[MANGA Review] Full Metal Alchemist

In a recent comics review for the Daily Yomiuri, Tom Baker reviews the popular series “Full Metal Alchemist”.

Baker wrote, “Fullmetal Alchemist is an epic manga series about morally complex characters in an intricately detailed but internally consistent fantasy world. The visuals are beautiful and the storytelling is a deft blend of revelations and teases. It’s nearly perfect.”

“The two main characters are Edward and Alphonse Elric, child prodigies in the field of alchemy. Their precocious powers give them such a privileged position in the nation of Amestria that a long time passes before they have to confront the dark side of their society, which is loosely modeled on a 1930s European military dictatorship.”

“Ed and Al also have personal tragedies that initially keep them from seeing the big picture. Abandoned by their father and bereft of their mother, the two kids attempted to use alchemy bring their mom back from the dead. Among the horrific results of that mistake were Ed’s loss of two limbs–he has to make do with “automail” cybernetic prosthetics–and Al’s loss of his entire body, leaving his soul trapped in a walking, talking suit of armor.”

More on this article