Masamune Shirow

Shirow Masamune (士郎 正宗 In japanese) Is a  very remarkable Ilustrator and Mangaka. Has born in Kobe (Japan) the 23th of November of 1961 as Masamori Ota (his real name).

He studied Arts in The Osaka University and, after graduate in arts and Oil paint, he worked as a teacher until the mid-eighties.

Meanwile, he already started as a Mangaka publishing his first work in the fanzine Atlas.in 1982. Later on, in 1985, this work was republished by the Seishinsha magazine. This work was BLACK MAGIC.

In this manga, already we can see the Masamune Style. A very deep and complex world, with an interest with the distopias,the technologic development, Mixed (in this work) With magic and witchcraft.


That same year, he published his second and longest work. Appleseed. With four volumes.




In 1990 he developed mabe his strangest work. Exon Depot. Telling a story without any type of dialogues. Just pictures.

 But, His most popular work and for what is more known and popular is for Ghost in the Shell. A cult classic that inspired two movies considered masterpieces of japanese animation Made by Mamoru Oshii, an Anime series with two seasons and a huge fandom.

In the same year he published an Art-Book called INTRON DEPOT (in clear reference to EXON DEPOT)

In 1993 he made ORION, a  mystic deviation comparing Budhism with Christianity, and DOMINION, with his continuation DOMINION Conflict,. A more humorous manga about a special Police squad with tanks that destroys things more than protect them.

Later on, In 1994 published the continuation to Ghost in the Shell (Manmachine interface)
using digital techniques. to compose it. Showing master skills in that as well.

Also, he collaborated in a bunch of Hentai (erotic manga) publications, Videogame designs, and another INTRON DEPOT 2: Blades art-book.

In resume: One of the greats Mankgakas of our time, With a great talent.


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