Full Metal Panic Novel Discussion

[Sabu113]

Long time lurker just wanting to thank Fiesty, Hunter and the rest for the updates on FMP another news and the summaries (and pics). Been a long time since I finished the last novels and it's nice to get some idea about what may eventually be translated.

Hoping Illuminati or some other organization picks up any FMP another manga after sigma finishes up finally.

Could someone pm me with a confirmation that there is no english translation project in mind? (or even plans for an official translation?)

[FeistyDreams]

Originally Posted by mtgowns

Ah, makes some sense I guess.

Another question just came up:

Spoiler for Another Question:

I just read that in the last novel, Kalinin kills Leonard, who is then killed by Sousuke; it also says that not too late after TSR Kalinin meets with Leonard. Is there elaboration as to why he would contact the enemy, then kill him and then get killed by his adopted son?

Spoiler:

Leonard contacted Kalinin, gave him some info and told him what his goal was, told him to think on it. When Kalinin saw the truth of some of the things he didn't believe, he decided to put his trust that Leonard's ultimate goal was possible, and defected.

Kalinin killed Leonard because Leonard was going to blow up the only chance of obtaining that goal, which Kalinin had become driven to see come to fruition, just because Leonard had been defeated there.

Kalinin was dead anyways when he and Sousuke fought, too many injuries, no way to care for them. It became more about seeing the true Sousuke, if he could kill the man who was like a father to him or not, and showing him that he was weak, a "sheep in wolves clothing." And besides that, Kalinin could have helped save Kaname at any point, but instead was a captor. Not something Sousuke could really forgive.

[mtgowns]

Originally Posted by FeistyDreams

Spoiler:

Leonard contacted Kalinin, gave him some info and told him what his goal was, told him to think on it. When Kalinin saw the truth of some of the things he didn't believe, he decided to put his trust that Leonard's ultimate goal was possible, and defected.

Kalinin killed Leonard because Leonard was going to blow up the only chance of obtaining that goal, which Kalinin had become driven to see come to fruition, just because Leonard had been defeated there.

Kalinin was dead anyways when he and Sousuke fought, too many injuries, no way to care for them. It became more about seeing the true Sousuke, if he could kill the man who was like a father to him or not, and showing him that he was weak, a "sheep in wolves clothing." And besides that, Kalinin could have helped save Kaname at any point, but instead was a captor. Not something Sousuke could really forgive.

Spoiler:

I see, that makes sense. I had figured Kalinin would be a man more loyal to his principles rather than Mithril itself. Although it irks me that a supposedly battle-hardened, matured and intelligent man would be a key accomplice of a kid who looks down on the rest of the world (as in he has a limited understanding of what being human is actually about).

I guess I need to get my hands on the translated novels.

[gordol]

first images from Another 4

Spoiler for pic:

[HunterSeeker]

Thanks to Gordol and local forums I've received first batch of pics and some minor spoilers, unfortunately I have to take my time between this and my daily work, so this update may come a bit slower......but steadily.
I promise.

[HunterSeeker]

Well, today I finally have some time to do updates.

First off, picture time again.

Spoiler for head images of FMPA vol4:

Three guesses regarding who made her wear like a cowgirl. (Alright, I don't actually know)


Major characters in this book (from left to right):
Kikuno Sanjo, mercenary for the rebels (can't translate:-/)
Stepan Illich Mikhailov, mercenary for the rebels (can't translate:-/)
Akira Sanjo, mercenary for the rebels: "That means, my sister only wants an opponent"
Sara Samura, Major of Maranba Republic: "For this country, no one should get destroyed......"
Yusuf bin Muhammad bin Karim Al Kaytry, DOMS operator: "In the name of my ansector Ibrahim, I'll defeat the unjust ones!"
Tatsuya Ichinose, DOMS operator: "Not yet......Let's go!"
Adelina Aleksandrovna Kerenskaya, DOMS operator: "Here's the payback for things before"

Spoiler for other images of FMPA vol4, without dedicated order as usual:

Awww.




Start to feel what's like in warzone, kid?


Piloted by the local yandere? Oops.




Judging from these 3 pics, I guess Sara is KIA and bring up shocks among all you them.



Enter the cowgirls.


KURZ F***ING WEBER. What the hell's with your face?


......Gatoh must get shot. (For this kind of stuff anyway)


Action speaks louder than hundred words.
Welcome back, flirting deadeye sniper.

Spoiler for AS data:

AS-1 "Blaze Raven" second prototype
Basic Weapons: Ericon GEC-D 40mm AS Rifle, Toshiba Tyte 10 Monomolecular Cutter, EHI "Dragonfly" Close Combat System, etc
--From Gatoh: as of the stories since volume 3, this machine is made so that Tatsuya and Adelina can duel on an equal basis. The second unit is bacically a copy of the first regarding unit specs, but in the future it may receive modifications or attachments. Its new weapon, Dragonfly, is a direct translation from the Japanese spear Tonbogiri.
--From HS: FYI, Tonbogiri(蜻蛉切) is one of the Three Great Spears of Japan used by Honda Tadakatsu, one of the best Senkoku generals under Tokugawa Ieyasu during late Senkoku Japan. I bet some of you may already know him and Tonbogiri from the Senkoku Musou/Samurai Warriors series though.



Arcenciel
Producer: Giart (?) TTO
Height 8.3m Weight 11.5t
Reactor: Euro Reactor EPR-3 (2150KW)
Maximum Operation Time 180hrs, max speed 160km/h, max jumping height 30m
Fixed Armaments: FN M2HB(S) 12.7mm Autocannon or Giart GFA M811 25mm Autocannon
Optional Weapons: Grart-Manrihe BVH 40mm Rifle, Hugues VGM-A2(M) "Versal 2" Multi-purpose Missile, Otto-merara "Mantis" 76mm Low Recoil Cannon, BAE Systems MMC-C2 Monomolecular cutter

The 3rdGen AS from France as the progress of Mistral 2 line, which basically follows the design concepts from it, but since France treat AS as a kind of combat vehicle so its CQC capability isn't a primary concern (there're even initial plans for it to become a four-legged armoured vehicle------wait, isn't that Armoured Core?). Arcenciel tries to extend the AS concept as a hidden threat, so it mainly goes for stealth capability in order to wait for a long time and conduct hit-and-run attacks------though it's mainly considered as 2.5ndGen AS since it's inferior to other 3rdGen like M9 pr Zy-99 except their reactor.
Also, Euro Reactor is led by France's Framatom compant along with other European energy enterprises, which export their military reactors to other countries (which can't produce reactors by themselves) like Sweden, Spain and South Africa.
(From Gatoh: The anti-personnel gun among Mistral 2's hips, while it's practical, does raise some concerns among readers......)



Mistral 2 (Debut in TSR Episode 1)
Producer: Giart (?) TTO
Height 7.8m Weight 14.5t
Reactor: Chewbo-mecha "Tentis 1B" Gas Turbine Engine (1500KW)
Maximum Operation Time 200hrs, max speed 110km/h, max jumping height 15m
Fixed Armaments: FN M2HB(S) 12.7mm Autocannon
Optional Weapons: Giart GFA FAMAG-G2 35mm Rifle, Grart-Manrihe BVH 40mm Rifle, Hugues VGM-A2(M) "Versal 2" Multi-purpose Missile, BAE Systems MMC-C2 Monomolecular cutter

Basically an extended design from armoured combat vehicles, this French 2ndGen AS can be seen as an armoured vehicle with arms and legs (which Arcenciel followed suit). Mistral 1 was also one of the few handful 1.5stGen AS made for AS research, and they all retired at this point.
Though the placing of the M2 Autocannon becomes a laughing stock regarding its design, Mistral 2 has the advantage of its module design and the capability to use parts from armoured vehicles, making it easy to use. But Gas Turbine engines are really hard to maintain, so export models will use diesel engines which, while making its performance inferior to the original, ensures lower-tech countries can also use them well------though the buyers have the say to use either design with different concerns.
While it looks like slow and bulky, its mobility, armour defence and electronics are actually better than Savage, and its low price tag (from a western design anyway) leads to good sales around the world (even to unstable countries), only bested by Savage and M6 series.



Mikhailov's AS
Producer: Unknown
Height 8.5m? Weight ~10t?
Reactor: Unknown
Maximum Operation Time Unknown, max speed 220km/h (estimation), max jumping height 45m (estimation)
Fixed Armaments: Unknown
Optional Weapons: Monomolecular cutter (specs/production unknown)

A mysterious AS spotted in Maranba Republic, and while it's certainly a 3rdGen AS, it's probably an one-off prototype since there're no data about this AS around the world, nor there're any close reference to any AS produced (though it has similar designs like M9 and Zy-99). From its combat capabilities it's estimated for stealth ops, especially its extreme mobility even exceeds that of M9A2SOP "Sigma Elite". Since it's strange for Maranba rebels getting such a high-end AS, it's sure that someone or some organization is providing this machine......
(From HS: You sure it's not two Zaku heads kidbashing into one head?)



Ape E50 (Power Slave)
Producer: CAT
Height 4.8m Weight 5.4t
Reactor: CAT C24 Diesel Engine
Maximum Operation Time 14hrs, max speed 23km/h
Fixed Armaments: None
Optional Weapons: None

An American PS, it's basically one of the new challengers to the worldwide PS bestseller Daidara of Japan------and one of the better models among them. Being used by Countryside Firefighters and National Sapper units in US, Ape boasts a high power engine with unique structures to provide agile movements, but it has worse fuel consumption than Daidara while malfunctions more. Also its side/backview is so limited that some field operations require ad-hoc mirrors on them.



Tiny Savage
Producer: Twoson Instruments
Height 5.8m Weight 4.4t
Reactor: Barn Factory BF-2C Gasoline Engine (620KW)
Maximum Operation Time 4hrs, max speed 80km/h, max jumping height 8m
Fixed Armaments: None
Optional Weapons: None

In theory, this thing should be considered as a Power Slave but this is actually a fanmade model.
Among SE Asia and resort cities in Middle East there're still AS melee shows on the run (and recalled Namsk's one in BOMF? Its operation is now systemized and become a tourist spot), but since it's hard for individuals to own a proper AS without resorting to alternate means, some hardcore fans will produce these kind of "Sport PS", which are custom made PS models with better mobility.
Tiny Savage is modified from American Hellcat's G80, but even its appearance is alike Savage, other stuff like muscle package, external frame and part of the controlling system are still the same; and since its armour is made from FRP and Carbon-fibres, there're basically zero bulletproof capability.



Up to down: Heat Tonfas, Monomolecular cutter, Heat Hammer

Even as a new kind of weapon, people doesn't consider Arm Slaves' CQC capability in the first place until the widespread of 2ndGen AS: from various trainings or skirmishes it's shown that AS combat can happen in close quarters, leading to dedicated CQC weapons' rollouts.
In the early days, CQC weapons are ad-hoc made from raw stuff like a hammer-shaped explosives or sometimes a large caliber HE shell (thus Heat Hammers) as one-off CQC weapons, and due to its ease of production they're still in use today. As time flies close combat motions for AS become more refined (including defense or dodging motions), so these kind of raw and simple attack methods aren't so effective anymore------then there comes monomolecular cutters. Swirling cubic carbon materials among small group of blades in a high speed, they can cut just about anything and, since they're treated as knives and swords like those on humans, different combat motions become possible and are especially adaptable on 3rdGen AS for their mobility.
But Monomolecular cutters aren't without its flaws: Just one fight can render the blades useless, and may even break up when cutting thick armour layers. Its complex designs, cooling systems are also serious problems to face, making their cost-effectiveness way inferior to Heat Hammers.
Still, with their increased usage in industrial or construction purposes, monomolecular cutters become cheaper and more widespread than before------military shows around the world may even show different shapes of them.

[grylsyjaeger]

Adelina looks the spitting image of Nami.

Ah my heart...

[MisterBaka]

Spoiler for .:

Stepan Illich Mikhailov!

Funk yeah, ze bad Russians return! Wee straik again!
I just hope they don't make this guy with an awesome badass name (trust a Russian on this) too propaganda-kind stereotypical. They had this problem in the original saga to some extent.
Thank you, HunterSeeker, thank you very mich!

[gordol]

Thanks Hunter for the translations! Requesting a translation of the Mistral II text. Also any explanation for the Arcenciel subarms?

Here's some more spoilers and a description of the Dragonfly weapon

ドラゴンフライの見た目は結構好みだな
・内蔵のアジャイルスラスタで機動変更
・穂先をワイヤーで射出
・57ミリ砲装備
と結構万能系の武器


フルメタアナザー4巻内容バレ

・前半の話はかなりハード
・ブレイズレイヴンのドラゴンフライは小型アジャイルスラスタ内蔵、槍先がアンカーの様に射出、隠し武器に 57ｍｍ榴弾砲とかなりトリッキーで面白い
・アデリーナＶＳ菊乃はライフル、十式単分子カッター、マグナムを使い果たすも何とか勝利
・ユースフＶＳ旭は肉を切らせて骨を絶つでユースフの辛勝　ユースフマジヒーロー
・達哉はこの内戦中何度も怒りで敵を殺したくなる衝動に駆られるが殺す事ができない
・内戦の黒幕はアメリカ
・ブレイズレイヴンが大破し、達哉が殺されそうになるが、ユースフが敵を殺し、助かる
・ユースフはこれが初めての人殺し　口では大丈夫だ心配するなと達哉に言ってたが、かなり精神的にきてるっ ぽい
・この内戦に隠された残酷な真実を知り、落ち込む達哉

・後半の話はほぼクルツが主役
・クルツは駄目な大人になっている
・リーナに嫌われてるクルツ、しかし後半デレる
・クララが将来ビッチになりそうでクルツ「さすがは俺の娘
・神業でクララ達を助け、クララを諭したりとクルツカッコいい
・エピローグでマオとバクスターが爆死

[Yye1]

wow, loos like kurz still got it, I wonder if Mao and Kurz brings up Kaname and Sousuke at all? BTW, wat the hell is with the hawaiian shirt

[SkoolRumble4Ya]

So did Kurz mention anything important?

[Ithekro]

Probably that he thinks his daughter is cute.

[Key Board]

There's something about the Ravens the reminds me of

[HunterSeeker]

Originally Posted by Key Board

There's something about the Ravens the reminds me of

Just the heads IMO. Blaze Raven are more alike to 00 Gundam series, which also came from Ebikawa Kanetake. Also note that Falken's head is, since I saw it back in OG2, quite femine as opposite to Wurger.

Regarding gordol's Japanese spoilers......(wiki info included)

Spoiler for Additional info about Dragonfly:

Dragonfly is a 10m Jumonji Yari-shaped weapon which has 3 Monomolecular Cutters, allowing the user to conduct stab, slash and other combat motions; the "spearhead" part can also shoot wires to hold enemies, and there're also a pre-installed 57mm Shotcannon, making it a very versatile weapon. Support wise, also contains a down-scaled Agyro Thruster so that Blaze Raven can do irregular manouvers.

Spoiler for basic spoilers:

1. Fighting in Maramba: Tatsuya's BR /w Dragonfly isn't that well-maintained, but by sheer gap of AS specs, he is able to defeat AS regiments of RK-02 Scepter and Savage along with Yusuf's Shadow. It should be noted that Tatsuya, even though he may become angry, didn't actually try to kill anyone.
2. Along with Sara's Arcenciel they proceeds to suppress the rebels, but a mysterious black AS (with ECS) appears and the table is turned: fellow Arcenciels got destroyed one by one, and though Tatsuya managed to destroy that AS' left arm by Dragonfly and Type 10, his BR also got its arms and Agyro Thrusters slashed, heavily damages it. Just as he got out of the machine enemy Savage showed up......Forcing Yusuf to kill the enemy.
3. Adelina (BR no.2) vs Kikuno (Scepter) after the former destroys enemies around command tower and the later burned down Maramba's capital. They basically fight from weapons to weapons, from rifle to cutters (Adelina's both got destroyed since BR can't fully use Agyro in city area, and Kikuno's CQC skill is just hax), and Adelina finally wins by a hidden AS revolver. Meanwhile Yusuf is fighting against Akira and just barely wins after a tough fight. No mention about the timeframe though (possibly before what mentioned above).
4. Remember Yusuf kills to save Tatsuya? He said he's OK but is obviously mentally shocked, since it's his first time to kill anyone.
5. AMERICA IS CONTROLLING THIS CIVIL WAR. (Oh Gatoh, you think it's just on novels?) Tatsuya also got to know hidden truths about this war and suffered from BSOD. (Go to TVTropes if you don't know the last term:P)
6. Kurz Weber returns in the second half of the book. As what the pic shows, he's obviously not a good role model as an adult. Especially what he says after Clara shows her "capability" to become a bitch in the future? "As expected from my daughter!" (I'll like to hand him a middle finger for this.) Obviously Adelina doesn't like him.
7. Still he leaves his shade as a bad adult, becomes a badass again and helps the group in a pinch, then proceeds to lecture Clara.
8. Epliogue:

Spoiler:

MAO AND BAXTER'S VEHICLE EXPLODED. STATUS UNKNOWN.

I should probably check 2ch if there're better news......That said, volume 4 seems to be a good one.
Also note that my previous post was updated with Mistral 2's info.
I'll update some spec info regarding Blaze Raven's Agyro Thrusters later on.

[gordol]

Hunter i found HQ complete scans for both vol 01 and 02 AS Data Files!

Requesting your awesome translations of the paragraphs if possible, since you've already covered the basic stats.

vol 02

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vol 01


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[Yye1]

so kurz just shows up?

[Darxx]

Hi guys!
I got one question regarding FMP novels I found on amazon.com (english translated) that I want to buy. From vol 1-4 I think it covers the anime 1 season and 3rd season ( second raid). Should't vol 5 cover the events after the second raid? I read the the only review on amazon regarding vol 5 and it says:

Tessa and Chidori have been captured by the terrorist organization A-21 and are being used as pawns to get information out of Kalinin. Even if they can find a way to escape, Sosuke is missing, and might be dead, and A-21 is preparing to activate "The Behemoth", a monstrous Lambda driver mecha that makes Mithril's AS's look tiny by comparison. And its pilot is half insane because he needs drugs to pilot it. We also get some background on Tessa, something we never see in the anime version. Parts of this book have already been adapted in anime form but half of it has not, so if you liked the anime, you should check this out. The thing that I like about the manga is that Sosuke and Chidori's relationship has a lot more tenderness to it. There are moments such as them sheltering from a rainstorm and Sosuke offering her his sleeping bag and Chidori asking if she can use his lap as a pillow. There's also a lot of action here, so this would make a good read whether you're a guy or a girl.

Is it some kind of mistake or it's just the ways it is? Should't be vol 5 the very marry christmas ?
Thx in advanced.
(I can post links if you want.)

[FeistyDreams]

Ending Day By Day was the last novel translated and published in English. I just double-checked Amazon, the volume 5 with that review is from the manga illustrated by Retsu Tateo. It's not one of the novels.

[Darxx]

Too bad. Thx for the answer mate.

[Von Himmel]

Umm guys, I've just recently finished reading vol 12 and got a little bit confused at the end. What actually happened with Al that he could survive the nuclear blast? Did he used Lambda Driver by himself?

...also, this might be because of my reading comprehension seems to be severely lacking, but how did Sousuke/Al couldn't use his lambda driver again in that final battle?