A review by dakotach7
Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 8 by Hiromu Arakawa

dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This volume man... probably my fave so far. I really don't know how to begin my review because so much happened, and I felt like I was on the verge of tears like every 10 pages lmao. As always, Arakawa's artistry/paneling really shines - there were again so many instances where no dialogue is said but just by the expressions alone so much is conveyed, it's incredible! I mean just seeing more of Ed and Al's feelings on what they've been working towards and how difficult it's truly been for both of them, to Hohenheim continuing to just make me sad in general (aside from the kind of amazing scene towards the end where everyone on the wagon with him is wtf is up with him lol), to Scar and Winry parallels and Winry outright stating some really heartfelt things.

I.e. how she outright says she saw Maes and Gracia like parents because they reminded her of her own, to realizing how highly valued she is at Garfiel's, to realizing she's in love with Edward! I think the subtle romance in this series is honestly so sweet :'). And anyways, Lan Fan cutting off her arm is so crazy, a bunch of characters now knowing Bradley is a homunculus, and the damn "your hands weren't meant to kill, they were meant to save lives" bit always gets me!!

 

Essentially, I loved this and I want to read more right away.