Manga Review – Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol 19-21 (Fullmetal Alchemist 3-in-1, Vol 7) by Hiromu Arakawa (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Manga/Fantasy
Length: 568 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: March 11, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1421554945
Stand Alone or Series: 7th volume in the Fullmetal Alchemsit 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.

The story enters its final stretch as the Elric brothers learn of the homunculi’s ultimate plan to turn all of Amestris into an alchemical bloodbath on the “Day of Reckoning.” While tempted to use the open portal that day to get their bodies back, for now the brothers build opposition to the homunculi-corrupted military with others who have learned of the grisly plan. While Al learns the secret of the homunculi’s origins from his father, Ed joins forces with a familiar homunculus who seems to be having pangs of conscience.”

Series Info/Source: This is the 7th Volume in the Fullmetal Alchemist omnibus series. I bought a copy of this.

Story (5/5): The story is building up to its final arc, as two sides pit against one another in preparation for a final battle. The Elric brothers have to put aside the quest for their original bodies in order to stop the “Day of Reckoning” where Amestris will be turned into a giant alchemical death circle. Some huge secrets are revealed about the Elric brothers’ father. I continue to really enjoy this storyline, it’s complex but very well done. I love that there is a synopsis at the beginning of each book.

Characters (5/5): I love all the characters in this series and loved getting to learn more about Ed and Al’s dad in this book.

Setting (5/5): I continue to really love this world driven by alchemy and power. Excellent world-building in this whole series.

Writing/Drawing Style (5/5): This series continues to be beautifully drawn with amazing detail and easy to follow frames. Everything is also well written and easy to read as well as very funny and humorous at times.

Summary (5/5): Overall this continues to be an amazing manga series that I have enjoyed every bit of. I guess not much more to say than that, this book continues in the vein of the previous ones, it’s extremely well written and beautifully illustrated. My son and I both love this series.