Fullmetal Alchemist volume 23
Wielding a Philosopher’s Stone, Alphonse Elric enters a showdown with both Pride and Kimblee. Alphonse may need a plan for beating the homunculus and the traitor – his most vicious encounter yet.
At the same time, Edward Elric and his group are ambushed by Envy in the tunnels below Central and Roy Mustang uncovers the horrific truth about the murder of his friend, Maes Hughes.
This continuation of the adventure will be on store shelves on July 20th, 2010.
Fullmetal Alchemist volume 22
Alphonse and Hohenheim devise a plan to be captured by Pride and trick him into the darkness where his powers are limited. Edward’s group, including Scar and Lan Fan, head out to take on the mysterious Father, leaving Greed to take his own path.
Meanwhile, Mustang gathers his troops and kidnaps Fuhrer Bradley’s wife take over the military. However, the homunculus have a different plan and clash with the two groups as they struggle to prevent the giant transmutation from being used.
The battle continues on store shelves January 19th, 2010.
Fullmetal Alchemist volume 21
As the power struggle continues in Amestris, a trap is set for the Fuhrer King Bradley. However, if he’s disposed of, Roy Mustang and his supporters would be able take over the government. Unfortunately, Al’s soul is removed from his familiar suit of armor and someone else moves in.
This latest manga is set for store shelves on November 17th, 2009 for $9.99 USD.
Fullmetal Alchemist vol. 20
Fullmetal Alchemist returns to bookshelves on September 15th with volume 20 of the manga for $11.50 CAD (or $9.99 USD).
Betrayal and double-crossing are the order of the day. Greed, Pride and Envy prove to be formidable enemies, but one homunculus seems to be having pangs of–could it be?–conscience. Ominous news spreads quickly about a mysterious portal. Will this gateway help the Elric brothers regain their natural bodies? And will the gigantic underground transmutation circle be completed, leading to a major regime change? Plus, a moving reunion between Al and someone from his past! In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “auto-mail” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his brother and himself…the legendary Philosopher”s Stone.
Fullmetal Alchemist Premium OVA Collection
After the Fullmetal Alchemist animated series ended in 2006, alchemy fans had to hold their breath until the series was relaunched earlier this year as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. As the Elric brother’s journey is retold closer to the manga’s storyline, a set of short (sorry Ed!) clips from the previous series was available only to those in Japan. These brief videos featured a chibi party of the movie cast, the Elric brothers and their friend Winry, an interactive experience with the viewer as a State Alchemist, and finally a live-action clip of Alphonse Elric in armor form making his way to the Bones animation studio. At last, the alchemist inside all of us can catch up with the reunited English voice cast in Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium OVA Collection.
Unfortunately, as these clips are short, there’s not much else on the DVD aside from previews showing what other goodies FUNimation has available. It’s almost a sort of reunion for the voice cast, but most will notice that Al’s voice has changed - considering that Aaron Dismuke, the voice actor, has aged slightly.
Interactive Experience
You’re treated as a new recruit to the state and given an introduction by Fuhrer Bradley himself before being assigned to Colonel Mustang’s regiment. Your brought along on a mission to hunt down the strange homonculi who’ve kidnapped two other alchemists, who are none other than Ed and Al. Once Envy ruins Greed’s chance at getting the secret of sealing a soul to a suit of armor, an all out battle ensues between the homonculi and the State Alchemists.
Live Action Featurette
Al Elric, still with his soul attached to the suit of armor, is in modern day Japan looking for his brother. Al makes it to Bones’ studios in Tokyo only to find out that he can’t make it through the door because of his size. If only Ed had this problem.
Chibi Wrap Party
After the movie, Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa, the entire cast, in chibi form, take over a restaurant to celebrate. Some surprises are to be had, but not limited to Envy wearing a costume, Scar and Lust disguised as metal-sheathed extras, and Riza Hawkeye insulting Roy Mustang.
Kids – Short
The title of the last clip on the DVD is accurate: it’s short and about kids. A young Ed (minus the automail), Al (sans armor) and Winry wander through modern day Japan (again) on their way to visit their great-great-grandfather, which turns out to be someone very familiar.
There’s nothing new to be gained from the DVD, and it doesn’t answer any questions or add further to the storyline. Personally, instead of releasing these on a seperate disc, these clips could have been packaged in as bonus features on the existing Season 1 and 2 box sets already available. If you do decide to go out and purchase Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium OVA Collection, shop around, but don’t spend more than $10 on it. I’ll go back and continue to watch Brotherhood.
Fullmetal Alchemist vol. 19
Fullmetal Alchemist returns to bookshelves on July 21st with volume 19 of the manga for $10.46 CAD (or $9.99 USD).
Ed’s clever plan to take out an enemy leaves him severely injured… Can he cheat death? One of our friends discovers the ironic secret behind Scar’s brother’s transmutation notes. And Major General Armstrong meets with evil homunculus President Bradley. Whose side is she on again…? Plus, the disturbing origin of Ed and Al’s immortal father finally revealed!
This manga reads right to left in the traditional Japanese format.
Fullmetal Alchemist vol. 18
Volume 18 of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga is due out on May 19th, 2009 after a long drought from volume 17, which was released on October 21st, 2008. Looking forward to see what happens when Riza Hawkeye discovers a deep secret about President Bradley, and how the Elric brothers handle Winry’s capture.
Also, Fullmetal Alchemist returns to television on April 5th, 2009 in Japan. The original Japanese cast, including Romi Park and Rie Kugimiya are returning to voice Edward and Alphonse Elric, respectively.
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