Fullmetal Alchemist (2002)

[鋼の錬金術師]

Volume 3

Author/Artist: Hiromu Arakawa
Publisher: Gangan Comics

Synopsis:
The Elrics return to their hometown to repair Edward's automail.

Story/Characters:
By going back to Ed and Al's hometown of Resembool, we get some more of their backstory plus the introduction of the Rockbells. When they move on to the Central District in pursuit of the clue left by Dr. Marcoh, we get the Elrics' new bodyguard detail of Lieutenant Ross and Sergeant Brosh and Sheska the librarian with an eidetic memory. One thing I like about the minor characters in this series is that they keep popping up, giving a greater sense of continuity to the story. We learn more about the true nature of the Philosopher's Stone and we delve deeper into the dirty deeds behind the scenes. The showdown in Laboratory 5 gives us a good antagonistic pair in the form of Numbers 48 and 66. I find Number 66 to be particularly amusing.

Art:
The art remains consistently solid with some nicely flashy action when the Elrics take on 48 and 66.

Other:
We get a presumably noncanonical bonus chapter where Edward and Colonel Mustang have an alchemy duel along with the usual glamour shot (this time of Pinako—thanks, Arakawa) and three 4-koma.

Conclusion:
We're moving forward at a good clip with revelations and action set pieces doled out in a nice, even manner. It's good stuff and a worthwhile read.

Rating:
Read It