:: 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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Closure

This is a notice that this site will cease to update with immediate effect. All contents will be deleted in one week's time.

Please visit the New MSHP instead for your Shirow fix & update your links.
Its a work in progress but I'm already updating at Takotech.net. Bear with me while I finalise the other contents of this new site. The MSHP section should be pretty stable already, aside from some tweaks from time to time. See you there! ^_^

Best regards, and thanks for your visit and support!
~ Lucas (Takotech.net)

posted by: Lucas at 10/29/05 03:19 | link | comments (1) | Category: mshp post

Masamune Shirow & MMORPG RF Online

OK firstly- credits to sTwo again! Fellow Shirow-enthusiasts, NEW Shirow pictures!! ^o^

There's this MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game, in case) undergoing Beta testing lately developed by SEGA/CCR titled「RF online」. So here's the story: On 16th September 05, in conjunction with Tokyo Game Show 2005 (TGS2005), the publicity for the game announced that Masamune Shirow, creator of titles such as Appleseed and Ghost In The Shell had contributed to the project in the form of some designs. These designs would be made available to game players from 18th October to 15th November 05. If response is good (either to the game itself or the designs?- I'm not sure) the characters designed by Shirow would be converted to playable characters in the MMORPG! The screenshots certainly looks good, and with SEGA involved it should be pretty playable too (in my opinion~). Oh, and its Japanese text this game...

There are some pics on Shirowledge too, but this is the link to the 4gamer.net article (Japanese text) with the announcement & screenshots. But here's a sample of the juicy bits ^_^:

Yup! That's definitely a Shirow babe!

Shirow Mechas - as we remember them well! ^_^

Heh. And I got worried that Shirow forgot how to draw~ ^_^ Its real nice to see some new pictures after this long silence. The designs are quite a variety- from babes to Orion-looking characters to Landmatey mechs, but looks to be trademark Shirow. More material for Intron Depot ***** I suppose. But still a pleasure anyway to see these.

posted by: Lucas at 09/19/05 01:18 | link | comments (25) | Category: shirow news

Tachikoma Chogokin?

There has been a steady stream of new Tachikoma products lately but when I found out about this one, its so pleasantly shocking! The Wonder Festival Summer 2005 has been over for some time now (almost a month) but it was not until now I came across this one while browsing for something else (dont ask, my toy collecting habits are turning pretty nasty these days ^_^;;).

Are you familiar with Toy makers Good Smile Company? Its affiliated with the more well-known makers Max Factory and Alter. So far Good Smile Company has been producing really high quality PVC anime female beauties in striking poses, and those who collect Fate Stay Night would surely agree. However, what is interesting about this Prototype Tachikoma by Good Smile Company at the recent WonFest is this term- Chogokin. In Japanese it means die-cast metal. Yes, that's right. METAL! Information from my source (ToyboxDX Wonfest report by Matt) is scarce but thrilling:

"The creepily-named Good Smile Company's latest prototype of their diecast Tachikoma from Ghost in the Shell, featuring articulated claws and an opening cockpit"

"According to the display, the toy will consist of diecast armor parts atop a PVC body, and the back "pod unit" will be styrene. It's satisfyingly large -- maybe 6 inches front to back? No release date set."

OK, so we have:
:: DIE CAST armor atop a PVC body
:: Articulated claws
:: Opening Cockpit
:: Approx. SIX inches large
:: No release date set

Now doesn't that send a tingle down your spine? ^_^ Mark the MSHP, and believe me I'm sticking like glue to Good Smile Company now for any hint of this delectable Tachi. ^_^

Good Smile Company's Prototype Diecast Tachikoma at Wonfest Summer 05!

posted by: Lucas at 09/18/05 15:23 | link | comments (7) | Category: shirow news, ghost in the shell

Tachikoma File Released

A first look at the Hobby Japan's new Tachikoma File! (Still waiting for mine though, should be on its way! ^_~)

Ghost In The Shell STAND ALONE COMPLEX Special Version TACHIKOMA FILE
攻殻機動隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX 特別編 TACHIKOMA FILE
Released 8th September 2005
Published by Hobby Japan
Size A5, 96 Page
Height approx. 65mm (Tachikoma)
RRP: 2100 Yen

Had I known the Tachikoma would be so articulated I would have ordered at least 2 of these babies! So far so cool! From the looks of it I don't think this is a re-make edition of the GITS SAC Visual Book, but rather a totally Tachikoma-focused special edition. Reviews when I see it first hand, of course ^_^. This promises to be a really fun merchandise, and I'm already excited!

Tachi... Tachikoma-kun!! ^_^ Yay!

posted by: Lucas at 09/09/05 15:23 | link | comments (17) | Category: shirow news, ghost in the shell

SAC - Analyzed Log 1

Fellow Ghost In the Shell fan Kadosho has contributed this series of write-ups about Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex Season 1. This would include episode summaries as well (coming soon), and hopefully more in future? These posts will be filed in the menu section for easy reference / retrieval under "The Ghost Within" header. Sincere thanks from MSHP and credits to Kadosho.

Ghost Within the Shell - A Self Documenation S1
by Kadosho

Ghost in The Shell - Stand Alone Complex, is a 26 episode lead series. Within this project, was a subserved ideal viewpoint of within the manga & films. Yet its own seperate conduit. It unfolds very differently from the film project, very close to the manga.

-Section 9-
This team is setup as an anti-crime unit, and also deals with key-in government protocol. Might say the alternate clean-up crew, before the police investigate. Or an outside team that works in secrecy, and protects whats needed to be defended.

The team members consist of... Chief Aramaki, Major Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa, Saitou, Borma, Ishikawa, & Pazu
(AI in dev - Team Tachikoma)

Not only does this team function as a unit, but even close to a family. They're out there for one another, no matter what. And even some a bit closer.

-Individuality-
There have always been key themes within the Ghost in the Shell series. Albeit manga, film, or this very show. Deep meaning, and thoughtful insight on what actions, and what makes whom they really are. Even though its a story set within a future that we could be heading towards very soon. It doesnt escape a probability of exsistence, yet keeps it level.

-Analyze-
Within the 26 ep ova project, there are various key terms met in each episode. Dual, Individual, Stand Alone, all of these stories are seperate from one another. Yet are somehow linked, as if a puzzle, and finding every piece needed to complete.

Most notably the key plotline is set within "The Laughing Man". Based on a closely knit fable of "Catcher in the Rye". Key terms were used to define significant events laden towards the plot. And even in our current time.

Aside from the key plot, there are even character studies. Giving viewers a background on each team member, as if seeing it from their perspective. It even goes as far as what their usual workday is like. And even that of the Tachikoma's which develop individuality, although being connected as a net.

-Significance-
Ghost in the Shell has always been a standout series. In Stand Alone Complex however, it follows key motives, and in-depth push. Almost directed like alot of modern day detective based shows. Such as Law & Order SVU. Most notably both shows have a key member who is female. Undeterred by her job, she keeps best of faith in her team. And somehow solves every case, not matter what difficulty comes their way.

-Direction-
On another level, the animation & direction is done by the team that has worked on both GitS films. Yet significantly directed another way. Instead of being based on philosophy, key markers are still intact, yet not in the same way. It follows its own motive, and push. Yet seperate, but will in due time reach a closeness with how the films met their marker.

Aside from 26 episodes, it flows as if a film. There are different levels which make the series "complete". The direction is very well done, and the team behind the project does an excellent job.

-Vision-
Making itself seperate from the films was an interesting challenge for Production I.G. Whom have notably pushed the bar on animation, and diverse ways of telling a story.

That being said, SAC can be well described akin to the films. Yet different, still keeping that "cyberpunk" nature. Although the influence is very unique, and derived more closely knit to the manga itself. Just watching each episode, is enough to tell you (yes dear reader). What such a grasped imagination, this series was brought to light.

-Sound of Mind-
Most notably the music for the series was produced by Yoko Kanno. Her notable works in music design has branced many years. Yet she always seems to outdo herself every time. Each piece is made based on ideas througout daily life, in what we see, hear, taste, touch, and feel. As noted in one of her interviews for this series, she really shows more about creativity.

Akin to other projects she's worked on, GitS SAC broke a bit of music boundaries. There are many different elements not explored before. From ambient, orchestral, rock, techno, electronica, and many others.

-Voice-
The voice actors both japanese, and american do an excellent job. Noted, many of the actors also lent their voices to the two GitS films. Also of note, the Tachikomas were done by one voice actress (j) But with the english dub, it was performed by several. Which gave even more in-depth level of each of their personality traits.

*even more interesting, the voice lead for Motoko (us) is actually a very well known name. She's worked on several projects, in both voice acting, and musical work (noted silent hill series).

-Other notes-
Stand Alone Complex indeed does push the bar on storytelling. Its unlike any other series out there right now. And with 2nd Gig arriving on US shores very soon, it will even push more boundaries that the 1st season left a marker with.

=End Document=

posted by: Lucas at 09/08/05 22:20 | link | comments | Category: ghost in the shell

Masamune Shirow Print Service

This was a recent joint product by Seishinsha & Fujifilm Japan:
Masamune Shirow Print Service! 「士郎正宗プリントサービス」

How this works:
This Masamune Shirow Print Service is actually and online order of quality Masamune Shirow artworks printed in formats of your choice. Sort of an extension of those popular online photo printing services, except that instead of your own digital pictures, you can choose from an archive of about 29 classic Shirow images (Mostly from Intron Depot 1, 2 & 3). Order can be done via the website, choose your preference of product & picture, pay-up and wait for the goodies! ^_^

Item 1: High Quality Prints in sizes up to A4!:

Item 2 & 3: Postcards & Shirow-on-a-Mug! ^o^

Item 4: Wooden-backed Poster

Item 5: Framed Panel Poster

Unfortunately! Yes, my fellow Shirow-addicts, unfortunately- its only in Japan you get this -_-'' Ouch... but on the bright side take a look at the prices they charge:

However if I am allowed to dream, my ideal purchase would be the wooden-backed poster- A2 sized!! (yah, that's also the most expensive product :P) The image, this one: ^o^

Oh, the agony of the gaijin Shirow fan! What have we got to look forward to T_T ...best news so far has been the Dark Horse Human Error Processor, and hopefully Galgrease will be considerate to us English-literates. Otherwise, this year has been a Shirow-drought...

posted by: Lucas at 09/07/05 21:22 | link | comments | Category: shirow news

She's Out (The Cool Girl) Pt.2

Some more pics of the actual product:

草薙素子 in COOL GIRL （忍者服Ver.）
 

And in another Cool Girl News:

草薙素子 in COOL GIRL （コート服Ver.) Hobby Japan Limited Version (aka "OP" Version)

WOW! O_O

This is Motoko Kusanagi in CG [Coat Costume Version] (literally translated). Although super-cool, this often referred to "Matrix-ie" style Motoko CG is an actual costume from the 2nd GIG TV series. This overcoat / longcoat costumed Motoko dominated a significant portion of the 2nd GIG 2nd Opening (although we don't get very detailed views). Here:

(Heh, I knew these IG Website Screens would come in handy someday ^_^)

This one's slated for end of September 05 release: Takara News here. Not sure whether it would be a truly limited edition release or will it be open for orders. (Thanks to Unlogged visitor for the tip! Sorry I didnt get your name from the comments post ^_^;;)

::: 7th September 05 ::: Here's another picture of the "Motoko OP" Costume in SAC 2nd Gig! Thanks Meg (aka Goha) for e-mailing the much clearer pic to me ^_^// (my SAC archives aren't very exhaustive yet ^_^;;)

posted by: Lucas at 09/02/05 17:06 | link | comments (14) | Category: shirow news, figures & toys

She's Out (The Cool Girl)

29th August 2005: (Not my set, still waiting...)

posted by: Lucas at 08/30/05 12:44 | link | comments (2) | Category: shirow news, figures & toys

WAVE! Its a Tachikoma

This WAVE Tachikoma figure has been mentioned in Shirow circles for quite a while, and finally it has been officially announced! ^_^ Release expected end of October 05.

WAVE 1/24 Scale Model: GITS S.A.C. 2nd GIG Series - No.1 TACHIKOMA
WAVE 1/24 攻殻機動隊S.A.C. 2ndGIG シリーズNo.1 タチコマ
Release Date: Oct. 2005
Price: 1,800 yen (before-tax price)

Well, what's with the hype about this plastic scale model Tachikoma you ask? Its a fully movable Tachikoma- assembly by "snap-fit" method no superglue necessary (those familiar with Kotobukiya's ARTFX Star Wars statues would know how this works- I expect it to be the same). And of course a bonus cool 2nd Gig Motoko boosts the "Get!" factor. Last but not least the price at 1800Yen (pre-tax retail) is very very attractive.

sTwo points us to Rakuten Japan, which unfortunately sells Japan-only. So, hunting again ^_^... as usual, would appreciate any links to sources taking pre-orders for this Tachikoma. Thanks first if anyone can help~

posted by: Lucas at 08/25/05 23:43 | link | comments (14) | Category: shirow news, figures & toys

APPLESEED: THE ONLINE! Coming Soon...

Remember GN Japan's Orion Online RPG? Check this out!

APPLESEED THE ONLINE

C)SHIROW MASAMUNE/SEISHINSHA/M2　Supported by BANDAI NETWORKS

This is an announcement for an Appleseed Online RPG! Webplay, no software / startup disk necessary. This time the RPG project seems to be handled by developers called M2. Should be subscription based I think (not sure) but on the downside is its probably going to be in Japanese. Anyway, with the international appeal of Shirow and Appleseed, hopefully the developers would consider something for us English-literate fans? ^_^ Anyhow, great news... bookmark the website: Appleseed The Online. Who knows, there might be goodies once in a while. If Shirow plays a part in this game's development / art & design as he did with GN Japan's Orion previously, maybe we would see some new Appleseed art from Shirow Sensei himself! ^_^ More details if there's any progress.

sTwo-san, thanks! :) & I assume everyone knows what RPGs (Role Playing Games) are right?

::: Updated 25th August 2005 :::

Some pictures & a few links. Looks like it will be open in September 05, subscription 840yen for 30 days play.

Screenshots:

Some Links:
Game Watch Japan article (Japanese Text)
Bandai Net Press Release (Japanese Text)
M2 Official Website (Japanese Text)

posted by: Lucas at 08/24/05 18:38 | link | comments (10) | Category: appleseed, shirow news