:: 士郎正宗 :: Masamune Shirow Hyperpage Rebirth Version of Lucas' MSHP >> A Masamune Shirow Fan Page

The works featured are copyrights to Masamune Shirow and the respective companies. All copyrights infringements on my pages are un-intentional and these pages are NOT in any way for commercial purposes.
Please inform me of any inconsistencies, mistake or copyrights breach on my part and it will be ammended/corrected.
Also, Views & Opinions on the MSHP are my own (Lucas) and not that of Shirow or the respective companies.

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Ghost In The Mobile Phone Strap...

Remember the Limited Edition Ghost In The Shell SAC Plush Tachikomas? Well, they must be wildly popular because these cuties are back... as mobile phone straps! An Animax Online Shop exclusive (like the previous plushies), this Limited Edition Ghost In the Shell SAC (mini character) Set consists of a Tachikoma Strap and a Mail Block (must be some kind of ink stamp for mails).

SO Cute! ^_^ I want these on my mobile phone!!
Animax Online Shop Limited Edition GITS SAC Tachikoma Strap & Mail Block

This item is going to be quite difficult to get since it seems to be a Japanese exclusive, available only by pre-order from Animax Online Shop. Apart from the Limited status, this Tachikoma Strap is only available as a package together with the mail block. Also, as mentioned before, this is a reservation only item which means that it is only manufactured based on number of pre-orders received and once an order is made, it can't be cancelled. The target date for shipping to buyers is late September 2005, though Animax is quick to point out that there are no guarantees. Any changes to the schedule will be updated on its website.

Oh, and yeah, both Tachikomas come in a set. The Blue and Yellow Tachi's can be detached and attached depending on preference. Super uber cute, as usual and I am very tempted! ^_^ Anyone has any sources to get this GITS SAC Tachikoma strap from Animax, please, let me know! Thanks first. And I hope also with this early notice, maybe some of you who are really interested can find out how to get them from your Japanese sources (and please help me too!)

Almost almost forgot the most important thing, the price is 2300Yen. Not including shipping.

posted by: Lucas at 05/28/05 00:42 | link | comments (5) | Category: figures & toys, ghost in the shell

TANK SWAT 01 News... @ Seishinsha Online!

After what seemed to be an eternity of static at Seishinsha's Website, I honestly thought they forgot about Shirow Sensei. Well, not anymore. In today's update (27/5/05) Seishinsha Online finally added information on TANK SWAT 01, just a link to the Tank SWAT Official Website and a mention of Tank SWAT animator Romanov Higa.

"Based on DOMINION CONFLICT, [GUNGRAVE O.D.] etc animator Romanov Higa's [Tank Police TANK S.W.A.T. 01] CG animation is currently in progress and latest information is available here.
The latest Trailer is also available for download on the site".

Uhmm... yeah. That's basically what the update says (I think, hope I understood that correctly ^_^; Please correct me if I'm mistaken!)

Finally! Seishinsha Promotes Tank SWAT on its Official Website!

posted by: Lucas at 05/27/05 23:29 | link | comments (3) | Category: shirow news, dominion

TANK SWAT 01 Preview in Osaka (29th May)

TANK SWAT 01 is scheduled for a test screen in Osaka on 29th May 2005, according to the Official Website. The event will coincide with some kind of CG animation contest presentation ceremony (?) organised by Team DOGA. Also, entrance to the screening is FREE for those of you who are nearby Osaka ^_^. Details of the venue etc can be found from the link on the TANK SWAT Official Website. I won't be there, that's for sure, but I will bring you guys news as soon and as much as possible~

This is a really fast release, considering that hint of the project was announced barely 2 months ago.  It would most likely be a direct to DVD release, like most of Romanov-Higa's previous works. 

posted by: Lucas at 05/26/05 16:09 | link | comments | Category: dominion, shirow news

Yamato Shirow Fest... (Ballistics)

It's just the end of last month we were treated with double Shirow happiness by Yamato with the Dominion and Orion figure sets. And now, its another double Shirow happiness for this month with 2 Intron Depot 3 series figures: Ballistics and Galhound (2nd Colour).

Yamato's Intron Depot Series: BALLISTICS Item : BALLISTICS (Completed) Manufacturer : Yamato(Vice) Size : Approx. 19cm Material : PVC ABS Series : Intron Depot Date released : 25th May 2005 Price : 3,500 yen This figure was based on Intron Depot 3 Ballistic's cover character and pose. The illustration was described by Shirow as his attempt to go "hight-tech" and is generally very satisfied with the end result. It could also be a failed attempt at drawing a new-look Deunan Knute (of Appleseed) judging on Shirow's comments on another (similiar) illustration sporting the same characteristics.

Yamato's Intron Depot Series: GALHOUND (2ND COLOUR) Item : Galhound Second Colour (Completed) Manufacturer : Yamato(Vice) Size : Approx.19cm Material : PVC ABS Series : Intron Depot Date released : 25th May 2005 Price : 3,200 yen There was another Galhound series previously released by Yamato, a darker colour costume. Initially tagged as "Starship Police" these girls were exclusive Intron Depot 3 art done by Shirow. And like its illustration version, this figure is an alternate colour version of another. A figure parody of the recently trendy colour-changing Shirow CGs perhaps? ^_^

Well, enough with the descriptions, here are more pictures of both figures ^_^:

Both figures are shipping out since 25th May 2005 (Japan that is, maybe a longer wait for Yamato-USA customers).

posted by: Lucas at 05/25/05 22:52 | link | comments (4) | Category: shirow news, intron depot, figures & toys

Production IG Greeting Card (May 05)

At Production IG's new website, there's a cool monthly gift section of wallpapers and card, so here is this month's cool Innocence card~ ^_^

What's Togusa & Batou Up To??

Thanks to the great people at Production IG, for presenting this very cool Innocence Gift Card for this month's goodies. Mind you this is just for personal use in hardcopy greeting card form. Any other purpose is strictly prohibited. The Wallpaper, please visit Production IG to get it~ ^_^ (p/s: This month it's 2nd Gig's resident bad-man Gouda).

Remember, visit Production IG's website! ^_^

posted by: Lucas at 05/15/05 13:00 | link | comments (1) | Category: shirow news

GITS Stand Alone Complex (Game) & Appleseed (Movie) for the PSP

This is actually supposed to be two separate news, but it so happens that both involves the PSP (or Playstation Portable- Sony's latest handheld game console) that I combined this into a single news item. Two Shirow-related titles on the PSP! This is beginning to worry my bank account :P...

Portable Shirow Goodness on the PSP! (Bri not included) ^_^

1. APPLESEED UMD for the PSP:

A pioneering move for Geneon Entertainment as Appleseed becomes the first anime on the new UMD (Universal Mini Disc) format for the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP). Appleseed will be available on July 5th at a retail price of $19.98. Excerpts from Geneon's official announcement on the May 9th:

GENEON ENTERTAINMENT GETS IN THE GAME WITH THE UMD DEBUT OF APPLESEED AND SAMURAI CHAMPLOO Signaling its ongoing commitment to its ever-growing fan base, Geneon Entertainment announced today the debut of two titles to the new UMD format - the explosive sci-fi animated action adventure Appleseed and the hip-hop samurai action series Samurai Champloo. The PlayStation Portable discs will be available July 5th. Geneon Entertainment is among the first distributors to adapt to the new Universal Media Disc format. Launched in late March, in addition to the latest must-have for gamers, the handheld PSP device, plays UMDs - mini-discs featuring full-length feature films and programming. Setting a new standard in animation by the seamless fusion of motion capture technology, 3D computer animation, enhanced with 2D character animation, Appleseed has been hailed by director John Woo (Face Off, Mission: Impossible 2) as "a stunning visual achievement… a new milestone for CG animation." From the creator of The Ghost In the Shell, the “3D Live Anime” bursts with eye-popping visuals that create the setting for both an idyllic garden society and in contrast, many powerful action sequences that stun with breathless intensity. A riveting soundtrack that includes tracks from world-renowned techno DJ Paul Oakenfold and Academy Award® winner Ryuichi Sakamoto, combines with mind-blowing visuals for edge-of-your-seat action sequences until the awesome, white-knuckle finale. Appleseed arrives on DVD May 10, followed by its July 5th UMD debut, priced at $19.98.

Watch Appleseed on the PSP!

2. Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex PSP

Bandai's GITS SAC on the PSP is no news as it has been announced together with a host of other titles soon after the PSP's debut earlier this year. However, latest news is that the game is finally shipping out to customers since last week. Previously GITS SAC was released for the PS2 and has since been improvised and adapted for the handheld gaming environment. PSP Ghost In The Shell Stand Alone Complex can be ordered from Amazon.com. Retail price was listed at US$49.99.

And here are some screenshots from the game trailer and some information! ^_^

PSP Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex by Bandai Platform: Sony PSP Price: $49.99 ESRB Rating: Teen (Content suitable for persons ages 13 or older.) ASIN: B0007ZSHP8 SKN: 215853 Official promo for the game: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Section nine returns to take out the latest terrorist cell in this futuristic first-person shooter coming to the PSP handheld entertainment system this summer. Use Motoko's agility, Batou's strength, Togusa's stealth or Saito's sniper skills to take out the terrorists. Train and customize Tachikoma to assist you in your missions and hack into enemies to obtain information crucial to your missions. Features wireless battles and communication – up to four players!

posted by: Lucas at 05/11/05 17:36 | link | comments (4) | Category: appleseed, shirow news, ghost in the shell

Appleseed DVD (US/Region 1) Released

After a quiet, lacklustre theaterical release in the US, the DVD version of Shinji Aramaki's Appleseed 3D Live Anime is now on sale since 10/05/2005 (yesterday) for English speaking audiences. Here are the details of this DVD:

Nothing interesting about the cover, though I like the way the marketing strategy was implemented so soon with a John Woo quote ^_^

Director: Shinji Aramaki Encoding: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries.) Format: Animated, Color, Widescreen, Dolby Rated: Not for sale to persons under age 18. Studio: Geneon Entertainment List Price: US$19.98 DVD Release Date: May 10, 2005 Run Time: 105 DVD Features: Available subtitles: English Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Japanese (Dolby Digital 5.1), Japanese (DTS 5.1) Encoded directly from HD master Commentary from the director and producer Music and scene cues Staff profiles Geneon previews ASIN: B0007OY31G Other Formats: DVD widescreen

Apart from your standard regular DVD version, there are also 2 types of Limited Editions:

1. Appleseed the Movie DVD (Limited Steel Case Edition)
List Price $23.98

2. Appleseed the Movie DVD w/ Figure (Limited 2 Disc Steel Case Edition)
(Item Limited to 8,000 Produced)
List Price $44.98

I heard that the Limited Edition with Figure was sold out already at the pre-order stages, so there might be some unlucky fans :( Anyways, the regular DVD version is readily available for order at major online shops (that sell anime DVDs I suppose), such as Amazon.com.

posted by: Lucas at 05/11/05 16:46 | link | comments | Category: appleseed, shirow news

Appleseed The PS2 Game: in 2006!

First we have the main course: Appleseed Movie Sequel, served with hot brand new 26-episodes of TV series. Enough? Apparently not. Now, SEGA has joined in the merry fun with Appleseed 2006/Game for Playstation 2: Gun Action & Fighting! ^_^ How does that sound? Marvellous eh? Appleseed and Masamune Shirow (in name) is going to own 2006!

And here's the link to the Official Website: SEGA Appleseed Game Project 2006
But wait... before you go, you will need the *secret* Password...
Oh OK... here's a hint...

Look familiar? ^_^ Everyone's gotta know this!

Your reward:

A tasty preview of the Appleseed Game Project Trailer~^o^

A word of caution though. The Shockwave Trailer is a whopping high-res ~9.3MB file, about 1 min long. So waiting for it to load might take some time unless you're on high-speed broadband. The wait is worth it though, because this short clip is a stunner. Finally, a real SWAT style terrorist ambush by Olympus' finest and the graphics/animation are just awesome. I have always felt that the 3D Live Anime was more like an in-game movie and yeah, finally it was realised. Appleseed Gun Action & Fighting sounds extremely good to me! ^_^ I am looking forward to this very much, 2006 couldn't come soon enough!

Remember this?

This was way back in 94', Appleseed for the Super Nintendo System!
Ah, the fond memories! ^_^ (I am feeling real old now)

Now take a look at this! Coming in 2006..........

A teaser... No, a feeler, to be exact Briareos' feeler ^_^

Who's that in the middle of the shattered glass?

That's our girl Deunan the way we like her best, upside down and shooting a mean machine gun!

Macho Cyborgs like Briareos don't need guns...

OK, that's enough from me for now, I would spoil the fun for all of you if I go on. Don't forget to bookmark the Official Website!

Credits to Unknown Kadath for showing the way~ ^_^

posted by: Lucas at 05/11/05 14:52 | link | comments (8) | Category: appleseed, shirow news

Seishinsha Data Lib Update & ETC

OK guys & gals, the Seishinsha Data Library for month of May has been updated today with 2 Shirow images from 2001 Angelstar Calendar & ID3 Ballistics. Pick 'em up and be thankful ~ ^_^

Anyways, despite the serenity and calmness of the MSHP in recent days (weeks?) in reality, I have been super-busy with other aspects of my life, work & personal. That kind of threw a spanner into the wheels of the MSHPs progressive momentum. Well, some things just have more priorty in life but not to worry, on Shirow Sensei's side news is scarce and slow. So we are not missing much... Postings will resume normally soon I hope, and thanks for reading and to those of you who keep checking back.

So far after 5 months of re-starting the MSHP, I can't help but notice that there seems to be a severe lack of communication these days... I still remember the good ol' days when I used to get daily comments, messages, fanarts etc and updates from fellow fans or some even just dropping by for a friendly chat or greeting... recently I think feedback is really poor. Maybe its lack of news, lack of interest, or maybe the MSHP is just simply not good enough... I don't know. It would be great if I could hear more from you guys, what are your opinions etc... But I think that is beyond my control. It is sometimes quite de-motivating and I feel like I'm talking to myself here but anyway it all goes back to the unwavering interest and admiration I have for Shirow Sensei's works. As long as I am still a fan, the MSHP will continue no matter the conditions.

Enough ranting from me. I'll get back to posting regularly as soon as I can to bring more Shirow goodness. ^_~ In the meantime, stay nice.

posted by: Lucas at 05/10/05 18:51 | link | comments (11) | Category: mshp post