FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: FULLMETAL EDITION VOL. 3 (MANGA REVIEW)

By: RogueSymbiote

Spoilers Ahead!

Summary

Envy and Lust appear just in time to silence the murderous guard before he can reveal any secrets to Edward. The heinous duo reveal that they have much bigger plans for Ed before destroying the fifth laboratory. While Ed recovers from his injuries with some help from Winry, Alphonse questions the validity of his very existence.

Al fears that Ed has merely created false memories and is pretending to be his brother. In a fury, Winry strikes Al and chastises him for ever thinking Ed would do something like that. While still not fully healed, Ed begins to spar with Al and defeats him for the first time ever. Al realizes his awful mistake and the brothers' bond restores.

Lieutenant Colonel Hughes uncovers a villainous military secret and is quickly attacked by Lust. Wounded and alone, Hughes rushes to call Roy Mustang to share what he has learned. Just as Mustang picks up the line, he is confronted by Envy and slain.

Prior to Hughes' murder, Ed, Al and Winry left to be trained by their former teacher. Per Winry's request, the trio stop in Rush Valley as it is the automail Mecca. Through a series of events, Ed's State Alchemist pocket watch is stolen by Paninya. After realizing that their thief has two finely crafter automail legs, Winry begs to meet the mechanic who made them. Paninya introduces them to her automail mechanic, Dominic. Winry pleads to become his apprentice, but her requests are refused.

Dominic's daughter-in-law goes into labor. He sets off on a laborious trip to town as the bridge has been destroyed by a frightening storm. Ed, Al and the soon to be father panic, leaving Winry to step up and help deliver the baby.

Review

Once again, Fullmetal Alchemist delivers with the goods. The Fullmetal Edition hardcover is beautiful as always. Volume 3 takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Al's mental torment of not knowing if he was ever real, Ed's grief over causing his brother to lose his body and the death of Hughes are all heartbreaking and masterfully executed. You feel their pain through the beautiful writing and art. Action and humor are still plentiful, but emotional depth and character development take over in this installment.

With solid pacing, gripping action and a thought provoking story arc, Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition Vol. 3 is a must own for any fan of the franchise. I read the entire volume in one sitting as I was unable to put it down. The fact that I've already seen the series twice and am still glued to the printed media is a testament to the expertly crafted execution of the manga.

The Fullmetal Edition includes concept sketches for various characters and intermittent full color panels. You can order your copy of this amazing series right here!

Note: Viz Media provided us with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.