Ghost in the Shell first appeared in Ghost in the Shell #1, published by Independent in 1995. That places it in the Modern Age.
Why this issue matters
Masamune Shirow's Major Motoko Kusanagi in her first US outing, from Dark Horse and Studio Proteus, landing just before the landmark 1995 anime. Collectors note the original single issues kept adult panels that were later trimmed from most reprints, which gives the run a completeness draw.
Key facts
Ghost in the Shell #1
- Character: Ghost in the Shell
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 1995
- Era: Modern Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 1995
- Witchblade Witchblade #1, 1995
- Preacher Preacher #1, 1995
More Independent firsts from the Modern Age
- Hellboy San Diego Comic Con Comics #2, 1993
- Transmetropolitan Transmetropolitan #1, 1997
- Y: The Last Man Y: The Last Man #1, 2002
- Battle Angel Alita Battle Angel Alita #1, 1992
- Pokemon Pokemon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu #1, 1998
- Naruto and Luffy Shonen Jump #1, 2003
- Son Goku Dragon Ball #1, 1998
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.