Animenation is reporting that Production IG has announced Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex -- Solid State Society, a 100-minute feature slated for completion this summer.  According to Animenation, Production IG has not decided whether Solid State Society will be shown theatrically, broadcast on television, or released as direct-to-video DVD.  The Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV anime series has been one of the most accessible and successful anime iterations of the Ghost in the Shell property.  Based on DVD sales in 2005 ICv2 rated GIS: SAC as the 8th most popular anime property in the U.S. (and the third most popular TV anime property here in the States trailing only Full Metal Alchemist and Samurai Champloo).

Overall the Ghost in the Shell property, which is based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, remains of key importance in the U.S. market.  The Ghost in the Shell manga volumes (and Shirow illustration books) from Dark Horse are still consistent sellers, the first Ghost in the Shell anime feature was of landmark importance in the development of the American anime market, and the second season of the GIS: SAC TV anime, which has had great exposure on the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, is being released here now on DVD.  Add in numerous toys, action figures and statues (of the extremely statuesque Major Kusanagi) and it is easy to see why another GIS: SAC anime production is good news.