How Ghost in the Shell’s Dying City Helps to Articulate Its Concept of Life
In an ongoing series where we explore some of anime and manga’s best settings, our first iteration is the beautifully chaotic and desolate world of Ghost in the Shell, naturally.
As avid lovers of both dystopian settings and rich storytelling, it was obvious that one of our favourite anime’s would be picked for first on the list. But it is not just due to the city neon lights and bustling side alleys why we fell in love, but instead the message within its concrete walls that makes this one of the most memorable anime settings of all time.
With Ghost in the Shell being based in the future, in the sprawling metropolis of New Port City, the city is a maze of skyscrapers and side streets. The true meaning of a concrete jungle, New Port City is bustling with life yet also desolate in many ways. Many would describe it as dystopian: rundown, dirty, chaotic, and nothing organic. Streets are littered with signage despite all the shops being shut, and instead act as a manmade ivy draping across its buildings. The city feels suffocating, with buildings being too close and looming over you, to the point of even blocking out the sun.
It’s as if the world feels empty until we get a better look at a different part. With stark contrast as to before, we instead we streets bouncing with life, with boats filled with passengers and restaurants filled with people. Although, the buildings are still just as water stained, just as run down and concrete as the previous streets where no life seemed to grow. This is just how the city is.
Many could see the way the city is depicts the concept of life in Ghost in the Shell. With the main plot toying with the idea of a soul and what makes a person human due to the main character having a real brain but man-made body.
Many could relate this to the city. Its exterior is made of concrete, neon, and steel, yet it’s brain, its people, are what makes it work. It is alive. This question sparks the critical concept of what makes someone or something truly alive. Is it to be completely organic or is it just to be someone that feels it.
