Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 27 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 27 by Hiromu Arakawa

The final volume of this story does not disappoint. The heroes have their big battle with the main homunculus, who seems initially invulnerable thanks to his use of multiple philosopher's stones and his assuming God-like powers. The heroes make some interesting combination attacks and some self-sacrifices to gain the victory. The fight is exciting to the end. The aftermath nicely wraps up various plot points and personal relationships between characters. It's a great finale for a well-developed story.

This series is well worth reading, even though it's twenty-seven volumes long. The occasional lulls in excitement and story development are more than made up for by the great world-building, fascinating characters, and overall plot excellence. Each volume takes less than half an hour to read, so it does go quickly if the reader is focused. I borrowed this volume by volume from the library, which worked great for me.

Highly recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 26 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 26 by Hiromu Arakawa

As the eclipse increases, the "father" of the homunculi performs his ritual with just the right set of people (mostly the heroes who are fighting him). He summons a great power but also needs a lot of resources to contain it. The heroes step up their attack in hopes of keeping him off-guard enough to stop his evil plans or let him get overwhelmed by the excessive power he is trying to take on.

The story is very exciting and only continues for one more volume, so this big battle will be the last. Some of the twists in the fights (like who has the biggest transmutation circle) are interesting and fun. The author does a good job of upping the ante even at the end. I can't wait for the next volume.

Highly recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 25 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 25 by Hiromu Arakawa

The "father" of the homunculi gathers all the human sacrifices he needs for his "Day of Reckoning" ceremony. The good guys fight the good fight but are slowly sucked in to the elaborate trap. This volume is a lot more action and getting pieces in place for the big finale. It's fun but not as enjoyable as previous issues. The end is clearly in sight and I am excited to get there.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 24 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 24 by Hiromu Arakawa

The battle in Central City really heats up as Major General Armstrong takes over the Presidential Palace. The only problem is that the Fuhrer-President, King Bradley, has just returned from his apparent death in a train wreck many issues ago (of course, his body wasn't found which is a major tipoff to anyone who's read much adventure fiction). All the battles in town merge at the Palace as the heroes gather there. Some heroes are underneath the Palace where the "father" of the homunculi (which includes King Bradley) is preparing for a huge sacrifice that will give him great power (at the cost of the city's citizens).

The action is more or less non-stop in this issue. The return of the king is exciting as he leads a counter-assault to take the palace from our heroes. By the end, the Day of Reckoning ritual seems to start, which could spell the end for the good guys or the bad guys. I can't wait to read more.

Highly recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 23 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 23 by Hiromu Arakawa

The battles in and around Central City continue unabated. Alphonse Elric has a philosopher's stone which he uses to fight Pride and Kimblee rather than restore his normal body. The Elric brothers are heroes, after all. Speaking of siblings, Major General Armstrong is finally reunited with her brother Alex in a massive battle against the homunculus Sloth and the forces of the president. Ed, Scar, and a handful of others take on Envy. All the while, the homunculi's "father" is waiting below Central City for the big confrontation.

This is another exciting volume. The action is almost non-stop but the author still has time to advance the story and show the depth of the characters.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 22 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 22 by Hiromu Arakawa

A desperate plan hatched by Alphonse captures Selim Bradley, aka the homunculus Pride. The rest of the heroes are converging on Central City, fighting the conspirators' forces along the way. In the city, they use a disguised ice cream truck to move about. Major General Armstrong reveals her intention to fight the President's men and escapes from inside the president's headquarters. Hopefully she can unite with the others to evade the "Day of Reckoning" that is threatening the whole country. Ed's reunion with his dad isn't so emotional since there's still so much to get done to foil the bad guys.

The story is exciting as ever with fun and intelligent action.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 21 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 21 by Hiromu Arakawa

A plot to kill King Bradley seems to have succeeded (no body is found, so draw your own conclusion from that), leaving a power vacuum that people are scrambling to fill. That big story isn't resolved because something more sinister happens--Al's armor body is taken over by the homunculus Pride. Pride is ready to take on Ed and Greed, with a big battle at the end of this book.

The story is both action-packed and plot-driven. Characters are still getting developed and it seems like an actual ending is coming. I'm enjoying this a lot.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 20 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 20 by Hiromu Arakawa

After the extended flashback in Volume 19, we're back to the main story. Ed makes an unlikely alliance to continue his fight against the homunculus conspiracy. Al and his team have a dramatic fight with the homunculus Envy that ends in defeat...for Envy, who is reduced to a minuscule worm. The worm doesn't die and begins causing trouble as soon as he can. Al also has a reunion with his estranged father that's...awkward. Meanwhile, Lt. General Armstrong fights her brother for control of the family, but it seems more like a ploy to get family members out of town as "the promised day" approaches. It's not really clear what "the promised day" is, but the homunculi are excited about it so it must be bad.

The story is still really good and has me reading on!

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 19 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 19 by Hiromu Arakawa

This volume starts with the backstory of Ed and Al's dad which details his relationship with the first homunculus and how he wound up where he did. The story then shifts back to modern day where Al falls apart literally and the crew has to carry him back to the fort in pieces. Meanwhile, Ed's near death experience gives him some new unexpected allies. Also meanwhile, Major General Armstrong meets with President Bradley (who is the head of the homunculus conspiracy). She plays a dodgy game of cat and mouse with the president, making readers wondering which side she is really on.

The story gets more complicated and interesting as it goes along. A lot of details are explained or expanded on in the best possible ways. I can't wait for more!

Highly recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 18 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 18 by Hiromu Arakawa

Winry Rockbell is brought to Fort Briggs in the north to fix up Edward's auto-mail arm and leg (again). But she's really a pawn in King Bradley's plan to force Edward into creating another Philosopher's Stone. The king's agent, Mr. Kimblee, tells Edward he needs to start the ritual and hunt down the fugitive Scar. Edward reluctantly agrees, demanding to hunt Scar first. The hunt turns into an opportunity to doublecross the Homunculus conspiracy in a thrilling showdown with Scar. Meanwhile, Lt. Hawkeye makes an unsettling discovery at the capital.

The story is exciting as it ramps up the conflict between the humans and the homunculi. Arakawa does a great job balancing action and drama as the plot naturally draws out both from its the story's progression.

Highly recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 17 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 17 by Hiromu Arakawa

The adventures in the frozen north continue as the new homunculus, Sloth, is gradually defeated through intelligent tactics, because brute force does not do the job. The Elric brothers and Major General Armstrong play tricky games of cat and mouse, first with each other, then with Lieutenant General Raven. Raven is one of the Furher-President's lackeys who has come north for a variety of secret reasons. The grand scheme of the bad guys is finally revealed but will the good guys be able to stop them?

The bigger story works surprisingly well, a natural outgrowth of what has happened before. The scheme makes sense for the bad guys and fits in with the overall story. The new characters are well-developed and fun to read. We also find out more about the brothers' dad and his role in what's going on.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 16 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 16 by Hiromu Arakawa

The Elric brothers are still searching for a cure for themselves and a way to defeat the homunculus conspiracy controlling their country. They've discovered a foreign alchemical power that focuses on healing which obviously might help them. They pursue May Chang, an alchemist from Xia who has the healing power. Chang is fleeing with Scar who is looking for his brother's alchemical secrets. The pursuit takes them north into more danger and a few more revelations, including a new big bad guy.

The story still has an interest in moral and social considerations. One leader deliberately ignores the nationality of their subordinates because it's more productive to treat individuals as individuals rather than assuming stereotypes that just promote distrust and misunderstanding. The moral undertone is satisfying without being preachy.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 15 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 15 by Hiromu Arakawa

Now that the Elric brothers know that King Bradley is a homunculus, and King Bradley knows that they know, and they know that he knows that they know, the brothers are forced to work for Bradley. So what dramatic development happens in this issue? A massive flashback to the war in Ishbal, where the government conducted a genocidal campaign against the Ishbalans. They even used the state alchemists to be more efficient at wiping out the enemy. And they let one of the alchemists use the Philosopher's Stone to test its powers. Too bad he goes crazy.

The background is interesting, giving the stories of Roy Mustang and other mid-level characters in the ongoing story. The fate of Winry's parents is shown, along with the heartless evil of King Bradley. This was not a particularly fun outing of the story, but it is compelling storytelling.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 14 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 14 by Hiromu Arakawa

The Elric brothers are in custody of the bad guys. Prince Lin from Xing is with them and volunteers to become a homunculus so he can be immortal. Too bad he's taken over by Greed, who doesn't want to give up the body and certainly doesn't want to go back to Xing and rule. The Elrics have a hard choice when they face King Bradley (seemingly the head of the bad guys), who wants to keep them as a valuable resource. If they agree to the king's demands, they will have to stop fighting the homunculi. Can they do nothing about the homunculi conspiracy and still find a way to get Al's body and Ed's arm and leg back?

The story is still exciting and deals with more complicated issues than you'd expect. The debate over the morality of using the philosopher's stone (which is created by mass murdering people and putting their souls into the stone) is interesting and creates more tension. I'm happy it's got more going on than the typical action and jokes in other manga.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 13 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 13 by Hiromu Arakawa

Ed and Prince Lin are swallowed by the homunculus Gluttony and are trapped in some nether realm that clearly can't be Gluttony's belly. It's far too large. Can they find a way out? Little brother Al is distraught at the loss of his brother and tries to work the problem from his end, i.e. from the real world. Meanwhile, Col. Mustang looks for allies in the military branch who will help him oppose King Bradley, who is also a homunculus. The mission is proving to be very difficult.

The story is still very interesting and creative, leaving me want to read more. The action in the story builds the drama and expands what readers know about the world the characters live in. I can't wait for more!

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 12 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 12 by Hiromu Arakawa

Ed and Al continue their battle with Scar. They find out Winry's parents were killed by Scar after they had cured him during the last war. Winry shows up in time to hear the news. Sh picks up a loaded gun and then has to decide to take revenge or not. Meanwhile, the homunculus Gluttony is captured by the good guys and taken to a secret location. They want to get information out of Gluttony, and possibly the Philosopher's Stone imbedded in him. That will help Ed and Al get their full bodies back. Or it could help the visiting prince from Xing who wants to gain immortality. So the good guys come into conflict but happily they try to talk it out.

The story is becoming more exciting with lots of new revelations about major characters and perils aplenty for everyone. The conspiracy is growing larger and more complicated and more mysterious. This is a fascinating series and I am looking forward to the next volume.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 11 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 11 by Hiromu Arakawa

Ed's bittersweet reunion with his dad is bad enough. Then he finds out that Ed and Al's attempted resurrection of their mom actually raised a different person (but only briefly) . So Ed's lost limbs and Al's lost body were in vain. A lot more intrigue and soul-searching happens during this issue. Their old enemy, Scar, comes back and the homunculi conspiracy gets reorganized after their defeat in the last issue. Plenty of problems are coming down the pike.

This is another interesting step forward for the series.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 10 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 10 by Hiromu Arakawa

After another huge battle with the Homunculi (who are in some sort of conspiracy with the government), the Elric brothers get divided. Edward heads out west with Armstrong to tie up some loose plot threads. Al stays in Central City and watches over two of the good military officials injured in the big battle. The conspiracy hasn't stopped yet, so those two are clear targets for the remaining bad guys. What's easier to fake than a death in a hospital? On the other hand, it's a way to draw out the enemy. Tough times are ahead.

The story is mostly action in this volume, but some big things do happen during that action. The mystery is still intriguing so I will hang around for more issues.

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 9 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 9 by Hiromu Arakawa

The heroes return to Central Command after last issue's big battle. Back at HQ, bad news comes by the bucketload. Lieutenant Colonel Hughes has been killed and Maria Ross is in jail for it. They got too close to the information about the grand conspiracy around the Philosopher's Stone. If that wasn't bad enough, Barry the Chopper (whose soul is trapped in a suit of armor just like Alphonse's soul) escapes from the military and finds more anarchy, especially when he runs into his own boy brought back to life. Things are getting messy and more exciting.

I like the forward movement of the plot and the nice touches of comedy to lighten the overall darkness and tragedy. Hopefully there will be some good news in the next volume!

Recommended.

Book Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 8 by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 8 by Hiromu Arakawa

The big battle wraps up as we discover the Fuhrer President King Bradley (no, they don't explain how he can be Fuhrer, President, and King all at the same time) seems to be part of the grand conspiracy revolving around the Philosopher's Stone. Other dots are starting to connect as the story goes on. To give the story a twist, some people show up from the country of Xing. A large desert separates the Xing from the lands Bradley controls, so only people on serious missions cross the wasteland. Both of the new visitors want the same thing--to become immortal by using the Philosopher's Stone.

The story is getting more interesting as it goes along. I'm still having a great time and will read more.

Recommended.