Underrated Manga: Appleseed

[Angelcake]

At one time, everybody knew about Masamune Shirow's utopian cyberpunk masterpiece.

Sadly, due to a lacking of regular installments, a falling behind in Shirow's output.....and not to mention a rather disappointing CGI anime in 2004, this work has fallen on some hard times.....

It's sad to. Because Appleseed is one of manga's contemporary classics.

Without giving away the story, Appleseed takes place in a utopian city that's somewhat based on Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. No war, no violence, all kept orderly in a rigid caste system. Yet, someone is trying to start a war between the castes.....

Appleseed made many firsts. For one thing, it was the first manga published entirely in graphic novel form, instead of being serialized in one of numerous manga publications. Also, it was the first manga to be more popular OUTSIDE of Japan!

If you ever get the chance, I highly reccomend this and Masamune Shirow's other works. You won't be dissappointed.

Sincerely,
Angelcake


P.S. Sorry I've been gone so long! Things to do, people to see.....ah, the trials and tribulations of RL....

[Shishio]

I actually have the Appleseed manga, just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I have so much on my "Need to read" list...

I saw some of the recent movie at Anime North. I'm sure the story wasn't that great compared to the manga, but the animation...

It was simply incredible. And that was enough to make me like it.

[estee]

I think I purchased one issue of Appelseed years ago. It was when manga was at its height, in the late eighties and people were scarfing up everything in sight, what with Robotech et al.

But it just didn't click with me.

I guess I was never much into the mecha, as some other people were.

Nausicaa on the other hand that was the kicker for me. I positively love that series. Still read it today.

I'm a bit of a romantic at heart. I guess that's why I still read Usagi, cuz he's all about the romantic ideal.

Salut

[ziritrion]

Appleseed is one of the best manga ever, and probably the best manga by Masamune Shirow. Perhaps it's not as deep and thought-provoking as Ghost In The Shell, but you can read it without having to go back a few pages every 2 panels . Top class sci-fi at work, without lame plots and packed with earth-shaking action, this is a must read for everybody!

However, Appleseed 2004 (the movie) isn't nearly as good. It's animated in 3D, but all the characters are cell-shaded so they resemble 2D cartoons, complete with the anime-esque look. They're sensationally well animated and the action parts blow you away, but the plot has been severely dumbed down from the manga. And just like in Ghost In The Shell by Mamoru Oshii, there are no signs left of the humour the manga had. A pity. And the soundtrack is pretty bad too .