Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 10

Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 10 (ViZ, 2005) Now things are getting really interesting. Whose side is Barry on? Whose side is the government on? Whose side is Roy Mustang on? For that matter, what are the sides? Vol. 10 is a book of revelations, and they're big, ugly ones, stuff that's going to change the entire complexion of the series. None of them are entirely a surprise--no good revelation is, in retrospect--but Arakawa did a very nifty job of building a red herring through the past few volumes to make us forget we were wondering whether that particular person had anything to do with that particular group. We also meet another of the deadly sins (and are treated to another bit of rather masterful misdirection by Arakawa), and find out what the deadly sins really are. Again, it's nothing you didn't see coming, once it's all laid out for you, and you got hints of it during the assault on Lab 5. Perhaps the best volume in the series so far. *** ½

Again, my son read the book in one day. Said it was great.

For the first time in this series the Elric brothers have gone their own seperate ways as Ed is cajoled/pushed into accompanying beefcake Major Armstrong back to Resembool to get his automail fixed. Ed is left in the dark as to the real reason they're going there and an important detour they're going to take along the way. Meanwhile, back in Central, Mustang is using Barry the Chopper as bait to draw the Homunculi out into the open in an effort to expose the powers moving the events of the Fullmetal world. His plan works, but will even his flame powers be able to match the superhuman abilities of Lust, Gluttony, and Envy? Or will him and his officers end up dead? Volume 10 of Fullmetal Alchemist continues to get into territory that the anime never went to. In fact, I would hazard to say that the manga is BETTER than the anime. I like it because Arakawa has a lot more time to work on her characterization, even with the supporting cast, so the manga has a lot more depth. In addition, there are characters and situations that never appeared or occurred in the anime, which makes this an entirely different experience. You feel that the brothers have more help in the manga, and that they are less alone. Also, the manga has a more humorous tone and tones down the sturm and drang. This is a great book and series.

The 10th installment in the Fullmetal Alchemist series certainly does not disappoint. It starts off with an intense battle that picks up where the last installment left off. It was quite a shock to see a novel start off with this much action, and it was indeed refreshing, when compared to the sometimes, slower-paced segments of the series. The fire that this novel starts with doesn't dwindle down until halfway through the book where the story changes, and even from that point it's still enjoyable. Arakawa's art is nothing short of amazing. Her triumphs here and in the battle scenes where the characters are constantly moving and the action is never ceasing. There is also a point where even here use of panels is original and certainly aids the story. And speaking of the story, it is once again, fantastic. It is almost impossible to put this book down upon picking it up. Twists, turns, witty dialogue, and high-paced action grace this novels story, with some comedy sprinkled in. All in all, if you've made it through nine installments already, there's almost nothing stopping you from getting this one. For those who have not made it this far or who are new to FullMetal Alchemist,I need only say that this volume continues a series graced with beautiful artwork and a well written story that never disappoints!