This was an AMAZING volume!! I even got a little teary-eyed in certain parts when some of our characters were able to let go of past pain. It was beautiful in a really emotional and hard way.
The story continues to get deeper and deeper with questions and trying to find answers. One thing I feel that the Elric brothers don't know yet, but I feel pretty confident(?) about is that their Dad is a bad guy. Based on the previous volume, he has the same stature and facial features (of what we see) that match how his Dad looks like in this volume. Also him giving that "advice" to Granny implies he's behind something big and bad that is going to happen (at least in my opinion)!
I'm not sure why, but Scar is a really compelling villain. I find his fight scenes always really good and maybe because he is more on the hunt of justice and revenge in a religious kind of way, I find his actions fascinating. Those seem to be some of the most compelling (and scary) villains I've read.
I really feel this was the volume where are brothers matured and are putting more and more of themselves on the line. While I wouldn't say they are refusing help from those around them, they are really seeing/learning how their actions and getting others involved effects not just them, but people they are about too. Winry is noticing all this in both of them, though especially Edward and I am here for those two SUPER subtle comments of noticing Edward isn't a boy anymore. Yep, yep, yep, I am here for it!
I am still TBD with Lin. I cannot get a good read on this guy, even though I feel confident he IS a good guy? I mean if he's teaming up with our boys, then he HAS to be a good guy, right? I know I loved their plan at the end, even though when a certain character shows up I'm just wanting to yell at them to run! LOL!
Stand strong, boys!!