Appleseed: Hypernotes

Much like the previous Databook, the Hypernotes are a significant step up from the actual Appleseed main volumes. Not only in terms of removing many of the pacing/storytelling complaints, and length diatribes, but also in terms of art and contrast clarity in the scenes. To be clear, I am reading physical copies of all these manga, and the art in this one is by far the best. It isn't just his skill, or talent that has increased, but also Shirow's actual design choices, and lesser reliance of over-drawing, and doing more simple, yet more expressive designs. Many of the world elements to begin to remindme of something closer to Shirow's version of a Dragonball, where many of the architecture and environmental stylings have a very unique quality to them not found in many other many. Appleseed was just a future-earth like setting, but this is beginning to feel more alien. As well as the female cyborg cat-like creatures, which were quite interesting to add variation. The major flaw might still be a lack of distinct characters, and too many naming conventions (such as the over use of numbers) that make the story confusing to read. Otherwise, this is probably my favorite "volume" of Appleseed yet, and shows a clear progression. The final part of the 'volume' even includes a few mini shorts called "The Ghost in Machinehead" which is pretty obviously a GITS reference. The best part of this might be the Shirow interviews in the back, as I personally love learning about the mangaka behind the works, especially one as illusive as Masamune. Not only does he discuss Appleseed, but he discussion Ghost in the Shell, Dominion, and all his works, as well as some of their anime.