Character Designs for Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045
The aesthetics and spirit of GHOST IN THE SHELL appealed to me in the 90s, with a "action adventure"-bent in their cyberpunk designs, with a focus on tactical applications which I appreciated, marrying one aspect of a genre project like "Appleseed", and the anime allure of futuristic designs. The visuals are by-now-epically ICONIC, without a doubt.
As much as I used to insist "I do not collect military 1/6th figures", I'd admit to having the dream to kitbash the enforcement or military unit of "the future" - a version of "Section 9", if you will - which I never did properly complete ... and maybe I should now, before SAC_2045 starts, innit? Especially with their "hired mercenaries"-status = ALWAYS a splendid theme for a "kitbash! hhhmmmm...
Through the years, the GITS continued forth past its first two feature animated films, with the Stand Alone Complex (SAC) series, and took an interesting turn with the "prequel"-themed "ARISE" films, which culminated into a rejigged for television, named "Alternative Architecture" - which saw a more subdued urban aesthetic, and perhaps even a more jazzy-coordinated chill, likened to its soundtrack from Cornelius (*Which I adored I will not lie).
And no, I do not count the Scarlet Johansson-helmed live-action feature adaptation (*As much as I want that Threezero-made 1/6 shown below), as I am keeping this a strictly "anime-only" reference, thanks :)
So I am personally interested in how the next incarnation will look in Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, this time with Tokyo-based Russian illustrator Kuvshinov Ilya (Patreon / Images here via Instagram / Twitter) being tasked with "character designs" - to which I'll be taking a slightly closer look in this post, thanks to images revealed online thus far, in anticipation of the series premiering on Netflix worldwide April 23rd.
On show thus far are the three principals ("Motoko Kusanagi", "Batou" and "Togusa"), and a new character to join Section-9: "Prin Esaki"!
Also featured are (cut-n-paste) descriptions of their characters, although they current exist prior to their status in "SAC_2045".
The first image used to promote this series, was Motoko's, and continued til the final poster (see at bottom of this blog feature). "Major Motoko" (does she still retain this designation in SAC_2045 tho?) has always been the forefront in imagery of GITS, "iconic" even - to which she continues forth with her alternating blue/purple-tinted chic short hair, and extreme cut pants, ready for action :p
WHO-IS: "(Major) Motoko Kusanagi (草薙 素子, Kusanagi Motoko) is a cyborgnetic counter-cyberterrorist field commander in the employ of "Public Security Section 9", a fictional division of the real Japanese National Public Safety Commission, as the squad leader and lead investigator." (Read more on Wiki).
WHO-IS: "Batou (バトー, Batō) is the lead investigator and main male character in the Ghost in the Shell series. Recruited from the Rangers, Batou is the second best melee fighter in Section 9 and is the second-in-command under Major Motoko Kusanagi. In the movie adaptations of Shirow's manga, Batou is a direct representation of Mamoru Oshii's opinions, views, and feelings that are presented throughout the story.
Although not officially stated, he seems to jointly hold the position of 3rd in command with Ishikawa. He served in the military with Motoko and Ishikawa (under both of them), and has cybernetic eyes that are used by Rangers, improved strength from cybernetic arms, legs, and also contains other unlisted parts (these parts are not stated, but rather implied). He primarily does field work with Togusa, and takes point for the Major on serious occasions." (Read more on Wiki).
WHO-IS: "Togusa (トグサ) is the lead investigator and second most prominently featured male character in the Ghost in the Shell manga and anime series. In Stand Alone Complex it is stated that he is the only "entirely human" member of Section 9 who has not undergone cybernetic replacement in some manner as he had been referred to as "natural". Togusa is openly suspicious and has reservations regarding technology; while Section 9 agents may respect Togusa's rejection of cybernetic enhancements, the rest of society views people like him as a Luddite. In the 1995 film it is claimed that this is precisely because of his lack of cybernetic enhancements that he was chosen for Kusanagi's team. In the manga, it is unclear as to what extent he has undergone cybernization, although in both anime films and television series he only has cybernetic memory upgrades and other small communication brain implants like all other members.
Togusa is also the only member of Section 9 not have military experience, having only served as a civilian police officer in the past. To Section 9, Togusa is a reminder to them all of true humanity, because he is a normal person compared to the rest of Section 9. He has a family, and strong moral beliefs that visibly get in his way. He primarily does work with Batou, but also investigates on his own at times. Togusa often plays the role of the idealist in Ghost in the Shell, and could easily be said to be the least likely to win in an even fight against anyone else in Section 9." (Read more on Wiki).
WHO-IS: The pink-haired and bespectacled "Prin Esaki" is a new character who works for "Public Security Section 9". Nothing else is known about her, who - from whatever stills we see, and the cliched tropes of media projects - would more likely be the "tech-slash-hacker-slash-information-slash-geek-cutie", IMHO .... BUT, I may be wrong, because, aren't EVERYONE else (besides Togusa) technically IS CYBERNECTICALLY LINKED? hhhmmmm.... Naaahh - Definitely "TECH GIRL"! LOL
WHAT-IS: "Public Security Section 9 (Japanese: 公安9課, Hepburn: Kōan Kyūka) is a fictional gendarmerie-style information security and intelligence department from Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell manga and anime series. In the franchise, its jurisdiction exists under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.[1] In some translations, the name is given as Public Safety Section 9. In the original film, it is known as the Shell Squad or Security Police Section 9.[2] In the original publication of the manga, it was known as Mobile Armored Riot Police Section 9. Regardless of translation, when spoken of by the characters, it is simply referred to as Section 9.
The Section-9 is composed of former military officers, forensics scientists, and police detectives; these agents answer only to the Chief Director and the Prime Minister of Japan. The public at large is unaware that Section 9 even exists, though the National Diet and other security forces sections are generally aware of them as a black operation unit. This allows Section-9 to operate independently from governmental oversight, cutting through red tape and bureaucracy." (Text via Wiki).
SYNOPSIS: "When sustainable war spawns a "post-human" threat, Major Kusanagi and her Section 9 team are called back into action.
In the year 2045, after an economic disaster known as the Synchronized Global Default, rapid developments in AI propelled the world to enter a state of “Sustainable War”. However, the public is not aware of the threat that AI has towards the human race.
Full-body cyborg Major Motoko Kusanagi and her second-in-command Batou are former members of Public Security Section 9, who are now hired mercenaries traveling hot devastated American west coast. This land is full of opportunity for the major and her team, they utilize their enhanced cyberbrains and combat skills from their time working in Section 9. However, things get complicated with the emergence of “post humans,” who have extreme intelligence and physical powers. The members of Section 9 comeback together again in order to face this new threat." (ghostintheshell.fandom.com)
