Ghost in the Shell: ARISE review

This 4 part OVA chronicles the early days of Matoko Kusanagi and the formation of Section 9. This OVA predates the original GitS Anime feature movie chronologically, which is great, we learn a little more about the major...the shell may appear different but the major's ghost is definitely intact! Seeing Kusanagi riding a very similar motorcycle to Kaneda's custom ride was very cool!
Watching how The Major recruits Batou, Togusa, Ishikawa, Saito, Paz  to form section 9 is such a treat, Production IG did an amazing job with this new addition to the GitS saga. The political intrigue, cyber terrorism, amazing mecha that are a staple of this series is all present and the visuals are just as stunning as ever.
Those who are fans of GitS SAC & 2nd Gig might find the Majors appearance off-putting at first but fans need to realize this is the youngest version of Matoko Kusangi we've ever seen and actually resembles her look in the original feature film more. I thought it was a nice touch to have the new voice of the Major be someone who actually voiced a young Major Kusangi in GitS SAC.

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GitS: ARISE official site