Full Metal Panic

Full Metal Panic! ( furumetaru panikku?, often abbreviated to FMP!) is a science fiction light novel series written by Shouji Gatou. The novels contain both mecha action and comedy segments. It is known outside of Japan primarily by its anime and manga adaptations. This article discusses the larger Full Metal Panic! series of novels as well as the first animated adaptation.

The story has been animated in several separate occasions, following the plot of the novels in measured segments. The story is known for its mixture of its school segments focusing upon comedy and visual gags, and its longer and more serious plot arcs.

Both the novel and adaptations contain pop culture references, in-jokes, and oblique humor that is not readily obvious in its original language of Japanese. These include Monty Python, Limericks, and Puns in English. Additionally, certain character names and lines spoken are reminiscent of other famous anime series. Most recently, Full Metal Panic! has been referenced in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Shouji Gatou contributed as screen writer in one of the episodes and an interview in the official fan book.

Taken directly from the Full Metal Panic! wikipedia located here