Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 13: Brotherhood (Episodes 49-51)
Fullmetal Alchemistreaches its appropriately wrenching conclusion, as Ed's and Al's powers and commitment to each other are put to the ultimate test. The fate of their world (and, possibly, this one) is at stake: If the Elrics fail, the Homunculi will continue their murderous deeds. ButFullmetal Alchemistisn't just a simple story of good versus evil, as revelations about the origins of Envy and the role of Hohenheim prove. The drama, the adventure, the comedy, and, above all, the loving relationship between Edward and Alphonse make it a truly noteworthy series in the history of anime, one whose influence is sure to be felt for years. At the end of volume 13, viewers may feel the same sort of emptiness an earlier generation of readers experienced when Sherlock Holmes went over Reisenbach Falls, although episode 51 sets up the feature,The Conqueror of Shamballa--which robs the ending of a little of its punch. But Hiromu Arakawa's original manga continues, and fans of the Elric Brothers will enjoyThe Art of Fullmetal Alchemist: The Anime, a collection of illustrations by artists who worked on the series, including a nicely incongruous painting of the cast in traditional Japanese costume. (Rated TV PG: violence, grotesque imagery, tobacco use)--Charles Solomon