Full Metal Alchemist (Hagane No Renkinjutsushi)

Reviewed by Jay Quidem
July 2004

Author: Hiromu Arakawa Artist: Hiromu Arakawa Publisher: VIZ Media Website: Click Here Rating: 10 out of 10

“To gain something you need something of equal value. A person cannot gain something without losing something. This is the law of conversation. At that time we believed that was the truth in the world…”

Full Metal Alchemist (Hagane No Renkinjutushi) has come a long way since creator Hiromu Arakawa first came up with the concept in 2001. In just the last two years to date this franchise has reached near legendary status. With all fifty-one episodes being translated and prepared for DVD and English network release, two successful video games, and the release of the FMA movie, it is nothing short of amazing.

The licensing for the FMA manga was taken by VIZ Media (also acquiring Bleach). In May 2005, it released the first volume of FMA to readers across America , containing the chapter titles: The Two Alchemists, The Price of Life, The Coal Mine Town, and Battle of the Train. And just recently in June of the same year the second volume was released to the awaiting public. As each book is released bi-monthly (the third one is to set to be released in August) and contains four chapters (not to be confused that they go in the same order as the anime), we will have a good while to see for ourselves how they VIZ adapts FMA onto paper.

Storyline-wise the manga is true to the original plot of the anime to a certain point. The first FMA manga released speeds through the reason for their search to the end of the State Alchemist Exams. For the most part the manga is still surrounds Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who after a botched attempt at Human Alchemy being their quest in search of the legendary Philosopher's Stone. All of the other characters do make their appearances in their prospective time, so that's a plus. Now I will not spoil any of the changes made, but you can expect new characters, whose actions will create new twists at the end of the series. Whether not this will change the overall ending, is still a mystery. Knowing this if you really are a devoted fan of the FMA series, you will then have to watch both the anime and read the manga to get the full scope of Edward and Alphonse's experiences.

The translated dialogue is top-notch, having not lost the edge during serious situations, or the comedic relief when presented with utter nonsense. The artwork is very clean and nicely detailed, something you'd expect from VIZ; and though many fans may believe that the fighting sequences that we love so much, won't be done justice on paper. The artists do their best to match the screen action, so readers will not be disappointed.

In a world where manga are commonplace, I'm confident in saying that FMA will rise above all others of its kind. The franchise has not disappointed its followers yet with anything below top quality, and putting their trust into VIZ has not changed my opinion. The future of the FMA's manga career seems to be in good hands.