Supposedly, the fourth anime of the action franchise “Fullmetal Panic!” titled, “Fullmetal Panic! Invisible Victory” would be making its debut in October 2016. But that did not come to pass as the words “this fall” was deleted from the official website in early April of this year. Now the site has confirmed that the series will now be set for Spring 2018.
For those who may not be familiar with the franchise, “Fullmetal Panic” is originally a series of light novels written by Shoji Gatoh and illustrated by Shiki Douji and was first released in September 1998. The series which currently has 23 volumes has individual chapters being published by Monthly Dragon Magazine and has paperback compilation done by Fujimi Shobo’s Fujimi Fantasia Bunko.
In the course of its run, the light novel series has been adapted into a total of three series. The first anime was released in 2002 titled “Full Metal Panic!” and was under the production of GONZO. 2003 brought in the second anime of the series titled “Fullmetal Metal Panic? Fumoffu.” Then in 2005 Kyoto Animaton produced, “Fullmetal Panic! The Second Raid” the third anime of the franchise.
The main story for the franchise tells of a young man named Sousuke Sagara, a member of the covert anti-terrorist private military organization known as Mithril. He has been tasked with the protection of a hot-headed Japanese high school girl named Kaname Chidori.
Not many details had been given on the fourth anime on the franchise aside from Katsuichi Nakayama acting as director and that the series would be animated by XEBEC.
In addition to the announcement, the site has also given explanation to the postponement, citing:
“In addition to the original staff who have worked on the series since the first one, we have added new members and have sank our teeth into the production. However, Full Metal Panic! is the title that demands high level of capability and vitality not only from the new members, but also from the original ones. We have almost given up the project many times.
At all such times, we worked our fingers to the bone in order to deliver the best work we can to the fans. Then literally, we reached our limit. We needed more time. We realize that we need to ask for more time to continue the production. As a result of various discussions, we have decided to postpone the airing to the Spring of 2018."
The news of the anime’s new debut was also announced at the panel for the anime series’ 15th anniversary at Anime Expo which held novel author Shoji Gatoh, illustrator Shiki Douji, and Bonta-kun as a secret guest and was reported via Twitter
Should fans wish to keep updated on the progress they could do so through the official website or through the official Twitter of the series which recently released a post citing:
“There will be many things we can announce in future, so it would be helpful if you can keep sending us your opinions and requests. We appreciate your kind cooperation for Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory.”
Source: Crunchyroll News