Graphic Novel Review – Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 16-18 (Fullmetal Alchemist 3-in-1, Vol 6) by Hiromu Arakawa (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Length: 576 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: November 12, 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1421554938
Stand Alone or Series: 6th book in 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.

Contains Volumes 16, 17 and 18! The Elric brothers head north to Fort Briggs in search of May Chang, whose Xing alchemy may contain the answers they seek. But as Ed and Al soon discover, the only thing less forgiving than Briggs’s weather is the regiment of hardened soldiers assigned to defend it. Matters grow even more complicated when Ed and Al get thrown in lockdown and the sadistic Kimblee arrives from Central with Winry as his hostage. But even Kimblee’s cruelty pales in comparison to the evil of the new homunculi watching from the shadows…”

Series Info/Source: This is the sixth Omnibus volume in the series and covers volumes 16-18. I bought this book.

Story (5/5): At this point there’s just a lot going on here. Ed and Al journey to the north searching for May Chang in hopes that she can teach them the purification arts. Shortly after they get there a homunculus breaches Fort Briggs from underground. While the crew at Fort Briggs is dealing with that issue, Kimblee shows up with Winry in tow. Now the only way to save Winry might be for Ed and Al to work for Kimblee. Meanwhile Riza Hawkeye is working as an aide to the President, she discovers some truly disturbing things about the president’s son. It’s a very well done story and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Characters (5/5): We spend lots of time with Ed and Al which I loved. A lot of the characters at Fort Briggs are well done and Kimblee is delightfully evil. Very well done.

Setting (5/5): I continue to enjoy the alternate history/steampunkish fantasy setting to this world. Spending time in the far north was cool too.

Writing Style/Illustration (5/5): This continues to be a series that is very well written, with a great story and snappy dialogue…it’s just perfectly done. The illustration is easy to follow and highly detailed, I love it!

Summary (5/5): Overall I continue to really love this series. Everything about it is really well done; great story, characters, illustration, and setting. Highly recommended!