Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 26

鋼の錬金術師 [Hagane no Renkinjutsushi] #26

by Hiromu Arakawa

In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical "auto-mail" limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his brother and himself...the legendary Philosopher's Stone.With all the pieces now in his possession, the homunculus "father" executes his master plan as Edward and the others watch in horror. When the dust settles, the entire world has been reshaped. With the help of Hohenheim, the Elric brothers launch a desperate final attack, but is it all too late...?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Shonen, Young Adult

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2010

About the author

Hiromu Arakawa (author: 荒川弘) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師 Hagane no renkinjutsushi).
Her real name is Hiromi Arakawa (荒川弘美).

Arakawa was born and raised on a dairy farm in Hokkaidō.
She thought of being a manga artist since she was little. After graduating high school, she took oil painting classes while working on her family's farm. During that time, she also created dōjinshi manga with her friends and drew yonkoma for a magazine. After eight years she moved to Tōkyō and started out as assistant writer for Hiroyuki Etō.
Her debut as manga artist is in 1999 with STRAY DOG. In 2001 she started working on her famous and award winning series Fullmetal Alchemist, that soon gets a successful anime adaptation.
Other works include Silver Spoon (銀の匙 Silver Spoon, Gin no saji Silver Spoon).

Reviews

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final battle begins! We got the emotional peaks done with (for the most part) in the previous volume, and now there's little left but take on the main villain, fail to stop him from achieving his goal, then kick his ass anyway. It's a good fight and a great climax, great action to purge away all the baggage from before and get your blood pumping for once.

Some good irony with the homunculi and their demise, too. I think each of them died in a pretty fitting way. I think Tolkien might have liked how Wrath got defeated: he was always the one for eucatastrophes, and for subtle and ambiguous divine intervention.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Splendid, this...staring death straight in the eye. No ranks. No history. No lineage. No gender. No names. Nothing. No ties to bind us....we fight for no one. It's so comforting".

Este. Manga. Es. ORO PURO. Solo el tomo final... Allá vamos.

"Ashes...to ashes..."

[Nərmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading manga while listening the soundtracks of anime is a magnificent experience. I don't what it to end...This manga is so beautiful that I can't even describe! The story is incredible, characters are perfect, artwork is excellent!
Have to know how it is going to end. The last volume remains, but I am not ready to say goodbye...

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO much has happened and I don't even know what to say. ON TO THE FINAL VOLUME!

[Trinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS!! WAS!! EXCELLENT!!

[freddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaaa, one volume left!!

[Ashley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi, I'm terrified.

[Mizuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop action and everything works out smoothly

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final war is here as we see the Homunculus plans finally come to fruition as he merges with god after human sacrifices and different souls and all that and we see the epic fight between him n that form and Homenheim and everyone, its epic the way it goes down, some escape and regroup with the others and others fight. Ed fights Pride and there is this amazing moment who defeats him and then finally towards the end the big surprises and twists!

This is an excellent finale and decides the fate of so many characters and its all coming together and some scenes are insane, like the paneling and the stakes there. Also good to see great moments for Ed and seeing how it threatens the entire existence! Final volume next!

[yel ᰔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 stars

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring boss battles against bland big bads make this my least favorite volume of the series.

Also there is this ridiculousness: Apparently, years before WandaVision threw away a chunk of its goodwill for a last-minute boner joke, Arakawa or her translators and editors at Viz decided this would be my only lasting memory of Fullmetal Alchemist:



(Image broken? View it here.)

LOL! Those words inside that phallic word balloon?!?! OMG! I shared it with my wife and daughter so they too could wonder at the cascade of decisions that led to this moment being printed. If you are not familiar, I will clarify that the shouting person with that dominating hand on his face is depicted as a young boy and despite where your mind is going, this is not a sex scene. Holy shit!

[Amanda Setasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a heart wrenching volume. Oh my god. This was really good and the art is great.

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be clear, my friends, the whole Fullmetal Alchemist series for me even though I haven't read yet the final volume is a clear five stars for me. It is one of the best manga series I have ever read. Its solid narration and grounded story gives way for Arakawa to tell a grand, save-the-world story while keeping those smaller subplots intact, mainly for emotional investment from its readers.

Volume 26 I can say is the big bang volume. It is where that "grand plan" happens. It's like Naruto's 4th ninja war arc or Rurouni Kenshin's Juppongatana climax, it is after all, the day of reckoning.

I just felt a bit betrayed by one deus ex machina element in the story. My. For a story which is comprehensibly covered by Arakawa, saving that certain crucial element later is a stroke towards convenience.

But that nonetheless never ruined my overall experience towards the volume. It is once again another homerun that deserves a standing ovation. It is fast-paced (which is sometimes bogged down by typical japanese anime/manga expositions) and relentless. That is one helluva ride. And we are not yet at the last volume!

[Lilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh why am I always attracted to the bad guys

[karla⁹ ⛈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do you look down on us so much? [...] Can a being that can only destroy truly be called a god?


como van a meter todo lo que quiero que pase en 2 episodios i’m—
no me quiero ir señor stark

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Let me say it again. Wow.

My friends recommended that I read this, and I didn't want to for the longest time because I was so busy with school, and then when I finally did start to read it, it took so long to get through a single volume because I got so hung up on the art. Arakawa's drawing style isn't just plain old manga, it's a piece of genius! Every chapter - yes, all 108 of them - showcased beautiful pen and ink technique, and I would just analyze the art for minutes before moving onto the next page.

Between the absolutely genius characters, the brilliant plot, and the art, I was transfixed.

Of all the book series that I have read, and fandoms that I have ever encountered, this is among my favorites. I've been into multiple fandoms, most prominently the Harry Potter fandom, so when I say that it is one of my favorites, that's some of the highest praise for a written work that I can give! Every character is so well written, with distinguished character arcs and even how they are drawn matures over the course of the 26 volumes. There's so much that I could say about each and every person that Arakawa's story brings to life, but more then any other characters there was one particular group that I loved reading every word of: the military characters. Specifically, Mustang, Hawkeye, Hughes, Mustang's main group of subordinates, and General Olivier Armstrong. The relationships that are portrayed between characters seem true to life, and I found myself becoming so attached to them that everything bad that happened was accompanied by a pang of emotion in my own chest. I mean, in four volumes - less then twelve chapters - she creates a character so wonderful and lovable that when he was killed it was seriously shocking.

This series is wonderful for those that like to ship characters. Oh, there are SO many couples that are canon, fanon, and everywhere in-between. Although the main (at least since it involves the main character) romantic arc over the course of this series was between Edward and Winry, I found myself being a helpless shipper for Riza Hawkeye and Roy Mustang. Yes, I am a Royai shipper, and proud of it! (Anila I blame you for this...)

And the plot, oh the plot, it is so magnificent in so many ways! The foreshadowing, the twists, the intricacies that wind throughout the entire story...well, basically I can geek out all day about how wonderful this series is. To anyone that is even considering reading this (or watching the anime Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood), I say this: Do It. You won't regret it...at all.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

That battle between Scar and Bradley was a strong highlight for me in this volume! Absolutely loved it and found it amazing how even to the very end that I was still able to feel some compassion for Bradley. It happened before, but I definitely felt it a lot more in that moment.

I LOVED seeing everyone work together! I think it truly shows that as humans we are stronger when we fight together.

And Kimblee! I didn't think there was ANY way I could EVER like his character, but I definitely liked his character in the scene we saw him in!! So well done!!

So I think what caused me to fully not enjoy this is because I still don't get the whole "god" thing. I didn't get it before now and still just as lost in this one. I'm thinking of watching some videos on the breakdown of what it symbolizes because understanding that concept I think is critical to understanding this volume at its peak. I'm not sure if its because I don't view God the way "god" is shown in this series or if I just don't understand exactly what the truth is concerning its relation to this series? I understand that a toll has to be paid and such, but I really think the lack of me understanding all this is what caused me not to click with this volume.

Though with that said, Dwarf in the Flask is SUPER powerful! I may have missed the point in some parts, but it wasn't loss on me how powerful he is and how cruel he is.

Also the battle with Selim and what Ed did was whoa!!

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's possible I've just outgrown a series I started eight years ago, but I'm worried that with this being the second-to-last volume, Fullmetal Alchemist will go out with a whimper.

Stuff happens. There's a big, epic, kinda confusing battle. It's drawn really well. But the problem that's plagued this book for a few volumes now is this: Ed and Al don't do anything. It's a little better here, and in the last third of the story, Ed does get to do something you would expect the main character to do. Mostly, this is Hohenheim's fight. And Colonel Mustang gets a total of maybe five lines.

I wish the climax of this story focused more on the characters I care about the most.

[নাজমুল হাসান · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything ends, all the struggle, all the tears, all hope gone. But humans are amazing like that, they never give up. When all seemed nigh, the counter attack begins. First Hoheheim with his carefully crafted scheme, then Scar with the reverse transmutation circle. All the remaining Homunculus meet their end. But "Father" keeps on fighting without even flinching. Edward Elric shows his real power against Pride. Now he needs to beat "Father" as well, who consumed the supposedly "God".

[Ravioli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because my last review was kind of serious I'm just going to mention some of my favorite parts of this book
1) izumi drop kicking mustang to reunite with her husband (forgot his name lmao)
2) kimblee coming in clutch?? wtf?
3) may kicking ass
4) scar kicking ass
5) actually all of them kicking ass
6) greed being legitimately useless bc he's the only non alchemist
7) ed accurately pointing out to pride that greed is a lot more evolved than him and pride promptly losing his shit

[anotherfungurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Father turned has something called godhood. Finally, Scar beat King Bradley with the help of Ran Fan. Well done, Scar. He is a genius. Suddenly, Scar caught my attention. Unfortunately, he did it in the end of the series. Pride is gone too, by Ed.)

[Asch-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want this series to end! I love it so much. But...I want to know what happens! Am I the only one having this problem? -__-

[Bones · Rating 5 out of 5]

No importa cuanta veces vea el final, siempre me emociona como la primera vez. Leerlo no cambio nada de eso

Es mi anime favorito, y que bueno poder decir que tambien es mi manga favorito. Ame a cada personaje, incluyendo villanos. Me gustaron todas las relaciones (dinámicas) entre los personajes y como absolutamente todos aportaron algo, aun que sea super pequeño

Tiene una trama original y emotiva. Me dan ganas de volver a a ver todo el anime ahora.

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presenting a post-apocalyptic scenario before the remaining heroes, Father moves forward in his plans, expecting everyone to fall before him on their knees but unplanned surprises complicate the process. While hope seems slim, these heroes don't give up, convinced by the desire to stop Father no matter what.

Yours truly,

Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/

[monique - persephone · Rating 4 out of 5]

i've birthed two babies. that guy did not make it look like it hurts. it hurts.

[Murat · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[moodiebluezz · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy shit.

[Ray Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

El homúnculo origen utiliza la vida de miles de personas para invocar un cuerpo capaz de contener toda la energía que posee, casi convirtiéndolo en “un dios”. Su fuerza y poder ciertamente son descomunales, pero Hohenheim, junto a sus hijos y los demás alquimistas, al menos lo contienen todo el tiempo que pueden ya que Selim también está allí y no hace sino ser una molestia.

Pese a ello, Hohenheim y las almas que están dentro de él (por las piedras filosofales) ayudan a que todas las personas que sacrificó su enemigo, sean devueltas a sus cuerpos originales –al menos de momento.

Mientras tanto, Scar le quita la vida a Bradley King, quien irónicamente muere después de haber dicho que el tiempo que estuvo en la Tierra valió la pena (seguro no recordó sus crímenes o, mejor dicho, no le importaron).

Ya para el final los soldados y comandantes fuera de ese recinto también ayudan, e inclusive Greed hace lo suyo, traicionando a “su padre”, como le reprocha Selim.

Edward es quien derrota a Selim, regresándolo a su forma original: un niño del tamaño de un cacahuate que llama a su madre. Pero, ¿cómo irá a concluir esta historia? Si es que el supuesto “dios” ha vuelto a sacar otra carta bajo la manga.

Este volumen incluye los capítulos 104 – 106.

REVIEWS ANTERIORES:
Volumen 1 | Volumen 2 | Volumen 3 | Volumen 4 | Volumen 5 | Volumen 6 | Volumen 7 | Volumen 8 | Volumen 9 | Volumen 10 | Volumen 11 | Volumen 12 | Volumen 13 | Volumen 14 | Volumen 15 | Volumen 16 | Volumen 17 | Volumen 18 | Volumen 19 | Volumen 20 | Volumen 21 | Volumen 22 | Volumen 23 | Volumen 24 | Volumen 25

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

EN RESUMEN
Con sus cincos sacrificios juntos, Padre comienza la ejecución de su plan: abrir la puerta de la Verdad y absorber a Dios.

ACLARACIÓN
Todos estos puntos están de alguna forma influenciados por conocimientos y opiniones que ya tenía sobre la historia gracias a la adaptación del anime, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

ASPECTOS POSITIVOS
- El final de la pelea entre Scar y Bradley. Con este último enfrentamiento, ambos se conmemoran cómo dos de los mejores personajes de la historia. La muerte de Bradley continúa esta narrativa de los homúnculos muriendo de formas que se relacionan con sus pecados capitales.
- El dibujo es INCREÍBLE en este tomo. Muchas páginas dobles, emoción en las caras de los personajes, acción sin parar. Mis paneles preferidos son el de Padre saliendo de su puerta para atrapar a Dios/Verdad y Scar cortándole los brazos a Bradley.
- Esa escena cuando por fin entendemos el plan de Scar, Marcoh y los ishvalíes. Me encanta ver a todos trabajando juntos.

ASPECTOS NEGATIVOS
- Lamentablemente Padre no es intimidante ni interesante en lo absoluto. Siento que le hace algo más a su personaje. Se cae en el típico "villano quiere obtener un poder increíble que lo termina superando de alguna forma". Ni siquiera el pasado de Hohenheim fue suficiente para darle algo de profundidad a su personaje. Es malo por ser malo, y esos tipos de villanos/personajes necesitan mínimamente un poco de personalidad para ganarme.
- Todo el principio se sintió muy surreal, y no necesariamente en el buen sentido. La alquimia, que tanto se jactaba de ser un sistema de magia lleno de reglas, ahora parece ser un poder capaz de cualquier cosa.
- No soy fan de como Arakawa terminó a Kimblee y a Pride. Dos de los personajes más interesante sacados de la historia en una pelea un poco cringy y que debía pasar porque la autora no tenía mas uso para ellos.

CONCLUSIÓN
El penúltimo volúmen de Fullmetal Alchemist es uno flojo en comparación de sus predecesores. La historia se apresura a terminar sub plots y personajes para llegar a la parte más interesante. No obstante, la autora logra entregar momentos fuertes que eclipsan los malos.

[Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 3 out of 5]

final volume coming up

There’s a lot of the battle in this one and little time for much else. I haven’t mentioned how sometimes the little comics at the end make me laugh out loud. I really enjoy those.