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Full Metal Panic! Light Novel #1
Fighting Boy Meets Girl
Jindai High School was a relatively safe place, right up until Sousuke Sagara transferred there. A total nut, he wreaks havoc on the school's student body and gets into a world of trouble with the teachers! But there's more to Sousuke than meets the eye--not just a hell-raising student, he's actually a member of an elite military unit, on an undercover mission to protect the beautiful schoolgirl Kaname Chidori from the KGB. Discover the mystery as this comedy-action-science-fiction story unfolds!
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 1998
58 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Shouji Gatou
122 books54 followersShoji 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 5, 2022
WOOOOOOW!!! That was INTENSE. Not sure the Big Bad is really gone but WOW. So good! I love Sousuke! 4, on to the next, stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2009
Well, I have to say I'm very honestly surprised by this one. I picked up Full Metal Panic simply because I knew TokyoPop's light novel line had been discontinued, so I just bought it thinking if I didn't I'd regret it later. And after reading it (which took only a day) I have to say I came away loving it.
This novel is the basis for both the manga and anime series and I have honestly read/watched neither of them. I'm very likely to now, though.
The story is a action/sci-fi with great moments of comedy throughout. I would be laughing one second, only to be on the edge of my seat the next during one of the battle scenes.
What I really liked about this book is its references to cultural and political events of the 80s and 90s, but that never bogs down the story in any way. It gives you some insight to how the technology in this world came about.
Don't think that because the cover shows an anime-style boy and girl that this book is going to be really over the top. It's an excellent story that just about anyone can enjoy.
This novel is the basis for both the manga and anime series and I have honestly read/watched neither of them. I'm very likely to now, though.
The story is a action/sci-fi with great moments of comedy throughout. I would be laughing one second, only to be on the edge of my seat the next during one of the battle scenes.
What I really liked about this book is its references to cultural and political events of the 80s and 90s, but that never bogs down the story in any way. It gives you some insight to how the technology in this world came about.
Don't think that because the cover shows an anime-style boy and girl that this book is going to be really over the top. It's an excellent story that just about anyone can enjoy.
April 17, 2018
Final rating: 4.25/5 stars
I really loved Full Metal Panic anime when I was 10 years younger, and due to announcement that the new season is coming out - i was thrilled. You see, I read the manga (Sigma) to complete my journey with FMP crew and I loved every moment of it.
You see... this does not feature your typical characters. In any case, Sagara Sousuke is definitely not the one you could call standard as he is:
1) literally ex-child soldier who now works as a full pledged soldier in Mithril organisation (that solves wars across the world as a neutral organisation)
2) has no social skills like... at all
3) gets pretty much paranoid over every single thing - which is justified as he is in fact assigned to be a bodyguard for Kaname Chidori (not so ordinary high school student) and that people are really out to get them.
And Kaname Chidori... well, she is the only one that can get under his skin - and the change does come through the series. For both of them.
Anyway this series is worth it if you want something new.
Not to mention it's mecha, meaning giant robots, that are being widely used in the world - BUT! it's a technology that no one is supposed to know - yet. Technology of the future that comes from the "Whispered" - people who have hidden knowledge of the future tech inside of their minds.
And if there is one whispered unclaimed... people would definitely go to war just to get their hands on one of them...
Also it's very fun and angsty series, give it a try.
I really loved Full Metal Panic anime when I was 10 years younger, and due to announcement that the new season is coming out - i was thrilled. You see, I read the manga (Sigma) to complete my journey with FMP crew and I loved every moment of it.
You see... this does not feature your typical characters. In any case, Sagara Sousuke is definitely not the one you could call standard as he is:
1) literally ex-child soldier who now works as a full pledged soldier in Mithril organisation (that solves wars across the world as a neutral organisation)
2) has no social skills like... at all
3) gets pretty much paranoid over every single thing - which is justified as he is in fact assigned to be a bodyguard for Kaname Chidori (not so ordinary high school student) and that people are really out to get them.
And Kaname Chidori... well, she is the only one that can get under his skin - and the change does come through the series. For both of them.
Anyway this series is worth it if you want something new.
Not to mention it's mecha, meaning giant robots, that are being widely used in the world - BUT! it's a technology that no one is supposed to know - yet. Technology of the future that comes from the "Whispered" - people who have hidden knowledge of the future tech inside of their minds.
And if there is one whispered unclaimed... people would definitely go to war just to get their hands on one of them...
Also it's very fun and angsty series, give it a try.
August 5, 2009
Eh. This series is kinda like what would happen if Archie comics and Robotech had a bastard love child. Its a very light read. The girls are very much girls and the boys very much boys, and don't expect them to act any smarter than their prescribed gender roles. I expected the story to eventually focus on the interesting idea of "The Whispereds", who are haunted by a voice that helps them develop genius level understanding of technology. However, it seemed like this plot was only utilized sparingly. Mostly the plot can be summed up as boy meets girl, girl is both repulsed and in love with boy, emotional high school level conflict ensues (do you like me? If so check the box below!), some battle scenes that are impossible to follow, half-hearted resolution, and the end. There, I've saved you the trouble of reading it.
June 29, 2022
Really fun story about a spy infiltrating a school to protect a girl who doesn't know she has special powers. Of course there's giant robots fighting and a little high school romance but nothing beyond a few cleavage jokes. A great quick and fun read on my vacation. 👍🏻
January 15, 2019
This is the first light novel I have read and I bought it because I really liked the anime.
It seems the anime captured the feel really well (especially the humor).
It is very brief, and perhaps too much so in some places (but I guess that's the nature of the medium).
It seems the anime captured the feel really well (especially the humor).
It is very brief, and perhaps too much so in some places (but I guess that's the nature of the medium).
December 31, 2019
I wasn't expecting much when I started reading this series, just thought of trying out one of the old-school fan favorite light novels from the 90's as it started getting re-released. What I got was a unique young adult sci-fi experience, that had an engaging story, enjoyable humor and an interesting protagonist. Although it would have been better if the female main character hadn't been so unoriginal, the overall enjoyment shines through this and some other minor flaws.
This light novel features the story of Sagara Sousuke, an elite, mech-piloting mercenary; whose latest mission is protecting a normal Japanese high school girl Chidori Kaname while staying inconspicuous. On the surface it is nothing that hasn't been done before, but as the author slowly explains the reasons behind Kaname requiring protection and the well constructed world of the near future mech-suit augmented military warfare, it becomes so much more enjoyable fiction.
Let's talk about the setting first, the world that 'Shouji Gatou' presents seems almost like a future that is quite possible. His attempt at introducing some military jargon and mecha enthusiasm really shines through, despite often being a bit childish and a tad too much. And the world of the mercenary super soldiers is something that really interests readers to find out more.
Among the characters Sousuke is the real treasure, despite his formidable battle skills his super serious attitude and total lack of a sense of humor really makes every page he is in quite unpredictable and often laugh-out-loud. The members of his team are another interesting bunch and the antagonist is definitely going for the deadly cool approach and nailing it quite strongly. My only complaint is for the character Kaname, who is just two dimensional and seems so much like a carbon copy of any high school anime heroines out there so far.
The action sequences were done quite skillfully and the field trip turning into a super charged battlefield gave a rather thrilling ride for the readers. I am hoping that the author will continue to capitalize on the humorous bits of the plot and gives us more enjoyable fight scenes and interesting characters in the future. This is definitely a worthy series to follow as its translation continues to drop new volumes for any light novel enthusiast.
I will give this 9 out of 10 for the first volume.
For more reviews and stuff check out my blog -
http://ihate00critics.blogspot.com/
This light novel features the story of Sagara Sousuke, an elite, mech-piloting mercenary; whose latest mission is protecting a normal Japanese high school girl Chidori Kaname while staying inconspicuous. On the surface it is nothing that hasn't been done before, but as the author slowly explains the reasons behind Kaname requiring protection and the well constructed world of the near future mech-suit augmented military warfare, it becomes so much more enjoyable fiction.
Let's talk about the setting first, the world that 'Shouji Gatou' presents seems almost like a future that is quite possible. His attempt at introducing some military jargon and mecha enthusiasm really shines through, despite often being a bit childish and a tad too much. And the world of the mercenary super soldiers is something that really interests readers to find out more.
Among the characters Sousuke is the real treasure, despite his formidable battle skills his super serious attitude and total lack of a sense of humor really makes every page he is in quite unpredictable and often laugh-out-loud. The members of his team are another interesting bunch and the antagonist is definitely going for the deadly cool approach and nailing it quite strongly. My only complaint is for the character Kaname, who is just two dimensional and seems so much like a carbon copy of any high school anime heroines out there so far.
The action sequences were done quite skillfully and the field trip turning into a super charged battlefield gave a rather thrilling ride for the readers. I am hoping that the author will continue to capitalize on the humorous bits of the plot and gives us more enjoyable fight scenes and interesting characters in the future. This is definitely a worthy series to follow as its translation continues to drop new volumes for any light novel enthusiast.
I will give this 9 out of 10 for the first volume.
For more reviews and stuff check out my blog -
http://ihate00critics.blogspot.com/
February 3, 2019
I recently read a novel on which an anime I loved was based and found myself really struggling. It was hard to enjoy a book when I knew every line of dialogue before I had even read it. So, I found myself with similar concerns before taking on Full Metal Panic! I love the anime show, it is one of my all-time favourites, so surely the novel would struggle.
This is where I was wrong. The novel is indeed very similar to the anime, I can't deny that, but experiencing it through written format filled my heart with all the joys and emotions that I had felt the first time round. There is so much life in this story, so much heart and humour that it was impossible not to enjoy.
Full metal panic! will always be in my heart and I recommend it to anyone with a passing interest in Japanese high school comedy.
This is where I was wrong. The novel is indeed very similar to the anime, I can't deny that, but experiencing it through written format filled my heart with all the joys and emotions that I had felt the first time round. There is so much life in this story, so much heart and humour that it was impossible not to enjoy.
Full metal panic! will always be in my heart and I recommend it to anyone with a passing interest in Japanese high school comedy.
July 12, 2021
Well this is a new medium for me. I don’t normally read manga’s so this was an experience.
Cover
The cover is fine. The orange flame like texture looks great on the back but for me it seems to wash out the front a little. To a degree the bot in the back is a blends a little for my liking. The rifle on the back is a nice touch.
The one detail that gets me is the subtitle. I know it’s a nitpick since it is clearly translation choice but I feel, “Fighting Boy Meets Girl” just doesn’t have the punch the book deserves.
Interior
Story
Considering this is a translation from Japanese it’s incredibly smooth read. I do have to say I really wish I knew what happened to trigger my favorite part of the story. What on earth happened to have Sousuke barge into the change room and tackle Kaname? I’ve reread it a couple times and it seems so unprovoked I think I had the same whiplash Kaname had hitting the ground. I have to admit the next few scenes are my favorite in the entire book.
I wasn’t able to predict the direction each time. Half the time I expected it the risk to drop it increased.
There is a decent amount of mystery not only around Kaname but around the world that’s being built. I can see this secrets sect that Sousuke works for being nerfed in power as the series goes on.
I love how Sousuke is a full blue collar agent. Not one move is subtle, inconspicuous or stealthy unless it’s an actual battlefield. I really can’t hate his trail of destruction considering how well the comedy is integrated into his mess.
I have to admit seeing the writer excuse his work in the forward was probably one of the strangest moments for me. As a work of fiction I don’t expect a calculated reasoning for why what logic is used. I also love how it’s a combination of different genres I just wish it was all a touch more integrated. When the school themes disappear school most of the comedy disappears as well.
While I know this goes through different culture and different tolerances when Gauron starts shooting the description to be a little much for me. Some of the other tones that are lightly touched on made me shift in my seat but they aren’t the focus.
After Thoughts
Quite often I tell myself I like the Anime style but the style doesn’t like me. (I’m for, spirituality, sexuality/nudity, and blood/gore context, that I’ve seen come from different popular shows and sometimes even the surreal creep factor is too much for me.) I generally read clean.
With those limitations I’ve been hesitant to jump into the Manga world of literature. This book this is a perfect book to try if you are willing to dip your toe into the medium.
The Ending (SPOILERS!)
Waking up in the hospital the I think I’m most confused with the final conversation between Kaname and Tessa. What was it about to tell her to forget about everything including Sousuke. Considering he is still going to be in the same school working as her bodyguard.
Cover
The cover is fine. The orange flame like texture looks great on the back but for me it seems to wash out the front a little. To a degree the bot in the back is a blends a little for my liking. The rifle on the back is a nice touch.
The one detail that gets me is the subtitle. I know it’s a nitpick since it is clearly translation choice but I feel, “Fighting Boy Meets Girl” just doesn’t have the punch the book deserves.
Interior
Story
Considering this is a translation from Japanese it’s incredibly smooth read. I do have to say I really wish I knew what happened to trigger my favorite part of the story. What on earth happened to have Sousuke barge into the change room and tackle Kaname? I’ve reread it a couple times and it seems so unprovoked I think I had the same whiplash Kaname had hitting the ground. I have to admit the next few scenes are my favorite in the entire book.
I wasn’t able to predict the direction each time. Half the time I expected it the risk to drop it increased.
There is a decent amount of mystery not only around Kaname but around the world that’s being built. I can see this secrets sect that Sousuke works for being nerfed in power as the series goes on.
I love how Sousuke is a full blue collar agent. Not one move is subtle, inconspicuous or stealthy unless it’s an actual battlefield. I really can’t hate his trail of destruction considering how well the comedy is integrated into his mess.
I have to admit seeing the writer excuse his work in the forward was probably one of the strangest moments for me. As a work of fiction I don’t expect a calculated reasoning for why what logic is used. I also love how it’s a combination of different genres I just wish it was all a touch more integrated. When the school themes disappear school most of the comedy disappears as well.
While I know this goes through different culture and different tolerances when Gauron starts shooting the description to be a little much for me. Some of the other tones that are lightly touched on made me shift in my seat but they aren’t the focus.
After Thoughts
Quite often I tell myself I like the Anime style but the style doesn’t like me. (I’m for, spirituality, sexuality/nudity, and blood/gore context, that I’ve seen come from different popular shows and sometimes even the surreal creep factor is too much for me.) I generally read clean.
With those limitations I’ve been hesitant to jump into the Manga world of literature. This book this is a perfect book to try if you are willing to dip your toe into the medium.
The Ending (SPOILERS!)
Waking up in the hospital the I think I’m most confused with the final conversation between Kaname and Tessa. What was it about to tell her to forget about everything including Sousuke. Considering he is still going to be in the same school working as her bodyguard.
February 2, 2024
I gave this book 5 stars because:
1. Everything was just nostalgic for me. I watched the anime when I was younger and re-watched it a few years back and it was as if I was watching it for the first time all over again. I also read the manga (Sigma) before but this is the first time I took up the light novel.
2. I liked how we get to see the characters' inner thoughts more clearly. It helps establish more of their future actions. There were also moments of "Oh right, that happened" and "Did this happen?" that I enjoyed.
3. I love the fact that the story isn't as suggestive as the anime made it out to be. I know they were aiming for the comedic aspect but it felt like such a breath of fresh air not seeing unnecessary fanservice shots or Kaname hitting Souske all the time. That said, it doesn't shy away from crude language.
4. I never realized Kaname and Sousuke only knew each other for less than one month before the plane jacking. I always thought they were together at least months into the school year.
5. It's such a short and fun read that I basically flew through the pages.
I'm looking forward to reading all the light novels and the short stories.
1. Everything was just nostalgic for me. I watched the anime when I was younger and re-watched it a few years back and it was as if I was watching it for the first time all over again. I also read the manga (Sigma) before but this is the first time I took up the light novel.
2. I liked how we get to see the characters' inner thoughts more clearly. It helps establish more of their future actions. There were also moments of "Oh right, that happened" and "Did this happen?" that I enjoyed.
3. I love the fact that the story isn't as suggestive as the anime made it out to be. I know they were aiming for the comedic aspect but it felt like such a breath of fresh air not seeing unnecessary fanservice shots or Kaname hitting Souske all the time. That said, it doesn't shy away from crude language.
4. I never realized Kaname and Sousuke only knew each other for less than one month before the plane jacking. I always thought they were together at least months into the school year.
5. It's such a short and fun read that I basically flew through the pages.
I'm looking forward to reading all the light novels and the short stories.
November 24, 2018
Frankly speaking, I started off watching the manga and reading the Japanese Animations (Anime) first. And after several seasons later, I decided to pick up the novels.
It truly brings back a lot of good memories. The interesting mix of the lifestyle of a Japanese High School student and a Japanese teenager that has been spending most of his life on the battle field. Basically, the first book pretty much introduces most of the key characters that will be having a big involvement in the coming books... And also the interesting mechanics (+AI?) that will be playing a big role too...
It truly brings back a lot of good memories. The interesting mix of the lifestyle of a Japanese High School student and a Japanese teenager that has been spending most of his life on the battle field. Basically, the first book pretty much introduces most of the key characters that will be having a big involvement in the coming books... And also the interesting mechanics (+AI?) that will be playing a big role too...
March 11, 2021
I read this after I finished watching the latest season of the anime. It was nice to go back to where it all began. Some parts of the translation sounded a little awkward but for the most part it was an enjoyable read. So far it seems that the anime adaptation was faithful to the source material, so much so that I don't know if I'm going to bother reading the rest of the light novels. But if you haven't checked out the anime and would prefer to read this story instead, I would definitely recommend it!
May 3, 2019
This first volume skates across a lot of tones and genres. Some executions are better than others. The high school comedy stuff fell really flat for me, as do the earlier characterizations of most of the cast in this context.
Once we shifted to a bit more serious part and started bringing in the mechs and scifi, I felt the story and presentation strengthened a good deal. Will be interesting to see how it functions in additional volumes.
Once we shifted to a bit more serious part and started bringing in the mechs and scifi, I felt the story and presentation strengthened a good deal. Will be interesting to see how it functions in additional volumes.
November 29, 2020
It's been a while since I watched the Anime, and a Longer time since I read the novels. So I t was almost like I was starting over again. It's a story about a very talented girl who does know what her talent is. She is Getting protected by a secret Mercenary Group who assigns agents who are not good at staying unnoticed. There are great action scenes and I can't wait to read the next 8 novels. Hopefully the later ones gets released in the US.
December 4, 2024
So basically, I DNF this because I've seen the anime, and the light novel follows it to a "T." I honestly didn't want to reread something that I had watched and enjoyed. I've seen the anime series hundreds of times, and the light novel is a good place to start if you don't enjoy reading Manga. The author did a great job with the translation. I really enjoyed this for the short amount of time I spent with it.
***Still giving myself credit because I read half and I know how it ends...lol.***
***Still giving myself credit because I read half and I know how it ends...lol.***
April 22, 2025
One of the classic that I've been wanting to read for a while now. I might not have done the series favorably by reading it today, where the medium is oversaturated and such tropes overdone, but it still holds up.
However, it's still a casual read. While the writing was surprisingly matured, there was not much depth to it. As the author said, just turn your brain off and enjoy for what it is, an action adventure with a touch of rom-com and sci-fi.
However, it's still a casual read. While the writing was surprisingly matured, there was not much depth to it. As the author said, just turn your brain off and enjoy for what it is, an action adventure with a touch of rom-com and sci-fi.
February 4, 2019
The writing was a little simplistic, but it was fast and fun. I enjoyed reading through the source material for the anime and manga. The novels are nice in that they give more insight into what's going on in the character's heads. It does follow the anime pretty closely though. I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 13, 2019
A true classic!
A true classic! FMP! is one of the finest combinations of action, comedy, and romance ever written. The balance is really remarkable. I read the Tokyopop paperback version a while back and this new translation of the first book in the series is very well done in comparison.
A true classic! FMP! is one of the finest combinations of action, comedy, and romance ever written. The balance is really remarkable. I read the Tokyopop paperback version a while back and this new translation of the first book in the series is very well done in comparison.
July 1, 2019
Ah, the anime really captured the feel of the light novel. It was good to go back to the source material for FMP and see where it started. It’s definitely a super short read, as expected, but much better written than some of the light novels I’ve read.
Even the author calls it a b-movie to sit back and enjoy and it captures that sort of old-school 80s action vibe mixed with giant robots.
Even the author calls it a b-movie to sit back and enjoy and it captures that sort of old-school 80s action vibe mixed with giant robots.
January 1, 2024
Classic romcom scifi light novel that’s carried by extremely cute and likable characters. Chidori and Sousuke are a very charming leading couple, and the mech fights are cool. I am not a military otaku so I occasionally zoned out during some of the heavy technical jargon, but that stuff isn’t terribly essential anyways and the story is light and easy to follow either way.
January 1, 2025
Honestly, i loved the anime-with all its flaw-but i never imagined that the novel are even better! Also it help with visualizing the mech battle too. Author seems to know a lot of military jargon too which add depth to the story. Shikidouji-san illustration is gorgeous too!
January 22, 2022
So good
Love this series. Finally had some time to read the light novels and so glad I did. Cannot wait to read volume 2.
Love this series. Finally had some time to read the light novels and so glad I did. Cannot wait to read volume 2.
March 6, 2022
I had high hopes, but it never quite clicked.
May 27, 2022
1ST light novel I've ever read. Very good. I love this series.
April 28, 2024
Garnering the affections of an autistic military dude? Just an ordinary day tbh
December 7, 2024
Love it!
It has a deeper level of serious than the anime. The stakes felt so high! Can’t wait to read the rest of the light novels.
It has a deeper level of serious than the anime. The stakes felt so high! Can’t wait to read the rest of the light novels.
February 13, 2024
Girl I love this light novel series. I've been loving this series since like middle school. Am I gonna reread this again in the future? Fuck yeah. Also Sousuke is autistic as shit. I love it.
December 7, 2016
These two are everything. ❤️ I love these books.
August 4, 2013
One of the best combinations of comedy, action, and romance I have ever read, though the romance is admittedly the lesser of the three in this volume. The "fish out of water" comedy of Sousuke Sagara, a boy trained to be an assassin, then raised in a war zone after he failed to assassinate the general he was sent to kill trying to adapt to living as a normal high school student in Tokyo is very funny. The extremes to which he goes to guard Kaname Chidori, the beautiful girl who is being targeted by terrorists, without letting her know that she is being targeted or that he is guarding her, make for good humor as well.
The fact that the humor is as good as it is only makes the fantastic action sequences better. The descriptions of the Arm Slaves, humanoid mecha that are the product of "Black Technology" that changed the world in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the detailed combat sequences are second to none.
The villain, Gouran, who has a history with Sousuke, is extremely effective, if a little over the top in terms of his level of "evil". However, the story makes it clear that the mercenaries who work for Mithril, the private anti-terrorism organization that Sousuke works for, are not necessarily that much better than the "bad guys", they just work for a better employer. Other than his sneering enjoyment of his work, Sousuke and the other mercenaries are not that different from Gouran when it comes to being willing to kill in order to carry out their mission. In fact, it is heavily hinted that Sousuke has a long history that most likely includes questionable acts that would shock most normal people.
The world building is also exemplary. Gatou-sensei paints a world close to our own, but twisted by the introduction of advanced technology at least a generation or more earlier than it should logically occur, including some that shouldn't logically occur at all. The result is a world with as much, if not more conflict between nations and terrorist organizations bent on achieving their goals by trampling on the lives of innocents as our own, but with tools that lead to far greater devastation, but also allow those that want to end the madness to fight them effectively.
The confusion brought about as young Sousuke deals with unfamiliar feelings as he begins to fall head over heals in love with Kaname is precious. His inexperience with the emotion of love in any form is restricted to the camaraderie he shares with his fellow mercenaries and it is made perfectly clear that the current group of comrades is one of a select few groups he has felt even that level of friendship with. That pit-of-the-stomach feeling when Kaname is angry with him, the longing to see her, and other feelings are completely foreign to him. At one point his fellow mercenary Kurz Weber tells him he is feeling this way because he's in love and "has it bad". His reaction is that it can't be true, because he has heard that love is a wonderful feeling and he feels awful. It makes the commonly used trope of the completely oblivious male protagonist not only funny, but believable, which makes the FMP! series a unique creature in the Japanese manga/anime/light novel world.
A fine and complete story, Full Metal Panic! Fighting Boy Meets Girl
The fact that the humor is as good as it is only makes the fantastic action sequences better. The descriptions of the Arm Slaves, humanoid mecha that are the product of "Black Technology" that changed the world in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the detailed combat sequences are second to none.
The villain, Gouran, who has a history with Sousuke, is extremely effective, if a little over the top in terms of his level of "evil". However, the story makes it clear that the mercenaries who work for Mithril, the private anti-terrorism organization that Sousuke works for, are not necessarily that much better than the "bad guys", they just work for a better employer. Other than his sneering enjoyment of his work, Sousuke and the other mercenaries are not that different from Gouran when it comes to being willing to kill in order to carry out their mission. In fact, it is heavily hinted that Sousuke has a long history that most likely includes questionable acts that would shock most normal people.
The world building is also exemplary. Gatou-sensei paints a world close to our own, but twisted by the introduction of advanced technology at least a generation or more earlier than it should logically occur, including some that shouldn't logically occur at all. The result is a world with as much, if not more conflict between nations and terrorist organizations bent on achieving their goals by trampling on the lives of innocents as our own, but with tools that lead to far greater devastation, but also allow those that want to end the madness to fight them effectively.
The confusion brought about as young Sousuke deals with unfamiliar feelings as he begins to fall head over heals in love with Kaname is precious. His inexperience with the emotion of love in any form is restricted to the camaraderie he shares with his fellow mercenaries and it is made perfectly clear that the current group of comrades is one of a select few groups he has felt even that level of friendship with. That pit-of-the-stomach feeling when Kaname is angry with him, the longing to see her, and other feelings are completely foreign to him. At one point his fellow mercenary Kurz Weber tells him he is feeling this way because he's in love and "has it bad". His reaction is that it can't be true, because he has heard that love is a wonderful feeling and he feels awful. It makes the commonly used trope of the completely oblivious male protagonist not only funny, but believable, which makes the FMP! series a unique creature in the Japanese manga/anime/light novel world.
A fine and complete story, Full Metal Panic! Fighting Boy Meets Girl
March 16, 2024
Light frothy rom-com series with a military scifi twist and lots of action. It knows what it is and does it well.
I particularly like the dynamic between Sousuke and Chidori. Despite the differences in their personalities and abilities, it doesn't feel like an unequal relationship. Chidori's proactive and intelligent - and given more agency than a lot of female characters in light novels.
I particularly like the dynamic between Sousuke and Chidori. Despite the differences in their personalities and abilities, it doesn't feel like an unequal relationship. Chidori's proactive and intelligent - and given more agency than a lot of female characters in light novels.
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