Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 26 cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Brothers Edward & Alphonse “Al” Elric used a forbidden alchemical ritual to bring their dead mother back to life.  After the ritual went wrong, Edward lost a leg, but Alphonse lost his entire body.  Edward grafted his younger brother’s soul into a suit of armor, a process which additionally cost Edward an arm.  Edward replaced his own missing flesh with “auto-mail” limbs and eventually became a state alchemist in service of the Amestris state military.  Edward searches for the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance that can restore their bodies.

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 26 opens with all the pieces are place.  The homunculus known as “Father” executes his master plan.  He completes the transmutation circle and launches the alchemical ritual that will seal a god inside his body.  The soul of every human in Amestris – from adults to children – becomes his.  Now, the Elric brothers join friends and former foes to stop the unstoppable – a god!

THE LOWDOWN:  In this penultimate volume of Fullmetal Alchemist, the daunting, dense narrative with what seems like a cast of thousands is focused on an epic battle.  Still, the action is as absorbing as the character drama, conspiracy, and intrigue.  Although it is ending soon, the series will remain in print for readers to discover an exceptional military science fiction and fantasy with enough engaging subplots to hold you for hours of fun reading.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Readers looking for excellence in science fiction/fantasy manga will still find it in Fullmetal Alchemist.

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