Review of Full Metal Alchemist: Volume 2

Introduction

Alchemy is the art of the transmutation of matter by means of an incantation, a mystical circle, or sheer willpower alone. For centuries charlatans and the deluded pursued the creation of gold by alchemical means but to no avail. But in Full Metal Alchemist, alchemy is a realised science. Set in an alternative world during the early years of the twentieth century, the transmutation of elements is indeed a reality, and the state regards such talent highly indeed. Full Metal Alchemist tells the story of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, two precocious alchemists who are on a quest. The young brothers had attempted the unspeakable, resurrecting their mother. But the Law Of Equivalent Exchange cannot be flouted, only objects of equal mass can be transmuted, and the dead cannot be brought back to life. The attempt failed disastrously. Now, Alphonse is a disembodied spirit bound to a suit of animated armour, while Edward has replaced his leg and arm with metal automail, but it`s his precocious talent at alchemy that has earned him the name, Full Metal Alchemist. Now they search for a means to restore their bodies.

The first volume in the series gave us an introduction to the adolescent brothers, confident in their abilities as they went up against the fraudulent priest Cornello in the opening two episodes. The focus then switched back four years as we learnt of the events that cost the brothers dear, the failed attempt to resurrect their mother. The story then continued on from that point. This second volume also tells the story of the brother`s early years as they apply to become State Alchemists and begin their training. There are four episodes on this second volume, Scarred Man Of The East.

5. Dash! Automail

The young Edward and Alphonse are on their way to Central, where Lt Colonel Roy Mustang has promised to train them as State Alchemists. They manage to contact the Colonel who instructs them to board the next train, a train that is also transporting General Hukara and his family under clandestine military escort. But it`s a prime target for terrorists and soon Edward and Alphonse are caught up in a hostage crisis. It seems that Colonel Mustang has started their training early.

6. The State Alchemist Certification Examination

As part of their studies, the brothers choose to study with an alchemist called Tucker, who has succeeded in transmuting an intelligent chimera that can communicate with humans. It`s a relatively peaceful time for the brothers, filled with hard work and study, but lightened by the presence of Tucker`s four-year-old daughter Nina. During an impromptu birthday party for Edward, he learns that his talent for alchemy goes beyond precocity. But only one of the brothers is destined to pass the difficult Certification Exam.

7. Night of The Chimera`s Cry

Tucker`s evaluation as State Alchemist is imminent, and if he doesn`t get a favourable report, his status will be revoked, meaning a return to poverty for him and Nina. Things don`t look good, so Edward decides to help, but finding out about Tucker`s intelligent chimera proves difficult. While at the library, Edward runs into a stranger with odd alchemical symbols tattooed into his arm. Meanwhile, Colonel Mustang investigates a serial killer at loose in the city.

8. The Philosopher`s Stone

Edward is assigned to complete Tucker`s research, but he is understandably reluctant. Mustang reminds him of his oath to the military, and Alphonse is intrigued by mentions of the Philosopher`s Stone in Tucker`s notes. But when it seems that the serial killer is an alchemist, Edward decides to pursue the murderer. Meanwhile, their childhood friend Winry pays the two brothers a visit. It`s a recipe for trouble.

Video

The picture for Full Metal Alchemist comes in a 4:3 transfer and it is clear and sharp throughout, without any hint of artefacts. The anime looks gorgeous, with distinctive characters, detailed retro world design and atmospheric animation. Once again, an anime blends traditional line animation with 3D design and the results are exciting and vibrant. The only quibble I have regards the layer change. While it is fairly discreetly placed in episode 3, it should be more conveniently placed between episodes.

Audio

You get a choice of DD 5.1 English and DD 2.0 Japanese. Once again I chose the original language track for preference, and the Japanese track is indeed clear and dynamic enough for a stereo track. Full Metal Alchemist also has some stunning music, most noticeably in the opening and closing themes. The English dub is something I just spot-checked, and while the main character voices are pretty good, the same cannot be said for the voices of the incidental characters. The surround is pretty good, with a fair bit of ambience and it reflects the action well. You have a choice between dubtitles, translated subtitles or a track that just translates the signs.

Features

MVM once again include a small number of extra features with their anime releases. You get the usual jacket picture as well as multi angle credit sequences depending on which language you watch in.

There are 5 minutes of trailers for Full Metal Alchemist

You can see the textless opening and closing sequences, in a nice twist, they are subtitled both in English and Romanji Japanese, so you can sing along if you feel like it.

In a section called production art, you can find three slideshows, showing Line Art, Models and Illustrations. The total running time is 4 minutes.

Finally there are trailers for Yu Yu Hakusho and an intriguing title called Gunslinger Girl, which looks like Nikita to the power of 10.

Conclusion

This second disc of Full Metal Alchemist if anything exceeds the standards set by the series opening. The first few episodes gave us a glimpse of what the grown up Alphonse and Edward are capable of, before taking us back to the beginning of the story. The four episodes on this disc continue that story, presenting a nice mix of action, comedy and drama. The characters are well written and convincing, and the stories have a degree of freshness and originality.

The first two stories are very much a sort of Harry Potter of alchemy, as the two young brothers head off to begin their training. The journey to Central is eventful, with a story full of action and alchemical hi-jinks. When they get to Central and prepare to sit the exam, we actually see the brothers return to a semblance of a normal life, and they find something of a family with Tucker and his daughter. It`s a rare moment of joy and peace and this with the first episode are light, frothy and fun. It makes the climax of the third episode even more shocking in comparison. I was sitting there with my mouth open, thinking you just can`t do that. It`s a shocking reminder that with the light comedic touches of Full Metal Alchemist, there is an underlying darkness that strongly drives the story. The final episode on this disc pulls back a bit from the bleak climax of Night Of The Chimera`s Cry, but those events still drive the characters in this episode, and directly inform Edward`s decision to hunt the serial killer.

All the while, these episodes fill in the tapestry of Full Metal Alchemist`s world, introducing groups and individuals who will no doubt figure greatly in the story as it develops. Most notable is a tattooed man who holds a grudge against State Alchemists who appears briefly but poignantly in the episodes on this disc. This is a world that apparently teeters on the verge of war, and for which the State Alchemists serve as a sort of secret police or clandestine weapons. It`s interesting to note that Edward is well aware that he sells his loyalties for the information he seeks, and that it causes him sleepless nights. The strongest, and most appealing part of Full Metal Alchemist is the strength of the characters. The heroes are Edward and Alphonse, and they behave confidently and arrogantly, assured of their abilities, but the story will take the time to remind us that they are still children, and as heroes they are most definitely flawed and vulnerable. This strength of writing extends to the other characters and makes Full Metal Alchemist compulsive viewing.

The second volume of Full Metal Alchemist lives up to the promise of the series start, with four more excellent episodes. I`d give it high praise for Night Of The Chimera`s Cry alone, but the other three stories are almost as good.