Full Metal Panic!
Publisher
ADV
Director
Koichi Chigira
Production
Gonzo Digimation, WOWOW
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
24 episodes
Year
2002
Full Metal Panic! Mission.02
By John Huxley
28th Apr 04  If you were left disappointed by the lack of action in the first volume then you're for a real treat this time around as Full Metal Panic does a 180 about turn. Kaname, having been kidnapped during a ill-advised school trip to Okinawa, is in the hands of the mysterious terrorists who plan to do all manner of nasty things to the poor, clueless girl. Sousuke, our mercenary cum bodyguard, must fight his way through the hoards of enemy guards, rescue Kaname, free the remaining hostages holed up in the plane and finally escape without alerting the patrolling mecha. Piece of pie, right? Surprisingly for a series that has failed to deliver any sustained action, this high-octane storyline lasts a whole three episodes of mechs, guns and plenty of explosions. We get to see three of our heroes, Kaname, Sousuke and the lady's man Kurtz team up in a suspenseful fight for survival as they're stalked by the loathsome terrorist Gauron and his seemingly indestructible mech, the Coder. There's even a few important plot developments to be taking note of, not least a rough explanation of Kaname's hidden power, the 'whispered'. All this exciting action and drama is like a breath of fresh air from the relative tranquillity of the schoolyard romance/comedy that we had become accustomed to during the previous volume. However, this wouldn't be the case if it were not for the superlative execution of the action sequences which must rank amongst some of the best in recent years. Crucial to the success of these sequences is the intelligent use of CGI coupled with some nice pieces of animation, producing some undeniably beautiful results. Smoke, gunfire and explosions are all computer enhanced, lending the action the kind of polish not usually afforded by regular cel animation alone. A few scenes are arguably too reliant upon 3D models (particularly those that take place underwater...perhaps a remnant of Gonzo's work on Blue Sub 6) but the majority are well balanced and appreciative of the beauty of hand-drawn (or computer drawn?) cel animation. The action sequences not only look beautiful, they are also expertly directed; the initial showdown between Kurtz and Gauron towards the end of the first episode really comes across as a battle of wits between two experienced soldiers. That's not to say that Full Metal Panic is totally realistic, however. Once we're introduced to mechs that can utilise the mythological 'black technology' the fights become more Dragonball Z than Patlabor, with some impressive acrobatics and a pretty (computer enhanced) light show. Regardless of your preference, the important thing is that both styles of combat are equally well implemented. After the fallout of the Siberia affair, it's back to business as usual for Kaname and Sousuke. The fourth and final episode on this disc reintroduces us to their slightly unusual school life as the odd couple are embroiled in a unwanted love triangle. More of a love hexagon, actually... It's in the schoolyard that Full Metal Panic miraculously transforms from an action-packed show in to a more pedestrian romantic comedy. If you're partial to both genres you won't find the change of direction too troubling, though some of you may be turned off by the sudden transition. Strange though it is, this concept is certainly novel and at least gives the lucky viewer plenty of variety and good value for money: you're essentially getting two shows for the price of one. The action is perhaps the more successful of the two halves, although the romance/comedy is enjoyable also, giving more opportunity to develop the characters and their relationships. Despite its slightly disjointed nature Full Metal Panic is a joy to watch. One episode you'll be on the edge of your seat, the next you'll be giggling like a cheeky monkey. A unique series and one I can wholeheartedly recommend.
R2 DVD Notes
Features: English and Japanese 2.0 audio, English 5.1 audio, English subtitles, reversible cover, fold-out poster, clean open/close, production sketches, Japanese piracy warning, ADV previews
Notes: Pretty much identical to the last volume. Which is to say, darn excellent! The extras on the disc are identical to the last volume, albeit with a different set of production sketches for you to flick through. The real extras are on the outside, however, and it's here where Full Metal Panic really impresses. The poster makes a welcome return, this time sporting the rather lovely Mizuki (who makes her debut appearance in episode four of this disc) in a design that mimics the alternate reversible cover. The other side of the poster includes yet more interesting little nuggets of information about various characters and props, including the two mechs that play an integral part of the early episodes. It's really a must-read. The designs on the reversible cover are a well-defined closeup of a mech and a dashing, gun-toting Sousuke on the reverse. Taking into account Full Metal Panic's newfound dual personality the decision include a rather lavish reversible cover suddenly makes sense - one design reflects the action-packed mecha combat and the other design highlights the softer, romantic and comedic aspects of the show. A well thought-out, well put-together package that really sets the benchmark for future anime releases.
-- John Huxley 28th Apr 04
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