by Cypher-Khan on September 11th, 2004, 8:57pm

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User rating of this review - 4.07 out of 5
Story/Plot - 4 out of 5
Characters - 5 out of 5
Drawing Style - 4 out of 5
Enjoyment - 5 out of 5
Overall - 4 out of 5

Click here for series information

Plot/Story
Fullmetal Alchemist (hagane no renkinjutsushi) is the story of the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric. Their father left them at an early age and thier mother died due to illness. Orphaned and alone the boys decided to use their knowledge of alchemy to resurrect their mother.

However, alchemy as a science is deeply rooted in the principal of "equivalent trade" In order to make something, something of equal value must be used.

Human transmutation has never succeeded, yet Ed and Al tried... the results were less than desirable. Alphonse lost his body and Ed lost his leg in the effort to transmute thier mother. Ed then lost his arm in order to tie his brother’s soul to a nearby suit of armor. He himself underwent automail surgery to replace his lost limbs.

One does not so easily break that which is taboo for the price is always steep. The brothers now travel the world seeking the philosophers’ stone in order to return themselves to their original bodies.

Characters

Edward Elric - Genius alchemist, the stories lead.

Alphonse Elric - Little brother to Ed, no less talented.

Roy Mustang - Flame Alchemist and army Major

Alex Luis Armstrong - Strongarm Alchemist also army Major

Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Wrath, Greed, Pride (with the exception of Pride all other sins have been shown in the manga as at ch32) - This group form the main group of evil. Homunculus.

Scar - An Ishvar survivor, his right arm is tattooed with Alchemic writings and allows him to utilize the power of alchemy.

Drawing Style

Excellent. In fact, I love it. It’s not as highly detailed as some that I can mention. But this one is still good. Has occasions where the look of the characters becomes completely deformed, this comes off as quite amusing.

Enjoyment

Enjoyment is easy. Fullmetal Alchemist has this department covered. Between Ed's "small" reactions, Armstrongs "Behold My Body!" scenes, Hughes' obsession with his daughter and the master’s nature to be abusive towards her students this manga should keep you entertained with little difficulty.

Overall

Great manga; excellent read.

The story is intriguing and it’s backed up by a stellar cast of characters. Hiromu Awakawa has certainly outdone himself on this manga. I look forward to what will occur in later chapters.

This is definitely a manga that you should be reading.

(Has an anime series of the same name. But to be honest... the manga is my preference)

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