Transcript
Speaker: Welcome to yet another episode of Life Blurred, where we talk about manga, manhwa, light novels, and other types of comic books. I'm your host, Crypt, and today we're checking out one of my all -time favorites. I'm talking about Hiromu Arakawa's steampunk dark fantasy adventure manga, Fullmetal Alchemist. So grab your beverage, settle in, and let's get the show rolling.
Speaker: We join the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse in a world in which alchemy is a practiced science, influencing even their technology and governed by one rule, equivalent exchange. The tale begins with the siblings trying to bring their mother back to life using alchemy. But it goes horribly wrong, leaving their bodies ravaged. The practice was forbidding for a reason, and the boys are considered lucky with Edward losing a few limbs while Alphonse's body disappears entirely.
Speaker: It sounds like a lot but this is literally the beginning. The duo then go off on an epic quest to become state alchemists and restore their bodies. The manga covers so many themes like brotherhood, family, redemption, war, morality, and more. Along their journey they meet many fun characters and interesting villains.
Speaker: across a backdrop of sinister plots and political intrigue that will have you binge reading in no time. The art of Hiromo Arakawa gives FMA a unique look, lending the manga an aesthetic environment and character design that makes it hard not to spot it immediately in any promotional materials that you come across. It portrays beauty and darkness simultaneously.
Speaker: A lot of scenes will catch you off guard on how deep and complex the character situations are. With a ton of well -defined characters, you might think it would be difficult to tell them apart, but they're so distinct with fleshed -out personalities that even if you can't remember their names, you will remember their faces. You find yourself developing relationships with them and many aspects of the story are relatable.
Speaker: Many great comic books have suffered from poor pacing, but not FMA. The plot is masterfully set up with a generous amount of action scenes, heartfelt moments, and thought -provoking themes that don't feel rushed or out of place. There's also no filler content either, thank God. At least not in the original manga anyway. Every scene shows growth, provides insight, or moves the story along, and that's all we ask for in this series as long as this one.
Speaker: I love FMA to bits but certain plot points are tad predictable. Especially if you've read a lot of manga and watched loads of anime. It might or might not be a problem for you but it's best I let you know now. I guess the only other issue I see is it's not necessarily a con.
Speaker: But I know a lot of people that are wary of when I recommend things to them. Or at least worry of this because of my love of Satan and psychological stuff. But anyway, you need to be prepared for a lot of tragedy in FMA because it's coming. It can be emotionally heavy.
Speaker: But its depth gives the manga a unique touch to the narrative. Conclusion. The equivalent exchange you get from FMA is hardcore entertainment. And you don't even need a transmutation circle for it. Watching the anime and playing the games are just extra icing on an already magnificent cake. Nothing is ever perfect. But I can say FMA comes really close.
Speaker: If 27 volumes is too much for you to read, then you can't go wrong with Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. It's the better the two manga adaptations as it closely follows the source material. There's also a light novel written by Makoto Inoue that you could read instead. It's only 10 volumes. In conclusion, Fullmetal Alchemist is brilliant on whatever platform or medium you find it on.
Speaker: Yurumu Arakawa created a series filled with great characters and an interesting world that continues to touch the lives of many. It will remain in this fan's heart and mind, reminding me of the human condition and the price of ambition. Speaking of which, if you're interested in a free trial of Amazon Prime video, which you could use to watch for Meta Alchemist Brotherhood, check the link in the description below.
Speaker: reading list. If you like what you heard and want to get your own copies of FMA, you could also check the show notes for links to each one. But for fans of Hiruma Arakawa looking for more manga, why don't you pick up a common of age slice of life manga titled Silver Spoon or Gin No Saji.
Speaker: Arakawa -san shifts gears by introducing us to Yugo Hachiken, a young teenager that enrolls in Ueso, I hope I got that right, Agricultural High School in Hokkaido. It's a look at his daily life and the rigors of agriculture. If FMA was too dark for you and you prefer your shonen with no seinen at all, then try Acheero Oda's Global Hit One Piece.
Speaker: It's the tale of a young boy called Luffy that dreams of becoming a pirate and goes off in search of infamy and adventure. I think that was the first manga I bought locally. Yeah, so I have fond memories of volume one romance dawn. If you do purchase anything following the links, we get a small kickback at no extra cost to you that will help us keep the lights on. So thank you very much.
Speaker: And there you have it, my pseudo review of Full Metal Alchemist and the final episode of Season 2. If you enjoyed the episode then please like, share and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast platform. Please support your local comic book scene and keep reading the books you love. The theme song is Dreams by Rie Wade. See you around.
