Review - Full Metal Alchemist Vol. 2: Scarred Man of the East
Reviewed by Mikey Dowling on 8.20.2006.
Score: 9/10
We once again join the brother's Elric with the second volume of Full Metal Alchemist. As the volume opens up, we are still in flashback mode finding out how the brothers came to be who they were in the first two episodes.
In the first episode on the disc, the brothers are on their way to Central City to take the State Alchemy Exam. Though, it seems that the officer who is getting them into the exam, Roy Mustang, has plans for Alphonse and Edward. It seems that he may or may not have known (leaning much more toward knowing) that an extremist group was going to attack the train; and knowing the brother's attitude, he figured they would take care of it.
He's a wise man, that Mustang.
The following episode is where things get rather interesting. It seems that before taking the exam, applicants must first spend time living with someone who has already passed the exam. This leads the Elrics into the home of Shou Tucker. A man who is the supposed master when it comes into living life alchemy. A field that obviously intrigues Edward.
It seems that Tucker was able to make a chimera that spoke the human language, but no one knows how. And while the brothers want to know how, the State Alchemy Exam comes first. So they train and eventually get to take the test. But, not both of them.
Alphonse isn't allowed to take the test as they will end up asking him questions that would bring to light that he isn't just a man in a suit of armor, thus causing the State Alchemist to take him under their custody and ruin Edward's chance at becoming a State Alchemist. So, like the good brother he is, Alphonse backs out and Edward ends up being the only one to take the exam, passing with flying colors.
All of this within the first two episodes on the disc. Not too shabby.
Then, the madness begins. To say anything about episode seven in the series would be a travisty to man kind. It is so well thought out, and emotionally moving that it can catch one off guard. It's that good. Just know that you may end up really hating someone. You've been warned. Also in this volume we are introduced to the mysterious Scar. Potentially the series bad ass (though, he's probably going to be in a battle with Roy for the title) with the shady past, and although he commits some horrific acts, you still want to cheer for him.
We're also treated to the return of Winrey as she goes to visit Ed and Al and congradulate them on becoming State Alchemists (well, Ed anyway). Naturally, you can't have the return of the main female character without some kind of twist. The plot on this one is a serial killer that Ed ends up having to go up against. It's pretty interesting, but after such an amazing episode before it, you're just left with wanting a little more.
If Full Metal Alchemist continues to build the way it has been, then there is nothing but a bright future for the series. At least in terms of it still being good come the end. Go! Watch it now!
Dub Quality
The dubbing continues to shine in the series. Travis Willingham's Roy Mustang still sounds a little off at first, but he grows on you as he has more screen time. Yet, Vic Mignogna's Edward Elric continues to be highly impressive. Thumbs up on the dubbing.
Special Features
-Textless songs
-Production stills
-Japanese Commercials
-Image gallery
-Character profiles
-Trailers
