Originally Posted by LenMiyata
Grumble Grumble sneeze! Grumble Grumble
From what I understand of the development of the 'Full Metal Panic Series', they were originally based on two different Japanese book (printed text) series. There was the serious novel series, (which eventually spawned off a Manga series), and resulted in the 'Full Metal Panic!' anime series. The second series was a collection of short stories (side stories from the main novel series), which spawned off a different manga series, and became the 'Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu' anime. The third FMP series that is currently under production for a late summer release in Japan (Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid) is a continuation of the novels story line.
I'm not so sure about Cromartie High School. After seeing two episodes in the NewType USA DVD sampler, the series just rubs me the wrong way... (As did the US cartoons 'Ren and Stimpy' and 'Beavis and Butthead') If your into those kind of series, then Cromartie HS may be your thing, as well as the Production I.G. OVA known as 'Dead Leaves'...