DVD Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1

(Funimation, 325 minutes)

http://www.fullmetalalchemist.com/

If you’re an anime fan, chances are you’ve already seen, read, or at the very least heard of Fullmetal Alchemist. Originally published as a manga written and drawn by Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young alchemists who lost everything the night they decided to commit the greatest taboo in alchemy, bringing someone back to life. The series was adapted into back in 2003 and met with critical success for its deeply moving character drama and overly dark story. The only problem was that it strayed away from the original manga’s story, developing a new one in its place leaving purists calling foul.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is Studio Bones answer to those wanting to see an anime that more closely reflected the source material. Not to be mistaken for a sequel, Brotherhood instead retells the series from the beginning, adhering to much tighter story that leaves little room for divergence from what Arakawa originally intended.

Unfortunately, this means that the early episodes of the first series were bound to get reanimated. To some this will probably feel like an unnecessary rehash. Others, i.e. those who are new to the franchise won’t mind considering everything is new to them.

Set during an earlier time period in a world similar to our own, Alchemy is the leading form of science, allowing the military to win wars and create new inventions to further the progress of the state. Edward and Alphonse are two gifted young alchemists who committed the ultimate forbidden act in alchemic practice when they attempted to bring their mother back from the dead. Because alchemy was founded on the principle that everything is based on equivalent exchange, Ed lost is arm and leg while Al was stripped of his body, binding his soul to a suit of armor.

Flash forward a few years later and the two now work for the military, with Edward as a state alchemist and Alphonse following him around central. Due to Ed’s young age, he is looked at as something of a prodigy, gaining him the respect of other state alchemists. Together the two use the resources granted to them by the state to hunt for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, the key to restoring their bodies. As the show carries on, the two encounter a host of villains wanting to use the stone and the alchemists hunting it for their own purposes, namely the Homunculi.

Knowing the importance and anticipation behind this series, Funimation really stepped up to the plate to make this a worthwhile release. Rather than releasing the series in single disc format like the company did with the 2003 original, fans are treated to 13 episodes housed on two discs. In comparison to the previous release, that’s three times the amount of episodes. In addition, two audio commentaries featuring various members of the English voice cast can be found, one on each disc. Both are lively and somewhat informative as those new to the cast explain their takes on the role that was previously acted by someone else. Also included is the standard textless opening and closing as well as trailers for upcoming releases.

From top to bottom, the presentation of the show is superb. Studio Bones really went out of their way to make sure this was the definitive take on Fullmetal Alchemist. Not only does the animation show signs of improvement, the series received a stunning widescreen transfer that also helps put it a notch above it’s predecessor.

If there is one flaw to this set, it’s that it is basically a repeat of what has come before. While its almost guaranteed that the rest of the series will be different, those who have seen the original will come out of this with a sense of déjà vu. It also doesn’t help that because the animators knew they would have to animate the same story again, they opted to move through it as quickly as possible, creating pacing issues, though as stated before, new comers will be hard pressed to notice.

Fullmetal Alchemist is a gem of a series and truth be told, Brotherhood is as well. While there are minor gripes to be found, the quality of the set more than makes up for them. Regardless of whether you enjoyed the previous series or are a staunch supporter of the source material, this is the definitive Fullmetal Alchemist that everyone has been waiting for.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1 - A-

Manga Quick Hits: Biomega, Black Lagoon, Fullmetal Alchemist

Biomega Volume 1
Story and Art: Tsutomu Nihei
Rating: Mature

In the year 3005, humanity has finally accomplished its first manned expedition to Mars. As the crew sifts through what appears to be remnants of a civilization, they find an odd looking woman standing before them without the aid of a suit. Skipping back six months earlier, a black-clad motorcyclist named Zouichi races through the streets of a zombie infected Earth searching for a girl named Eon Green, a mysterious girl who may hold the cure to stopping the virus ravishing the human race.

As is common for a series by Nihei, art takes precedence over story. Word bubbles are few and far between, allowing the art to tell the story. This is where Nihei excels as he fills each panel with nightmarish landscapes and twisted figures that would inspire fear in anyone.

While the story might not be all that original, Nihei does his best to make up for it by adding as many off the wall concepts as he can. With a motorcycle that can talk to a grizzly bear battling zombies with a shot-gun, Nihei jams everything he can into the series. In truth, if it weren’t for his visual style, it would be almost impossible to take any of this seriously.

Biomega is a blend of science fiction and horror from one of the industry’s most underrated artists. It is cyberpunk and zombies all rolled into one. If you are looking for a thought provoking story with depth, you won’t find it here; However if cinematic composition and gravity defying action is your thing, then crack open a volume and enjoy.

Biomega Volume 1 - B+





















Black Lagoon Volume 6
Story and Art: Rei Hiroe
Rating: Mature

Coming on the heels of Rock and Revy’s return from Japan, the Lagoon Company once again finds itself in the thick of things as a clueless money counterfeiter on the lam stumbles into the church of violence for help. As it happens, the girl, aptly referred to as Greenback Jane, once worked for the cartel who have since grown impatient with her. After stumbling through the church’s doors, who should she find but Revy and Eda and from there all hell breaks loose. Naturally the Lagoon crew are more than ready to “take care” of Jane for a price, prompting the cartel to seek out every major assassin Roanapur has to offer.

Familiar faces such as Shenhua return while new characters like the gothic chainsaw wielding Sawyer and the flashy Lotton the Wizard join the eccentric cast. Whereas the last arc carried a solemn feel with it, this one is all about the action and explosions. There is one major reveal about Eda that is shocking to say the least and hopefully comes into play later on.

The second half of the book deals with the Lovelace family and the return of a certain killer maid. As it turns out, Roberta is back in town seeking those who assassinated her master putting all of Roanapur on alert. Unfortunately for Revy and the crew, thanks to their past encounters with Roberta, most of the mafia believes they are responsible. Even more surprising is when another maid arrives with her own lethal skill set, with orders from the Lovelace family to bring Rock to them.

Black Lagoon continues to get better as it goes. Volume six raises the bar in both action and story. Returning characters make this a memorable entry that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Black Lagoon Volume 6 - A





















Fullmetal Alchemist Volumes 21 and 22
Story and Art: Hiromu Arakawa
Rating: Teen

Fullmetal Alchemist is arguably the best manga on the shelves right now. It’s steady rise in popularity is well deserving thanks to likeable characters and an engaging story that successfully melds triumph and tragedy along with humor and despair. Written by Hiromu Arakawa, the manga strives to be more than just the typical shonen tale.

The story revolves around the brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they travel the world seeking a way to restore what they have lost. The backstory of the two is a grisly one; having lost their mother to an unexplained illness, the two boys resort to the only way they know to bring her back: Alchemy.

Unfortunately, the use of Alchemy carries a price and Ed and Al’s failed attempt is a costly one. The results are less than kind as Ed’s arm and leg are ripped away from him literally while Al’s entire body is taken from him, leaving his soul attached to an empty suit of armor. Resolved to set things right, they set out in search of the Philosopher’s stone, the ultimate tool in alchemy, with both willingly signing their lives over to the military in exchange for information and the means to obtaining the stone.

22 volumes in and the series finally enters its final stretch. Ed and Al are finally reunited, though not in the way they expected and Mustang’s group finally makes its move, kidnapping King Bradley’s wife. Elsewhere, the King finds himself the victim of an assassination plot, leaving the military wide open for a coup.

The bulk of Volume 21 deals with Ed and his group combating Pride whose terrifying powers make him more than a threat, but a force of nature. Pride’ power is so immense that it can shake the confidence of even the usually self assured Greed. Towards the volume’s end, Pride is given a power boost that effectively squashes the brother’s best efforts.

The fight spills over into the next volume where, thanks to the arrival of Hohenheim and some quick thinking from Al, Pride is finally neutralized. Meanwhile, back at Central Olivier Armstrong decides to seize her chance and take down high command. Unfortunately for her, Sloth is waiting as well as an army of mutated Homunculi. With the heroes’ backs against the wall, things become even more dire when both Envy and Pride are set free.

At this point Arakawa has become a true master of her craft. The dramatic tension soars with all the key players locked in an all-or-nothing battle for the fate of the country. Arakawa has shown before that she isn’t afraid to take chances, leaving several characters fates up in the air. Suspense permeates every page makes It hard to believe this series can get any better.

Fullmetal Alchemist Volumes 21 - A+
Fullmetal Alchemist Volumes 22 - A+

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 1-3

Fullmetal Alchemist is arguably the best manga on the shelves right now. It’s steady rise in popularity is well deserving thanks to likeable characters and an engaging story that successfully melds triumph and tragedy along with humor and despair. Written by Hiromu Arakawa, the manga strives to be more than just the typical shonen tale.

The story revolves around the brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they travel the world seeking a way to restore what they have lost. The backstory of the two is a grisly one; having lost their mother to an unexplained illness, the two boys resort to the only way they know to bring her back: Alchemy. Unfortunately, the use of Alchemy carries a price and Ed and Al’s failed attempt is a costly one. The results are less than kind as Ed’s arm and leg are ripped away from him literally while Al’s entire body is taken from him, leaving his soul attached to an empty suit of armor. Resolved to set things right, they set out in search of the Philosopher’s stone, the ultimate tool in alchemy, with both willingly signing their lives over to the military in exchange for information and the means to obtaining the stone.

Volume one is essentially the setup, telling the origins of the brothers and detailing their travels throughout the country. Along the way, they encounter one adventure after another, giving them a chance to put their alchemy to good use. True, it can get a bit formulaic, however the second volume is where the plot starts to develop, giving the reader hints as to what to expect.

Volume two is host to some of the darkest material to come out of the series. One particular scene involving an alchemic experiment with a little girl and a dog at the hands of her twisted father yields catastrophic results that are truly heart wrenching. That, along with the introduction of the serial killer known as Scar, leaves volume two soaked in misery. It’s this heartache that makes the character’s triumphs all the more rewarding as each is given a chance to grow from the adversity. The second volume is the stand out of the three and will have you turning with tense fervor in anticipation of what happens next.

The third volume is a more lighthearted affair, as Ed and Al return home to recuperate from their recent battles. This doesn’t last however, as the plot rears it’s demented head, revealing the truth behind the Philosopher’s stone. As great a sacrifice as Ed and Al made in the beginning, an even more incredible one is required for the creation of the stone. Questions are raised as a conspiracy within the military also begins to take center stage.

The series is littered with intriguing side characters that have each developed a well deserved fanbase, the most popular of which is Colonel Roy Mustang, the “Flame Alchemist”. As determined as he is powerful, Mustang is constantly working at improving the military, while attempting to make amends for his past. Not far behind is Riza Hawkeye, his sharp shooting subordinate who manages to keep him in check, as well as Alex Louis Armstrong, the ridiculously muscled “Strong Arm Alchemist”.

These are the characters that along with Ed and Al add a sense of warmth to an otherwise somber story. They make the journey worthwhile and it’s the outcome that, for better or for worse, will keep the reader hooked. That, coupled with it’s deep and moving narrative give Fullmetal Alchemist all the right ingredients to produce a series that will not soon be forgotten.

Fullmetal Alchemist

Volume one – B+

Volume two – A+

Volume three - A