Review: Stand Alone Complex #4

I’ve reviewed the surprisingly underwhelming fourth volume of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, out now in the UK from Manga Ent..

I also want to take this opportunity to introduce you to the newest member of our news posting team! Michelle (a.k.a. MangaMinx from our forums) has always been a dedicated and friendly member of our fledgling community and we have no doubt that her infectious enthusiasm will only continue to benefit Anime UK News.

• This is a mixed, slightly above mediocre volume of Stand Alone Complex. While Batou’s multi-layered and affecting episode alone makes this fourth volume worth watching, the previously exciting narrative standards seem to have taken a slight dip here and I’m already craving a return to the unpredictable “Laughing Man” case and slightly more emphasis back on the personalities of Kusanagi, Batou and Togusa. I suspect this is the “calm before the storm” and all I can say is bring it on!

Read the full review.