Fullmetal Alchemist (2008)

[鋼の錬金術師]

Volume 21

Author/Artist: Hiromu Arakawa
Publisher: Gangan Comics

Synopsis:
Winry is smuggled back into Resembool as the pieces are put into place to launch the counterattack against the homunculi.

Story/Characters:
As Arakawa herself says in the inner flap of the cover, this is the start of the final arc. Nearly a full quarter of the series is devoted to the final battle. Edward gets some time with Winry before things get started. The chess game being played by the two factions is quite entertaining to watch unfold. We get a tag team of Pride and Gluttony tangling with Ed's team. I like how they work to counteract Pride's abilities and how well-integrated the chimeras Heinkel and Darius are to the battle. Many other writers might at most use the chimeras as disposable redshirts, but Arakawa's ability to get the maximum use out of any character is on fine display here. We also see some hints that the coalition's competing ambitions might lead to trouble down the line, so that adds to the tension.

Art:
The art is as good as ever with the fight scenes particularly impressive. There's some nice work with light and shadow as it pertains to the fight with Pride.

Other:
The bonus comic has Darius thwart Pride's new abilities. We get six 4-koma and an abbreviated "Corral Diary".

Conclusion:
This is a pretty strong start to the final stretch of the series. The fact that it's only going to escalate further from here should get you excited. This is well worth a read.

Rating:
Read It