Welcome to yet another episode of Lyfeblerd, where we talk about manga, manhwa, light novels and other types of comic books. I'm your host, Cryptte, and today we're checking out one of my all-time favourites. I’m talking about Hiromu Arakawa’s steampunk, dark fantasy, adventure manga, Fullmetal Alchemist. So, grab a beverage, settle in, and let's get the show rolling!
We join the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse in a world in which alchemy is a practised science, influencing even their technology and governed by one rule — equivalent exchange.
The tale begins with the siblings trying to bring their mother back to life using alchemy, but it goes wrong, leaving their bodies ravaged. The practice was forbidden for a reason, and the boys are considered lucky with Edward losing a few limbs while Alphonse’s body disappears. It sounds like a lot but this is just the beginning.
The duo then go off on an epic quest to become State Alchemists and restore their bodies. The manga covers so many themes, like brotherhood and family, redemption, war, morality and more. Along their journey, they meet many fun characters and interesting villains across a backdrop of sinister plots and political intrigue that will have you binge-reading in no time.
If you like what you heard and want to get your copies of FMA, here’s where you can find them;
For fans of Hiromu Arakawa looking for more manga, pick up her coming-of-age, slice-of-life manga titled “Silver Spoon” (Gin no Saji). Arakawa-san shifts gears by introducing us to Yuugo Hachiken, a young teenager that enrols at Ooezo Agricultural High School in Hokkaido. It’s a look at his daily life and the rigours of agriculture.
If FMA was a bit too dark and you prefer your shonen with no seinen in it at all, try Eiichiro Oda’s global hit, “One Piece." It’s the tale of a young boy called Luffy who dreams of becoming a pirate and goes off in search of infamy and adventure.
The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, so thank you for helping me keep the lights on.
I hope you enjoyed the last episode of season 2. Lyfeblerd will be back soon though, with more things to geek out about. Please like, share and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast platform. Support your local comic book scene and keep reading the books you love.
The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde.
See you around!
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