The worldbuilding continues to expand. We're getting some really interesting thoughts on what exactly the difference is between bodies and souls... and what it means to separate them. Also more on how homunculi work and how to finally kill them.

Oy these are crazy.

Chapter 38: Signal to Strike



Makes sense. And could be useful for the Elric brothers!

Chapter 39: Complications at Central



SHLA-MUK! Oh Gluttony is so gross.



But ... useful for those seeking immortality I guess?



Oh Barry...



And he ... cannot lie? Every once in a while, the translations seem amusingly juvenile.



... wow homunculi are hard to kill.

Chapter 40: Philosopher from the West



Heh! LET'S DO IT!



Ouch. I hadn't considered that. I wonder what sort of metal he's made out of.

Also... what in the world did they do that cost an entire country...

Chapter 41: On the Palm of an Arrogant Human Being



Oh Barry.



Quite a place to be cutting corners. I knew there was something up about that from the start though.



Again with the boobs. It feels real enough, but it's still funny.



SCAR!!! ( )

The conclusion to Roy Mustang's first major battle against the secret cabal is quite exciting and action packed, yet the creator still makes time for all the character moments that really are the reason I keep reading. I like how she keeps working in the human toll this kind of action fantasy takes on those who are involved in it.

The second half slows down with some exposition and the set-up for the next arc. ( )

I really enjoyed this installment of the Fullmetal Alchemist series. The story moved along nicely while leaving room for emotional development, and it had a nice optimistic section at the end. ( )

One of the highlight volumes of the series for me; so much action and emotion in one volume. The standout scene, an epic and powerful battle between Roy Mustang and the homunculus Lust, had me breathless. I came to love and respect several characters much more in this volume, especially Mustang and Havoc. And of course this volume also locked me in as a supporter of the Mustang/Hawkeye relationship...there's something about those two... ;) ( )

In Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 10 the whole volume is filled with surprises as the plot does another twist revealing new surprises and new information on the homunculi. I also noticed in this volume for the first time how old Edward has gotten, especially in his picture on the cover. He has been drawn very believably growing older and growing up throughout the series. The plot thickens and things get complex as you are trying to figure out who knew what when but Arakawa keeps you engaged and keeps the plot explanations from getting too out of control with skill.

She also keeps the plot from getting too bogged down in action sequences and gore and complex story lines with moments of lightness and humor. Hitting just that right tone is something she manages to deftly handle throughout the series, but I thought there were several sparkling moments in particular in this volume.

There were of course some very sad moments as well. Characters experience loss and receive horrible news or come to terrifying conclusions as the story unfolds. At the end of the day its still not clear who will ultimately come ahead. But two things are clear: one, these are still boys who want more than anything to have their original bodies back, two they do not want to have anyone else get hurt in that quest and will do anything to ensure that. ( )