The 2026 adaptation of Masamune Shirow's iconic manga was a genuine surprise, and an absolute pleasure, in more ways than one. Shirow's imagining of humanity's near future remains as haunting, and chillingly plausible, as ever before, and the anime does a wonderful job of adapting it to modern audiences while remaining stunningly faithful to the source material. Science Saru's artistry shines through not only in the flawless animation, but also in its splendid, awe-inspiring background work. I have always loved anime for its painterly, melancholy backgrounds, and this title is no exception.