GITS SAC Solid State Society - OAV

GITS - SAC - Solid State Society - OAV

Ghost in the Shell / Stand Alone Complex / Solid State Society is the latest instalment in the SAC series and is a full length (110 minute) OAV, which however left me slightly perplexed.

Now, I have followed Ghost in the Shell since its creation in 1995, and have been immensely satisfied with Innocence as a following to the original film. I also think that both Stand Alone Complex series (Laughing Man and Individual Eleven) were works of art! But - and there is a but - Solid state Society leaves me a little perplexed... I'll explain;

First of all the SSS is GOOD! Its visually very well done - not at the level of Innocence but better that SAC series, and the story line is the usual mix of creativity, hi tech and social problems. The best part of SSS is probably the direction - Kenji Kamiyama has created a little directing masterpiece on this one. So far so good, but here comes the part that perplexes me.

The story (if you don't want to spoil it don't read further!!!) revolves around Section 9 about 2 years after the Individual Eleven and the main character seems to be Togusa who has replaced the Major after her departure. His persona has undergone a considerable evolution due to his new position, as has Section 9, but this evolution has dragged the SAC to a schism with GITS films to point where his personality no-longer fits in the Togusa in GITS (which don't forget is meant to happen after the SAC series). Another iffy point are the Tachikomas with a bit of a lame comeback. Finally, the audio part is not up to GITS or SAC standard. Both have always had an amazing soundtrack and sound effects, however this time they don't fill you with that 4th dimensional feeling while watching the film. The continuous changing underlying feeling which is guided by the music and sound effects just isn't there... pity really.

To end this I have been picky really, Solid State Society is well worth a watch but as good as it is, especially in some parts, I just feel that they have not managed to convey as much feeling as they should have in feature length OAV, and some parts of the story line seem a little rushed. The main problem I see is the schism in Togusa's personality compared to the films... we will just have to wait and see how they deal with that one.

LINKS: Clappa ; Production I.G. ; Kokaku

XXXHOLiC - Anime

Kimihiro Watanuki lives alone, however he is not alone - he attracts evil spirits where ever he goes. One day returning from school he ends up at Yuuko San's shop where your heart's desires can be bought. His payment for being left alone by spirits is to work part-time in the shop. There he starts to learn that the real world is not all it seems. Under Yuuko's guidance and with his friends Watanuki starts to grow and move about the spirit world.


Adapted from the famous CLAMP manga XXXHOLiC is a delightful anime full of fun and lighthearted ideas to propel superstitions and introduce the world of Japanese spirits. The graphics are very longilined but they only highlight Watanuki's clumsyness and the surrounding character's depths.

A beautiful and intreguing anime which will never leave you bored or thinking you know what is coming next!

Links:
XXXHOLiC