Light Novel Review - Full Metal Panic! Vol 1: Fighting Boy Meets Girl

Name - Full Metal Panic! Vol 1: Fighting Boy Meets Girl
Published by - J-Novel Club
Written by - Shouji Gatou
Visual Art by - Shikidouji
Translated by - Elizabeth Ellis

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.