Gits

Gits is commonly used to refer to Ghost in the Shell, a Japanese cyberpunk media franchise created by Masamune Shirow. The acronym appears in English-language discussions for the franchise as a whole, including its manga, films, and television series. The work centers on a near-future world where cybernetic enhancement and networked intelligence raise questions about identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human.

The original Ghost in the Shell manga was serialized from 1989 to 1997 in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine, with art and storytelling by Shirow. It follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a highly augmented cybernetic operative who leads Public Security Section 9 in a sprawling, technologically advanced city. The narratives blend action with philosophical and political themes, establishing a template for later cyberpunk storytelling.

The franchise’s most widely known adaptation is the 1995 animated film Ghost in the Shell, directed by Mamoru Oshii. Renowned for its contemplative tone, striking visuals, and thematic depth, the film popularized a mature, philosophically oriented approach to anime and influenced numerous works across media.

Ghost in the Shell expanded into television with Stand Alone Complex (2002–2005) and its sequels, including 2nd GIG and related releases, along with later films and projects such as Ghost in the Shell: Arise and the streaming series Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045. These works reimagine Shirow’s concepts while continuing to explore cybernetics, surveillance, and collective intelligence.

Across its manga, films, and TV, Ghost in the Shell has had a broad cultural impact on science fiction, animation, and discussions of artificial intelligence and ethics. It is published by Kodansha, with animation production primarily by Production I.G., and remains a reference point in cyberpunk discourse.