Ghost In The Shell : Arise

Okay, let's talk Ghost in the Shell: Arise. Remember that one? The prequel-ish series? Yeah, that one. I'm about to say something that might get me cyber-bullied.

I... actually kind of liked it. Dare I say, maybe even more than some of the others. Gasp!

A Fresh Take? Or a Heresy?

I know, I know. Some people think it's a crime against anime. It dared to mess with the original magic. But hear me out, okay?

Arise felt...different. It's like someone gave the Major a younger, grungier makeover. Think less stoic cyborg, more...cyberpunk detective solving mysteries.

And honestly, who doesn't love a good mystery? Especially when it involves hacking and philosophical robots.

The Major's Origin Story - A Bit Messy, But Engaging

Sure, the plot of Arise gets a little convoluted. It's like trying to untangle a ball of yarn made of quantum physics and government conspiracies. But that's part of the fun, right?

Seeing how Motoko Kusanagi became *the* Major was pretty cool. Witnessing the team coming together was fun.

I enjoyed how the series explored her vulnerabilities. It was a chance to see a different side of her before she fully became the iconic, almost untouchable figure we know and love.

Batou's a Softie! (Kind Of)

Okay, Batou is always awesome. But in Arise, we get to see him before he's *totally* hardened. He's still grumpy, don't worry.

But there's a vulnerability there. It shows his growing loyalty to the Major. Plus, his interactions with her were pure gold.

Even Togusa is pretty endearing. The newbie cop figuring out his place in this crazy world. Their dynamic with the rest of the team kept me smiling.

Visuals and Music: Worth the Watch

Let's be real, the animation in Arise is gorgeous. The world looks slick and futuristic. The action scenes are smooth and intense.

The soundtrack is also pretty amazing. It perfectly captures the mood of the series. It's like they cranked up the cyberpunk dial to eleven.

And don't forget the opening theme! Catchy and cool.

Unpopular Opinion: Embrace the Arise

Look, I'm not saying Arise is perfect. It definitely has its flaws. It's not the original, and it doesn't try to be.

But it offered a new perspective on a classic. It's a different flavor of Ghost in the Shell. It's like ordering a spicy version of your favorite dish.

So, maybe give Arise another try? Go in with an open mind, maybe even laugh a little. You might find yourself enjoying it more than you expect.

Don't @ me if you disagree. But if you do secretly love Arise, let's form a support group. We'll meet in a virtual reality chatroom and discuss our unpopular opinions over digital tea.

Maybe, just maybe, Arise isn't so bad after all.