Masamune Shirow Returns with 'GLITCH WITCH', a New 'Ghost in the Shell' Side Story

Masamune Shirow, creator of Ghost in the Shell, has launched a new manga set in the same universe. GLITCH WITCH began serialization on September 9, 2026, on Kodansha's digital platform Yanmaga Web.

The story is set in the same timeline as the original series. On April 10, 2029, as Motoko Kusanagi and Aramaki are preparing to establish Public Security Section 9, a series of incidents unfold in the United States. The narrative follows FBI agents, AI researchers, and military personnel as they witness a conflict involving the AI known as the Puppet Master from the original series.

Shirow handled the original concept, script, and character designs for the new series. The art is by Naoki Azuma, known for manga like Fujimi no Tokkouhei and Keishicho Soushi.

The launch follows the conclusion of the latest Ghost in the Shell TV anime series, which aired its final episode in early September 2026.

The first chapter, titled "Who Broke the Cherry Branch, For Whom Did the Flower Bloom? 1.," is available to read now. The series will update every other Wednesday.

Read Chapter 1: Yanmaga Web - GLITCH WITCH

For more on the original series, visit the official Ghost in the Shell global website or view the book information page.

Source: PR Times via 株式会社講談社