Graphic Novel Review – Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 10-12 (Fullmetal Alchemist 3-in-1, Vol 4) by Hiromu Arakawa (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Manga/Fantasy/Steampunk
Length: 576 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: March 12, 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1421554914
Stand Alone or Series: 4th volume in the Fullmetal Alchemist 3-in-1 series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

“In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “”auto-mail”” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother’s bodies…the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.

Ed returns to Resembool and meets his estranged father Hohenheim for the first time in many years. Though their meeting is brief and strained, Ed comes away with the revelation that Al’s body is still alive somewhere. But before the newly energized brothers can search for it, Scar returns, catalyzing an unlikely alliance between the Elric brothers, Prince Lin of Xing, and Colonel Mustang. Though they hope to use Scar to lure in a homunculus, the hunters become the hunted when Gluttony proves more than they can handle.”

Series Info: This is the 4th 3-in-1 volume in the Fullmetal Alchemist series, I bought this book.

Characters (5/5): I continue to love all the amazing characters in this series. This book doesn’t introduce a ton of new characters, which is a relief (a ton of new characters were introduced in the last 3-in-1 volume). There is a guide to the characters at the beginning of the book which is really helpful.

Story (5/5): It was interesting to meet Ed and Al’s father. Also a lot of progress is made in the quest to get Al’s body back which was very intriguing. Additionally, the story around the homunculi continues… The book has a synopsis of the story at the front of each volume which is incredible helpful.

Setting (5/5): This is an amazing and fully realized steampunk world that I love learning more about. This is an incredibly creative series and very nicely done.

Writing/Drawing Style (5/5): As with previous volumes, the illustration is amazing and easy to follow. The dialogue is witty and funny and just generally well done.

Summary (5/5): I am a huge fan of this series. Everything about it is incredibly well done. I look forward to reading future books in this series. This is a series we are buying because my whole family really loves it!