Customer Reviews

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 17

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist, vol. 17 (ViZ, 2007)

The Elric brothers are stuck in the deep north, and it seems that all sorts of forces are starting to converge there. Rolf J. Kimblee, the Red Lotus Alchemist, is on his way there with Lieutenant General Raven, each with his own agenda, and another homunculus (if you've been following, it should be obvious which by process of elimination) puts in an appearance as well. Ed, Al, and their allies in the north have almost got everything figured out, but not quite; it's time to put the last pieces of the puzzle in place. As well, we get a quick flashback to Ed and Al's family life when they were kids, and the departure of their father; seems he's getting ready to come back on the stage as well. As usual, an action-packed, and quite fun, volume in the series. Can't wait for the next volume to get translated. ****

So many pieces of the puzzle fall into place with volume 17. We finally get some explanation on how the alchemy in Xing works and we even find out some history on how the alchemy in Amestris works. Several groups of people also finally figure out what Maes Hughes died for way back in volume 4. The time when all of the homunculis' scheming finally comes to fruition is close and things are more dire than anyone could have thought.

I'm really liking some of the new characters. Miles, an Ishbalan solider serving in the Amestrian army, is so rough and tough in amongst all of the crap he has to put up with because of his race and the history the Amestrians have with his country. He's not afraid to flash his red eyes at someone to shake them and their preconceptions up a bit. I also really liked the Major General Olivier Armstrong, she is tough as nails and doesn't take any crap from anyone. I also really admire her commitment to her job guarding the border and to the troops defending it. The women in this series are all portrayed in an empowering way, whether they are generals in charge of a fort, mechanics and doctors helping put people back together, or even mothers and wives who are shown with a unique strength and empowering love and devotion all of their own. Don't forget that it was for the love of their mother that Ed and Al started on this crazy adventure in the first place.

With the dastardly plans of the homunculi finally being revealed things are coming to a head for the characters in this book, but the enemy still has as many hands tied as possible and makes sure the heroes know it. It's your move, Fullmetal.

Rather than spoil what has gone in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga series so far, I'm just going to say it's great. If you have not read the previous volumes before number 17, I suggest you do so, or you will be lost in the story. It seems that the English localization/translation of the manga has caught up with the current printing in Japan, so I cannot wait for May 2009 to read what happens next. Yes, this is an ongoing series. It is still being written and read in Japan today.