Full Metal Panic! (Katakana: フルメタルパニック!, often abbreviated to FMP!) is the name of an anime series which originally aired in 2002. It is based on a graphic novel of the same title and was produced by GONZO Digimation. There also exists a manga -- serialized in Newtype -- which is the basis for Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu and not the original FMP!. The anime is a combination of near-futuristic combat and teen antics and relationships.

Table of contents
1 Synopsis
2 In-depth Plot
3 Subplots
4 Cast
5 US Release
6 Sequels

Synopsis

The series is set in a post-modern, parallel world where the Cold War has yet to end and the KGB and other secret governmental agencies are running rampant. It follows the events of Sagara Sousuke, an unduly disciplined member of Mithril (an anti-terrorism organization which often operates under the guise of the UN), and Chidori Kaname, the schoolgirl whom he was assigned to protect. Chidori is considered to be one of the "Whispered"; that is, she possesses a inherant understanding of advanced Black Technology. Such knowledge was implanted genetically upon birth, of which she herself intially remained unaware of and consequently which she has access to only when in a near-comatose frenzy (which is generally induced through fear of harm). The Lambda Driver is an integral part of Black Technology which allows pilots of select Arm Slaves (combat mechas) to manifest their desires in defensive and offensive manuveurs. Therefore, the knowledge of the "Whispered" is highly desirable to both terrorists and governmental agencies alike.

In-depth Plot

While carrying out his mission in an environment previously foreign to him, Sagara assumes the identity of a high school student at Jindai High School. His inability to "blend in with the crowd", however, is quickly made transparent by his peers (though ultimately to no consequence as they continue to refer to him as being strangely militant). Chidori had initially mistaken him to be a stalker of sorts as he was always "coincidentally" nearby. The fish-out-of-water Sagara continues to pester Chidori -- albeit with good intentions -- until she finally realizes his purposes in doing so.

Throughout the span of the anime, Sagara's battle-hardened demeanor is matched -- often accompanied by a quick blow to the head -- by Chidori's overtness of disconent towards his lack of any experience outside of military fanaticism. It is this attitude, however, which drives potential suitors away from her, appropriately rendering her "the most popular, yet dateless". As the story unfolds, their lives intertwine through a series of dramatic events, and both are able to gain insight into the other's composure and state-of-mind, as well as some facets of life which was previously incomprehensible to them.

Ultimately, the relationship between Sagara and Chidori is perpetuated by Mithril's ongoing war against terrorism, particularly the A21 faction. Chidori's pervasiveness eventually leads to some rather unimaginable circumstances, though she is rescued each time by the steadfast Sagara and the crew of the Tuatha de Danaan (TDD-1), a billon-dollar submarine and the pride of the Mithril fleet, first envisioned and then brought to fruition by Teletha "Tessa" Testarossa. Tessa, the Captain of the TDD-1, is similar to Chidori not only in age but in that she also possesses the "Whispered" traits, although she is much more proficient at having access to said skills. At a later point in the anime, she is revealed as being involved in the unlikely love triangle between Chidori, Sagara, and herself.

Subplots

An important subplot revolves around the rivalry between Sagara and Gauron, a diehard terrorist who happens to be highly adept at utilizing the Lambda Driver, and who also happens to see Sagara as a "nuisance" to be disposed of. For this and other purposes, he goes to such lengths as hijacking a plane and employing use of Sagara's onetime comrade-in-arms. He is ruthless and self-absorbed, quick to act and often with pensive judgement, which makes him a deadly foe. He is presumably a member of A21, although it is in his personality to not acknowledge any authority other than his own. Sagara manages to overcome difficulties onset by this worthy enemy, however, having been empowered by his difficult past and having the full backing of his two fellow soliders, Kurz Weber and Mellisa Mao.

Cast

Chidori Kaname

Seiyuu: Yukino Satsuki

The main female protagonist of the story, she is often found in tight situations which require the battle sense of Sagara to get her out of.

Inaba Mizuki

Seiyuu: Yoshida Sayuri

A classmate of Chidori who initially blames her for having stolen her boyfriend. She becomes one of her closer friends later on in the story.

Kalinin

Seiyuu: Otsuka Akio

Sagara's commanding officer and one of Tessa's military strategists.

Kurtz Weber

Seiyuu: Miki Shinichirou

An over-the-top fellow soldier of Sagara's who makes numerous failed attempts at hitting on and/or peeking at girls. Depsite his eccentricity, he is -- oddly enough -- Sagara's most trusted individual and friend. He is part of team Urzu (the callsign of their regiment).

Mardukas

Seiyuu: Nishimura Tomomichi

An overly protective aide of Tessa's who insists on guarding her with his life.

Mellisa Mao

Seiyuu: Neya Michiko

Sagara's confided-in "bigger sister" who provides him keen insight as to how to attract members of the opposite sex. She is the leader of team Urzu.

Miki Hararen

Seiyuu: Tanaka Rie

By first glance, one would never expect this charming schoolmate of Chidori's to be the daughter of a Yakuza boss. Nevertheless, she remains dignified and upstanding (though somewhat naive), especially when placed in comparison with Chidori.

Sagara Sosuke

Seiyuu: Seki Tomokazu

The unwitting hero of the story who is a member of the Urzu regiment of the Mithril anti-terrorism force. Having been raised as a guerilla fighter since the age of eight, he becomes involved in a lifestyle previously unbeknownst to him when assigned to protect Chidori.

Testarossa Theresa

Seiyuu: Nogami Yukana

Being the charming yet seemingly fragile Captain of the revered TDD-1 "Toy Box", she is a child prodigy who rose to such a high rank at the age of only sixteen. Her high level of mathematical and scientific adeptness is dwarfed only by her brother's, which seems to have given her a sense of inferiority.

Tokiwa Kyouko

Seiyuu: Kimura Ikue

Chidori's camera-touting best friend. She is constantly trying to bring Chidori and Sagara together, however impossible it may have seemed given Sagara's tendency to blow things up at whim.

US Release

The anime series was licensed by ADV Films and has been released in the US in a total of seven DVD's (ongoing as of 12/31/03).

Sequels

The anime was continued in 2003 with the release of Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu, which emphasizes (almost entirely) on the high school life of Sagara and Chidori. Although it does include more slapstick humor and randomness, it is not a complete spinoff of the series as its events develop the relationship between the two main characters. The series is said to be further continued in 2004 with another sequel (this time paralleling more closely the events of the original).