Manga like Ghost in the Shell: 5 perfect cyberpunk stories to read next
Ghost in the Shell, Masamune Shirow’s landmark 1989 cyberpunk manga, continues to define the genre across multiple mediums. Set in the fictional New Port City, the series follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cybernetic field commander for Public Security Section 9, as she battles cyber-criminals and corruption in a digitally-advanced society. Her status as a fully integrated cyborg makes her uniquely vulnerable to attacks from advanced hackers operating throughout the city.
Since its original publication, Ghost in the Shell has achieved unprecedented cross-media success, including two theatrical films, a television series, two original net animation (ONA) entries, and a 2017 Hollywood live-action adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson. The franchise’s persistent influence demonstrates its foundational role in cyberpunk storytelling and science fiction more broadly.
Animation studio Science Saru, known for acclaimed series including Devilman Crybaby and Dandadan, is now developing a new Ghost in the Shell anime adaptation. This announcement reflects ongoing industry interest in revisiting the beloved franchise for contemporary audiences, building on the manga’s decades-long legacy and its successful track record across adaptation formats.