Full Metal Panic! Sigma

The series had room for improvement, but I'll take it.

Overall, the series was decent, earning a 7/10 from me. The manga artist did an excellent job portraying the characters from the novel.

One aspect I'd like to highlight is Kaname as a character. In the original FMP, Kaname was great, but here she came across as emotionally weak and easily manipulated, unlike the strong-willed Chidori we all know.

I don't blame her, though; I blame the authors for putting her through so much and constantly changing her emotions. Because of this, Kaname became even more disliked, which I can understand given how poorly she was written.

This is my first review, so it might not be the best one. However, I really want to do it because this series means a lot to me. Full Metal Panic Sigma continues from where the first Full Metal Panic left off. For those who want to start reading this series, I recommend watching the anime's first season or reading Full Metal Panic! by Tateo Retsu, which serves as the prequel for this manga.

Now, let's get into the review.

Story: 10/10
The story unfolds meticulously and in detail, ensuring no aspect from the previous series is left out. The series progresses seriously without neglecting the humor that Full Metal Panic is known for. Despite numerous physics-defying concepts, the author wraps them up in a way that doesn't feel exaggerated to the reader. He cleverly tries to avoid any loopholes in the theories. As the manga advances, it doesn't follow a strictly linear storyline but includes short chapters with flashbacks. These flashbacks significantly aid character development and offer refreshing breaks between long arcs.

Despite the lack of romance in the earlier series, romantic elements are well-developed here. Sousuke and Kaname's relationship never becomes overly sentimental, yet this series proves that their love, despite obstacles, makes the manga truly enjoyable.

Art: 9/10
Personally, the art didn't impress me initially compared to Tateo Retsu's work, which captures more lively character expressions and gestures. Additionally, the battle scenes can be confusing due to how panels are organized and point of view issues. However, the art improves as the series approaches its conclusion. Despite some ups and downs, the artist worked hard on this series. They improved their character drawing, making them resemble those from the previous manga and anime. My only disappointment is that the last two or three chapters aren't as good as the others. Even though I'm disappointed by that, the artist's dedication shines through.

Character: 10/10
Character development is excellently handled in Full Metal Panic Sigma. The series concludes every character's arc, even those who have passed away. Every character's personal struggles—like Sousuke's feelings for Chidori or Tessa, and Mao and Kurtz's developments—are portrayed without rushing. Though slow, the pacing is perfect for concluding the series. Certain characters' deaths evoke sadness, but the author ensures their sacrifices aren't in vain and push the protagonist forward.

Enjoyment: 9/10
From start to finish, Full Metal Panic Sigma was an incredible journey. It encompasses fun, sadness, drama, and romance. Combining the story, characters, and art, this manga is highly satisfying.

Overall: 10/10
Full Metal Panic Sigma marks the best possible closure for the Full Metal Panic saga. I've followed this series since childhood and waited years for its continuation. Reading this manga felt like lifting a huge burden off my mind after all these years.

When I began watching the Full Metal Panic anime, I had no expectations. However, through the three seasons, I became deeply engrossed in the story to the point where I couldn't stop watching. As I approached the final season, "Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid," I was surprised by two things: the character development and the strong emotions conveyed. While there was still comedy, the entire season felt more intense. This gave me the impression that the series could be not just good, but great! Yet, what was the biggest flaw? It only covered the first 12 chapters of the manga. With that said, we can now move on to Full Metal Panic Sigma, which continues the story toward a conclusion.

Story 9/10

The story picks up after the end of the original series. For those unfamiliar, there's a mercenary organization called Mithril. Their goal is to prevent war and terrorism using the world's highest technology, surpassing even the U.S. or Soviet Union. By the way, the story takes place in an alternate timeline where the Cold War is ongoing. Back to the point. One of their rising members is Sergeant Souske Sagara, who is sent to protect Kaname Chidori, a girl with special abilities known as a Whispered. We don't know why she needs protection, but chaos resumes globally, and Sagara has to balance protecting Chidori in a school setting while fighting enemies in a mech.

What makes this story so interesting and fun is the constant turmoil within Mithril. There are betrayals, love triangles, and questions about Mithril's real purpose and the Whispered. Why is the enemy only now entering the picture? During Sigma, most of these questions are answered. This makes the manga great, presenting questions and delaying answers for many chapters. It allows the story to unfold slowly, making plot twists spectacular. Another reason I loved this manga is its similarity to Tom Clancy books, with added comedy and romance. Like Clancy's works, it has mystery and urgency but unfolds orderly without rushing. Sigma also adds more comedy and romance, making characters more interesting. Additionally, Sigma has its own version of the Red October, the Tuatha de Danaan.

Despite the fun and interesting plotlines, I can't give it a 10 for two reasons. First, some characters survive situations they shouldn't, which feels unrealistic and detracts from the story's emotional value. Second, there's an unnecessary filler arc. It wasn't bad but felt like the manga was spinning its wheels. Still, despite these flaws, the storyline was too good to ignore these aspects mostly.

Art (7/10)

I won't say much here. It wasn't bad; at times, it was quite good! The main issue was during fight scenes. In one scene, with many twists and turns as mechs flew down a corridor, I got lost visually, making the scene less enjoyable. This happened multiple times throughout the manga. Still, if you're better at following fight scenes than I am, up the ranking to 8.

Characters (10/10)

This easily made Sigma so much fun for me. Every character was interesting, from Souske to Mardukas, each bringing their own flair. What was great is that they were well-rounded from the start, each with their ambitions and goals. It made me sympathize with some characters or understand antagonists' motivations. Characters didn't make decisions randomly, enhancing the story's realism.

In particular, character development and relationships made them enjoyable. For instance:

Souske: Emotionless military hero turned passionate friend, lover, and protector.

Chidori: Hot-tempered crazy chick turned calm and collected fighter.

Tessa: Strong military commander turned caring and understanding friend.

These changes felt natural. Through pain, struggle, and conflict, each developed uniquely to become a better person. Even secondary characters developed over time, naturally fitting into the story's intensity. This naturalism made the show believable, allowing readers to connect with characters and the story, enhancing enjoyment.

The other thing making this story great is the character relationships. Without spoiling, connections and developments add to the story comically and dramatically. Looking back, the characters in this show are amazing! Whether during happy, sad, or intense moments, it was fun to watch them grow. Basically, go read the manga and see how much you'll enjoy every single character.

Enjoyment (10/10)

Overall (9/10)

While I'm giving Sigma an overall of 9/10, I must emphasize how important enjoyment is. I easily could have given this a 10/10. I loved this manga from its story and art to its characters. Sure, it has a few flaws like any manga or anime, but while reading, I forgot where I was. Because in my mind, I was growing with the characters, fighting alongside them. The best way to tell if you like any work of art is if you're transported away from your surroundings. I'm happy to say I was transported into their world, similar yet very different from ours. So while I gave this anime a 9/10, understand it's basically a 10/10 with a few flaws. Go read it! Or watch the anime and then read it! Whichever you choose, I love Sigma and the Full Metal Panic Franchise, hoping you will too.

The Full Metal Panic manga was surprisingly light in tone compared to Sigma. To be frank, Sigma takes itself a bit too seriously when contrasted with its earlier chapters.

Story: 9
The plot primarily centers on safeguarding Chidori, though Sigma delves less into school life and more into actual warfare. The narrative is quite engaging, although it occasionally becomes perplexing and sometimes even unsettling.

There are moments of confusion due to several unexplained scenarios and some highly technical aspects. As for the disturbing elements, numerous plot twists veer far from the lighter-hearted storyline of its preceding arc.

Art: 7
Not much to elaborate on here; character designs and actions remain fairly consistent. However, during intense battles, the artwork can become bewildering because of the blurred action sequences.

Enjoyment: 9
For a mecha series, this is quite commendable.

Overall: 8
A better balance between the storyline and slapstick comedy could make this series more appealing, rather than leaning so heavily towards a darker theme.

Since there's no review yet of this, I decided I'll be the first one to do it.

Full Metal Panic! Sigma is a continuation of the original Full Metal Panic! manga. It features different art styles, less comedy, and incorporates more romance and drama.

Story 9/10

Although the prequel contains many short stories of Sousuke humorously trying to protect Midori from minor threats, this one takes a different approach. The plot becomes more serious, includes more violence, and the romance between Sousuke and Midori grows deeper and more complex. It also reveals more about Sousuke's past.

Art 7/10

To be honest, when I first saw the art concept, I was somewhat disappointed. I really liked the original art style where you could feel more life and love from the characters. I can't quite describe it, but the character designs in Full Metal Panic! Sigma aren't as lively and cheerful. But as I continued reading, I got used to it and thought, 'It's not that bad.' - Although I still prefer the previous art style.

Enjoyment 9/10

I truly enjoyed it. It keeps you craving for more and desperately wanting to see what will happen next. I recommend anyone who read the prequel and wants to see further relationship developments between Sousuke and Midori to read this!

Sorry if you find any grammatical errors - and if you find the review too stiff and unmotivating... since I'm not that good of a reviewer ^^'

But I did highlight the main points of the series~

I hope you find this helpful - If not, then I hope someone can write a better review for you to read :-)