Appleseed

Originally published from 1985 to 1989 in Japan.

Appleseed is a rarity in the Japanese manga market, as it was distributed directly in tankobon form (paperback) rather than being serialized in an anthology magazine, which was the standard practice. The manga was discontinued in 1989.

The series follows the adventures of ESWAT members Deunan Knute and Briareos Hecatonchires in Olympus. Like much of Shirow’s work, Appleseed merges elements of the cyberpunk and mecha genres with politics, philosophy, and sociology.