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From Kodansha: Neither a utopia nor a dystopia, it’s still a world of nations in strife, as dominated by corporations as ever. Technology hasn’t made humans nearly obsolete, but rather bettered us, if you will, attaching to our bodies and even brains as enhancements for those who can afford it. Comics artist Shirow Masamune’s vision of our coming society, animated to global acclaim and finally the basis of a major Hollywood production, branches out in five original stories by some of the most beloved SF novelists working in Japan today. A standalone collection, it requires no familiarity with the franchise to be enjoyed but is indispensable for fans for its thoughtful exploration of the series’ implications. While reality may never become virtual, it will be increasingly networked and augmented. Navigate herein age-old questions about a man that will return, not so ironically, in full force: What is the self? Is there such a thing as the soul?
From Viz: Why me? It was to be the last thought a young prostitute, Rune-Balot, would ever have...as a human anyway. Taken in by a devious gambler named Shell, she became a slave to his cruel desires and would have been killed by his hand if not for the self-aware All-Purpose Tool (and little yellow mouse) known as Oeufcoque. Now a cyborg, Balot is not only nigh-invulnerable but has the ability to disrupt electrical systems of all sorts. But even these powers may not be enough for Balot to deal with Shell, who offloads his memories to remain above the law, the immense assassin Dimsdale-Boiled, or the neon-noir streets of Mardock City itself. Note: Won Nihon SF Taisho Award in 2003.
From Yen Press: Belle lives in a world where people take the form of animals like cats, frogs, and mice and she's the odd one out! This peculiar fang-less, fur-less, scale-less, smooth-skinned girl sets off on a journey to find others like her. However, in order to travel freely, she'll have to wield her Howling Sword and prove herself in battle!
