Posted: 07/31/2011

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Volumes 3 & 4

by Amber Burnham

Now available on Blu-ray and DVD from Funimation Entertainment.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the second anime series based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa. It centers around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are on a journey to gain their original bodies back after committing an alchemic taboo. In the first two volumes, we watched as the Elrics began their journey, met new friends, and in turn became entangled in a conspiracy that will change their entire country. Volume Three starts with a recap episode, with a wrap-around story line centering on the Elrics’ father, Van Hohenhiem. Although a recap, this episode is a must-watch because it sets up later events. This volume also sees the Elric brothers traveling to the North, where they encounter the soldiers of Briggs, led by the stone-faced General Olivier Mira Armstrong. The mixture of past and present story lines in this volume brings you ever closer to the dangers that are mounting around the country. If you have not managed to fall in love with many of the characters by this point, you will by the end of the volume. It is also important to note that in Volume Three, there is new material periodically placed after the credits before the next episode preview. This happens a couple times in the first volumes, but is more frequent in this and the Fourth, so be sure to check after the credits before moving on to the next episode.

Volume Four picks up with the creation of the series’ main villain and builds toward through the characters’ preparations for what is called the Promised Day. This is the day in which the Homunculi, the story’s primary antagonists, intend to put their plans into action. During this volume, the story slows from its original pace, due to the fact that the characters have been forced to split into different factions and the series follows the movements of the various groups. This does not hinder the series in any way, because the change in pace helps to build suspense in light of the upcoming battle.

In Volumes Three and Four, the story, mystery, character development and relationships, as well as the fight scene.s are so intriguing that you become completely absorbed. Although the differences between the original anime series and FMA: Brotherhood begin to make themselves apparent in Volume 2, they are in full swing in these volumes. Because FMA: Brotherhood more closely follows the manga, the changes early in the series may be hard for fans of the original anime series. Do no fear, the feeling will not last. The original anime series has its own branch-off story line, and the changes are necessary to follow the manga-faithful storyline. FMA: Brotherhood should be viewed as its own work, although it’s based on the same manga as the original series. Comparing the two too much will take away from the beauty of the story it is telling.

The picture on the Blu-rays of FMA: Brotherhood is clear, colorful and deep. Unfortunately, at times, this enhances the areas where the art seems to be rushed, especially in terms of the backgrounds. I am unsure whether the artists were trying to create a specific atmosphere or if it just falls a little short. This is placed in contrast to the complex character designs, which are more in keeping with the designs created by Arakawa. One of the subtlest and most beautiful aspects in the character design is the progression of Edward Elric throughout the series. The changes are small and unnoticeable at times, but while watching Volumes Three and Four, it becomes apparent that he changes visually to correspond with the ways in which he has grown as a character. This, when contrasted with Alphonse’s unchanging appearance, is a great piece of character art.

Each volume of FMA: Brotherhood on Blu-ray from Funimation Entertainment comes with four, chronologically-numbered post cards with tableaus of the characters. The slip sleeves are ofa luminescent foil design, with General Olivier Mira Armstrong featured on the cover of Volume Three and a young Van Hohenhiem on the cover of Volume Four. What’s great about the cover art of the inner Blu-ray case is that the artwork is revesible, giving you the option of making the episode list more visible. Each volume’s special features include two episodes of commentary and textless openings and endings.

Amber Burnham has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College. She is also a regular panelist on Kichicast, the all-girl, Chicago-based podcast devoted to anime, manga, and Japanese culture. You can listen to Kichicast at kichigi.com.

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