Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 18

The front end of the book has lots of good moments for the female members of the cast, but the last portion spent too much time with the villains. I'm already so tired of Kimblee and his new pack of henchmen. (Oh, yay, more cast members. ~sigh~ But even with them, the author showed restraint and only crammed in 29 this volume.)

I might be feeling a little mid-binge letdown . . .

The very first thing I noticed when picking up my copy of Volume 18 is how differently Ed is drawn on the cover. He is growing up! I also noticed throughout the volume that several of the characters are being drawn just a bit older than they were before. Many of their actions also belie their age with Winry and her enduring sunny view on things bringing up the rear, though even she grows quite a bit throughout the events that unfold in this volume.

This volume also brings back some of the humor that we have been missing of late in the midst of all the serious subject manner. There were several moments that had me laughing out loud at the brother's antics and of course I loved seeing the interplay between the two of them and Winry show more whenever they meet up.

Several new sinister discoveries are made and characters scheme and double cross each other throughout as things unfold and the dark plans of the homunculus' father threaten to succeed. There are also several new alliances made and some real growth from characters you might least expect it from. I love that about this series, even the most stereotypical among the players can reveal real depth and real change in Arakawa's capable hands. The question just remains, how will this all play out? show less

Hooooly crap. Another Homunculos: Pride. And not at all who I would have expected! Crazy chimera fight (those are still a thing, remember?) and a bit more development and growth from May.

Onwards!

Chapter 70: The First Homunculus



So LUVY.



It's cute. I wonder if that will be resolved in this series. Things seem to be moving too fast / they're a bit young for that. But they've been through a lot.



PRIDE and joy eh? I caught that reading through, but I was totally joking... and then a page or two later...

Chapter 71: In the Grip of the Red Lotus



It's funny because acknowledge sexism? Flipping to an absolute badass just to gain the respect of those around you as a woman is still sexism.

Chapter 72: A Chain of Negativity, A Pebble of Goodness



SPIT show more FIGHT GO!



IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE HE'S METAL!

These chapters with big fight scenes are crazy fun. I want to watch the series (plural) again.

Chapter 73: A Daydream



Aw. Major General Armstrong is a hardass and all about survival of the fittest on paper. But she truly cares about her people. I liked this scene.



How old is May supposed to be? All this way to save her people--and coming to the realization that it may not be worth the cost. That's a lesson some never do learn. show less

This volume is everything that I have come to love about the series!

It's the perfect manga series and Arakawa is a master.