Review: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG #3

[Paul]

Although Stand Alone Complex sells itself on the basis of its complex ideas and futuristic settings, this volume demonstrates that the series is at its best when it invests some time in character development as well. By engaging our interests on a more human level, what could have been a rather cryptic and dry set of episodes becomes something altogether more absorbing and thought-provoking- in fact, this may well be the strongest entry in the series so far.

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Agree with this review? What do you think of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG #3?

 

[Wildcard]

I'm in agreement that this is the strongest volume yet, thanks to the character driven episodes and startling plot developments. Generally this series has proven to be a great deal slower moving than the previous one and has been a lot lighter on action and more heavily orientated towards political and philosophical musings.

While I like to see character development, I reckon it can go too far or be ill used. The next volume starts with an Episode focused on Pazu, who uptill now has pretty much done nothing except coldy respond to orders and smoke. Sadly, hes such a paper thin character that even when they try to develop a story for him it seems pointless and emotionally empty (especially since this story involves a jilted lover).

On the other hand, Vol.4 also features an episode about Saito's past which proves to be far more engaging, looking at his past as a mercenary sniper and how he met the major.

Anyway, getting off track there. Volume 3 is the best one I've seen so far. Here's hoping volume 5 will top that.