The French anime site Sugoi is reporting that Production IG has announced the January 2004 debut of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Second Gig.  The 26-episode series is the sequel to the first 26-episode Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex anime, and like its predecessor it will feature episodes that advance a central storyline (Complex) as well as some as which are self-contained (Stand Alone).  According to Sugoi, the new series will have numerous connections with the new Ghost in the Shell Innocence movie directed by Mamoru Oshii (see 'Major Anime Movie Release Dates Revealed'), which is due out in Japan on March 6, 2004.

Bandai Entertainment is releasing the first Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex series in the US, and will likely do the same with the second.  The production of a second series means that this key anime property, which will be aided by the release of Oshii's movie as well, is going to be around for quite a while.  With Ghost in the Shell manga from Dark Horse, and a plethora of tie-in merchandise including figures, statues, t-shirts, DVDs, and CDs available, this is a property that should not be ignored by any retailer dealing in anime or manga.