Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow (2004, Paperback)

One of the best manga stories to come out of the far east. Ghost in the Shell was Masamune Shirow's magnum opus. For those that enjoy science fiction/cyberpunk action, sexy robots, fantastically dynamic art, and probing existential questions about humanity's future with it's technology (indeed, a redefining of the very meaning of what it means to "be human"), G.i.t.S. delivered all that and more. Made into a blockbuster animated film in the 90's, Ghost in the Shell (along with Akira) broke new ground for anime and science fiction fans around the world. It helped launch anime from the niche market place it held at the time into the consciousness of millions of Americans. Suddenly, many more people began to realize what a few already had, that animation and comic books held as much (in some ways more) potential than books or live action movies to tell well-crafted, thought-provoking, adult stories. Ghost in the Shell, therefore, will forever be a landmark creation in the history of entertainment.