The first narrative-driven official Ghost in the Shell NFT project is hitting the market.

Unlike traditional NFTs, this project provides a unique approach, allowing users to access a new community experience through NFTs while unraveling a story.

The aim of this project is to immerse users in the cyberpunk world and build a dedicated Ghost in the Shell fan community.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Ghost in the Shell NFT project.

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell has left an indelible mark on various works, notably influencing Hollywood’s blockbuster sci-fi films such as The Matrix. It stands as an essential component in discussions surrounding the cyberpunk genre.

The 2017 Hollywood adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, starring Scarlett Johansson, generated widespread excitement among cyberpunk enthusiasts worldwide.

Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

What captivates audiences about Ghost in the Shell is its portrayal of a futuristic world in our contemporary setting. The series seamlessly weaves cutting-edge technology, captivating character arcs, and a society deeply immersed in information technology.

Despite its technological focus, the narrative explores profound philosophical inquiries, centering on the juxtaposition of human souls and spirituality, termed the “Ghost,” against the backdrop of escalating cyberization.

This intellectually stimulating storyline probes the core of selfhood in a society increasingly intertwining with machines, crafting a narrative that is both intricate and profound.

What is Ghost in the Shell STAND ALONE COMPLEX?

Ghost in the Shell STAND ALONE COMPLEX is an anime television series based on Masamune Shirow’s manga “Ghost in the Shell”.

The series was produced by Production I.G and directed by Kenji Kamiyama. It originally aired in Japan from 2002 to 2003 and later gained international popularity.

Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex Laughing Man official screenshot from the anime
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

In the context of the show, a “Stand Alone Complex” is a neologism introduced by the main character, Motoko Kusanagi. It refers to “a phenomenon in which the absence of an original creates a copy without an original”. (For more details, watch the anime series!)

The concept “Stand Alone Complex” is expressed throughout the symbolic story called “The Laughing Man Incident”.

These incidents caused by the super genius hacker known as the Laughing Man are triggered by devoted followers who idolize his impeccable hacking abilities and seek to emulate his charismatic persona, instigating a series of simultaneous and spontaneous scenarios.

Ghost in the Shell NFT STAND ALONE COMPLEX: The Laughing Man Incident

Ghost in the Shell NFT Stand Alone Complex start date
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

The incident happens on February 1, 2024 in the story, meaning it is catching up to the present.

These incidents are now being brought into our world through this project.

What can I expect from the Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. NFT experience?

Ghost in the Shell NFT Stand Alone Complex art collection
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

“Transcending the concepts of both digital and physical realms, the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex brand strives to connect to the future as a timeless masterpiece,” is the project’s vision.

With this vision, there are two key experiences that you can expect at this moment.

  1. NFT Art Collection for Recapturing the Story
  2. Special Hacking Event on Discord, featuring the “The Laughing Man Room”

1. NFT Art Collection for Recapturing the Story

This NFT art collection empowers the holders to recapture the story of Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. and gives them the experience of thinking about what is original, a key story of the series depicted through the Laughing Man incident.

Unlike common NFTs that merely engrave image URLs from servers onto the blockchain, this is an authentic art collection implemented with a full-on-chain design, directly inscribing the image of the Laughing Man icon onto the blockchain.

After obtaining the entry NFT, if you burn the NFT, it will transform into a one-of-a-kind original artwork.

Types of NFTs

Ghost in the Shell NFT Stand Alone Complex Entry Model NFT
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

What you can get at the initial minting (purchase):

Entry Model NFT

A design featuring the added one-liner by Aoi with the inscription “or Should I ?”. The icon color is the same as the original Laughing Man logo. This is available at the initial minting.

By obtaining the entry model and “burning” it, you will receive an airdrop of either Copy Cat NFT or Ghost SBT, depending on your selection.

Within the dedicated Discord, possessing Copy Cat NFT or Ghost SBT will determine your gameplay experience and special physical item upon clearing.

Ghost in the Shell NFT Stand Alone Complex Copy Cat
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

What you can get through ‘burning’:

Copy Cat NFT

This is a Random Generative Art Collection.

Users can select famous quotes from the series, and these quotes will be engraved onto the Laughing Man icon using full-on chain technology.

When it comes to colors, they are extracted from elements related to the series’ characters and more, promising fans unique and alluring combinations.

Ghost in the Shell NFT Stand Alone Complex art collection and Ghost in the Shell characters
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

Designs are randomly generated from the following combinations, creating your unique Laughing Man icon where you are the real copy cat:

  • Selected famous quote
  • Language of the quote (Japanese, English, gibberish)
  • Icon color
  • Background color
Ghost in the Shell NFT Stand Alone Complex Ghost SBT
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

Ghost SBT

The design of the SBT features the famous quote from Motoko Kusanagi is engraved in Japanese: “Just a whisper, I hear it in my ghost

The background color and text have no patterns, making it a true OG design.

Details about public sale

NFT release date

Public sales start on December 12 and close on December 15, 2023.

After December 15, the NFTs will be sent to buyers sequentially.

NFT price to mint for entry model

Regular sale price: Coming Soon

Sales price with AllowList: 0.05 ETH

Utilities for NFT Holder

On February 1, you’ll be granted exclusive access rights to the Laughing Man Incident Discord.

Upon completing the Discord event, your NFT and SBT design will be reflected in a special physical item, available only to Copy Cat NFT and Ghost SBT recipients through burning the entry NFT and airdrop.

NFT seller

3RD GEAR, Inc., a Japanese web3 business company, sells this NFT as the official licensee of the Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex Production Committee.

2. Special Hacking Event at Discord, featuring the “The Laughing Man Room”

Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex the Laughing Man Incident
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

A special event will take place in the official Discord, featuring the “The Laughing Man Room” from the narrative, allowing participants to hack into the storyline.

It will be launched on 1 February 2024, which is the day that the Laughing Man Incident happens in the story.

  • Anyone can join the channel
  • If you can clear the Discord Event, you will receive a special, physical, limited-edition item*
  • People who own the NFT will be able to clear the event more easily
  • NFT holders can have their NFT designs reflected on physical items and receive them as prizes*

Detailed rules will be announced later on the official website.

*Below are examples of special items

Ghost in the Shell NFT Stand Alone Complex limited edition items
Credit: Shirow Masamune・Production I.G/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.

Detailed rules will be announced later on the official website.

Visit the official Ghost in the Shell NFT site and official X account. Learn more about Ghost in the Shell here.

Discuss stories like these with us — join the ONE Esports Discord community.

READ MORE: The 7 most iconic blue hair anime characters who are much cooler than you