This has always been a series that really shows the potential of manga: beautiful illustration work, plenty of action, great characterizations, an overarching mystery, and just a lot of heart. This fourth volume includes a lot of what we were waiting for: the previous history of the Elric brothers and how they came to the current state.
Story: After Winry helps deliver the baby, the brothers set off to meet up with their former teacher Izumi. But there, memories surface – of two boys desperate to learn how to bring back their mother from death and the terrible price they paid for that hubris. They did heavy training with Izumi to learn alchemy in and out, eventually catching the attention of the military. At the end of the volume, we see Elric become the Fullmetal alchemist.
It was great to see more of the past since so much wasn’t explained until this volume. As well, we are introduced to all the main characters in Ed and Al’s life – from Winfry and her grandmother to izumi, meeting Mustang for the first time as well as Hawkeye. It makes for some great reading and still action packed despite being set in the past.
In all, beautifully presented and a great read. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
The Online Eccentric Librarian 