鋼の錬金術師 1 (Fullmetal Alchemist 1)

Aug 22, 2011 Anila rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fangirl-alert, reviewed, pretty-pictures

Love love love love love.

It's actually been quite some time since I first read this volume, and now that my public library has finally started buying the series (just in time for me to leave town - thanks, guys) I checked out the first seven on a whim.

I'd actually forgotten a lot about this volume. Somehow I got the idea that the Cornello/Liore plot was stretched over the entire volume, and that Youswell was in V. 2, and obviously that was wrong - and the train thing I'd forgotten entirely. It...more Love love love love love.

It's actually been quite some time since I first read this volume, and now that my public library has finally started buying the series (just in time for me to leave town - thanks, guys) I checked out the first seven on a whim.

I'd actually forgotten a lot about this volume. Somehow I got the idea that the Cornello/Liore plot was stretched over the entire volume, and that Youswell was in V. 2, and obviously that was wrong - and the train thing I'd forgotten entirely. It was interesting to go back, too, and compare the art and plotting of this volume to that of the very end. Obviously, there is significant improvement, but the seeds of - dare I say it? Yes, I do - greatness to come are definitely here. In much the same way as a webcomic artist develops over time, the art and plotting improve as the series goes on, but this first entry is the furthest thing from shabby.

So anyhow, this volume. Yes. Youswell is my favorite plotline in it, possibly my favorite episodic entry in the series as a whole, because it really shows Ed's integrity as a character. I mean, all three plotlines do that, though the train one is not as good as the others just because its main purpose is to segue into an introduction of Mustang and Co. Youswell is still the best. It establishes so many things for the rest of the series - the idea of corruption in the military, Ed's renegade attitude, his almost instinctual commitment to doing the right thing no matter what, and more. It's really kind of amazing to look back on these first few chapters and wonder what Arakawa was thinking - I'd love to know how it is to work in manga publishing. Surely when she was writing/drawing these, she couldn't have imagined the massive success that would follow. What was she planning? The whole thing? And what a tragedy it would have been if the series had been canceled before it could run its full arc. (I assume this can happen in manga; it's only logical.)

I remember reading this for the first time and being interested but at the same time put off by the episodic style, which I expected to be the norm for the entire series. If anyone else out there has that niggling worry, be not afraid: fairly quickly, a full arc asserts itself and it'll sweep you up entirely.

Original rambling fangirly review under the spoiler tags - no actual spoilers.
(view spoiler)(less)

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Dec 27, 2012 Zarakoda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, favorites, graphic-novel

I have become a skeptical reader over the years. It's because I've read A LOT. I was the kid who could read over 12,000 pages in a single summer - and I know because I counted. So I learned about plots, characterization, and all the things authors can do to make reading a pleasant experience.

Unfortunately, after a while, you become so knowledgeable of the meta-world that you lose sight of the treasure within the tale. Frequently I pick up a fantasy or science-fiction novel off a shelf and think,...more

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Aug 29, 2007 Lizziegolightly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

Fullmetal Alchemist in its anime form is one of my favorite television shows. I watch it religiously, even now that I have seen every episode. I never read manga before and basically, I picked up this edition because of my devotion to the program.

This first installment of the manga is damn near close to (if not completely) identical to the first few episodes of the show. I won't give away the plot twists, just for those of you who haven't seen it yet. The essential storyline, though, is that...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Zoe Russo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who loves manga/anime or a good story.

Recommended to Zoe by: HI SARAH!!! *waves through computer*

Shelves: reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I. LOVE. THIS. The story is exciting and I love the author's take on the whole concept of alchemy. There is a lot of humor, and Arakawa has the highly coveted ability to make the jump from serious to silly without seeming forced or insensitive. I love all the characters- except for Scar, he's kind of an asshole ;). They all have a way of making you love them.
I'd heard of this before, but I'd never read it, simply because I'd always thought, "Oh, it's just another of those long unrealistic advent...more I. LOVE. THIS. The story is exciting and I love the author's take on the whole concept of alchemy. There is a lot of humor, and Arakawa has the highly coveted ability to make the jump from serious to silly without seeming forced or insensitive. I love all the characters- except for Scar, he's kind of an asshole ;). They all have a way of making you love them.
I'd heard of this before, but I'd never read it, simply because I'd always thought, "Oh, it's just another of those long unrealistic adventure stories like One Piece or Naruto- I don't have time for that." But when I actually started it, I was amazed by how much I loved it. Unlike those common adventure series, it's realistic and non-repetitive.
By realistic I mean that despite the magic and sorcery involved, the story does follow a set of rules, and it is clear that the characters have limits. In most adventure series, the main 'good' characters always live. No matter what. Even character dies, it will be either a VERY minor character, and/or they will die in a flashback that occurred a minimum of a year ago. It gets to the point that it's ridiculous. I mean, exactly how many times has Luffy been almost burned to death in One Piece? And what about Naruto, who can't go five minutes without someone stabbing him? They always win their battles, they always live through everything, and they never experience any real risks in their adventures. Why should I care about invincible characters?
Not to mention that they repeat the exact same storyline with each arc: "Team travels to new place. Team meets new character, who is the 'good guy'. Team becomes friends with good guy. Team meets bad guy. Team starts fighting bad guy and his henchmen in drawn out, unrealistic fight scenes. They discover bad guy's master plan (that's right, AFTER they started fighting him-_-). They keep fighting bad guy. They all win their fights. They become even BETTER friends with good guy. Repeat." It's dumb. It's boring. It's terrible writing.
But that's why I love Fullmetal Alchemist- because it doesn't do that. There is on long, continuing plotline that remains engaging throughout various plot twists. But that's not the only reason I like it (after all there are other mangas that have an actual plot too.) The main reason I love Fullmetal Alchemist is the genuine emotional connection I have to it. I care about these people. I think they're hilarious and well-developed, and I want them to succeed. And one of the reasons you get so attached to them is that you know they aren't invincible. Arakawa makes that clear. These people can get hurt. Several characters have already died as far as I've read- not just bad guys. I mean, Colonel Hughes death in book four absolutely killed me. Do you know how long it's been since I've cried over the death of a fictional character? A really, really long time. But his death got that reaction out of me. That right there should tell you how good it is.
Read this manga. It's one of the best I've read in a while, and I can promise you that you won't regret it.
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Oct 19, 2010 Melody rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Fullmetal Alchemist

Imagine yourself as an eleven-year-old boy back in the 1900’s: no phones, computers, or anything similar. You’re probably thinking of yourself as an average eleven-year-old back then, right? Well, now picture yourself as someone who’s anything but normal. You have no dad, your mom is dead, you almost killed your brother, you’ve lost an arm and leg, and now you’re on a journey to find the one thing that might be able to help you. Oh, and did I mention you’re the youngest state...more Fullmetal Alchemist

Imagine yourself as an eleven-year-old boy back in the 1900’s: no phones, computers, or anything similar. You’re probably thinking of yourself as an average eleven-year-old back then, right? Well, now picture yourself as someone who’s anything but normal. You have no dad, your mom is dead, you almost killed your brother, you’ve lost an arm and leg, and now you’re on a journey to find the one thing that might be able to help you. Oh, and did I mention you’re the youngest state alchemist ever? What about the fact that your brother’s soul is attached to a suit of armor? That’s the life of Edward Elric, a young boy who, along with his brother Alphonse, is searching for a certain item that might be able to get your limbs and brother’s body back; the Philosopher’s Stone. This stone has the ability to do almost anything with the help of alchemy. As they search, they run into many obstacles and encounter different enjoyable characters. In the first few books of Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa, there are several of parts that made me really enjoy this book, such as the characters and certain quotes, the events, and the humour.

The first thing I enjoyed were the wide range of characters. All the characters are different, and they all are believable too. Edward is always being made fun of for being short, and he gets really angry when that happens. The way he gets angry is hilarious, though! I laugh every time! But he’s not just full of humour; he also has his serious moments, just like any other human. One of my favorite quotes from him is “Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange.” I think that this quote represents part of how Ed acts and thinks. I also believe that the world works like this, and it’s not just in alchemy. This quote is frequently used by Ed, and every time he says it, it’s a different variation. The other character that I find hilarious (although, I find them all funny!) is Colonel Roy Mustang. He’s almost a complete opposite of Edward. He’s almost always serious, but he’s also a little full of himself, and he randomly goes from all serious to funny. He’s called the “Flame Alchemist” by people, because he uses flames when he does alchemy. My favorite quote by him is “Dogs? I like dogs. The best thing about them is, they’re loyal! They obey their master’s commands without question! They don’t complain when they’re treated severely and they don’t need to be paid a salary! Yes! Dogs are truly man’s best servants! Dogs are great! I love them! *Insert evil-ish laughing here* ,” and it’s on pages 180-181 in volume four. I think that quote gives you an idea of what he’s like. I want to write about all of the characters I like, but that would probably take about ten pages, since there are so many characters and I like them all! All the characters in this series are fun and enjoyable, even the evil ones!

The events in this series are very exciting. The book starts off with them in “The Land of Sand,” as they call it, which is really a small town in the middle of nowhere. In this event, Edward is fifteen, but then it goes back and tells the story of Ed’s and Al’s lives from when they were eleven. This really made me interested because it was a little hard to figure it out for a little bit, so I had to really focus on the book. But what really got me excited was the reason why they were where they were, and why they were doing what they were doing. Ed and Al had just lost their mom, at age eleven. (Keep in mind that this book is in an alternate universe in the 1900’s.) Once she found out that Ed and Al really liked it, she would always encourage them to do it (obviously while she was still living). When they’re mom died, they really wanted to bring her back. But there are certain rules about alchemy, and one of the most important ones is that you must never attempt a human transmutation (transmute: to change, transform or convert one thing to another, or from one state or form to another; to change, transform or convert to another, or from one state or form to another). But, being eleven-year-olds, did they follow that rule? Nope. So, after studying so hard, they finally think it’s time to do it. While they are transmuting, something goes wrong, and Ed’s arm and leg are taken, along with Al’s body. As Al’s body is being taken, Ed struggles really hard, and is able to transmute Al’s soul into a suit of armor on the wall, using his blood to make the transmutation circle. This event had so much buildup to it, and the art when it was actually happening, were amazing. You could really see the emotion on their faces, and it even makes you feel like your there. All of the other events that happen in the story are as detailed and emotional as this one.

The third thing I really like about this series is how much humour is put into it. I already talked about how I think Ed and Mustang are funny, but the other characters I find really funny are Al, Riza Hawkeye, Fuery, and many more. I admit, I don’t like Al all the time; he can actually be pretty annoying at some parts, but he also has some really funny moments. One time, while he and Ed were talking, Ed hears a weird noise that kind of sounds like a meow. It turns out that Al had found a kitten and decided to keep in inside him (he’s a suit of armour with no body, so he can do that). Ed got mad (the funny type of mad), and I couldn’t stop myself from giggling at that part. There’s also a little comic strip in the back of one of the volumes where Ed hears a meow, and when Al opens the middle part of his ‘body.’ there’s like twenty kittens in there! ( :D ) Riza Hawkeye is also a state alchemist, like Mustang and Ed. She’s always serious, and almost never smiles. I actually can’t remember a time where she smiles… but her silence is what makes it funny.

As you can tell from this, there are a lot of parts that made me really enjoy this book, such as the characters and certain quotes, the events, and the humour. My personal connection to this book is that the characters act very similar to how my friends and I act with each other. Ed and Al are very close, and they are able to tell anything to each other, just like how my close friends and I are. Another is that the story is half serious and half humourous, like my life with my friends. The third connection with this book has to do with some of the actions they do and the quotes they say. As I quoted earlier, Ed really believes in Equivalent Exchange. I too believe that life is like that. After I read the first couple of volumes, I seriously felt different about life. Fullmetal Alchemist is obviously fantasy fiction (but with a little bit of realistic fiction thrown in), but I still felt like it changed me, even if only a small amount. The close bond between Ed and Al, and how much Ed has sacrificed for Al really made me think about my very close friends and me. It made me think about that when you’re very close to someone, you will do a lot for them because of how much you care about them.
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Nov 11, 2008 Tyas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga

Pengakuan sang pengarang: Sebelum dia jadi mangaka, dia bertani di Hokkaido.

Jangan remehkan petani! Karena ternyata dari tangan sang mantan petani-lah lahir salah satu serial manga terbaik yang pernah saya baca, baik dari segi cerita maupun art. Pertanyaan-pertanyaan filosofis disajikan dengan gaya popular yang renyah bagai kerupuk garing yang membuat nagih(namun bukan berarti kosong tak berisi).

Oh ya, alchemy di dunia ini bukanlah sihir. Dalam dunia 'Fullmetal Alchemist', alchemy adalah sebentu...more

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Jan 28, 2008 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: 8th grade and up

Shelves: graphic-novels

After persistent pestering from some teens (boys and girls alike!) who have told me this is the best series they've ever read, and the one that hooked them on both anime and manga, I've finally read Vol. 1. And I'll admit, it's the first manga volume that I've truly finished, and I highly enjoyed it.

The story itself is so bizarre that it makes you keep reading out of sheer curiosity. Alphonse and Edward, the Elric brothers, are trained in alchemy, and they know its laws very well. Unfortunately,...more After persistent pestering from some teens (boys and girls alike!) who have told me this is the best series they've ever read, and the one that hooked them on both anime and manga, I've finally read Vol. 1. And I'll admit, it's the first manga volume that I've truly finished, and I highly enjoyed it.

The story itself is so bizarre that it makes you keep reading out of sheer curiosity. Alphonse and Edward, the Elric brothers, are trained in alchemy, and they know its laws very well. Unfortunately, they bent the rule of "equivalent exchange" (for something to be created, something of equal value must be lost) when they were young, attempting to resurrect their mother from the dead. As a result, Alphonse's body and Edward's leg were both lost. Edward sacrificed an arm to get back Alphonse's soul, which now lives in a hulking animated suit of armor. But it is Edward, with his "auto-mail" arm and leg, who is the "fullmetal alchemist" (and don't you forget it). They work for the state and seem to be sent to troubled areas -- a town in the grips of a religious fanatic, a hijacked train -- all the while with their own agenda to find what they believe will help them return to their old bodies and bring back their mother: the infamous philosopher's stone.

I found the story to be sharp-witted and thought-provoking (science vs. religion is a big theme) -- much deeper than I expected, though with plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor and great "BA-DOOM," "SHOOM," and "FLOOP" sound effects of matter being created from other matter! The only thing that confused me was the sudden scene changes: there was no "meanwhile" or "back at the ranch" or even a wordless page that shows a new setting between some of the scenes.

Reviews all say the anime is even better, but I thought the book form was quite good. I had no trouble reading from back-to-front and right-to-left (which has done me in before), and I think that speaks highly of Hiromu Arakawa's artwork. Not until I was on Wikipedia did I realize that she's a woman -- hooray for women in comics!

Her author's bio says, "I love B movies. I love the way they make me think 'What the he** is this?! That's crazy!' yet still draw me in so that I watch the whole thing. I really like that feeling, and I like to bring a little of that kind of over-the-top flavor into my own manga. That was the initial idea that gave birth to volume 1 of this alchemy manga. Thank you for picking it up. As you read it, please criticize it by saying to yourself 'What kind of alchemy is that?!'"(less)

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Dec 16, 2011 Lily rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action, young-adult, love-the-cover, 3-stars, manga

A friend of mine who spends his life doodling on every available surface one day told me that I absolutely needed to read one of his manga books and my first thought was, "Me? Read manga?" It didn't strike me a style that I would fall in love with, but boy was I wrong. He had to badger me for three weeks before I finally got it from the library and plowed through it in about thirty minutes. And then I went through the second and the third, and before I knew it, I was a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, w...more

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Oct 25, 2011 El Templo de las Mil Puertas added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 02-eltemplo, la-comicteca

"Cuando su madre murió, los hermanos Edward y Alphonse Elric, todavía niños, buscaron en la alquimia una forma de devolverla a la vida. Pero algo salió terriblemente mal en el proceso: el alma de Alphonse quedó atrapada en una gigantesca armadura, y Edward perdió un brazo y una pierna. Y, por descontado, su madre no regresó. Sin embargo, las hazañas de los jóvenes Elric llegaron a oídos del ejército, que no tardó en llamar a su puerta para reclutarlos. Ahora, Edward tiene quince años, un brazo y...more

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Jan 12, 2009 C rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

I would have been thoroughly lost in this manga if not for Beka's briefing/explanation before I started reading; it's how she got me to read it, of course, by explaining the fascinating premise. Namely, how alchemy works in this world (direct transmutation within a circle via mind/body power, which can be augmented or extended by study but talent is also required), and the basic plotline - two boys whose mother has died attempted to bring her back, but because of the rule of "equal exchange", no...more

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May 03, 2013 Felita rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ada-kejutan-di-cerita, action, young-adult, fantasy, ending-yg-epik

lagi bosan dg cerita romance ? coba baca komik ini

ini salah satu cerita yg banyak pesan ttg kekeluargaan khususnya antar saudara kandung. di film barat umpama seri Supernatural.

hampir mirip dg Sam dan Dean, Edward dan Alphonse a/ kakak beradik yg sama2 merasakan kehilangan ibunda tercintanya. bedanya, kesedihan tersebut membuat mereka melakukan hal terlarang. membangkitkan ibunya kembali.

ngebangkitinnya bukan seperti Supernatural, tp lebih ilmiah...dg ilmu Alchemist.

Yap, di dunia Edward dan Alph...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Aubrey Hansen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my first serious attempt at reading manga. I love the art style but have had trouble finding mangas that interest me, but the premise of this one sounded fun. Plus my brother likes it, and it's one of the things he periodically badgers me to read.

Now, having read the first volume, I can say it was fun! "Fun" is pretty much the best word to describe the adventures of Edward and Alphonse; the premises are interesting, and there's a good mix of exciting action/suspense and humor. The backs...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Alice rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who loves manga, anybody in general,

OMYGOD THIS IS THE BEST MANGA I'VE EVER READ...
I apologize. I will be fangirling this whole time but EHMAGAWD ITS SOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOD! I mean, I can't really say anything that everyone else has already said, so all I'm gonna say is what I personally thought of it. You want the plot, google "fullmetal alchemist review" and you'll find plenty of plot summaries.
Let me just say this is possibly the only manga volume that had me laughing, crying, and scared out of my wits. Also, I watched it as an a...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Emily Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

-THIS REVIEW APPLIES TO THE ENTIRE SERIES-

Taking place in an alternate world in the country of Amestris, Edward and Alphonse Elric travel in search of the fabled Philosopher's Stone in hopes of one day restoring their bodies. From young age, both brother learned the advanced science of alchemy. When their beloved mother died, they made up their minds to do the unthinkable: to attempt to resurrect their mother through the use of alchemy. Alchemy is a science that entails the understanding, decons...more -THIS REVIEW APPLIES TO THE ENTIRE SERIES-

Taking place in an alternate world in the country of Amestris, Edward and Alphonse Elric travel in search of the fabled Philosopher's Stone in hopes of one day restoring their bodies. From young age, both brother learned the advanced science of alchemy. When their beloved mother died, they made up their minds to do the unthinkable: to attempt to resurrect their mother through the use of alchemy. Alchemy is a science that entails the understanding, deconstruction, and reconstruction of matter. To make something using alchemy, one must use something of equal value. Given this rule, Alphonse loses his entire body while Ed loses his left leg as a result of their failed human transmutation. Edward managed to seal Al's soul to a suit of armor, but not without further sacrificing another limb, this time his right arm. Now with seemingly nothing left, Edward joins the military as a state alchemist after gaining prosthetic limbs called automail. Now with a salary and rank to support him, Edward and Alphonse Elric travel throughout the country in search of a way to restore their bodies. This leads to the quest of trying to find the Philosopher's Stone which leads to the discovery of corruption within the government as well as numerous secrets about the country's origin itself.

This is probably my favorite series of all time out of any form of entertainment. Partly, I think it is just because of the well developed plot and characters, but the variety of elements including action, adventure, sci-fi, historical, multi-cultural, military, romance, humor, angst, and philosophy throughout make it that much more interesting.

I honestly can't think of any negative points about this series, although some people may be annoyed by the fact that it is to be read from right to left due to its Japanese origins, it isn't difficult at all to get the hang of. However, I can think of numerous things about the series that I love. As I already said, the well developed plot/characters and genre variety are a couple of features about it that I love. Also, the thorough backstory is another aspect of it that I feel really adds to the story.

Overall, I think almost anyone would greatly enjoy this series. Although, people that are fond of action/adventure would probably get the most out of it. That being said, if you aren't fond of violence and are squeamish, this series is not for you. After all, it is a GRAPHIC novel which includes BLOOD.

Anyways, this series is definitely worth reading.(less)

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Sep 14, 2012 Nina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: lovers of a good series

Shelves: manga

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The first volume of this exceedingly well-built manga series kicks-off on just the right note. Edward and Alphonse Elric fight a corrupt priest with the "science of alchemy", something that seems incredibly close to magic despite Edward's insistence that it is in fact a strict science. Although these two brothers are quite young, nothing will stop them in their quest to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone. Not lack of body or limb, not false leads, not even immortal killing monsters bent on t...more The first volume of this exceedingly well-built manga series kicks-off on just the right note. Edward and Alphonse Elric fight a corrupt priest with the "science of alchemy", something that seems incredibly close to magic despite Edward's insistence that it is in fact a strict science. Although these two brothers are quite young, nothing will stop them in their quest to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone. Not lack of body or limb, not false leads, not even immortal killing monsters bent on their blood.

Obviously, this was just the introduction to hook this reader. Soon I had read every available book at my library. I find Fullmetal Alchemist perfect for someone who wants a break from the status-quo of manga or is searching for something with a complex plot and intriguing ideals.

As the first manga that I consciously read, Fullmetal Alchemist remains my favorite. It was my gateway drug into the wonderfully odd manga and anime fandom. At the mere age of eleven years I devoured what there was of this unfinished series and devoutly followed its progress until the very end. I was so attached to this series that when I opened the first page of the last volume I could not seem to open the next. The book went on my shelf and taunted me for a week before I finally finished it. Some may think my enthusiasm for Fullmetal Alchemist absurd, but I believe that it is well deserved. Besides my emotional attachment to it as my first manga, it weaves a beautiful tale of brotherly love, determination, and the drive of life. If any series impacted my life as much as Fullmetal Alchemist I would have to seriously rethink my morals. The art is also fantastic, different from what one might normally expect from Japanese manga. It throws out the stick-thin, pointed chin figures for a more natural and rounded physique. In a review with Hiromu Arakawa, she states "I like characters with a little meat on their bones!" It seems that there are those who think the same thing, if the success of this series is any indicator.

To summarize: I recommend this book to those looking for a break from status-quo manga for its intriguing ideas and well-constructed plot. I give it five stars for just those reasons.(less)

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Sep 05, 2012 Animaliac the books lover rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Animaliac by: A friend

Shelves: manga-and-graphic-novels

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 14, 2012 Mamadou Diallo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: a anime watcher and manga reader.

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1 Hiromu Arakawa

Alchemy is the mystical power to alter the natural world; something between magic, art and science. Edward and Alphonse Elric are brothers who used the power to grant their wish, Edward lost an arm and a leg and Elric became nothing but a soul locked into a body of living steel. Edward and Elric are roaming around the earth looking for a rare alchemist stone to grant their wish of bringing their beloved mother back. The brothers went through a lot lookin...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Ashley (Firestarbooks) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I rarely read manga, but holy mother of all, this my friends is what I call perfection. I think this definitely converted me and now I have the "Anime" ;) The plot is just amazing, so unique and touching at the same time. I don't think I cried this much over anything before. Even now as I type this boring and quick review, I am tearing up. The characters! Oh dear! Don't get me started on the characters! OTPs everywhere! I think I drowned in them. (Oh yeah, if you don't know what OTPs are, they a...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Stella ☢FAYZ☢ Chen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Stella by: Jen

Shelves: favourites

I know my friend Jen will be so proud of me (and herself considering she finally got me to read this). My friend, Jen, is a HUGE manga and anime fan and she's been bugging me to read this series for a long long time.

Since summer began for me last week (June 22nd), I finally gave in to her constant fangirling and decided to try it. (Yeah, look at me advocating for peer pressure right here...NOT WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO.) I'm simply saying that friends are great to have and they know you. Trust them...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Michelle Brandstetter rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tweener-11-and-up, fantasy, graphic-novel

Edward and Alphonse Elric are young alchemists. When they were small children, Edward believed he had come up with a way to bring their mother back from the dead. During the process, Alphonse lost his body (his soul now resides in a suite of armor and Edward lost one leg and one arm which were replaced by mechanical limbs. Being a genius, Edward earned the title Fullmetal Alchemist for the State, serving in the military. While searching for the Philosopher’s Stone in order to return Alphonse to...more Edward and Alphonse Elric are young alchemists. When they were small children, Edward believed he had come up with a way to bring their mother back from the dead. During the process, Alphonse lost his body (his soul now resides in a suite of armor and Edward lost one leg and one arm which were replaced by mechanical limbs. Being a genius, Edward earned the title Fullmetal Alchemist for the State, serving in the military. While searching for the Philosopher’s Stone in order to return Alphonse to his original body, they encounter people that are being oppressed by different government or religious leaders. The Elric brothers fight for justice and empower the people with truth (and a little alchemical and martial art assistance).

The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, missed their mom so they decided to try and raise her from the dead. It didn’t go quite as planned, their dead mom is still dead, Alphonse lost his body and now keeps his soul in a suit of armor and Edward had one leg and one arm torn from his body and had them both replaced with mechanical limbs. Working as the State’s alchemists, they travel together looking for the Philosopher’s Stone to get Alphonse his body back and they stomp out crooked government officials and religious leaders wherever they go! Science and martial arts; what could be a better combination.

This one was difficult for me to get into. Once I got into the swing of reading the book from right to left and each page from right to left, it did get easier. The four adventures presented in this book all deal with lower level government official corruption and it is cool to see the Elric Brothers go in, kick ass, and disregard the names. That said, just like instructions that come with those ‘some assembly required’ items made in another country purchased at large, boxy, discount stores sometimes some things get lost in the translation. In the swing of the story I’d come to a word that just didn’t seem to fit and I’d have work to get back into the story again. (less)

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Jun 05, 2012 Stargirl (Shoujo and YA Banter/Vocaloid Fanatic) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-time-favorites

I love FMA. It, like Naruto was one of my first anime. But unlike Naruto, I fell in love with the characters, their struggles, and unlike Naruto, it's not god forsakenly long, and it leaves you with an ending that makes you want more. I've read all of the manga so this will be for the whole series. I've also seen all of the anime including Brotherhood.

Characters:

Ed: I love Ed. Ed is short-tempered (not just in height but also personality) and I love his drive to get their bodies back. I love hi...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-fantasy, favorites-manga

Fullmetal Alchemist starts off pretty lighthearted and comedic, giving the reader time to familiarize themselves with the characters and the world it's set in before breaking out the serious drama. Part of what makes this series so completely marvelous and one of the best mangas ever is that vein of humor running through even the darkest parts.

Of course, comedy alone does not make a good story. The darkness too makes the tale compelling. Aspects of this story, especially one in particular which...more Fullmetal Alchemist starts off pretty lighthearted and comedic, giving the reader time to familiarize themselves with the characters and the world it's set in before breaking out the serious drama. Part of what makes this series so completely marvelous and one of the best mangas ever is that vein of humor running through even the darkest parts.

Of course, comedy alone does not make a good story. The darkness too makes the tale compelling. Aspects of this story, especially one in particular which comes not too far into the story, will undoubtedly haunt me forever. Actually, this same instance continues to haunt Ed and Alphonse all the way through their lives, as well. When you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Add to the above a completely amazing cast of characters. Seriously. Ed and Alphonse's love and care of one another are completely charming. Their grandmother is hilarious with her tiny little pointy bun. Winry, the stubborn female automail mechanic, will always be my favorite. Then again, I also adore Colonel Mustang with his odd combination of jadedness and hope, and Lieutenant Hawkeye, who is seriously badass but also surprisingly sweet underneath. All of the human characters are just so vibrant and human, complete with foibles and hangups. I love it.

Plus the alchemy in a freaking amazing steampunk setting! Who doesn't like steampunk? Okay, lots of people probably, but they are lame and don't count (just kidding...mostly). Honestly, though, the alchemy in here is astounding. No wonder so many people spent their lives trying to figure out its secrets. I would too if I thought I could have powers like the Alric brothers.

If you have any interest at all in manga, Fullmetal Alchemist is a good one. Although aimed at a male audience, it has universal appeal. Unlike some shounen manga, you will not have lots of baloon boobs thrust at you for fan service, likely because the series was written by a woman. This manga has one of the best stories out there and I just cannot recommend it highly enough.

Note: I have not yet watched the anime version, either one. I do know, though, that you should not just the manga off of the original anime series. After the first few episodes they seriously part ways (or so I've heard), because the anime was made before the series had been completed. A couple years before. What a bad plan.(less)

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Jan 03, 2012 Lucy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

I’d heard about this series and seen images of it (and cosplay from it) long before I ever got around to reading or watching it. I assumed it was just another action/adventure manga that would go on way too long, awash with filler and minimalistic character development. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was almost instantly charmed by the well-developed characters and the complex story line. The hype was not for nothing.

This series really pulls at my heart strings, without being overly sympathe...more

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Oct 24, 2011 cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-in-1-and-0, favorites, manga-fma

One of the BEST shounen manga I ever read. No. I take that back. It is THE BEST shounen manga I ever read! It has action, it has drama. It has magic, but it based on scientific rules. It has politics, it has philosophy (uhm... marxism in manga, gosh!), and it has idealism. It has war maker, it has peace seeker. It has story as crucial as fate of the countrys, it has delicate story of children need their mother's care. It has dark background stories, it has hillarious way of story telling. And mo...more One of the BEST shounen manga I ever read. No. I take that back. It is THE BEST shounen manga I ever read! It has action, it has drama. It has magic, but it based on scientific rules. It has politics, it has philosophy (uhm... marxism in manga, gosh!), and it has idealism. It has war maker, it has peace seeker. It has story as crucial as fate of the countrys, it has delicate story of children need their mother's care. It has dark background stories, it has hillarious way of story telling. And most of all, it has an ending. A really-really-really good ending, not a perfect happy ending nor a shabby tragedy, it just.... solid dovetail end, and life goes on.

Equivalent trade.

****

Ed and Al Elric are brothers who had talent for being alchemists from very early age. When they were 11 and 10, their mother passed away while their father had been gone wondered for years. So with ability but without guidance, they did something taboo, try to "human transmutation" a.k.a bring their death mother back to life. This caused them dearly. Not entirely learnt their lesson, they promised each other to seek for the Philosopher's Stone which said to be carried a great power to alter the equivalent trade's law, and will have the power to restore their body back. At age 12, Ed sign into military, and got his name The Fullmetal Alchemist.

In the bigger scope, the land was at war with the Ishvar, a race that believed in one mighty God. At one time, King Bradley - the highest military commander - commanded an Ishvar Annihilation, which caused almost a wipeout of the entire race. A handful who could survive hide themselves in the slummy villages holding their grunge. But these burden not just carried by those survivors, but also by some Ametrys soldiers, doctors and scientists for their hand were tainted all over with ishvarin blood. These people, then, spent their life to made things better.

As the story goes, some secrets will revealed themselves, eventually. What is Philosopher's Stone really made from, who was Ed and Al's father, who were the seven deadly sins and what creature are they, and above all, what is the big plan behind all these riots and wars. Will they do it, is it worth it, to sacrifice so much -his leg, his arm, his entire body, her womb, her limb, his living body, his eyes, their friends, all people of Xerxes, in order to satisfy Equivalent Trade condition, and gain the true power?

Uhhmm... have I said, I love the ending. Ed's choice was a very much unpredictable, one last twist in the story, which was really equal to the result. He learnt his lesson, finally.

Status: completed (27 volumes)
Downloaded from: http://www.mangatraders.com/manga/ser...
(less)

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Jul 07, 2011 Zoe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fullmetal Alchemist happens to be a one-of-a-kind in the manga genre. I mean, c'mon people: has ANYONE encountered such a brilliantly diverse series? Amongst a world of manga that is somewhat the same and unoriginal(enough with the vampire manga already, people!), Fullmetal Alchemist, or FMA as it is nicknamed by fans, stands out.
This series is so well-known that I really shouldn't have to summarize it, but I will just in case you are one of the five or six people on this planet who have no ide...more

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May 18, 2011 Krista Bunny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'll only write one review for the whole series because they all bleed into each other in my mind and I don't want to write specific reviews for each issue. I'm lazy, so sue me.
Fullmetal alchemist is the first manga I really read. I grew up loving Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z, but didn't get much other access to anime until high school and even then it was only Utena and things like that. When I met my fiancee he introduced me to the FMA anime and I fell in love. Then we started collecting the...more I'll only write one review for the whole series because they all bleed into each other in my mind and I don't want to write specific reviews for each issue. I'm lazy, so sue me.
Fullmetal alchemist is the first manga I really read. I grew up loving Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z, but didn't get much other access to anime until high school and even then it was only Utena and things like that. When I met my fiancee he introduced me to the FMA anime and I fell in love. Then we started collecting the manga and I fell even deeper.
ANYONE WHO SAYS THAT COMICS, GRAPHIC NOVELS OR MANGA HAVE NO SUBSTANCE NEEDS TO READ THIS SERIES! The anime hooked me with the philosophical thoughts of what the worth of a soul is. The manga pushd that even further to have us ask what a 'person' is. When I look at Mr. Gori or Mr. Lion, then at the officials in Central who created Bradley, I can tell you which I consider to be more of a human being, even if they are now part animal. And it is no coincidence that the alchemic tests performed by the government reflect the genetic and disgusting practices by many governements in our own world, such as the German Nazi party's human experiments using the people they captured. Chinese and Japanese governements have done the same. Arakawa's themes are not new, nor are they any less disturbing than things people have actually done to each other in real life.
Edward and Al are complex characters that you actually watch grown physically and emotionally as the series progresses. The definition of family is tested too, like the bonds of the brothers, the Armstrong family or the boys' teacher, Izumi and her sin.
This series shows us the pain of war, the kinds of things soldiers have to go through. Arakawa has us examine our faith in things, whether they be religion, science or survival of the fittest. When we put too much faith into something, we make it stronger and that in turn can make US stronger or destroy us.
This series has made me cry, made me laugh out loud (strangers stared at me, it wasn't pretty) and made me feel for the people within it, even those who's ideas differed so much from my own.
I'm glad that Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is following the manga so I get to see Olivier Armstrong in action and hear the voices from the original series reunite. FMA is much more than just a comic book or a tv show for me. (less)

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May 17, 2011 Jennie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, fiction, humor, fantasy

I'd be generous to say that manga is a hit-or-miss for me... most of the time it's a (very thankful) miss. Not so for Arakawa's Fullmetal Alchemist. After being badgered by friends who reassured me that it was good, even to people reluctant to read manga like me, I finally picked up a copy. Intellectually, I'm really glad I did. Financially, I'm not, because now I think I need to go splurge on the rest of the series.

I got to volume 5 before I wrote this review, and I can honestly say that the hy...more I'd be generous to say that manga is a hit-or-miss for me... most of the time it's a (very thankful) miss. Not so for Arakawa's Fullmetal Alchemist. After being badgered by friends who reassured me that it was good, even to people reluctant to read manga like me, I finally picked up a copy. Intellectually, I'm really glad I did. Financially, I'm not, because now I think I need to go splurge on the rest of the series.

I got to volume 5 before I wrote this review, and I can honestly say that the hype is very well-deserved. The characters are all very well-developed, with their own quirks and distinctive personalities. The mood whiplash between quite gory (for a comic book geared towards children) scenes and themes to irreverent humor takes some getting used to, but it doesn't detract from the story at all.

And what a story it is! FMA is the pinnacle of steampunk/fantasy plotting -- lots of Victorian touches with none of the cliche. The "magic" system the characters use is alchemy, which is a heavily bastardized version of chemistry with just enough science behind it to make suspension of belief easier. The background plottings and machinations of the military society the characters operate within is a very nice touch too, adding another layer of steampunk flavor. The themes are universal enough to resonate with any audience, humanizing the characters and getting you invested in them.

I'm tentatively giving this 5 stars. The other manga series I eventually gave up on all suffered the same defect: their plots eventually just became an excuse to milk the franchise for more cash, with plot twists that made no sense and totally derailed the characters. In the first 5 volumes, Arakawa has hinted at a cohesive story line with a finite ending and a unified vision -- something that I NEED in a series of books, and the reason why I avoid manga. Since I see that the series is now concluded, I'm going to suppose that FMA doesn't fall prey to the usual failings of manga.

Extremely highly recommended. FMA gives me faith in manga and steampunk again. Seriously, if Arakawa can produce something as addictive, poignant, and unique as this in this medium and genre, there's no excuse for the piles of cliched crap I've slogged through in the past.(less)

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Aug 17, 2010 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bildungsroman, comic, fantasy, graphic, schizotech

The first volume of the series serves as an introduction to the character, world, difficulties, and companions of Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist. Orphaned at a young age, the eleven-year-old prodigy and his younger brother, Alphonse, attempt forbidden human transmutation in an effort to resurrect their mother. They learn the hard way why it’s forbidden, when Al’s body vanishes along with Ed’s left leg, shortly followed by his right arm—the price to keep his brother’s soul and bind it to a...more The first volume of the series serves as an introduction to the character, world, difficulties, and companions of Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist. Orphaned at a young age, the eleven-year-old prodigy and his younger brother, Alphonse, attempt forbidden human transmutation in an effort to resurrect their mother. They learn the hard way why it’s forbidden, when Al’s body vanishes along with Ed’s left leg, shortly followed by his right arm—the price to keep his brother’s soul and bind it to a suit of armor. The series opens four or so years later, after Ed’s debased himself by joining the military in exchange for access to resources in his efforts to restore his brother and himself.

The four chapters (of the series’ 108) in volume one expose different aspects of the brothers and begin the world-building that will continue throughout. The first, two-part story exposes their motive and desire for the Philosopher’s Stone—which can bypass the laws of Equivalent Exchange—as they confront a cult leader who claims he can bring back the dead. The second story reveals both their integrity and the general corruption of the military—as well as the hatred people harbor for it and its “dogs”—when they pass through a small, coal-mining town run by a corrupt official. The third story demonstrates Ed’s hair-trigger temper, Al’s intrisic concern for others, and the ingenuity and resilience of them both when the train they are on is hijacked and a vacationing general and his family are taken hostage. Also important in the train chapter is the introduction of Ed’s commanding officer: one Colonel Roy Mustang, Flame Alchemist, renowned hero of the Ishballan civil war (or genocidal butcher, depending on which side is talking), highly ambitious leader of his intensely loyal personal staff, and the first of many richly-detailed supporting characters.

FMA is a rollercoaster of a series, alternating horrors with the absurdly silly, setting up loveable characters and killing or otherwise maiming them, and otherwise mixing up tear-jerking existential dilemmas and slapstick comedy. The artwork is clean and readable, even in the action sequences, which is fairly rare for this style of manga, and all the more appreciated for that. This volume is an excellent beginning to an outstanding series, and I can’t recommend it strongly enough.(less)

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Jun 21, 2010 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After relenting to the constant peer pressure from the manga community, I picked this one up at the local library. Like many other super-popular series, like Shugo Chara and Naruto ~~which was arguably an excellent read for until Naruto got his first ridiculous power-up~~, I assumed FMA was all hype. It's not. I was hooked from the first chapter and now there's nothing that is going to stop me from finishing this series. I may read this more intensely than I did Bokurano, of which I read a total of...more

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Feb 14, 2010 Quackyduck rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

This is the start of an amazing series, with action, love, suspense, horror, respect, and if you catch on quickly, history. Although it is a manga/graphic novel, this can catch the interest of adults and children alike. The characters have deep personalities, with morals and reasons on why they choose either the side good or evil. The first book is a bit slippery on catching peoples interest, as it takes awhile to introduce the characters. As this is a graphic novel, it is harder to remember cha...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
FullMetal Alchemi...: full metal rp	5	9	May 20, 2013 12:28pm
Roleplay Central~: Bakery	36	5	May 15, 2013 02:28pm
Shounen Manga Boo...: Fullmetal Alchemist Discussion	10	11	May 12, 2013 10:09pm
Which volume is this picture from?	2	13	May 06, 2013 02:55am
Why do you read Manga and watch Anime?	7	20	May 03, 2013 12:53am
Roleplay Central~: Character sign-ups!	17	15	Apr 30, 2013 06:52am
For those of us who read Manga	43	168	Mar 04, 2013 01:59pm

title link	preview: 鋼の錬金術師 1
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鋼の錬金術師 1 (Fullmetal Alchemist #1)

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