The appeal and reviews of Full Metal Panic!: A thorough explanation of the worldview that combines modern times and war

Full Metal Panic! - A story of youth and battle unfolding between the battlefield and school

"Full Metal Panic!" is a TV anime series based on the light novel by Shoji Gatoh and Douji Shiki, which was broadcast on WOWOW from January 8 to June 18, 2002. The 24-episode series captivated many fans as a sci-fi adventure that combined school romantic comedy with military suspense.

story

"Gentlemen! Are you ready? Then come join me in hell!"

The story of "Full Metal Panic!" begins with this phrase, as Sousuke Sagara, a warrior belonging to the world's strongest special forces "Mithril", transfers to a Japanese high school to protect a beautiful girl named Kaname Chidori. Sousuke's transfer sparks a one-man war within the school, while the existence of an organization secretly operating around Kaname is revealed.

Commentary

"Full Metal Panic!" is a work that skillfully combines elements of school romantic comedy and military suspense. The protagonist, Sousuke Sagara, has a public face as a war-obsessed high school student, but behind the scenes he is an elite soldier for the secret organization "Mithril." The girl he must protect, Kaname Chidori, is a beautiful, lively, ordinary high school girl, but the unknown power hidden within her makes her the target of terrorists, making the story even more tense.

cast

• Sousuke Sagara: Tomokazu Seki
• Chidori Kaname: May Yukino
• Kurtz Weber: Shinichiro Miki
• Melissa Mao: Michiko Neya
• Teletha Testarossa: Yukana
• Kyoko Tokiwa: Ikue Kimura
• Shinji Kazama: Mamiko Noto
• Andrei Kalinin: Akio Otsuka
• Richard Madukas: Tomomichi Nishimura
• Gaurun: Masahiko Tanaka

Main Staff

• Original work: Shoji Gato, Shikidoji
• Serialised in: Monthly "Dragon Magazine", Monthly "Dragon Age"
• Series Composition: Fumihiko Shimo, Koichi Chiaki, Shoji Gato
• Character design: Osamu Horiuchi
• Mechanical design: Kanetake Ebikawa, Toshiaki Ihara
• Art director: Ohta Dai
• Director of photography: Toru Fukushi (T2 Studio)
• Music: Toshihiko Sahashi
• Sound Director: Yota Tsuruoka (Rakuonsha)
• Sound production: Rakuonsha
• Director: Koichi Chiaki
• Production: GONZO
• Produced by: Mithril

Main Characters

• Sousuke Sagara: At first glance, he appears to be just a war nerd. In reality, he is an elite soldier of the secret organization "Mithril." His code name is "Uruzu 7." His rank is sergeant.
• Chidori Kaname: A beautiful, energetic, and reliable ordinary high school girl. However, she is targeted by terrorists due to an unknown power hidden within her!
• Teletha Testarossa: She created the submarine "Duaha de Danann" and is a beautiful 16-year-old captain with the rank of colonel.
• Melissa Mao: The female team leader who leads Sousuke and Kurtz. She is like a good older sister to them. Her code name is "Uruzu 2." Her rank is sergeant major.
• Gaurun: A crazy terrorist who is after Chidori Kaname. Sousuke's nemesis. He is ruthless and has a nasty personality.

subtitle

• Episode 1: The guy I'm curious about is a Sergeant
• Episode 2: I want to protect you
• Episode 3: Lingerie Panic
• Episode 4: Kidnap
• Episode 5: The Whispered
• Episode 6: STILL ALIVE
• Episode 7: Boy Meets Girl
• Episode 8: Part-Time Steady
• Episode 9: Dangerous Safe House
• Episode 10: Run, run, run
• Episode 11: Behemoth Awakens
• Episode 12: One Night Stand
• Episode 13: Cat and Kitten R&R (Rock and Roll)
• Episode 14: Is Narashino Burning?
• Episode 15: The Wind Blows in My Hometown - Part 1
• Episode 16: The Wind That Blows in My Hometown, Part 2
• Episode 17: The Wind Blows in My Hometown, Part 2
• Episode 18: Deep Sea Party
• Episode 19: Engage Six Seven
• Episode 20: Venom's Fire
• Episode 21: Deep Trap
• Episode 22: Jack in the Box
• Episode 23: Giants' Field
• Episode 24: Into the Blue

Related Titles

• Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu
• Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu Unaired episode
• Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid
• Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid Special Edition OVA
• Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory

Theme songs and music

• OP1: Tomorrow
  • Lyricist: Shimokawa Mikuni
  • Composer: Shimokawa Mikuni
  • Arrangement: ab:fly, Nobuhiko Nakayama
  • Sung by: Shimokawa Mikuni
• ED1: The never-fading flower
  • Lyricist: Shimokawa Mikuni
  • Composer: ab:fly
  • Arrangement: ab:fly
  • Sung by: Shimokawa Mikuni

Detailed review

"Full Metal Panic!" is a work that skillfully combines two different genres: school romantic comedy and military suspense. The protagonist, Sousuke Sagara, has a public face as a war-obsessed high school student, but behind the scenes he is an elite soldier for the secret organization "Mithril." The girl he must protect, Kaname Chidori, is a beautiful, energetic, and ordinary high school girl, but the unknown power hidden within her makes her the target of terrorists, making the story even more tense.

The charm of this work lies above all in its characters. Sagara Sousuke's calmness resulting from his war experiences and his awkwardness in school life are exquisitely portrayed, and his humanity is explored in depth. Meanwhile, Chidori Kaname is a character who combines strong will and kindness, and her relationship with Sousuke is at the center of the story. Additionally, supporting characters such as Teletha Testarossa and Melissa Mao are also unique, and their presence adds color to the story.

The mecha designs and battle scenes are also not to be missed. The mecha designs by Kanetake Ebikawa and Toshiaki Ihara are both realistic and stylish, creating a strong visual impact. The battle scenes are full of tactical maneuvers and tension, drawing viewers in.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. The music by Toshihiko Sahashi not only enhances the atmosphere of the story, but also plays a role in expressing the feelings of the characters. In particular, the opening theme "Tomorrow" and the ending theme "A Flower That Never Withers" sung by Mikuni Shimokawa are loved by many fans as songs that symbolize the worldview of the work.

Reasons for recommendation

"Full Metal Panic!" is a work that appeals to a wide range of viewers by fusing two different genres, school romantic comedy and military suspense. It is a work that is well worth watching, with a high level of fusion of various elements such as the charm of the characters, the quality of the mecha design, and the wonderful music. There are also many related works, so you can enjoy the entire series. It is especially recommended for those who like school and military stories.

This work conveys many messages to the viewers through the characters who are torn between youth and war. It depicts various themes such as war and peace, friendship and love, self and others, and evokes deep emotions and empathy. Please give it a watch.