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Fullmetal Alchemist: Omnibus #2
Fullmetal Alchemist 3-in-1 Vol. 2
Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audience T. Containing volumes 4, 5 and 6 of Fullmetal Alchemist
Trapped and injured in a secret alchemical laboratory, Edward Elric is at the mercy of his enemies, Lust and Envy. But they don't want him dead...they have other plans for him. As the laboratory goes up in flames, the brothers find themselves back at square one, with only an inkling of the massive scale of the Philosopher's Stone conspiracy. But then, Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes uncovers a shocking secret...
Trapped and injured in a secret alchemical laboratory, Edward Elric is at the mercy of his enemies, Lust and Envy. But they don't want him dead...they have other plans for him. As the laboratory goes up in flames, the brothers find themselves back at square one, with only an inkling of the massive scale of the Philosopher's Stone conspiracy. But then, Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes uncovers a shocking secret...
576 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2011
71 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Hiromu Arakawa
313 books2,852 followersHiromu Arakawa (author: 荒川弘) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師 Hagane no renkinjutsushi).
Her real name is Hiromi Arakawa (荒川弘美).
Arakawa was born and raised on a dairy farm in Hokkaidō.
She thought of being a manga artist since she was little. After graduating high school, she took oil painting classes while working on her family's farm. During that time, she also created dōjinshi manga with her friends and drew yonkoma for a magazine. After eight years she moved to Tōkyō and started out as assistant writer for Hiroyuki Etō.
Her debut as manga artist is in 1999 with STRAY DOG. In 2001 she started working on her famous and award winning series Fullmetal Alchemist, that soon gets a successful anime adaptation.
Other works include Silver Spoon (銀の匙 Silver Spoon, Gin no saji Silver Spoon).
Her real name is Hiromi Arakawa (荒川弘美).
Arakawa was born and raised on a dairy farm in Hokkaidō.
She thought of being a manga artist since she was little. After graduating high school, she took oil painting classes while working on her family's farm. During that time, she also created dōjinshi manga with her friends and drew yonkoma for a magazine. After eight years she moved to Tōkyō and started out as assistant writer for Hiroyuki Etō.
Her debut as manga artist is in 1999 with STRAY DOG. In 2001 she started working on her famous and award winning series Fullmetal Alchemist, that soon gets a successful anime adaptation.
Other works include Silver Spoon (銀の匙 Silver Spoon, Gin no saji Silver Spoon).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
August 2, 2023
all proceeding very satisfactorily
May 30, 2018
There are no words for all my love for this. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry. It's so so good, well written (great great story), awesome drawings (I can never get enough).
I love how Ed is so strong and at the same time so emotive. I love it's about family, sacrifice and perseverance. I think everyone and everything in here is so good in so many ways. I can't wait to keep reading.
I love how Ed is so strong and at the same time so emotive. I love it's about family, sacrifice and perseverance. I think everyone and everything in here is so good in so many ways. I can't wait to keep reading.
August 8, 2017
"Back again are we? You really are a fool."
That is pretty much the sum up of having to go through major tear jearking events for the third time. Man, who knew the god at the door would be so good at reviewing the series.
I will refer the first review I made as the overall review for the all the volumes. As for this one its strengts lie on giving the beothers more depth by peeling into the last. It also sets the tone of the overall plot. It was interesting to see some hooks launched that will play a huge role lather on.
Go read this now!
That is pretty much the sum up of having to go through major tear jearking events for the third time. Man, who knew the god at the door would be so good at reviewing the series.
I will refer the first review I made as the overall review for the all the volumes. As for this one its strengts lie on giving the beothers more depth by peeling into the last. It also sets the tone of the overall plot. It was interesting to see some hooks launched that will play a huge role lather on.
Go read this now!
April 1, 2023
Characters are getting serious! Edward and Alphonse brothers were thrown back to square zero but they are coming back so hard!
June 5, 2020
In this volume we got a deep look into the emotional backstory of Ed and Al.
I find it fascinating how much Arakawa can make his readers care for the mother despite how little we know about her.
I'm excited to continue!
5 of 5 stars
I find it fascinating how much Arakawa can make his readers care for the mother despite how little we know about her.
I'm excited to continue!
5 of 5 stars
April 15, 2018
It’s weird that Scar guy isn’t really in this book but he’s on the cover. It would have made more sense to put a young Al and Edward since a good portion of this book is telling their backstory.
“Envy: You sure it’s such a good idea to let this kid live?”—Page 16
I’m sure it won’t be.
DON’T YOU SLAP EDDIE!
“Edward: And there’s no need to be so polite. I’m just a ‘child’, right?
Black hair: No joke?
Light hair: What a relief! You don’t know how hard it was for me to be so polite to someone younger than me!!”—Page 39
Ruuuuuude.
I LOVE ARMSTRONG SO MUCH!!
“Edward:…I hate milk.”—Page 65
That explains everything.
“Hughes: They would rather shoulder their pain themselves…than cause their loved ones to worry.”—Page 81
*Blinks* Hughes…YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO BE COMIC RELIEF HOW DARE YOU!
They can’t even trust Roy?
The president slipped away from his body guards. He’s like Ed and Al.
We’re finally going to meet this mysterious teacher!
NO NO NO NO DO NOT HURT HUGHES.
BLACK HAIRED DUDE! YOU’RE A TRAITOR!! IT’S ONE OF THE SINNERS FUCK! AND HUGHES! NOOOOOOO.
ROY LIKES DOGS! I’m still horribly depressed that Hughes died bUT AWWWWWWW!
*Aladdin theme starts playing*
Winry giving girl-Aladdin a stern talking to is great.
I think I’ve seen that “Don’t forget 3. OCT. 11” thing before. I didn’t know it was this series.
I SHOULDN’T BE TEARING UP AT A BIRTH BUT I AM!
I like this teacher. Izumi, I think the Firelord in Legend of Korra also has that name lol. I wonder if that’s a FMA reference.
“Mr. Curtis: I can’t help it that I was born with this scary face.”—Page 334
Aw, poor guy!!
IZUMI YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE TWO KIDS ON AN ISLAND!
I’ve seen this tree in one of the intros.
“Hawkeye: Because there’s someone I need to protect.”—Page 498
Who? Mustang? Yeah. It is Mustang. Now I want to see more of Hawkeye and Mustang together.
Oh, now I understand why Ed hates Mustang. Now I don’t know how much I trust him.
“The Fullmetal Alchemist!”—Page 528
Roll credits.
“Izumi: You don’t have to hold back.”—Page 536
I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING!
Izumi, whyyyyyyy? I understand why but why?
Another one of the sins? Alrightie then.
“Envy: You sure it’s such a good idea to let this kid live?”—Page 16
I’m sure it won’t be.
DON’T YOU SLAP EDDIE!
“Edward: And there’s no need to be so polite. I’m just a ‘child’, right?
Black hair: No joke?
Light hair: What a relief! You don’t know how hard it was for me to be so polite to someone younger than me!!”—Page 39
Ruuuuuude.
I LOVE ARMSTRONG SO MUCH!!
“Edward:…I hate milk.”—Page 65
That explains everything.
“Hughes: They would rather shoulder their pain themselves…than cause their loved ones to worry.”—Page 81
*Blinks* Hughes…YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO BE COMIC RELIEF HOW DARE YOU!
They can’t even trust Roy?
The president slipped away from his body guards. He’s like Ed and Al.
We’re finally going to meet this mysterious teacher!
NO NO NO NO DO NOT HURT HUGHES.
BLACK HAIRED DUDE! YOU’RE A TRAITOR!! IT’S ONE OF THE SINNERS FUCK! AND HUGHES! NOOOOOOO.
ROY LIKES DOGS! I’m still horribly depressed that Hughes died bUT AWWWWWWW!
*Aladdin theme starts playing*
Winry giving girl-Aladdin a stern talking to is great.
I think I’ve seen that “Don’t forget 3. OCT. 11” thing before. I didn’t know it was this series.
I SHOULDN’T BE TEARING UP AT A BIRTH BUT I AM!
I like this teacher. Izumi, I think the Firelord in Legend of Korra also has that name lol. I wonder if that’s a FMA reference.
“Mr. Curtis: I can’t help it that I was born with this scary face.”—Page 334
Aw, poor guy!!
IZUMI YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE TWO KIDS ON AN ISLAND!
I’ve seen this tree in one of the intros.
“Hawkeye: Because there’s someone I need to protect.”—Page 498
Who? Mustang? Yeah. It is Mustang. Now I want to see more of Hawkeye and Mustang together.
Oh, now I understand why Ed hates Mustang. Now I don’t know how much I trust him.
“The Fullmetal Alchemist!”—Page 528
Roll credits.
“Izumi: You don’t have to hold back.”—Page 536
I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING!
Izumi, whyyyyyyy? I understand why but why?
Another one of the sins? Alrightie then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
4.75 stars; if it wasn’t for Volume 4, this would’ve been a full 5 stars.
Volume 4: First few chapters of this volume felt very disjointed, with too much cheesy humor (I’m fine with some cheesiness here and there—it can be charming, quirky and add a bit of levity—but the level it was at in these chapters was overwhelming and distracting). However, chapter 15 saw some great character development, and chapter 16 was heartbreaking...such a stark contrast from chapters 13 and 14. Overall rating for this volume: 3.75 stars.
Vovlume 5: Such a drastic improvement from Volume 4. Volume 5 had such great character development all around; everyone is really coming into their own. We also got to see some great exploration of both the immensity and limits to Edward’s powers. This volume also contained some GREAT plot twists and story arc development. Overall rating for this volume: 5 stars.
Volume 6: Exceptional backstory development in this volume. 5 stars.
Volume 4: First few chapters of this volume felt very disjointed, with too much cheesy humor (I’m fine with some cheesiness here and there—it can be charming, quirky and add a bit of levity—but the level it was at in these chapters was overwhelming and distracting). However, chapter 15 saw some great character development, and chapter 16 was heartbreaking...such a stark contrast from chapters 13 and 14. Overall rating for this volume: 3.75 stars.
Vovlume 5: Such a drastic improvement from Volume 4. Volume 5 had such great character development all around; everyone is really coming into their own. We also got to see some great exploration of both the immensity and limits to Edward’s powers. This volume also contained some GREAT plot twists and story arc development. Overall rating for this volume: 5 stars.
Volume 6: Exceptional backstory development in this volume. 5 stars.
March 27, 2018
So, the average rating would end up being a 4 star, although in such a compendium there’s definitely ups and downs to be expected.
Volume 4 gets a three star rating...some sad, a little funny and a little draggy at times. Not quite the series I’ve come to love - got a little bogged down in irreverence.
Volume 5 was an improvement as the Brothers Elric and Winry hit the road for a bit of personal growth and adventure. A nice detour, and one that didn't detract from the story.
Volume 6 reminds me of why I love the series. Out of the ballpark. Nice back story with truly compelling events and great humor.
Not enough Alex Louis Armstrong, but I really like their teacher, Izumi Curtis.
Volume 4 gets a three star rating...some sad, a little funny and a little draggy at times. Not quite the series I’ve come to love - got a little bogged down in irreverence.
Volume 5 was an improvement as the Brothers Elric and Winry hit the road for a bit of personal growth and adventure. A nice detour, and one that didn't detract from the story.
Volume 6 reminds me of why I love the series. Out of the ballpark. Nice back story with truly compelling events and great humor.
Not enough Alex Louis Armstrong, but I really like their teacher, Izumi Curtis.
April 22, 2019
I keep being amazed by how much story, character, action and heart is fit in-between just a few pages of this manga!
January 17, 2023
OK, I'm pretty much hooked at this point, although ... there's still a long way to go, so I'm curious if I'll stick with it.
And, no, I'm still not sure where it's all going, but I continue to be amused, for the most part, with new characters and players as we meet them.
In terms of packaging and consumption, I much preferred this format (volumes 4, 5 & 6 - Chapter 13 thru 25 (or something like that) all bound up together). It's great content for work/study breaks.
Overall, surprisingly (to me) engaging and evocative stuff.
And, no, I'm still not sure where it's all going, but I continue to be amused, for the most part, with new characters and players as we meet them.
In terms of packaging and consumption, I much preferred this format (volumes 4, 5 & 6 - Chapter 13 thru 25 (or something like that) all bound up together). It's great content for work/study breaks.
Overall, surprisingly (to me) engaging and evocative stuff.
November 9, 2020
The series starts to get darker this volume- and seeing as the first volume had a man perform live experiments on his daughter, that's a tall order. But there's some death, some trauma, and most importantly we get to see some backstory of how Edward and Alphonse learned alchemy (and screwed up the human transmutation). Their "teacher" is a relatively minor character compared to the already large cast so far, but they're also one of my favourites. This series really impresses me with how quiet and subtle it can be. Calling this an action series would be a misnomer, as this 3-in-1 Edition is more drama and emotional beats as we explore the connection between the two Elric brothers- how it's been tested, how they rely on each other, and how annoying they can be.
August 11, 2018
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! MAES HUGHES *cries in the corner*
April 5, 2025
Story so good it got me almost crying on volume 4, and it just keeps getting better.
February 22, 2017
** 4.5 stars **
I flew through this one so quickly! There was a lot more to the plot and also a lot of backstory given. Really looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
I flew through this one so quickly! There was a lot more to the plot and also a lot of backstory given. Really looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
February 13, 2016
Books 4, 5 & 6, 3 in 1 Edition, Vol. 2 - Manga
Very enjoyable read. This is a heady mix of action, intrigue, surprises, humor, and heart-wrenching details of Edward and Al's early childhood years. The backstory of how Edward lost an arm and a leg, and Al losing his entire body (now a soul trapped in a suit of armor) is fascinating.
Author Hiromu Arakawa
does a marvelous job of world building ("The Boomtown of the Broken Down" for one). Fun new characters, especially Paninya, the pickpocket. Edward tries to chase her down to get his property back. The ensuing chase and Paninya's amazing acrobatics, which stun and challenge Edward's auto-mail enhancements, made me laugh. Love the artwork throughout the books.
Edward was easier to like after reading of his early years. Now we understand what fuels his anger and intensity. I liked the author's reminders that Edward is just 11 years old.
Still loving Winry, her grandmother, and Lt. Roy Mustang. The author has a nice balance of male and female characters. I liked getting to know more about Lt. Col. Hawkeye. I think the target of her "secret" is obvious?
The theme of the circle of life and death throughout the books was wonderful. Loved the fun artwork and humor in "Extras".
Looking forward to the next books.
Very enjoyable read. This is a heady mix of action, intrigue, surprises, humor, and heart-wrenching details of Edward and Al's early childhood years. The backstory of how Edward lost an arm and a leg, and Al losing his entire body (now a soul trapped in a suit of armor) is fascinating.
Author Hiromu Arakawa
does a marvelous job of world building ("The Boomtown of the Broken Down" for one). Fun new characters, especially Paninya, the pickpocket. Edward tries to chase her down to get his property back. The ensuing chase and Paninya's amazing acrobatics, which stun and challenge Edward's auto-mail enhancements, made me laugh. Love the artwork throughout the books.Edward was easier to like after reading of his early years. Now we understand what fuels his anger and intensity. I liked the author's reminders that Edward is just 11 years old.
Still loving Winry, her grandmother, and Lt. Roy Mustang. The author has a nice balance of male and female characters. I liked getting to know more about Lt. Col. Hawkeye. I think the target of her "secret" is obvious?
The theme of the circle of life and death throughout the books was wonderful. Loved the fun artwork and humor in "Extras".
Looking forward to the next books.
April 10, 2020
You will not be dissaponted with Fullmetal Alchemist, it is a fantastic manga series. I highly recommend it to everyone, doesn't matter if you are a manga fan or not, you will love it.
December 13, 2017
I love those Elric Brothers!!!
September 15, 2021
The 4, 5 and 6th volumen in this 3-1 edition.
In this book we can see more development of the history and get to know better the characters.
After the discovery of the secret of the philosopher's stone, Edward is involved in a fight while Al gets doubt about his existence. After the fight, Edward gets injured and has to be in the hospital for recovery. He calls Winry to help him with his arm.
After that they travel to find their old teacher, so he can help them in their adventure. Winry will join them as they will pass by Rush Valley, the auto-mail engineers mean.
Some extra stories in here while they are in Rush Valley, another about Scar and Colonel Hughes.
And the best for the final, we know the story of the Elric Brothers, from small boys, how the get into alchemy, their training, the lost of her mother and how they join the government.
In this book we can see more development of the history and get to know better the characters.
After the discovery of the secret of the philosopher's stone, Edward is involved in a fight while Al gets doubt about his existence. After the fight, Edward gets injured and has to be in the hospital for recovery. He calls Winry to help him with his arm.
After that they travel to find their old teacher, so he can help them in their adventure. Winry will join them as they will pass by Rush Valley, the auto-mail engineers mean.
Some extra stories in here while they are in Rush Valley, another about Scar and Colonel Hughes.
And the best for the final, we know the story of the Elric Brothers, from small boys, how the get into alchemy, their training, the lost of her mother and how they join the government.
June 15, 2021
This series is so much fun to read. There's great action, lots of humor, and some really heartbreaking moments. Getting a look at the Elric brothers backstory has me fully invested in this series, and I'm excited to read the next volume.
May 28, 2025
A really good continuation!!! This series really keeps you on your feet and it does NOT hold back its punches. My queen Winry and Granny. Dunno how I'll read the rest they aren't in any library I can find. 😅
August 28, 2017
I haven't found a manga that's engaged me this much since Deathnote.
May 11, 2020
SO. GOOD.
May 16, 2024
Edward kralj feminizma
"You idiot"
"You idiot"
May 23, 2024
Absolutely fantastic
September 6, 2024
В тази част историята се връща малко назад, за да покаже откъде са тръгнали главните ни герои, както и грешките, които се опитват да поправят.
March 22, 2025
I love the characters, I've always been more of a character person and the characters in this manga all are so amazing I can't wait for the next book!!!
May 19, 2025
eating good. it's so interesting to be reading and watching the anime at the same time and catch foreshadowing/know the larger context. excellent stuff
February 23, 2025
Weer fantastisch!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews