Full Metal Panic! Vol. 1

漫画 フルメタル・パニック！/ Full Metal Panic! #1

by Shouji Gatou, Retsu Tateo

Popular high school student Kaname Chidori is believed by a group of terrorists to have special powers, and even if she doesn't want it, Sosuke Sagara of Mithril is going to protect her and the mysterious documents entrusted to them.

Genres: Manga, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Comedy, Romance, Comics

Paperback

First published August 30, 1998

About the author

Shoji Gatoh ( 賀東招二), born on July 11, 1971, is a Japanese author from Shiga Prefecture, Japan. He is best known for the creation of the Full Metal Panic! series that included light novels, manga and anime. He is not only an author but also an anime scenarist, for example "The Day of Sagittarius" of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and three episodes of Lucky Star.

Reviews

[Angigames · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caotico ma anche simpatico. Si vede che è un primo volume.
Non si capisce bene dove voglia andare a parere l’autore.
Amo il personaggio di Sousuke, anche Chidori a modo suo è simpatica, forse è un po’ troppo violenta… anche se ammetto che i comportamenti di Sousuke sono molto inquinanti!
Non vedo l’ora di avere il secondo volume per saperne di più!

[Lord · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main problem about this manga is that it's an adaptation of the novel and anime and as such it simply can't be better than the original work. Add the ugly artwork and you get mediocre manga at best.

[Yukino · Rating 3 out of 5]

FULL METAL PANIC! n. 1

Dopo aver visto l'anime, ho sempre desiderato prendere il manga. Finalmante lo hanno ristampato e io non me lo sono fatta di certo scappare.
Purtoppo però, o sono cresicuta io, o ho ricordi diversi, ma questo primo volume non è stato all'altezza delle mie aspettative. Tante assurdità e stop. Ho anche fatto fatica a leggerlo. Non avevo voglia di leggerlo. Il che è tutto dire.
Sagara è fuori di testa. Praticamente è uno stalker di Chidori, la segue ovunque e chiunque si avvicina è un uomo morto. La scena del pranzo e lui che spara in aria per farsi largo tra la folla per avere un panino mi ha fatto troppo ridere XD.
Verso la fine però, le cose cambiano, iniziamo a capire chi è il vero Sagara, del perchè è li, anche se ancora il tutto è avvolto da una nube di mistero, e arrivano in soccorso i suoi commilitoni.
Si preannuncia un secondo volume più interessante.
Speriamo. Sennò mi rivedo l'anime e stop.

[Ashley (Bound to Love YA) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just going to review this whole manga collection at once, because you'll read this so dang fast you'll be done before you know it! Full Metal Panic has EVERYTHING. And I mean EVERYTHING.

You want action-packed, kick-ass fight scenes? - Done!
You want science fiction with a hint of the supernatural? - Done!
You want massive gundam-style war machines? - Done!
You want a cute, quirky romance that grows into something more? - Done!
You want hilarious? - Done!

You want a special ops kid-genius trying (and failing ridiculously) to fit in at a regular high school in order to protect a lovely, tough girl with dormant powers from those who would kidnap and use her as a tool of destruction? - Well that's oddly specific, but...ok, DONE!

This manga had me rolling on the ground laughing, holding my breath in suspense, and throwing the book across the room in anguish in equal turns. Don't miss this series or the anime!

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the anime series of the same title, and thus know the major plot arc, the first volume of this series is underwhelming. The opening gambit is clumsily executed and character introductions leave a bit to be desired.

Still, I liked the volume overall and will read the next one.

[Ernest · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read this a long time ago, but as I did not remember anything, it was as if I was reading it for the first time. The art and characters were passingly interesting, but the manga as a whole did not draw me in enough to continue reading it.

[E.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know about this one, I kept seeing it around so I picked it up. But, it's weird and well, I just don't know about it yet. I'm not dawned into it like normal, so I don't think I read the other vols.

[Ares · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up "Full Metal Panic!" Volume 1 expecting a bit more excitement, but honestly, I found it kind of boring. It’s mostly set up: introducing the characters, the setting, and hinting at the future conflict, but not much really happens. I didn’t find the story very interesting yet, and the humour didn’t land for me either. I do know that at some point I must have liked this, but I do not remember anything from the novel, manga, or anime. The last time I read this was ages ago.

That said, I did like the artwork. For a manga from the early 2000s, it’s drawn really well. The character designs are clean and fairly detailed, and the overall aesthetic still holds up today. It definitely looks good, even if the story didn’t catch me yet. I am also not a fan of school life anime; I've grown out of that. I will keep reading just to see if it picks up, but as a first volume, it didn’t leave a strong impression.

[Donald Trump (Parody) · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know I was reading those Full Metal Alchemists, and I just couldn't get enough of em. I told Barron to get online and buy every last fuckin' one of them. Gave him my credit card and everything. But the little twerp goes and buys a bunch of shit off this Star Wars Battlefront game. I scream at him about where my fuckin' china comics are and he tells me he ordered them already. Won't even look at me. I tell ya he sits way too close to that TV. I wait a week and the fuckin' books finally get here but the weirdo got me the wrong ones! Christ I screamed. Boy can't even fuckin' spell. No child of mine. No way.

[Puspa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerita yang kocak dan bikin penasaran. Ada sebuah kasus yang menyebabkan organisasi militer rahasia menyusupkan anggotanya yang berbahaya ke sebuah SMA. Ia adalah Sousuke Sagara, seorang remaja yang sejak kecil terlibat peperangan. Ia di sana ditugaskan mengawal gadis cantik bernama Chidori Kaname.

Chidori tak tahu akan misi Sousuke. Ia hanya menganggap Sousuke teman baru yang konyol dan gagap sekolah. Lalu di sebuah acara sekolah, Chidori pun diculik.

Ceritanya kocak, apalagi jika Sousuke berulah atau melakukan kesalahan sehingga Chidori mengamuk. Hahaha sungguh puas bikin tertawanya. Unsur mecha dan misteri siapakah Chidori sebenarnya juga sungguh bikin penasaran.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I doubt the author intended for Full Metal Panic! to shine a light on military personnel not necessarily fitting in with civilian society (which is distinctly the problem of upholding a martial caste). This is a parody of that. It works, more so when you realize that Japan is the setting. It’s also important to note that the soldier here is not a veteran but on active duty…in a high school as the war zone.

The first volume sets itself up to feel like a humorous parody. It IS a parody. Yet the background evokes a cold seriousness like a disturbed hive of bees that you can hear and not see. I very much would like to see the size of the swarm. Until next volume!

[Daniell Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any books by this author before and was interested to see what it was about. I actually picked up this book from the library to read for a challenge. I there were part that I felt like I was missing some part of the story on was farther in the series than I was. I even double checked that it was book one. In some ways I felt sorry for the main character as it seemed that she had no privacy. I did really like the male character as I felt in some ways he was over looked in his feeling as he dealt with things. There was parts that made me laugh and overall those things were minor enough that it didn't effect my over all enjoyment. I will be checking out more of this series and author.

[Shin Donghae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oke. Ini adalah adaptasi dr novel yang diterjemahkan dalam bentuk anime. Yang kedua2nya sukses.
Tugas berat bagi Tateo sensei (beliau mangaka cewek loh hhe) untuk menjadikannya dalam format manga. Alur cerita cepat, bahkan Tateo sensei lsg membuat keberadaan Sagara adalah hal yg mahfum bagi Chidori di jilid I.
Kalau pembaca yang tidak membaca novel-nonton anime tentu ini menjadi tanda tanya besar.
Namun balik k konsep awalnya. Sejak awal ini adalah manga mecha aksi komedi konyol.
Jilid pertama membuka versi kisah ini dengan lumayan baik

[Dalaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this from one of my mom's friends so this wasn't something I would normally pick up. There's some fan service so if you're not a fan of partial nudity then I wouldn't suggest it. Personally, I'm just not into these types of manga, but it's still a decent storyline. I don't think I will continue series unless I have the rest the other series I enjoy collecting.

[Anthony Wendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking time to read the Full Metal Panic manga is really a joy in itself. Mixing together the Light Novels and the short stories, this series allows for a mixture of comedy and action which really helps to illustrate what the fans love most about the series. Also, seeing how the student council president just waves away Sousuke's extreme behavior like its nothing is always entertaining.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very silly manga wherein a young soldier is protecting an ordinary Japanese high school student. So when someone slips a note in her locker, he blows them up. It's the only way to deal with such a phenomenal threat. Cute, for the most part. We'll see where it leads.

[Daken Howlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interessante mix di commedia scolastica/romantica e mecha, con alcuni inserti da spy story. ottimo inizio.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about FMP, I just wish they add a little bit more romance between Chidori and Sousuke..Still my all time favourite Manga and Anime♥️♥️♥️

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun little story just a little slow at the start, but by the end you want to start reading the second volume.

[Rick Vickers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very good, unfunny

[Ben Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. It's definitely blending genres in a cheeky way.

[Keely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting start to the manga. Things are still unclear, but the story is interesting. I will continue reading this.

[Jack Syron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I want all of them

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story based out of Japan manga tradition with international terrorists, a Supra-national anti-terrorist force & high school age teenage girls.

[Dewo Pasiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word: 'Captivating.' Thank you for this wonderful entertainment.

[Akshay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Metal Panic! Volume 1 is a thrilling dive into the world of mecha and espionage, penned by Shouji Gatou. Set in a near-future Earth where technology and politics intertwine in precarious ways, this manga captivates from the first page.

The story follows Sousuke Sagara, a young soldier trained from childhood in the art of warfare. His latest mission: protect Kaname Chidori, a seemingly ordinary high school girl with a mysterious past. But as Sousuke infiltrates her world, he discovers that danger lurks around every corner, threatening not just Kaname, but the fate of nations.

Gatou's writing is sharp and concise, driving the narrative forward with expert pacing. Each panel is packed with tension, whether it's a high-stakes battle or a quiet moment of character development.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Volume 1 is Sousuke's internal struggle. Trained for combat but ill-equipped for civilian life, he grapples with the complexities of human emotion, leading to some poignant moments of introspection.

The artwork by artist Retsu Tateo is dynamic and expressive, bringing the futuristic world of Full Metal Panic! to vivid life. From sleek mechs to detailed urban landscapes, every visual element adds depth to the story.

Overall, Full Metal Panic! Volume 1 is a must-read for fans of action, intrigue, and mecha. With its compelling characters, gripping plot, and stunning artwork, it sets the stage for an epic series that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

[Edotz Herjunot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Udah punya komik Ini cukup lama, tapi baru sempet baca kemarin2.. *stok komik overload banget*

Ini komik awalnya lebay.. Chidori cewek SMA, dilindungi sama Sousuke kebangetan, sampe make senjata beneran.. emang ada alasannya sih, kenapa Chidori Ini harus dilindungin karena katanya Chidori Ini seorang 'whispered', orang yang punya pengetahuan luar biasa.

Makin kesini, ceritanya Makin macem2...
perang pake AS (semacam robot), Chidori yang mulai naksir Sousuke meskipun Sousuke lugu, terus ada Tessa kapten Sousuke yang juga naksir Sousuke..

Komik Ini asik buat dibaca, ada komedinya juga yang bikin cengar cengir, ada romantisnya juga~
pantes konon katanya Ini komik laris banget jaman dulu, ya... gue telat gaul baru baca sekarang haha

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of the the Full Metal Panic novels, and was later adapted as the first seven episodes of the anime.

There are some interesting differences between the anime and the original novels. One is that in the novels when their plane is hijacked, it is then taken to North Korea, which is the country that Gauln is working for. In the anime though, they instead used a made-up country, probably to avoid a PR problem with Korea.

[Cara Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the 90s style art of this series. Some of the tropes are a little outdated now though. I do like the fact that you've got a main character who sees all the over the top, rediculous stuff going on, and actually finds it over the top and rediculous, while the other people around her seem to find it normal.

[Kirsty (alkalinekiwi) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've watched some of the anime with Erik and borrowed this from his collection.
A quick, fun read that made me giggle - I love the characters and how they react to each other.
I plan to read the others soon.