Full Metal Panic

Author: Shouji Gatou

In many ways, mecha are the bread and butter of anime. They define a lot of the best, most popular anime from the 1980s on. The initial series of Full Metal Panic was built on the back of mecha, as well as political intrigue, though much of that was lost in the follow-on series. The series deals with everything from romance to schooling to terrorism, and all of it manages to feel as if it weighs perfectly with everything else. The fish out of water aspects of a soldier in a school environment, as well as the beautifully realized character and background designs. What may be the most interesting aspect of it is the fact that this feels as if it's a post-9-11 series, though it was based on a series of novels from the late 1990s, and the series debut itself was delayed due to 9-11! Very much a look at the world of anti-terror movements, and the intersection of personal lives and security of the state within the world that might have gotten a little paranoid. Why it's on the list: One of the most impressive views of the world of today, only made fifteen years ago, and with a powerful eye towards the humans within the equation of security v. humanity.