This book provides the background of the Appleseed universe. We are shown timeline leading to the WW3, destruction and recovery of the world after it. We are given information on Olympus and national states and all the political/military intrigue in this world that unfortunately does not look that much different from our own anymore.

Following this we have beautiful plates of art - concept art, used and unused in the final volumes - and additional chapter, "Called Game" where we follow Deunan and Briareos chase down assassin involved in the intrigue between orgajized crime and Poseidon corporation.

Art as always is great, standalone plates and sketches are truly wonderful.

While there are comic relief scenes, especially between our dynamic duo, story is very serious thriller that reminds me in some ways to Golgo books - there is some serious thought and research involved and it shows. But again, this was also case with the GIST by the same author so it does not come as a big surprise.

Highly recommended to all fans of cyberpunk and action SF. ( )