Fullmetal Alchemist vol. 1 by Arakawa Hiromu (translated by Akira Watanabi)
Reviewed by: Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist
Genre: Fantasy
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: This first volume of Fullmetal Alchemist introduces us to the Elric Brothers – Edward and Alphonse. The brothers belong to a government organization called Alchemists – those with the power to transmute substances for the purposes of war. Edward is one of the most famous government alchemists, but he appears to be awfully young and Alphonse is a suit of armor. Just a suit of armor, with nothing inside. This first volume explains how Edward came to be one of the smartest alchemists of his age and the dangerous mission he and his brother are on – why Alphonse seems to be only a suit of armor, and why Edward is knows as the Fullmetal Alchemist.
My Review: I’m not really a manga fan, but I read this book as part of a book club and to get a better grasp on manga since people who come into the library like it so much. I didn’t expect to like it very much at all but I ended up loving it. The premise starts off in a bit of a goofy way. It’s clearly a hero’s journey/special chosen kid narrative. But little character moments throughout turn it into a story that is more driven by character than plot. I ended up really caring about the Elric brothers (who are named after Michael Moorcock’s famous albino warrior). I read the first three volumes of the series and am now invested in how everything turns out.
Three Words That Describe This Book: surprisingly sweet, occasionally grim, a little too real.
Give This a Try if You Like… the television show Supernatural, The Iron Giant, Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!