Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition Review

Fullmetal Alchemist gets a new look as Viz Media releases a remastered collector’s edition as Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition! This best-selling manga, by creator Hiromu Arakawa, comes back with a completely new look and is available now! They were kind enough to send us a copy for review so let’s check it out!

This new released edition features an assortment of new surprises such as a new hardcover binding, brand new cover art, new color inserts, colored versions of selected pages that were previously monochrome, and behind the scenes character sketches from the creator! Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition is 280 pages long that contains the content of one and a half volumes from the original series. 

Physical characteristics of the book are simply stunning. The hardcover features not only the new art, but also a matte background contrasting with red, metallic lettering. On the back cover there is a clear glossy alchemical circle. It’s this attention to detail that makes this special edition feel so unique. I feel the Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition as both a great entry for new fans and rediscovery for the devoted fans.
 
For those who are not familiar with the storyline of Fullmetal Alchemist, it follows the adventure of the Elric brothers. After an alchemical ritual to bring back their mother goes wrong, Edward Elric loses his arm and leg while his brother Alphonse becomes nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. From here they journey to seek the power of the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies. In this first volume we are introduced to the Elric’s adventures starting with Lior and father Cornello. Readers are also introduced to many other storylines like the Youswell mines, meeting Roy Mustang (the Flame Alchemist), the Sewing-Life Alchemist, the introduction of Scar, and the homunculus. With all of these chapters included in the first volume it’s sure to suck you into the series.
 
I do wish that Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition was a little longer and had consolidated more volumes. Since Volume One has one and a half volumes of the original release, it cuts down the 27 original volumes into 18. The new collector’s edition retails for $19.99. You can find the original first volume on Amazon for $7.63, and $17.99 for hardcover. (As of this writing.) Also on Amazon you can find 3-in-1 volumes for only $11.88. If you wanted content for your buck then I would totally recommend getting the 3-in-1 volume instead. However, you’re not just paying for the story content but also its new features: updated translations, completely fresh lettering, and also large-rim archival quality paper. If you love Fullmetal Alchemist, and want something new for your collection, definitely add this to your wish list!

-Eunice

For More Information on Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition:
​https://www.viz.com/read/manga/fullmetal-alchemist-fullmetal-edition-volume-1/product/5509

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Rating: B+
 
Pros:
+More content per volume than prior release.
+New cover art.
+High quality edition.
+New color pages.

Cons:
-Not enough content per volume.
-Relatively steep price per volume.

Features At A Glance:
*Remastered collector’s edition.
*Brand new cover art, new color inserts, color versions of selected pages, behind the scenes character sketches.
*Updated translation.
*Complete fresh lettering.
*Presented with color pages on large trim archival quality paper.
*Provides an exceptional entry point for newcomers.
*Old fans can rediscover the series.

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FULL DISCLOSURE: This title was provided to A-to-J Connections free-of-charge by the publisher for the purpose of review.