Fullmetal Alchemist; Fullmetal Edition Volume 2 [Hiromu Arakawa]

…just when I think our goal is within reach it slips right through our fingers.

I’ve always found Edward and Alphonse Elric incredibly endearing. Much of my time with them has been spent loving the two–Edward, in particular–without really ever giving much thought as to why. And, ultimately, among the amusing antics and humorous freak-outs, the moments of sincerity from Edward fill and break my heart throughout the course of the story. Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist is just one of those stories that hits you from every corner with so many emotions you can’t help getting attached.

The Silliness

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I don’t think Fullmetal Alchemist would be the same without the silly humor that’s peppered throughout its pages. My favorite from this volume arises with Edward’s brief moment of self-loathing for almost having a grateful thought about being small. A brilliant play on the ongoing joke throughout the series regarding his hatred of anyone seeing him as short. And it’s the perfect juxtaposition to the serious tone that the series often takes regarding its overall plot.

I always forget how quickly a lot of the vents and character introductions happen. With the Fullmetal Edition, this is technically condensing the volumes up to 3 when compared with the original manga. Still, already we’re at the story of Dr. Marcoh and the 5th Lab. The story is rather fast paced, but in just the perfect amount. And it becomes hard to stop, take a step back, and spend the time writing a review. Already I want to just jump into the next part of the story.

That Ending Though

Volume 2 brings us Major Armstrong, Winry and Pinako Rockbell, Maria and Denny, and the wonderful Sheska. I don’t know about you, but I have never related more to a character than I do to Sheska. Granted, my memory isn’t quite as photographic as hers, but I have some of those skills. In the end, I have to admit that it’s quite easy to find myself in a pile of books.

This volume also ends on quite a cliffhanger. One that, had you not already read the whole series, you would find yourself screaming out load about. And then you’d promptly pick up the next volume in a desperate need to find out what happens next. All I can say is, this story is fantastic.

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