always repeated before it appears on the other side.  This was clearly meant for readability but is often omitted in current renderings.  Reproducing this effect is non-negligible and is too frequently ignored.  I happen to think we should have the actual logo shown on this article or perhaps just the screencap from the show. Here is some footage to compare for yourself. Teque5 (talk) 01:52, 8 June 2009 (UTC)
thread_title: Does it bother anyone that this image is wrong?

message: There is one quite obvious reference that is missing from the section. When in the vocational aid centre. Togusa reads the quote from Catcher in the Rye. I believe it was written on the inside of the panel he opens. The quote from when Holden talks about how if he could, if there was nothing stopping him, he would just become one of those catchers in the rye.
I will not edit it myself as I cannot remember the exact quote.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.7.110.7 (talk) 09:26, 3 July 2010 (UTC)
thread_title:  Missing Reference 

message: I think the logo used by the character Jaime Dee in the Flashpoint episode "Run, Jaime, Run" is almost certainly a reference to the Laughing Man logo.  http://i51.tinypic.com/28cpsgj.jpg  Should some mention of this be made in the article?  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.171.242.168 (talk) 04:20, 23 July 2011 (UTC)
thread_title: Flashpoint

message: The current category list for this article includes "Fictional Rapists." Is this a reference to him controlling people's cyberbrains against their will or performing illegal brain dives? I guess the latter could be considered philosophically equivalent to rape, but as far as I'm aware he never physically raped, or attempted to rape, anyone in show.
Would anyone who might be more familiar with this topic like to weigh in? I've watched the entire series, but it's been a while. Since there's no explanation in the article in itself and no mention of it (as far as I can find) in secondary literature, I'd like to remove the category unless someone has a good reason not to. --chrisFjordson (talk) 20:35, 22 April 2014 (UTC)
replies: text: I am going to remove the category since it has been almost a week and no one has weighed in on the issue. If you have any concerns, please voice them here before adding the category back. --chrisFjordson (talk) 03:04, 28 April 2014 (UTC)
thread_title:  "Fictional Rapists" Category 

message: Hi! I've removed these images because there seems to be no proof to the assertion that they're used in the fandom, there's no explanation of what 'fandom tags' are, and the placement in the article (just by the references) is horrendously poor. PeterTheFourth has made few or no other edits outside this topic. 01:13, 1 June 2015 (UTC)
replies: text: Removal of edits because for personal preferences is not an excuse.--j0eg0d (talk) 04:20, 1 June 2015 (UTC)
replies: text: I see that you've added some sources for the use of the Laughing Man icon in the fandom. Unfortunately, all of these only relate to the left icon, which is a downsized version of the main image we already use in the article- the pixellated logo is not used in any of the sources given. As such, I have removed these images. PeterTheFourth has made few or no other edits outside this topic. 04:48, 1 June 2015 (UTC)

text: I realise you wish the image you contributed to remain in the wiki, , but you should come up with policy based reasons to include it- this edit warring to include a debatably copyright-violating image is not in the spirit of Wikipedia. PeterTheFourth has made few or no other edits outside this topic. 05:12, 1 June 2015 (UTC)
thread_title:  "Fandom tags" images 

message: (Copied over from the article)
:The hacker's first appearance in the GITS: SAC storyline is six years previous to when the series started, when he assaulted the CEO of Serano Genomics in public on February 3, 2024, hiding his face from eyewitnesses and cameras with his Laughing Man logo. The Laughing Man can "steal eyes" of entire crowds in real time by hacking their visual cyber-brain implants, either to make himself appear invisible or to hide his face with the cartoon logo. He can also easily erase all records of his existence, including the memories of people with cyber-brains. Many of those who saw his face would only recall and refer to the stylized logo as depicted above, and were not able to realize anything was unusual when asked to describe his features. Togusa was one such person, as were many of the witnesses of the initial incident involving the head of Serano Genomics.
:The Laughing Man has quite a fascination with The Catcher in the Rye, as if the work greatly influenced him: like that novel's main character, Holden Caulfield, he can't stand "phonies" (corrupt politicians in this case). For a time, he also kept a left-handed baseball catcher's mitt with a quote from The Catcher in the Rye written on it: "You know what I'd like to be? I mean, if I had my goddamn choice, I'd just be a catcher in the rye and all". While Aoi did indeed possess this mitt, the term "a lefty's catcher mitt" is described as being net jargon for "something people think exists, but really doesn't." For this reason, Section 9 inadvertently overlooks the only physical evidence of the Laughing Man's whereabouts and identity.
:For an unknown amount of time before the storyline begins, the Laughing Man lived in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Rehabilitation Center, posing as a deaf-mute in a wheelchair. He apparently revealed his ability to walk and talk to the other patients at the center, who knew him as  and referred to his occasional periods of communication as "visits." While Togusa is investigating the center, he discovers that someone has written the famous Laughing Man logo text in a PBX cabinet. The words "or should I?" have been appended to the actual quote, signifying the doubts of his own current course of action. Realizing he is in danger of being discovered, he decides to erase all record of his existence from the center. For completeness, he replaces Togusa's memories of his face with the Laughing Man logo, and wipes the memories of his friends (who apparently not only consent to this treatment, but seem to expect it).
:Following the Laughing Man's kidnapping of the head of Serano Genomics, there was a large wave of "Laughing Man"-related graffiti attacks, corporate vandalism, and extortion; broadly referred to several times as "Corporate Terrorism." He didn't strike again until six years later, but in the meantime a corrupt power cabal in the Japanese Government led by Secretary General Kaoru Yakushima used the Laughing Man's sudden appearance and apparent connection to Serano Genomics to their advantage. They carried out the aforementioned acts of corporate terrorism while using the "Laughing Man" motif, which fooled the media into thinking these acts were the Laughing Man's doing; thus subverting his motives in the process. As a result of the publicity, "The Laughing Man" logo then became something of a pop culture obsession, much to the chagrin of the actual Laughing Man. Since many used his icon and name for their own purposes, his effort to stand for and demand the truth became just one phony meaning among many. One such imitator launched an unsuccessful hacking effort to assassinate Daido, quickly followed by 39 other physical attackers. When all who were arrested showed no sign of external influence, nor any connection with the Laughing Man or his imitator, it was thought that they attempted the assassination to be a part of The Laughing Man's effort for the truth. However, the police informed the public that they were forced to carry out the attack through ghost hacking to avoid further spontaneous assassination attempts.
:After the events of the Section 9 raid by the Umibozu and the last meeting with Motoko Kusanagi and Aramaki, it was discovered that Aoi, though responsible for the initial incident that made the Laughing Man a phenomenon, was not its true originator. When confronted, he confesses to have been a brash student at the time of the kidnapping, as he now prefers a more intellectual approach over his previous overzealous and radical ideals. Aoi made it a point that he never came up with the name "The Laughing Man" for himself; it was a label that the media gave based on the J.D. Salinger quote on the logo which eventually stuck. He admitted that his notorious kidnapping caper was planned after chancing upon a file in the depths of the Net detailing the extensive corruption in the corporate world. While choosing to confront Serano because of this file, he never discovered the origin, despite searching for several years. It could be said that whoever abandoned the file was in fact the "real" Laughing Man - and it is still possible that this person obtained it from someone else. Therefore, the originator of this file, and thus the identity of the original "Laughing Man," remain a mystery.
:While Aramaki understands the sheer absurdity of the story, he also recognizes that the surrounding events corroborate Aoi's admissions. Since Aoi's true motives finally come to light, Aramaki takes interest in Aoi's extensive hacking skills, and offers him a position with Section 9. Though Aoi is deeply flattered by the offer, he declines; choosing to disappear from Japanese society, employed as a librarian in the National Library. Earlier in the series, Togusa theorizes that because the Laughing Man was such a superb hacker, he placed no value in digital media: it could be easily overwritten or deleted. This could explain Aoi's choice to work in a library; paper media exists in a physical state, and cannot be so easily altered or destroyed.
I have moved this section from the article as it is fully un-sourced WP:OR, if someone chooses to work on this in the future. - Knowledgekid87 (talk) 19:59, 29 September 2015 (UTC)
thread_title: History section