In 1989, the Japanese manga Ghost in the Shell was first published. A science fiction story was originally produced in the form of small stories, later combined into one volume. The plot of the manga takes place in Japan in the middle of the twenty-first century. The country is subject to cyberterrorist attacks. To combat them, the Ninth Division organization was created, whose best agent was Motoko Kusanagi.
The story attracted readers so much that the anime was soon shot in the manga. To date, the series has grown to twelve adaptations of manga and one feature film. But those who have just learned about this story are concerned about one question: what is the order of viewing the “Ghost in the Shell”?
First film adaptation
The first film adaptation of the manga was a full-length film, shot in 1995. It is with him that the numerous adaptations of the anime “Ghost in the Shell” begin. The viewing order is a bit confusing in the future. Sometimes the continuation of old stories was filmed through several new episodes of anime. The film "Ghost in the Shell" shows Japan in 2029. Technology has gone so far as to make it possible to create cyborgs that will connect to the Web. Motoko Kusanagi is just such a cyborg. In Kusanagi's film, Major of the Ninth Division, he has to fight the Puppeteer, who controls people through the Network.
"Innocence"
Further, in the order of viewing the “Ghost in the Shell” it is necessary to slip through several adaptations. A direct continuation of the first picture was a feature film released in 2004.
The film "Innocence" takes the viewer to 2032. Detective Bato is a cyborg. His whole body is created artificially. The only thing left of his human personality is the brain and his memories of Motoko Kusanagi. Bato and partner will investigate a series of murders, where robots rebelled against their masters.
"Loner Syndrome" TV-1
The next in the order of viewing "Ghost in the Shell" is the film adaptation of the manga, released in 2002. The anime spanned a full season of twenty-six episodes. Loner Syndrome talks about the everyday life of the Ninth Division. A cyborg with an almost divine consciousness, Motoko Kusanagi and her companions: half-robot Bato and detective Togus, who has extraordinary intuition, fight against cyber-terrorists. Elite unit protects the lives of ordinary people. And the head of the department, Aramaki, guards his squad from political intrigues.
“Tatik Days”
Next in the viewing order of “The Ghost in the Shell” is OVA's Tatikom Days, released in 2002.
The plot is built around the Tatikoms - small and very mobile tanks equipped with arachnid legs and primordia of intelligence. They are indispensable assistants of the Ninth Division. Each of the robots is endowed with distinctive features. They are naive, but able to accumulate memory and experience, thereby “growing up” from operation to operation.
“Ghost in the Shell” (compilation No. 1)
Released in 2005, OVA lasts one hundred and sixty minutes. No new information was provided on the life of the Ninth Division. A film adaptation is a retelling of the main events of the first season of anime.
"Loner Syndrome" TV-2
The second full season of the anime “Ghost in the Shell” was released in 2004. A season of twenty-six episodes talks about new cyber terrorists trying to control people's minds through the Web. Major Kusanagi and the Ninth Division will face many strong opponents.
Compilation No. 2
In 2006, another episode was released in 163 minutes. He talks about the main events of the second season.
The film "Ghost in the Shell"
In 2006, a full-length film was released on the Ghost universe, which was called The Community of the Strong State.
In 2034, Major Kusanagi left the Ninth Division, which in a few years turned from a small unit into a full-fledged group. Detectives and operatives manage to go to Puppeteer. But during the investigation, Bato sees Kusanagi, who advises him not to approach any Community of the Strong State.
"Origin"
A new look at the Ghost universe was released in 2013. The events of the four episodes take place in 2027, immediately after the end of the atomic war. A terrorist organization 501 has stepped up in the city. Aramaki seeks help from a hacker, Motoko Kusanagi, to track them.
Ghost in the Shell: A Parody
In 2013, a short parody season was released for the anime “Ghost in the Shell”. Heroes are depicted in simple sketches, and the story is devoid of a twisted plot.
Origin: Alternative
Released in 2015, the anime “Ghost in the Shell” tells of the days when the Ninth Division was just beginning to form. A film adaptation will show how each of the characters attracted the attention of Aramaki and became part of an elite unit.
Ghost in the Shell: New Movie
The events of the picture, released in 2015, unfold after the "Origin". The first minister of Japan was killed. The Ninth Division and Major Kusanagi have to find the killer.
The film “Ghost in the Shell” (2017)
In 2017, the Ghost finally got to the big screen. Masamune Shiro himself, the author of the original manga series, took part in the creation of this picture. The first screening of the film was scheduled for March sixteen and was held in Japan, which is home to the Phantom.
In the history of 2017 release, the popular actress Scarlett Johansson starred. The choice of the leading actress caused a wave of indignation in the West, where the creators were accused of racism. However, in Japan itself, fans of the series approved Johansson, spotting Major Kusanagi in it. The indignation of Western critics also remained incomprehensible to them, especially since the picture was fascinating.