Full Metal Panic Novel Discussion

[sy tao]

Originally Posted by MisterV

Well, novel 2 is finished. The link's now in my sig.

It's been fun. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and hope that I haven't ruined any of the emotional moments with awkward phrasing... hey, I didn't have time to re-read it thoroughly).

I must say, it was better than I thought, except one thing.

Spoiler:

He murdered Kalinin. And I don't mean the character's death - he just threw out the image of the character he created himself.
In Voice of the North, we get a rational, pragmatic, but human, and honourable officer. Mind you - he seemed to remain that way even after his wife died, in fact, he started caring about Sousuke from that time on.
In ZSBM, Kalinin is a goddamn failure. Not only is he not genre-savvy, he doesn't make sense at all. It's like he was replaced by a figure holding a poster which reads "one more villain for added drama". Yes, the last moment was good - the "Ikinasai" created a nice link to the past. However, everything else he does goes against that short story. It's like - you know, if you want him to become a half-crazed old coot that spits out cliche lines, then show it. What's in the book now is just an excuse.

This is the only big inconsistency that's been bothering me. Otherwise, it was better, and much more intense than I expected. Were this to be animated, it would be simply glorious.

I'S VERY HAPPY IN MAJOR MAJOR WAY!! you really made my day, i forgot my sickness..

THANK YOU SO MUCH misterV and also Feisty!

now, lemme read the FINAL NOVEL...

[sy tao]

where do i find misterv's sig? PLEASE HELP thanx

[sy tao]

found it~!!

here: http://xmistervx.livejournal.com/1954.html

[tommole]

Ive finished reading and i have to say it was an amazing ending, thank you so much for the translations, i cant thank you all enough =) Roll on the anime when they get their ass into gear

[MisterV]

I edited the original post to include the link to the LJ. I did add it to my signature in the profile here though. Must be some special forum rules for sigs?..

Anyways, thanks to you all. I hope to go back to some funny side stories later, although after a break, I think. Besides... it won't really be the same now.
As to the speed and all that, it's all thanks to the (wonderful, magical) WWWJDIC. I thought everyone knew it though, I don't think there's a better dictionary out there, except maybe some that you can only buy after selling a kidney.

I thought Sousuke wasn't out of character, he actually had some character development. It doesn't make up for Kalinin's character regression though...

EDIT: wait, what? the sig suddenly appeared?

[Heminga13]

Thanks for spending the time to translate these last two novels, MisterV!

Spoiler for Spoiler:

- A-ah... it's not like I'm against it, but... here? I mean... everyone is watching... this is a bit...right?..
And then Sousuke answered, as usual:
- No problem.

I read 'no problem' as 'not a problem' personally because that's the line I'm used to him saying in the anime. I can't recall if it's a different variation in the novels and such.

[CiNtUrO-cHaN]

MisterV, thanks again for the translation. I read it yesterday and I couldn't bring myself to stop. I really think that you made a great job, and with that short time... incredible, really. Thanks.

FeistyDreams, thanks a lot for the scanlations! They really help a lot to imagine the events, especially Kaname's outfit. Glad to know I imagined it more or less like it was drawed, some EVA-Azusa version lol.

BTW, I do have a few questions about the ending.

One question about certain translation of names:

Spoiler for Chidori:

In the translation, Sousuke refers to Kaname as "Chidori Kaname" when talking so angrily with Sofia, and refers to "Kaname" when thinking about her. But when he talks with Kaname, *real* Kaname... he has used "Chidori" until de very end, am I right? I'm asking this because I kind of had some theory from decades ago, like Sousuke would call Chidori by her first name in some gruesom, important part in the novels. I suppose I was wrong ---not that I'm complaining, because all of the things that Sousuke shouts to Sofia/Kaname are SO AMAZING. I supose that's the part MisterV was talking about when saying he wanted to do it properly?

And other questions & comments:

Spoiler for iro iro:

1) The whole Whispering/Whispered thing. So, it turns out that Kaname doesn't hear the whispering anymore... which means, she was a Whispered from the beginning and the one who was the Whispering wasn't herself, but Sofia? That pard kind of confused me at the end.

2) Kagurazaka-sensei's boyfriend, who is he? When she says something like "thanks for bringing us up", does that mean that they bring them together? I really don't recall it right now... maybe in some light novel I have'nt read...

3) I really liked Kurz's return. Soooooo much like him. And same to Mao and her reaction. I had to admit that I would have wanted some more developement of this two after the final battle, although according to Tessa's saying, it really seems they'll end up together. I also thought that the "pregnant woman" rumours were talking about Mao instead of Kagurazaka-sensei... oh well, give them time :P

I think I can recall any more questions right now. Overall, ZSBM2 is one of the best light novels of FMP. Can't wait to see it animated. And by the way, does anyone know something from Sigma's tankobouns?

[Illsteir]

Originally Posted by FeistyDreams

Well, I've finished my scans, and SOME of the clean-up
Here's the scrapbook album

Thanks for these too!
Wow that's one sexy bow.

[MutsuriLurker]

Originally Posted by CiNtUrO-cHaN

One question about certain translation of names:

Spoiler for Chidori:

In the translation, Sousuke refers to Kaname as "Chidori Kaname" when talking so angrily with Sofia, and refers to "Kaname" when thinking about her. But when he talks with Kaname, *real* Kaname... he has used "Chidori" until de very end, am I right? I'm asking this because I kind of had some theory from decades ago, like Sousuke would call Chidori by her first name in some gruesom, important part in the novels. I suppose I was wrong ---not that I'm complaining, because all of the things that Sousuke shouts to Sofia/Kaname are SO AMAZING. I supose that's the part MisterV was talking about when saying he wanted to do it properly?

And other questions & comments:

Spoiler for iro iro:

1) The whole Whispering/Whispered thing. So, it turns out that Kaname doesn't hear the whispering anymore... which means, she was a Whispered from the beginning and the one who was the Whispering wasn't herself, but Sofia? That pard kind of confused me at the end.

2) Kagurazaka-sensei's boyfriend, who is he? When she says something like "thanks for bringing us up", does that mean that they bring them together? I really don't recall it right now... maybe in some light novel I have'nt read...

3) I really liked Kurz's return. Soooooo much like him. And same to Mao and her reaction. I had to admit that I would have wanted some more developement of this two after the final battle, although according to Tessa's saying, it really seems they'll end up together. I also thought that the "pregnant woman" rumours were talking about Mao instead of Kagurazaka-sensei... oh well, give them time :P

Names :

I haven't read Mr V's translation yet, but I can assure you that in the japanese version, Sousuke actually spends his time switching crazily.

Spoiler for name-calling:

When he asks Tessa to take Kaname away, he says Kaname. When he talks directly to the girl, it's Chidori. During the tongue-lashing at the begining ? Chidori Kaname. (well, this one was to get her back, so... Better go full throttle, heh ?)

As for iro iro :

1/ Sorry, can't help. I understand jacksh-t about that Whispered thing, I usually skip these passages because they bore me to hell. I know, I'm bad.

2/ Mizuhoshi, the crazy-crazy art teacher.

Spoiler for paint the town red:

A coupla stories in the light novels are dedicated to their love-stoy. Kaname and Sousuke do help them along, actually.

3/

Spoiler for holding out for a hero:

Kurzie-Poo ! Yeah, me too, loved it, as well as the "Dainashi..." he got from everyone, Sousuke inculded ;D (I dunno how you translated it, Mr V, I myself don't know the English for it. It's a mix of "What, after everything happened, it turns out you were alive all along ? And you kept it away from us ? You thought we'd fall to your feet when you'd came back ? Well, You spoiled it, you flunked it / You're pissing on our parade, mate"). But yeah, Kurz Mao FTW.

Now, my questions are... When are we gonna see some AL2000 goodness ? And, what are Mao and Sousuke up to ? These two don't seem in a hurry to relinquish their

Spoiler for tools of the trade?:

weapons/military lives, despite Sousuke's last line. Will they set-up an A-Team like agency ??

OOOOH I just can't WAAAAAIIIIIIIT ! People, write some fics ! Gatoh, get your lily-white arse in gear and publish the damn stories you've got "lying around"...
*Lurk's having the time of her life.*

[meeiwen]

I was on the 3rd to the last page of MisterV's translation, and I just couldn't continue reading. It seems like I don't want FMP to end afterall... even after all those years of waiting.. Wah! This is soooooo sad!

[MutsuriLurker]

Originally Posted by meeiwen

I was on the 3rd to the last page of MisterV's translation, and I just couldn't continue reading. It seems like I don't want FMP to end afterall... even after all those years of waiting.. Wah! This is soooooo sad!

Ain't ending anytime soon, luv. There'll be one (or two, if we're lucky) light novels, and if we're extra lucky, we'll have some animation.
And remember, the fandom lives on

[FeistyDreams]

I still have to do quite a bit of re-drawing on my scans... Any of the scans that need re-drawing have not been cleaned up, since I'd rather do that when they're all together so I can make sure it looks even.

Originally Posted by MutsuriLurker

Now, my questions are... When are we gonna see some AL2000 goodness ? And, what are Mao and Sousuke up to ? These two don't seem in a hurry to relinquish their

Spoiler for tools of the trade?:

weapons/military lives, despite Sousuke's last line. Will they set-up an A-Team like agency ??

OOOOH I just can't WAAAAAIIIIIIIT ! People, write some fics ! Gatoh, get your lily-white arse in gear and publish the damn stories you've got "lying around"...
*Lurk's having the time of her life.*

I'm working on it, I'm working on it... >.> XDDD

I have a backlog of around 20 fics, although I may well scrap a few of them now that the final novels are out. I started one last night that picks up right where ZSBM2 leaves off (and I was yelled at by my friend Mika-Kuruyame for doing so, because of my backlog... XD)

[sy tao]

Dear Shoji Gatou,

"we want some short stories after ZSBM"

PS. an anime would also be appreciated.


*dammit just post it in your blog already...* arrrgghhh

[MutsuriLurker]

Originally Posted by FeistyDreams

I have a backlog of around 20 fics, although I may well scrap a few of them now that the final novels are out. I started one last night that picks up right where ZSBM2 leaves off (and I was yelled at by my friend Mika-Kuruyame for doing so, because of my backlog... XD)

I know ;D
I'm the one who's been pestering you lately, by dropping random reviews on 'A simple Truth' and 'Let me be myself' ;D (Catag's the name on ff.net )
I like what you do, luv, a lot. Keep the good work up.
Aaaaaaaaaaaand I want to read that fic of yours, the Beart order gone wrong. And ooooooooh, that Shiro ( Whitey ? The tiger) POV one ? Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee *badgering people rabbidly*

[meeiwen]

Originally Posted by MutsuriLurker

Ain't ending anytime soon, luv. There'll be one (or two, if we're lucky) light novels, and if we're extra lucky, we'll have some animation.
And remember, the fandom lives on

Right, right! But that would be like another one or two years of waiting, too, since Gatou would be busy (i assume) with Cop Craft. But, hell, we waited for this last novel for a decade so I guess 2 yrs wouldn't be so bad.

[MutsuriLurker]

Originally Posted by meeiwen

Right, right! But that would be like another one or two years of waiting, too, since Gatou would be busy (i assume) with Cop Craft. But, hell, we waited for this last novel for a decade so I guess 2 yrs wouldn't be so bad.

One year or two ? Ooooh, dunno about that
Coz he said that he had some stories 'lying around' (でもそれで、ちょっと寂しいので、未収録の短編に書き下ろしを足したりして、短編集はいずれ出せるかな、と思ってます。) and that he might slap them together with a couple of not-yet-written ones and publish them all in one book. A kind of 'Sequel' to ZSBM.

Soooooo... to put things bluntly, he's already got some written material, he just needs to decides wether he publishes them or not.

...
That'd better be a yes, my dear, revered Gatoh-sensei.

BTW, fellow FMP-tards. Is there a way to know if Dragon Monthly published some FMP side-stories ? If yes, is there a way to lay our grubby hands on them ?

[psicomenace]

Then in the last novel

Spoiler for ZSBM part2:

Sagara use this?:

And I hope soon some FMP light novel.

[MutsuriLurker]

Originally Posted by psicomenace

Then in the last novel

Spoiler for ZSBM part2:

Sagara use this?:

And I hope soon some FMP light novel.

Yep he does. Kinda... uncool ?
Personally, I laughed my heart out @ this. You can see him rushing toward his goal, the wind rushing in his hair... and then you realize he's riding this.
Hm. This is most def' a case of "What Do You Mean, It's Not Awesome?"

[FeistyDreams]

Originally Posted by MutsuriLurker

BTW, fellow FMP-tards. Is there a way to know if Dragon Monthly published some FMP side-stories ? If yes, is there a way to lay our grubby hands on them ?

I know for a fact that there are some short stories (pre-COMO) that have been published in the magazine, but not in any novels. ...I REALLY want to read the one that has Sousuke and Kaname pointing guns at each other. I'm assuming it's some kind of airsoft game, but...

At any rate, TDD-1 usually announces when things will be printed that are FMP related, and will describe what they were when they are. (It's how I know that Sigma has finally covered DVMC, even though I can't find those chapters ANYWHERE *sobs*)

And you can see what will be printed in the next volume of DM at the Fujimishobo site.

As for buying them, I'm not sure. Sasuga used to do single issues, but they're out of business now. Perhaps Asahiya or Kinokuniya? *shrug*

[psicomenace]

Originally Posted by MutsuriLurker

Yep he does. Kinda... uncool ?
Personally, I laughed my heart out @ this. You can see him rushing toward his goal, the wind rushing in his hair... and then you realize he's riding this.
Hm. This is most def' a case of "What Do You Mean, It's Not Awesome?"

I want just confirm,

Spoiler for ZSBM Part2:

then probably after the kisses, they (Kaname & Sagara) leave the school together in that bike.