Fullmetal Alchemist (2010)

[鋼の錬金術師]

Volume 25

Author/Artist: Hiromu Arakawa
Publisher: Gangan Comics

Synopsis:
Izumi and the Elrics are transported to Father, providing him with three of the five sacrifices he needs to complete his plan.

Story/Characters:
Most of this volume is devoted to Colonel Mustang being pushed to see the Gate of Truth so that he can fulfill his qualification as one of the sacrifices Father needs. The wall-eyed doctor controlling the failed King Bradley candidates wastes no time finding the leverage he needs. Speaking of King Bradley, he and Pride come in for the assist and this leads Bradley to a showdown with Scar, bringing his arc to its culmination.

Art:
We have Lin-Greed's rampage, which is quite good, and all the emotional punch of Colonel Mustang being driven to his limits. Then there's the opening round of the Scar vs. King Bradley final battle. As always, there's nothing lacking in the visuals.

Other:
We get three 4-koma this time around, two of which having fun with Father's many-eyed form.

Conclusion:
Call me uncharitable, but while this is a quite effective continuation of the story, it doesn't hit quite the same high notes as the previous two volumes. I mean, if you're already collecting the series, you're going to get this volume too, but it falls just a hair short. It's nevertheless quite good and you certainly won't regret giving it a read at the very least.

Rating:
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