Ghost in the Shell Needs Body Horror

Key Takeaways

Body horror is a crucial element in Ghost in the Shell, revealing cyberization’s dark implications.
Major’s fear of losing autonomy through cyberization adds depth to themes of body horror.
By exploring body horror, the series delves into identity and autonomy, resonating with the transgender community.

Title	Ghost in the Shell
Creator	Shirow Masamune
Franchise	Ghost in the Shell (Manga) (1989-1991), Ghost in the Shell (1995), Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002-2004), Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004), Ghost in the Shell: Arise (2013-2014)

As a transgender woman myself, I find profound resonance with the character of Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell. Her journey from human to cyborg mirrors my own transition, and her struggle for autonomy in a world where identity is fluid, much like ours, feels deeply personal.

For more than three decades, the Ghost in the Shell series has taken on many roles: a police procedural, a political suspense, and above all, a deep exploration of the blurred lines between humanity and technology. However, it’s essential to note that one significant aspect of this franchise, crucial for both its themes and visual appeal, is the use of body horror, which has not received enough recognition. Lacking this aspect might potentially strip the series of its emotional core.

Originating from the mind of Shirow Masamune, “Ghost in the Shell” was initially introduced as a manga back in 1989. It centered around Public Security Section 9, an elite police unit tackling cyberterrorism in a future where humanity has surpassed singularity. The tale gained international recognition through Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film adaptation, and since then, the franchise’s characters and motifs have been further developed across multiple media platforms.

What “Body Horror” Means in Ghost in the Shell

In simpler terms, body horror refers to narratives that portray changes, deformations, or damage to the human body. While Ghost in the Shell isn’t a horror series per se, its themes can sometimes be unsettling or thought-provoking, but it doesn’t fall under the horror genre as categorized.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice how often this series pushes boundaries, particularly when it comes to the unsettling genre of body horror. It seems as if this is an integral part of its very essence. After all, we’re talking about a future where human potential has been expanded beyond our physical capacities thanks to sophisticated cybernetic prosthetics. This isn’t just a world where the mind and body have become distinct entities, it’s a reality. The terms “ghost” and “shell” aren’t just poetic devices, they’re part of the in-universe lexicon, reflecting the blurred lines between our physical selves and the digital enhancements we’ve come to accept.

This franchise often features extreme physical alteration, particularly during its most intense scenes. Characters frequently lose limbs or are dismantled, while the resilience and vulnerability of the human body is consistently highlighted. Major Motoko Kusanagi, a key character, experiences the loss of at least one arm on several occasions.

The Secrets Within the Shell

The app isn’t just about intense battle sequences; it’s also crucial that the cyborgs appear ordinary, almost indistinguishable from humans at first glance. Given the widespread acceptance of cyberization in the future, it makes sense for the appearance to be as human-like as possible. However, the franchise employs elements of body horror to subtly or overtly reveal the cyberized nature of its characters.

As a gamer, it’s like stepping into a future where every character seems to have hidden tech. Just like the protagonist from the 1995 film, who can suddenly reveal a fleet of nimble devices designed for lightning-fast keyboarding that leaves humans in the dust. Or perhaps recalling the lady from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, whose arm swiftly transforms to conceal a weapon as deadly as a shotgun, all under a layer of convincing artificial skin. These subtle enhancements, meticulously crafted, inspire both wonder and discomfort, yet they subtly suggest that such technology is commonplace among the characters on screen. This leads one to ponder if everyone in this virtual world might be more machine than human.

How The Major Transcends the Horror

As a gamer, I find that the grisly body horror in this game serves as its core visual style. But to truly grasp how it ties into the broader themes of the series, we need to delve deeper, focusing on the protagonist – Motoko Kusanagi. It’s through her perspective that the horror becomes real and relatable for us players. The 1995 movie is about the Major wrestling not only with the limitations of her physical self but also questioning the essence of her spirit.

In an initial sequence, a woman experiences a “ghost hack”, leaving the Major spellbound by the mysterious figure. This person is unresponsive, with their skull exposed and their cybernetic brain revealed. Reflecting on this incident later, it seems that the Major was confronted with her deepest dread: losing control over herself. This terrifying scenario comes to pass by the movie’s end, but with a more optimistic twist based on one’s point of view.

In essence, the Major’s foremost apprehension isn’t significantly different from her current predicament. Throughout the various narratives, it is consistently emphasized that neither her body nor mind are hers, but rather government-controlled. Yet, her character is distinguished by her spirit of independence, particularly in her relentless pursuit of self-liberation. The OVA series “Arise” portrayed her at her most dependent, which fueled her desire to break free and gain as much autonomy as possible.

Identity, Autonomy, and the Trans Interpretation

In simpler terms, the science fiction series “Ghost in the Shell” explores the concept of cyborgs, but the story of the character known as the Major delves into the idea of autonomy, particularly in a world beyond artificial intelligence’s singularity. This realm transcends the fear of bodily alteration to a philosophical exploration of identity and self-determination. In this cyberpunk setting, what might seem horrifying at first is often intriguing, making the Major, our strong female lead, an inspiring figure for many in the transgender community.

In most versions of her character, her past is intentionally shrouded in mystery. Her name, Motoko Kusanagi, is actually a pseudonym she received after transforming from a human into a fully cyborg being. Before this transformation, she could have been any person. It’s worth noting that she might have been a male character, and while this fact alone may not seem significant, when the narrative delves into her chosen physical form, the transgender metaphor becomes apparent.

In her role as a high-tech cyborg with advanced prosthetics, how she chooses to present herself carries great significance. During an episode of the show, the Major criticizes Batou for his extravagant purchases of workout equipment, considering it unnecessary for a combat cyborg like himself. In response, Batou playfully suggests that she should abandon her feminine appearance and switch to a male body instead, implying she’s too strong for her current form.

The playful comment led the Major to injure himself by hacking his arm and hitting himself in the face. This memorable moment is among the show’s finest; it offers a profound glimpse into the Major’s character. Much like her past, shrouded in mystery, her present is vividly clear. She could represent any figure in this future, yet she found herself in a form that resonated with her. Although her body no longer imposes restrictions, the one she adopted remains undeniably hers.

Why Does Ghost in the Shell Need This?

A grasp of the concept of body horror, along with the inherent self-love that comes with it, is crucial for delivering justice in the storyline of Ghost in the Shell.

The Major stands out due to her charisma, power, and intellect, but it’s her fear of losing herself that makes her feel the most real and human. Interestingly, her strongest moments of vulnerability are often when she’s at her angriest, showcasing a depth that captivates viewers in “Stand Alone Complex.” In an intense scene, when a soldier nearly crushes her with his mech suit, her response is fierce – she retaliates by blasting his suit with gunfire, even reloading her large rifle single-handedly after losing the other due to damage.

Despite her stoic demeanor, she acknowledges the delicate nature of her life amidst an unpredictable future, and how swiftly the world could strip her of her independence. Consequently, the fury she unleashes when her existence is imperiled might be the series’ most potent emotion. It’s a significant aspect of what makes her such a resonant and genuinely human protagonist. It wouldn’t be an understatement to argue that grasping the concept of body horror – and the self-respect inherently linked to it – is crucial for faithfully portraying Ghost in the Shell.

2024-09-26 20:34