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Things were really getting interesting in the last volume, and it's great to see the momentum kept up this time round. After returning to his hometown to get his bionic limbs repaired, Ed Elric and his brother Al return to the city in order to track down the latest lead on the Philosopher's Stone. The Crystal Alchemist researched the stone for many years before mysteriously abandoning his study and hiding his copious research notes, but the Elrics have discovered that the notes are right under their noses at the First Branch Library. These notes, when deciphered, will take them ever closer to the fabled stone, but they are not the only ones searching for them. The mysterious duo known only as Lust and Gluttony have reappeared and they are keeping close tabs on Ed Elric, as is the deadly killer Scar. However, a horrific secret lies around the corner, there is a reason the research into the Philosopher's Stone was abandoned, and this reason will make the Elric Brothers' quest look even more hopeless... The plot continues to thicken and Fullmetal Alchemist continues to get better and better. Ed and Al face more danger, more conspiracy and more obstacles than ever before, but the pace never slows and the intrigue never ends. This volume continues to throw up questions, and the answers aren't obvious - who, or what, are the seemingly invincible Lust and Gluttony? What are their plans? What connection is there between Lust and the events in Ishbal? With questions like these thrown up in just a single episode you would be forgiven for thinking that the series moves its focus away from the Elric brothers, but you couldn't be more wrong. Whilst the plot is great, the most impressive aspect of Fullmetal Alchemist is that it keeps its focus whilst simultaneously telling a much bigger story. In the space of just five volumes Ed and Al Elric have grown exponentially as characters, they are the focus of the series and the emotional depth and real personality they have developed is what really sets the series apart. Ed Elric's anger and frustration are the major driving force, but it is his younger brother's quiet anguish that delivers the impact. His hulking armoured appearance belies his fragile existence and his doubts and fears in this volume make it even more essential viewing than all of the fights and mystery. Fullmetal Alchemist vol 5 is another excellent volume of an excellent series. There's more intrigue and story development this time round but it's the focus on the reactions and fears of the Elric brothers that makes it great. The characters have grown, they have matured, and trust me, you'll want to see how they - and the story - will develop next... Extras After the surprising addition of a J-Rock music video on the last volume it is a little disappointing to see this volume return to business as usual extras-wise. Clean opening and closing animations and a pair of art galleries once again. Ratings Feature:
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