(鋼の錬金術師)
Square Enix Co., LTD. and VIZ Media, LLC - 2002
Reading Level: 13+ Number of Pages: 180 Genre: Teen, Graphic Novel, Action
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (2010)
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers - Top Ten (2006)
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2006)
Top Selling Graphic Novel in the US in 2005
In two TV Ashi polls, its corresponding anime was voted the #1 most popular anime of all time
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers - Top Ten (2006)
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2006)
Top Selling Graphic Novel in the US in 2005
In two TV Ashi polls, its corresponding anime was voted the #1 most popular anime of all time
Summary: Alchemy is a science allowing its user to transmute the form and even substance of a material. Edward and Alphonse Elric are brothers on a quest in search of a legendary alchemic relic: the philosopher's stone, an object holding enough potential energy to theoretically undo Ed and Al's biggest mistake, which has cost them dearly. As a result of practicing a forbidden form of alchemy, Edward was deprived of his right arm and left leg, while his brother's entire body was taken, leaving his soul attached to a suit of armor. The two brothers' journey is filled with adventure and sorrow as they help people on their way, searching for the knowledge to get their bodies back to normal.
My Impressions: A really good manga is, in my opinion, difficult to find. Fullmetal Alchemist manages to catch my interest because of the intensity of the characters, coupled with a fascinating concept. Alchemy imbues the protagonists with a dangerous and powerful ability, yet inwardly Ed and Al are just kids. They are weak, and they fail frequently. As heroes they are only helpless pawns facing a sea of dangerous enemies, but the bond between the two brothers holds them together. The story itself is very action-packed, and the illustrations are stunning. It is easy to identify with Ed because, despite his multiple prostheses and diminutive stature, he has a stoic resolve to overcome the odds.
In the above-pictured book, the first in the series, Edward and Alphonse arrive in a town seeking the Philosopher's stone. They hear of a man who works "miracles," claiming that his power is divine. They suspect that he has a philosopher's stone, and discover that he has only a cheap copy. Because the "prophet" attempts to destroy them for discovering his secret, they reveal the truth of his miracles to the whole town. Ed and Al also rescue a political leader's family from a gang of terrorists on a train. The first in the series, the book functions as a prologue to introduce the characters and acquaint the reader with the purpose of Ed and Al's journey and their eventual goals.
The foundation of alchemy is the 'equivalent exchange:' "To obtain something, something of equal value must be lost." People call my brother a genius, but the reason he's so good at is he paid the price... and worked so hard.
My Impressions: A really good manga is, in my opinion, difficult to find. Fullmetal Alchemist manages to catch my interest because of the intensity of the characters, coupled with a fascinating concept. Alchemy imbues the protagonists with a dangerous and powerful ability, yet inwardly Ed and Al are just kids. They are weak, and they fail frequently. As heroes they are only helpless pawns facing a sea of dangerous enemies, but the bond between the two brothers holds them together. The story itself is very action-packed, and the illustrations are stunning. It is easy to identify with Ed because, despite his multiple prostheses and diminutive stature, he has a stoic resolve to overcome the odds.
In the above-pictured book, the first in the series, Edward and Alphonse arrive in a town seeking the Philosopher's stone. They hear of a man who works "miracles," claiming that his power is divine. They suspect that he has a philosopher's stone, and discover that he has only a cheap copy. Because the "prophet" attempts to destroy them for discovering his secret, they reveal the truth of his miracles to the whole town. Ed and Al also rescue a political leader's family from a gang of terrorists on a train. The first in the series, the book functions as a prologue to introduce the characters and acquaint the reader with the purpose of Ed and Al's journey and their eventual goals.
Parent's Guide: The book company has labeled the book as "T" for teen, with a parental advisory for mildly strong language, tobacco/alcohol usage, and violence. The storyline itself contains elements which are decidedly dark; the function of which stands as a foil for the valiance of the hero-characters. There are also some important characters who, throughout the series, are murdered by the enemy. The book contains elements that are funny, exciting, scary, and sad, but this only helps the reader grow more attached to the main characters.
Recommendations: As the awards mentioned above indicate, graphic novels are sometimes a wise choice to recommend to reluctant readers. Sometimes it just takes the right kind of draw to get someone to like reading. I would recommend this series to any group of people who might be interested in an action-based story.
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