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last update- 06.13.02 Anime references are on this page 09.11.01 The anime series was scheduled to air beginning October '01, however it was postponed til January '02. There was a minor story element changed during this time, due to current events. Some also speculate that FMP! was delayed due to the story's terrorist material (like many movies and other titles were delayed here in the US due to the public's assumed hightened sensitivity). Afghanistan In the original story, Sousuke's first training is terrorist training in Afghanistan. Given current events, the animators have changed it to a fictional country in the same region. Sousuke's afghan terrorist connections have little to nothing to do with the current situation there. First, the story was written a few years before the current situation there. Second, the time period Sousuke was there, was in the mid eighties or so- during that time the Soviet Union was involved in invading that country (like it did so many other nearby countries). The USA was somewhat active in providing arms and training to the afghan fighters, but despite that, Afghanistan would never have had the military or firepower to resist the Soviets in a conventional war. Their best shot was taking the homefield advantage by using the rough terrain to wage terrorist guerilla warfare. This is the terrorist activity Sousuke would have been involved in. Arbalest- name 'Arbalest' is a the type of Middle-Age era crossbow. It was a very destructive weapon. Dragon Magazine- appearances FMP! runs in Dragon Magazine, and it's popped up within the story, tongue in cheek style. Anime Episode 1- Lina Inverse (Slayers) is on the cover. There is a Shiki Douji illustration of Sousuke reading Dragon Magazines (why does he look freaked out?). Mithril- name I'm assuming 'Mithril' is a Tolken reference. It has since become somewhat common in Tolken-influenced fantasy and RPG situations. Mithril is a special silver-like metal, very strong and durable and maybe a little magic. Tuatha de Daanan (or Danann)- name Tuatha de Daanan is a reference from Celtic folklore. According to the stories, the Tuatha de Daanan was a race of people who invaded Ireland. They were highly intelligent with advanced technology (for the era), and no small amount of magical abilities. Eventually they went to live underground, where folklore says they still dwell today. Some stories claim they are one of the founding races of the Celt people. |