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Reviewed by Charles Webb So I've finally had a chance to read a volume of the big-dog of the mangaverse that doesn't involve ninjas and ubiquitous spirals. To be honest, jumping into the reviews so late in the game feels kind of like it has the potential to be like swinging a stick at a hornets' nest. By this point there have been 30 million copies of the book sold in Japan alone and I imagine there's a metric buttload of the faithful here in the States. Full Disclosure: I'm familiar with FMA via the dubbed version of the animated series from 2005. I get that there are fundamental differences between the animated series and the manga, particularly given that the show kind of, you know, had an ending while Arakawa is still working her way towards the finish line with the book. Still, that first exposure to FMA kind of made an impact I have to admit it prejudiced me in some ways towards the manga. Now as far as a first-time read this was actually pretty easy coming in 21 volumes late. Big ups to publisher for including a recap at the start of the book helpfully accompanied by portraits of all the characters involved. This little touch makes sliding into the actual reading a lot easier. The book starts smack in the middle of res as it were as some kind of "Day of Reckoning" bears down on the whole cast with the humonculi lining up all of their grand plans. It was easy enough to pick up with some of the characters I knew from the anime and subsequent film. In fact, it was a little surprising how easily the voices of the characters carries across the two versions of the story.The book maintains that balance between danger, pathos, and humor that kept me hooked on the derivative work - something that's a little lost in the new Brotherhood adaptation currently airing on Adult Swim.* It's cool to see that Hohenheim, the father of series stars Ed and Al Elric, is a player in the events at this point in the story. One of the few weaknesses of the animated series for me was the brief involvement of the character who was directly and indirectly responsible of so many of the events in the story. In fact, (and this doesn't speak to the merits of the actual story) there's something warm and fuzzy about seeing so many of the characters I was familiar with still kicking around given the melancholy resolution of the original anime. It's like Arakawa has given the characters a second life for this reader. So, is it any good? Well, yes it is - but maybe not as a first-timer's read. The book's chock-a-block with tons of ongoing plot threads that will dizzy most new readers - even with the recap. Still, it's worth picking up if you're longtime reader and it's a cool piece of curiosity for those who've watched the show. *Yeah, I know: I need to get around to reviewing the first batch of episodes from FMA: Brotherhood. Review copy provided by Viz Signature. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
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