Fullmetal Alchemist 2

Fullmetal Alchemist 2 by Hiromu Arakawa, 2005. 192 pages. Published by Viz Media. Source: Borrowed.

There are many types of alchemy in the world. Edward's commanding officer, "Flame Alchemist" Roy Mustang, can control fire. Shou Tucker, the "Sewing-Life Alchemist," specializes in the most difficult alchemy of all...biological transmutation, the ability to alter the tissue of living things. But no matter what their power, alchemists are still human. And when a mysterious killer begins stalking state alchemists, no one can escape his vengence...

First Sentence:

Whoa... that was amazing...

Story:

While the second volume of Fullmetal Alchemist is perhaps better than the first one, I felt that it was more of a filler volume in that the main plot line didn't seem to progress very much. Even though the story line did not progress too much, volume two seemed to deal with more character development as well as more back story on Edward and Alphonse.

One of the things that makes this such an absorbing series, keep in mind I've only read two volumes, is that it can get downright creepy...and disturbing. and volume two was no exception. What made this volume so chilling was Shou Tucker, the "Sewing-Life Alchemist", which I'm sure you can guess just by his titles what he does...he sews different species together. But what really made him such a despicable character was what he did in the end. Unfortunately I cannot divulge the specifics since that would give away the ending. He was a monster (I'll just leave it at that).

The other high, or really interesting point, of the second volume is that you are also introduced to the newest villain who is elimenating state alchemist, who just so happens to end up tangling with Ed and Al.

One of my faorite things about this series so far would have to be that each of the villains introduced are just so diabolical and absolute nutters. I've really enjoyed that there is no question that they are the bad guys, and that their schemes are actually pretty well thought out and horrific.
  The one bad thing about the series though is that once you finish one volume you just want to start on the next one. Which stinks for me since this is one series that I don't own.

Characte(s):

Ah, Edward Elric, perhaps one of my all-time favorite characters. I admittedly have a soft spot for short characters, and the fact that Ed is both short and easily takes offence when someone refers to him as short cracked me up, especially since he would go kinda of crazy. That aside, what makes Ed such an interesting character is that beneath that tough exterior he is kind of a softy, especially in regards to those he cares about (like his brother) and would do anything for him.

Alphonse, is another pretty interesting character. The one thing I really like about him is that he kind of keeps Ed in check and tries to prevent him from going over the edge, plus he's totally the reason they're always ending up rescuing someone or saving people from maltreatment.

Roy Mustang, for some reason he reminds me of the Shadow King (Koya) from Ouran High, in that he constantly seems to be making some kind of bid for more control and power of people/things and is always working towards the betterment of himself. Plus he has a certain way of making things just a bit more difficult for Ed and Al as he uses them for his own purposes.

Artwork:

Hiromu Arakawa's art work has, so far, impressed me quite a bit with her ability to capture the moods of the characters. It also doesn't hurt that she draws a pretty mean fight scene, ones that have the action jumping off the pages, yet they are not so cluttered that you cannot tell who's fighting whom.

The art in the second volume of Fullmetal Alchemist is slightly better than the first volume, because it seems like Hiromu Arakawa has found her groove/comfort zone with drawing teh characters and scenery for the manga. Definitely looking forward to seeing what she'll do in the next installment.

Final Verdict: Fullmetal Alchemist 2 perhaps better than the first volume.

Fullmetal Alchemist 2 earns 5 out of pineapples.