New York Comic Con has announced that it will host screenings of three major films, including Ghost in the Shell:  Stand Alone Complex-Solid State Society, Blade of the Phantom Master, and Shinobi, at the convention at the Javitz Center February 23-25.

 

The NYCC screening will be the New York City premiere of Production I.G.'s Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex-Solid State Society (Bandai/Manga), based on the Stand Alone Complex TV series.  The cyber terrorism thriller has a score by Yoko Kanno.

 

Blade of the Phantom Master (ADV) is based on an epic manhwa about a lone lawman in a corrupt world, and will be introduced by ADV co-founder Matt Greenfield and producer David Williams.

 

Shinobi (FUNimation), is a live-action film based on the Futaro Yamada novel, The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, on which the Basilisk anime and manga series are also based. The film stars Jo Odagiri and Erika Sawajiri, both recipients of Kinema Junpo Awards (the equivalent of an Oscar in Japan) for their performances.  Shinobi will be screened in 35 mm.

 

The NYCC also announced plans for more than 40 hours of anime content and more than 10 anime special guests. Detailed schedules will be released in early 2007.  The Comic Con will also host the first American Anime Awards (see 'First American Anime Awards').