Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 19

Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist vol. 19 (ViZ, 2008) Alternating sections tell the present-day story of the Elric Brothers and their lost band trying to figure out a way back into the fortress without the guys from Central knowing about Scar's presence and the past storyline of von Hoehenheim's beginnings and his first meeting with Pride. All the while, Sloth is still digging his tunnel under the fort, not that anyone in the fort is oblivious to his presence. Arakawa keeps interest high and has a lot of fun with the storyline. Good stuff. *** ½

A pivotal installment, full of great developments that will change your understanding of the characters. Ed and Al don't play a large role in this volume, but when they're around, they're as epic as ever. FMA continues to be a well thought-out, well constructed manga. Not only is each episode fun, interesting, and beautifully drawn, but each episode furthers the overall story. Very satisfying.