15 Apr 2007
Posted by Martin [Tags: Ghost in the Shell]
The fifth outing kicks off in rather sedate style with a couple of episodes that take Motoko and Batou out of their usual territory. It's back to business in the second half though, as Section Nine go into Dejima to track down Kuze in the refugee camp - overall this is another refreshingly varied instalment that keeps things tense and fast-moving.
I quite enjoyed the opening episode, which was a bright and almost jovial break from the norm. The Major seems to get the lion's share of screen time but when it's as good as this I don't have much cause for complaint; her chance meeting with a streetwise urchin and subsequent run-in with the local mafia offer a few more small insights into how she looks at life, especially as a person with a cybernetic body. Soon after her little 'holiday' she joins Batou in Berlin, as part of an international operation to track down a terrorist. This isn't quite as engaging story-wise but the visuals are superb and the laconic Batou gets his time in the spotlight. For this reason it reminds me of the Innocence movie again, if only for his introspection and tenacity.
The second half of the disc gets things very firmly on track as Section Nine take on Kuze again, now with a little more info at their disposal. This doesn't prevent the Major getting a nasty surprise during a mind hack that is reminiscent of Boma's near-mind fry experience back in volume three though, which adds even more questions to who and what he really is. There is also a bit of tragedy in this volume, as Section Nine experience their first loss of one of their number in the field.
Needless to say, things seem to be getting much harder for them now, as Kuze and his men somehow seem to be one step ahead pretty much all the time. The tension is wound up progressively towards the end, as some pesky arms dealers from Russia turn up and the possibility of nuclear material being thrown into the mix. I'm getting the feeling now that the series is making its run-up to the big finale, as the situation for our heroes worsens and Gohda is suspiciously nowhere to be found.
Summary
This is another consistently entertaining volume that takes the time to examine its characters but pitches in enough intrigue and action to keep the pace. Enjoy the characterisation while you can though, because it looks like it's going to be an action-packed rollercoaster ride from here on in and there won't be much time for filler or introspection!
[Filed under Anime Reviews] [Tags: Ghost in the Shell]
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