Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1
by Hiromu Arakawa
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Book Summary Information
Author: Hiromu ArakawaIllustrator: Hiromu Arakawa
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-05-03
ISBN: 1591169208
Number of pages: 192
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Book Reviews of Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1
Book Review: "Fullmetal Alchemist": Nice Blend of Actions and Comedy
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the most successful comic series in Japan, "Fullmetal Alchemist" follows the story of the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric. The brothers both lost their bodies (partially and entirely) because of their failed attempt to resurrect their dead mother, using the alchemy, or the mystical powers. In their quest to discover the way to restore their bodies, the brothers meet a variety of characters who might help, or confront them.
Creator Hiromu Arakawa has successfully created a unique fictional universe that looks very much like Europe or North America during the Industrial Revolution. The difference is that 15-year-old boy Edward, clad in "Auto-mail," is a state alchemist, and in this world alchemist is scientist. Edward can change objects (clay into gold, for instance) using this "advanced science."
The comic includes some serious issues and violence (not very graphic), but these tense moments are offset by plenty of humor and jokes. I don't say Hiromu Arakawa's illustrations are the best of the kind (she is not very good at drawing the backgrounds), but characters are fun to see with their colorful facial expressions.
The ongoing comic has been serialized in Square Enix's "Monthly Shonen Gangan" since the August issue in 2001. The volume 1 covers the four episodes from the August to November issues, 2001. As the original episodes have been published monthly, each chapter of the book is considerably long, allowing for the room for every character to fully develop.
The English translation itself is nice. Some changes are made, but they are understandable. For example, in p.151, Edward actually cries out "Mijinko (meaning Water-flee)" in the original Japanese, which I am afraid isn't funny spoken in English. The publisher VIZ provides translated FXs, but seems to have removed all the original Japanese ones. Also, in the Japanese original edition different fonts are often used to express the various kinds and degrees of emotions of the characters (especially, Edward), but the English edition uses the same font throughout. Maybe this is a minor thing. Or maybe not. You decide.
Square Enix's biggest hit "FMA" is a unique blend of dramas, actions, adventures, comedy and mythology. The beginning part may be slightly confusing, but please keep reading. Once you get the basic background information about the main characters, you will be drawn into the manga's world.
Two dolls referred to in the extra comic are both famous in Japan; one is "Peko-chan," the mascot of the confectionary store chain Fujiya Co. and the other is "Kuidaore-Taro," the mascot of the (now closed) restaurant in Osaka, "Kuidaore." No wonder Alphonse refused to be in either of them.
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