This month has seen the release of new volumes for series I follow, which is a lot of fun. I've decided to use a slightly different approach to reviewing this time as I will be revisiting these series again and again. Instead of doing an in-depth synopsis I’m just going to relate a few thoughts about each volume and the series as a whole. It may not make a huge amount of sense if you are unfamiliar with the series, but these are more the “mainstream manga” so chances are you may have come across them. If you are a follower of any of them please feel free to tell me your thoughts about the latest volumes. I would love to start a conversation.
There is a lot I could say about this series, but I hate to give too much away. For those who haven’t already read this series it is one definitely worth checking out. Fullmetal Alchemist was my first manga series and will always have special place for me. This is an action-packed and fast-moving volume, with many pivotal moments. The most important has Alphonse (who incidentally is a currently a soul fused to an empty suit of armor) finally getting the opportunity to regain his body, but after seeing the state it’s in he must decide if he really wants it back. In another important moment, the homunculus Greed appears to have divided loyalties, or perhaps Lin Yao is still able to control his body and suppress Greed. The most dramatic instant in the volume belongs to Colonel Mustang, who has to make a very difficult decision as to whether he should bow down to demands and open the portal, using the forbidden human transmutation, in order to save someone he loves, or stay true to his principles. What Happens next to Mustang is quite shocking, but I will not say what because I wouldn’t want to ruin it for those who haven’t read or seen the anime yet.
Bakuman₀ Vol. 5: Mashiro and Takagi finally got their wish to be serialized in Shonen Jump, and now the real work begins. But before they even get started they unexpectedly have to switch editors, shaking the boys’ confidence. Being serialized brings some perks, such as salary and assistants, but their responsibilities also grow. Deadlines loom and the challenge to remain good enough in the ratings to remain in Jump adds to the pressure.
Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 25: This series is quickly reaching its climax as the solar eclipse is on its way, the five sacrifices have been gathered and the grand plan is about to be revealed.
There is a lot I could say about this series, but I hate to give too much away. For those who haven’t already read this series it is one definitely worth checking out. Fullmetal Alchemist was my first manga series and will always have special place for me. This is an action-packed and fast-moving volume, with many pivotal moments. The most important has Alphonse (who incidentally is a currently a soul fused to an empty suit of armor) finally getting the opportunity to regain his body, but after seeing the state it’s in he must decide if he really wants it back. In another important moment, the homunculus Greed appears to have divided loyalties, or perhaps Lin Yao is still able to control his body and suppress Greed. The most dramatic instant in the volume belongs to Colonel Mustang, who has to make a very difficult decision as to whether he should bow down to demands and open the portal, using the forbidden human transmutation, in order to save someone he loves, or stay true to his principles. What Happens next to Mustang is quite shocking, but I will not say what because I wouldn’t want to ruin it for those who haven’t read or seen the anime yet.Looking back over the series I would have to say that the character of Colonel Mustang stands out more and more as the series continues, so much so that in the end I think he has started to overshadow the Fullmetal Alchemist himself, Edward Elric, and puts him in a nice position for a series of his own.
There are only a couple of more volumes of this series left, and it is sad to see it end. The journey has been great so far.
Fullmetal Alchemist is by Hiromu Arakawa and is published by Viz Media. Vol 26 is to be released in September. The series is rated T.
Bakuman₀ Vol. 5: Mashiro and Takagi finally got their wish to be serialized in Shonen Jump, and now the real work begins. But before they even get started they unexpectedly have to switch editors, shaking the boys’ confidence. Being serialized brings some perks, such as salary and assistants, but their responsibilities also grow. Deadlines loom and the challenge to remain good enough in the ratings to remain in Jump adds to the pressure. This is still currently one of my favorites. It is one text-heavy manga, but I like that. Apart from it being about the manga business, I really enjoy the little scenarios that the characters experience that are very relate able. For instance, the scene where Mashiro is working with the three assistants for the first time and there is an awkward silence, I feel Mashiro's internal struggle as he tries to figure out how to fix the tension as he is now an employer and he feel responsible for the work atmosphere. Another scene I enjoyed was when the boys got to attend the company's New Year party and experience their first taste of the adult world; I remember the weirdness I felt at my first corporate event.
A great deal of consideration has gone into the character development, as I have a lot of “I know that guy” thoughts while reading. I know that there have been some complaints about some of the characters, especially the females, but from a writer's point of view, Tsugumi Ohba uses some very interesting methods to create memorable characters, but that is a subject for another day.
Bakuman₀ Vol. 5 is by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata and is published by Viz Media under Shonen Jump, rated T for Teen. Volume 6 is set for release in August 2011.