Appleseed is a cyberpunk manga/anime series created by Masamune Shirow in 1985. It follows the adventures of Deunan Knute and Briareos Hecatonchires, two former SWAT members who join the elite ESWAT organization in the utopian city of Olympus. Olympus is populated by humans, bioroids (artificially created humans), and cyborgs, and is governed by an artificial intelligence system called Gaia. The series explores themes such as the nature of humanity, the role of technology, and the meaning of justice.

Greek mythology in Appleseed

Appleseed draws inspiration from various sources of Greek mythology, such as:

• The name of the series itself is a reference to the myth of the apple of discord, which sparked the Trojan War. In the series, the apple seeds are a metaphor for the potential conflicts and chaos that could arise from the coexistence of different races and ideologies in Olympus.
• The main characters are named after figures from Greek mythology. Deunan Knute is derived from Deianeira, the wife of Heracles who unwittingly poisoned him. Briareos Hecatonchires is derived from Briareus, one of the hundred-handed giants who fought against the Titans. Other characters include Athena, the leader of Olympus who shares her name with the goddess of wisdom and war; and Uranus, a rebel leader who shares his name with the primordial god of the sky.
• The city of Olympus is modeled after the mythical home of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus. It is depicted as a technologically advanced and harmonious society, but also as a place of intrigue and corruption. The series questions whether Olympus is truly a paradise or a prison for its inhabitants.
• The artificial intelligence system Gaia is named after the Greek goddess of the earth, who was the mother of the Titans and the Olympians. Gaia is responsible for maintaining the balance and order of Olympus, but also has a hidden agenda that involves manipulating the fate of the world. The series explores the ethical and moral implications of having a machine as a supreme authority.

Appleseed: A Fusion of Technology and Humanity

Appleseed is a remarkable manga and anime series that seamlessly blends cyberpunk, mecha, and thought-provoking themes.

Origins and Manga Series

Appleseed, created by the talented artist and writer Masamune Shirow, first graced the pages of manga in 1985. The series unfolds in the 22nd century, a post-apocalyptic era after the devastating non-nuclear Third World War. Earth’s population has suffered immense losses, and nations struggle to maintain order and power.

The heart of the story lies in the utopian city of Olympus, the world’s most powerful state. Here, we meet our protagonists:

• Deunan Knute: A former SWAT member of the LAPD.
• Briareos Hecatonchires: Deunan’s partner, who is now a cyborg.

Together, they become part of the prestigious ESWAT (Extra Special Weapons And Tactics) organization, tasked with safeguarding Olympus from both external and internal threats. The city’s population is divided—roughly half are bionically augmented, blurring the line between humanity and technology.

The Manga Volumes

The manga series spans four volumes, each released between 1985 and 1989:

1. Appleseed: The Promethean Challenge: A rarity in the Japanese manga market, it was directly published as a paperback.
2. Appleseed: Prometheus Unbound
3. Appleseed: The Scales of Prometheus
4. Appleseed: The Promethean Balance

While rumors of a fifth volume persist, Shirow has no immediate plans to pursue it. The manga’s unique approach captivated readers, and its English versions were published by Eclipse Comics and later by Dark Horse Comics.

Adaptations and Movies

Appleseed transcended the pages of manga, inspiring various adaptations:

1. Appleseed (1988): The first animated film, directed by Kazuyoshi Katayama, introduced viewers to the richly detailed world of Olympus. It remains a classic in the cyberpunk genre.
2. Appleseed (2004): Directed by Shinji Aramaki, this film is set at the end of the third world war when a utopian society is created from the ruins.
3. Appleseed Ex Machina (2007): Directed by Shinji Aramaki, this sequel delves deeper into the complexities of Olympus, featuring stunning visuals and intense action.
4. Appleseed XIII (2011): An animated series directed by Takayuki Hamana and Katsutaka Nanba, it expands the narrative, exploring political intrigue and personal struggles.
5. Appleseed Alpha (2014): Another film directed by Shinji Aramaki, it serves as a prequel, revealing the origins of Deunan and Briareos.

Themes and Impact

Appleseed isn’t just about futuristic battles and dazzling technology. It delves into profound themes:

• Humanity vs. Technology: What defines us when our bodies merge with machinery?
• Political Intrigue: Olympus’s power struggles mirror our own world.
• Philosophy and Ethics: Shirow weaves these seamlessly into the narrative.

In 1986, Appleseed received the 17th Seiun Award for Best Manga, solidifying its place in the pantheon of sci-fi greatness.

So, whether you’re a cyberpunk enthusiast, a lover of intricate plots, or simply seeking a thought-provoking journey, Appleseed awaits you—a fusion of steel and soul, where humanity’s resilience shines even in the darkest of futures.