Full Metal Alchemist
Publisher
Geneon/MVM
Director
Seiji Mizushima
Production
BONES, Dentsu, MBS
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
52 episodes
Year
2003
Full Metal Alchemist Volume 2: Scarred Man Of The East
By otaku_kei
30th Jun 05  FMA has been set to be one of the biggest releases for the UK this year. Having taken off so well on the fansub circuit this show has been silently promoted across the UK anime scene long before MVM got there hands on this title. But is the hype all worth it? Yes the first volume delivered action, tragedy, comedy and intrigue. But surely this show cannot keep up that type of pace? Well to cut to the chase - it does. Ed and Al are on there way to the capital to take the State Alchemists exam and therefore qualify for access to the sate alchemy archives, a place where there must surely be an answer to human alchemy and the tragedy that destroyed their bodies. The Elric brothers end up in a lot of trouble when they finally get to the capital for the exam. Not only do they foil an attempted hostage taking on the way, but also they have to deal with serial killers, deranged alchemists and studying. Good thing these boys are so naturally talented, but will they be able to keep everything together when so much stress is put upon their young shoulders. This is where Full Metal Alchemist gets everything right. These two may be maturing, but they remain young children and as such respond in that manner. Still wanting to have that joy of a child but having to take on the responsibilities of moving into the adult world. The mournful musings of Al as he wishes a return to his flesh just so that he can have access to the senses of touch and smell are heart breaking. And Ed's own fears of mortality and his own weaknesses are truly brought to the fore when these two try to track down their missing friend Winrey. This of course is made all the more poignant by their earlier losses and the fact that in this volume Ed and Al repeatedly come into contact with the worst of the human spirit and the shocking depravity that it brings. Studio BONES have succeeded here in bringing us a show with an emotional core (something which other titles like Gungrave are missing). We are left to care for these two whilst also wishing them the best in their quest. Yes the action carries the show along, and their comedy has its moments, but at its core is a morality tale of responsibility and power and having to deal with it even when you are not ready. Pretty deep stuff even for an anime; so do not just overlook this as another action title even if that is how it is marketed. Personally this is my favourite title hitting shelves at the moment so my opinion may be slightly gushing, but as it stands at this point this series is doing everything right. The script is well written, the show is tightly plotted, the characters are being given room to develop and we are already starting to get a few new plot ideas being introduced for later development. How this pans out is of course yet to be seen (unless you are importing the region 1 discs or have been very naughty and been getting the whole series off fansub). All in all I still highly recommend this series. It is doing something different, and it is doing it well so come and get a piece of it and see just why this show has been raved about since it started airing.
R2 DVD Notes
Features: Japanese Language 2.0; English Language 5.1; English Subtitles; Japanese TV Commercials; Textless Opening; Textless Closing; Art Galleries; MVM Trailers
Release information: 18th July - COMING SOON
Notes: Another great quality disc from what could well be MVM's biggest title this year. Audio and visual are fine with no noticeable problems. Both language tracks come through clearly and the subtitles are well timed, and in a clear yellow font that always show well.
The Japanese commercials just seem to repeat the same montage of shots from the opening episode. Nice to watch once but I do not think you'll ever come back for a second look.
The art galleries are always interesting for me as an artist, just to see the level of detail that goes into the pre-production of these shows.
And finally the trailers, I know they are not a reason to buy a release in themselves, but for anyone who is interested we finally have a look at Gunslinger Girl. This title was licensed by MVM quite some time ago and it finally looks like we are due to see this show sometime soon.
-- otaku_kei 30th Jun 05
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