This is a live-update article and it will be updated as new details about Full Metal Panic Season 5 come our way. This is what we know so far.
Long gaps before releasing the next season is a normal scenario in the anime world. That is why anime fans always remain hopeful that the animation studio would release a new season for their favorite anime series one day. So when Studio Xebec revived Full Metal Panic for season 4 after 13 long years, fans were ecstatic! Now fans are on to the next question: Can they get Full Metal Panic Season 5? Here's what we know so far.
As of now, there are still no official announcements for the fifth installment of Full Metal Panic, but fans have every reason to believe it will come one day.
The popular mecha anime series had a long, confusing reputation of releasing its seasons.
Full Metal Panic was based on the 1998 series of light novels written by Shoji Gatoh and illustrated by Shiki Douji. It was an immensely popular manga series both in and out of Japan.
Let's take a look at the anime series' long and confusing history.
In 2002, the manga was adapted into an anime series (season 1) produced by Gonzo.
In 2003 Kyoto Animation produced Full Metal Panic! Fumoffu (season 2), a companion series to the debut season.
In 2005, 'Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid' (season 3) released as a continuation of Season 1.
After season 3, Kyoto Animation did not work on the series anymore.
In April 2018, season 4 of the mecha series titled 'Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory' was released under Studio Xebec with 13 episodes.
It took more than a decade before fans got to see Full Metal Panic again. They almost lost hope in seeing more of Full Metal Panic, but then author Shoji Gatoh supported the revival of the anime adaptation.
Because of that, the prospect of seeing season 5 will always remain.
The hope of seeing Full Metal Panic again will always be there, it's always just a matter of when.
If Studio Xebec will remain interested and dedicated to producing more installments for the anime series, then perhaps we'll see season 5 at least around 2024 or 2025. In the past, Full Metal Panic takes a 2-3 year gap before coming up with a follow-up season (except on season 4).
Shoji Gatoh's light novel series has a total of twelve full-length volumes, which were released from September 18, 1998, to August 20, 2010
Volumes 10-12 of the light novel series remain untapped, so there's a chance that season 5 will cover it. Each season in the past also covered two or three volumes of the light novel series. Therefore, the remaining volumes are just enough source material for a fifth season.
The first season covered the first three volumes of the light novel series. Season 2 was only a companion series. Season 3 continued the original story covering volumes 4 and 5 of the light novel series. Studio Xebec skipped Volume 6 and covered Volumes 7 to 9 for Season 4.
This article was reviewed and is up to date as of January 8, 2024.
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