Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 2: Scarred Man of the East (Episodes 5-8)
Edward Elric passes the qualifying exams to become the youngest State Alchemist in history, and finds new friends, new challenges, and new dangers as the popular fantasy-adventureFullmetal Alchemistcontinues. Ed doesn't get much time to savor his achievement: He and his brother Alphonse face an array of foes that includes a deranged alchemist and a serial killer. Ed also must face his new boss, Lt. Col. Roy Mustang, an unsmiling officer who may instill some patience and discipline in the young prodigy. The Elric brothers gain a friend in investigative officer Major Maes Hughes, whose warm nature juxtaposes Mustang's icy demeanor. Although these episodes offer plenty of intense action and broad comedy, what distinguishesFullmetal Alchemistfrom other adventure series is its emotional honesty. When Ed narrowly escapes a violent death, he tearfully confesses his fear and loneliness, and his awareness of his all-too-human limitations--an admission few animated or live action heroes would make. (Rated TV PG: violence, tobacco use)--Charles Solomon