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As with many anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist started with a series of episode long stories before bringing a larger overall plot to the fore, and this plot is really starting to build momentum. This volume continues where the last one left off, with Alphonse Elric battling the psychotic (but rubbishly named) Barry the Chopper and Edward Elric delving further into the mysterious Fifth Laboratory. Ed's impetuousness is leading him into extreme danger, the deadly Homunculus trio Lust, Gluttony and Envy are drawing him into a web wherein he will have to make a terrible choice. How much is he willing to sacrifice for the ultimate goal of restoring his brother's body? Meanwhile Al's battle with Barry has raised some uncomfortable questions, how does Al know that he was ever alive when all the proof he has are intangible memories? If this wasn't enough for the pair they also have to deal with a face from the past that brings back unpleasant memories, and the dangerous hunter Scar is still on their trail... It is odd that, even though the story is only really starting to kick in now, Fullmetal Alchemist has managed to remain interesting. In fact more than that it has been an excellent series so far, and this volume really pushes it to a higher level. The comedy is still here to an extent but this time the drama is firmly in the driving seat. The focus is once again firmly on Ed and Al Elric, and the emotional anguish of both is truly palpable as they are pushed to the brink of losing their humanity. Al's quiet fear at the reality of his own existence is well delivered, but it is Ed who really takes centre stage as he is forced into a horrific dilemma by the Homunculi. Is his brother's life worth those of a group of convicted criminals? With his final goal within his grasp the feeling of tension is nearly unbearable, and the series builds the emotion and drama with consummate skill. The story moves forward not only through the brothers' decisions but also by finally explaining what the Homunculi are. Before this volume they have been a malevolent force controlling events behind the scenes, but this volume brings them to the fore and reveals how they have the strange powers they possess and why they are searching for the Philosopher's Stone. It's this revelation, plus more delving into the bloody past of Ishbal, which really pushes the story up a notch, and it will be interesting to see how the series maintains the momentum and what more it has up its sleeve. There are some extra plot elements that are being hinted at too, there appears to be some link between Scar and the Homunculus know as Lust, and some more to be revealed about the events in Ishbal. Meanwhile Ed appears to be destined for a potentially impressive face-off with the vicious Envy, but it is the prospect of the other Homunculi (considering they are named after the seven deadly sins, there are presumably four more to come) that really intrigues me, one of them - Greed - is mentioned in this volume with a touch of fear by Lust, so there looks to be plenty of twists and turns to come. Things are marred a little by some extreme over-sentimental cheese in episode 24, but the soul-searching and drama that comes before it more than makes amends. Once again Fullmetal Alchemist has pushed the boat out in terms of story, and whilst comedy and - to an extent - action takes more of a back seat to the drama, it remains an interesting and extremely enjoyable series. It does have it's weak points, such as the occasional over-sentimentality and the re-casting of the initially creepy Barry the Chopper as a bit of a pantomime villain, but the story carries it through and the action and drama are top-notch. Fullmetal Alchemist vol 6 is a great step up for a superb series, if you're not buying it or watching it on Rapture TV you are really missing out.. Extras The problem with long series is that often extras are repeated as there aren't enough to go around, as such we once again get clean opening and closing sequences plus a production art gallery. Ratings Feature:
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