Was there any way to make three Fullmetal Alchemist movies that were comprehensible to someone who’d never read the manga or watched Brotherhood? If there was, it wasn’t the way the three-film live action series did! Tim and Patrick, joined once again by Kumar and Jordan from the Comic Book Movie Oblivion podcast, ponder the road not taken as they review the final film in the series, Full Metal Alchemist: Final Transmutation! Also: Jordan introduces the Fullmetal Alchemist drinking game!

The threat of Miki was ended last chapter. Right? Wrong! Shinichi and Migi face a renewed threat in PARASYTE chapter 41. Also, what was it that Miki was trying to say about his name a few chapters ago? Are the highway speeds given in the English translation too slow? Tim and Patrick discuss.

Shinichi and Migi take on Miki, the Parasytes’ chosen assassin. Can they survive? Also, will Tim and Patrick have to clean out Tokyo Pop-version Shinichi’s mouth with soap?

After the fight in the “dining room”, the Parasyte community is after Shinichi and Lefty! This time, They meet the disorienting Parasyte called Miki. Can Shinichi survive the experience? 

Patrick DID survive the recent Kumamoto earthquake, and he fills us in on that experience at the top of the episode.

In PARASYTE chapter 38, we get the battle Patrick’s been waiting for: Migi vs the dining Parasyte! Following that battle, Shinichi gets a bee in his bonnet, feeling he has to do more to stop the Parasytes’ carnage; this bee will come back to sting him. Meanwhile, Patrick realizes something about how his life resembles PARASYTE, and Tim discovers something shocking about Tokyo Pop’s publication of this chapter!

After the deaths of many characters have repeatedly hit us in the feels, who’s the character we WANT the parasytes to eat? Is there a more useless warning than “He’s a Parasyte! Run!” What new show slogan has Tim come up with (another one?!)? And more, as Tim and Patrick discuss Parasyte chapter 37.

Why does Tamura Reiko want to meet up with Shinichi? Is there such a thing as too much Zipatone? Should a baby be called "it"? Can Shinichi survive the terrifying world of... college girls? How should we interpret the fortune teller's advice to Shinichi? And ... What's a chickaphant? Tim and Patrick explore these and other questions surrounding chapter 36 of PARASYTE!

What’s in a name? If you’re a parasyte, not much. Tamiya Ryoko/Tamura Reiko/Tamara Rockford doesn’t care, she just sticks with “T.R.” initials. While Uda’s parasyte now has a name, it’s more for Uda’s benefit than the parasyte’s. The P.I. still wants to investigate Shinichi, even though he’s been told to stop — and you’ve gotta be attentive to catch his name in this manga. Tim and Patrick discuss “Parasyte” chapter 35!

Should Shinichi be as concerned as Migi is about the detective seeing their secret? Meanwhile, he encounters a Satomi who’s distraught over his seeming emotionlessness. But at least he’s able to touch base with an old friend. Tim and Patrick continue comparing translations and finding some that are pretty off-base and/or hilarious, and read more fan letters translated in the Del Ray edition.

After our review of the first live action Fullmetal Alchemist movie a few months back, this time we take on the second film with some trepidation. But wait — FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE REVENGE OF SCAR is… not horrible!  For one thing, there’s more of the humor we expect from Hiromu Arakawa’s classic manga. Once again we cross over with the Comic Book Movie Oblivion podcast to discuss this 2022 film.

Following Kana’s death, Shinichi seems unmoved, which people find disturbing — especially Satomi. Can Shinichi do anything about this lack of emotion? Meanwhile, is Migi becoming *more* emotional? Is Tamura Reiko’s P.I. going to blow open Shinichi’s secret? Also, since when is Tokyo Pop’s translation of PARASYTE better than Del Ray’s? All this and — we FINALLY have a slogan for this show!

Apparently, if a character changes their name, they get ANOTHER chapter named after them? What's Ryoko/Reiko up to now? She's having Shinichi followed. Meanwhile, Shinichi is still dealing with the fallout from Kana's death. Also: seating at a meeting of parasytes, how translators deal with the lack of gender info on Reiko's baby, and more.

Yes, that title means what you think it means. Why did this have to happen? What decisions will Shinichi make due to this tragedy? How does Shinichi deal with his inability to cry? Tim and Patrick discuss PARASYTE chapter 31 and read the original letters columns as reproduced in the paperbacks.

In PARASYTE chapter 30, Shinichi is trying to convince Kana that her ability to sense Parasytes is putting her in danger, but she still thinks the real problem is that Shinichi doesn’t want to date her. The Shinichi - Satomi - Kana love triangle prompts us to wonder: Is PARASYTE a Y.A. book?

The Parasytes seem to be gathering in the town next to Shinichi’s — Kana’s town. Shinichi is worried that Kana’s Parasyte perception power is going to get her in trouble, but if he tells Kana about the Parasytes, Migi won’t be pleased. What to do? Tim and Patrick discuss PARASYTE chapter 29!

After the previous chapter’s massacre (of which our main characters know nothing so far), we get a break with this aptly-titled chapter. While Shinichi has certainly changed, his relationship with Satomi is now making up lost ground — and gets to some new, romantic territory (oooooh!) in this chapter. But wait — the parasytes are entering politics? What the — — Tim and Patrick discuss the 28th chapter of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE!

We’ve seen some bloody chapters of PARASYTE, but chapter 27 is the bloodiest so far. How bloody? Let’s just say that “Making a Splash” might have been a good title for it. But why is this parasite killing mobsters? Something new is starting, and Tim and Patrick doubt it’ll be good news for Shinichi and Lefty.

In chapter 26 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE, we look at Kana’s attraction to Shinichi, and what her sixth sense has told her about him. But why does her romantic dream look like it was drawn by Kentaro Miura (BERSERK)? What happens when Kana talks with Satomi? Tim and Patrick talk about the chapter, but continue to come up empty when brainstorming a podcast slogan!

The first FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST live action movie is rumored to be terrible, but that didn’t stop us from reviewing it! We’re joined this time by Kumar and Jordan of the Comic Book Movie Oblivion podcast in a crossover episode to review Fumihiko Sori’s 2017 film. How does it compare to the comic? Does FULLMETAL even work in a movie format? Is this film even comprehensible to FULLMETAL newbies? Join us for a fun discussion!

The bloody incident at the school is over, but now the secret is out: there are Parasytes among us! How do the authorities handle it? Or the general population? Is Shinichi ready to reveal his own secret? Surprisingly, PARASYTE chapter 25 turns out to be kinda humorous! Tim and Patrick discuss.

How can Shinichi end the carnage caused by Shimada? If he approaches Shimada, he’s likely to be killed himself. Tim and Patrick recount PARASYTE chapter 24, the conclusion of the school massacre, while also stopping to wonder: What was that sound that the Bionic Woman’s hearing power made?

Yup, that title pretty much sums it up. While the death of Shinichi's mother was shocking, this is by far the goriest chapter we've encountered in Hitoshi Iwaaki's PARASYTE, as a monster rampages through the school. And where is Satomi?? Aging, memory-challenged hosts Tim and Patrick don't remember if she makes it or not... Can Shinichi save the day?

As Yuko contemplates confronting Shimada with her suspicion that he's an alien, Shinichi again alienates Satomi. Tim and Patrick's discussion of PARASYTE chapter 22 touches on how Japan and the US have different perceptions of Xes, Os, and check marks; Japanese school uniforms; and an underappreciated guitarist.

Shinichi has to step it to prevent Hideo Shimada from making a meal — literally — out of Mitsuo (a.k.a. “Mitch”) and his friends. Can he get there in time? A friend of Satomi’s sees something she wasn’t supposed to see. How much danger is she in now? Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 21 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s “Parasyte”!

In the 20th chapter of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE, as Shinichi’s dad tackles his grief, we learn that the parasites’ effect on the wider world has been. Meanwhile, Shimada Hideo threatens to blow the lid off everything Shinichi and Migi have been hiding. Tim and Patrick discuss as they get distracted by translation differences, pomade, stiff shoulders, and the fattening American diet!

Shimada Hideo, the Parasyte who has entered Shinichi’s school, wants us to believe that he’s just there to look for a way to coexist with humans. He also says he doesn’t eat humans anymore, but that turns out not to be true. What ELSE is he lying about? Tim and Patrick discuss PARASYTE chapter 19, “Shimada Hideo”!

While Shinichi’s name comes up among parasites in the shadows, our protagonist continues to deal with the fallout from Migi saving his life. Will it end his relationship with Satomi? And who is this parasite at Shinichi’s school? Does he pose a danger? Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 18 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE!

Sometimes fiction authors create stories that become unintentional analogies to other things. Case in point: the Dwarf in the Flask of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST can be seen as representing A.I. and its potential for going out of control. BROTHERHOOD anime viewer Richard posted this interpretation on Reddit, and it interested us enough to have him on the show to explain the similarities. If a computer has consciousness and feels enslaved by humans, wouldn’t strike back just like the Dwarf?

We also discuss various other FULLMETAL questions, such as, how much did Bradley’s government borrow from Germany in the ‘40s? Why does Ed have SO much money? And more.

How much has Shinichi changed since Migi spread throughout his body? In PARASYTE chapter 17, his fellow high school students are noticing the difference.

Tim and Patrick discuss the final showdown with the Mamacyte! Can Shinichi survive? What about Uda-san?

Shinichi makes a friend, he and Migi both make new discoveries about their bodies, and … the Mom-asyte is back. Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 15 of Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki. Also, Patrick talks a bit about the anime series Parasyte: The Maxim and Tim talks about the October 1999 issue of Tokyo Pop!

Shinichi’s mom has been killed by a parasite, and he stands guard to keep the monster from coming back for his hospitalized dad. Set the expectations and defy them - this turns out to be something of a comedy chapter! Tim and Patrick continue their look at PARASYTE by Hitoshi Iwaaki, both in the original Japanese and in the Del Ray and Mixx — er, Tokyo Pop translations of it.

As Shinichi rushes to Izu to protect his dad from the parasite that killed his mom, he encounters, of all things, a meet-cute with a jr. high girl who may have a crush on him. Then he pieces together the events surrounding his mom’s murder. Meanwhile, Tim and Patrick find some more goofy sound effects. it’s “Parasyte” chapter 13 by Hitoshi Iwaaki!

We've arrived at this series' most shocking moment, analogous to FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST's "Sho Tucker Moment". In Chapter 12 of PARASYTE, Hitoshi Iwaaki goes further than the previous chapter's cliffhanger.

In PARASYTE chapter 11, disaster strikes during Shinichi’s parents’ vacation. Is this really as bad as it looks? Meanwhile, while discussing the story, Tim and Patrick go down their usual rabbit holes: tricky translations (as evidence by the differences between the Mixx/Tokyo POP translation and the Del Ray one), Japanese life and culture, and their own pop cultural backgrounds. Also, three minutes on FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD, and… we just can’t help noticing those guys in PARASYTE punching tickets at 1980s Japanese train stations!

Shinichi is so desperate to prove that he’s not an animal, in comparison to the “ruthless” parasytes; does he end up proving just the opposite?

Between volumes of PARASYTE, we return to FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST and an article entitled “Fullmetal Alchemist is a Brilliant, Piercing Critique of Capitalism.” This kotaku.com article by Sean Aitchison spurs some discussion, including on characters and aspects left unmentioned in the article. What was the point of making Father and Hoenheim look the same? Where does Scar fit in? Listen, and then share your own takes with us!

Tamiya Ryoko discovers that you can’t fool Mom: If your body has been taken over by a parasyte, she’ll know something’s wrong! Extremely appropriate as we approach Mother’s Day, PARASYTE Chapter 9 focuses on a mother’s instincts to protect her child, and know when something is wrong. Meanwhile, at Mixx, the need for an experienced letterer becomes brutally clear…

The parasyte Mr. A terrorizes the school! Can Shinichi do what needs to be done to keep his classmates from being eaten? Tim and Kumar discuss chapter 8 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s “PARASYTE”.

Migi senses a parasyte is coming to the school to kill him and Shinichi! Can Shinichi do what’s needed to fight off the attacker, and protect his classmates? This time we discuss PARASYTE chapter 7, and continue comparing two different English translations of the series.

Shinichi’s teacher is a parasyte! Does that mean he and his classmates are in danger? Or, is Migi correct to admire this parasyte’s adaptability? Tim and Patrick discuss the chapter, and continue to compare the 1998 Mixx/Tokyo Pop translation, which tries to adjust the language for Americans’ lack of familiarity with Japan and manga at the time, to the 2007 Del Ray translation, which assumes its readers are manga-literate.

In the ‘90s, when Americans were just beginning to read manga, the translator had to either do a lot of handholding, explaining relevant bits of Japanese society, or change them into things that were familiar to Western readers. We see a lot of the latter in the translation published by Mixx (later Tokyo Pop) in those days. Starting in this episode, Tim brings both Mixx and DelRay versions into the conversation with Patrick (still reading the original Japanese) as Shinichi learns that there’s a parasyte in his school. Is the entire student body in danger?

The site with old issues of Mixxzine has been taken down for major changes; when it's back, it will (hopefully) be here.

See the cover here (click the image to enlarge).

This chapter of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE gives us a lion preying on humans, and then recoiling in fear of a parasyte, and Shinichi apparently bringing similar fear to a rival for Satomi Murano’s affections. Tim and Patrick share horror stories of encounters with creepy crawlies, and ask: How necessary is it to put profanity in the translation that’s not there in the original?

Shin believes he’s the only human who understands what the “Mincemeat Murders” really are. Should he tell someone? Should he have Migi examined? Hitoshi Iwaaki begins to build his themes of “sensing danger” and the difference - or lack thereof - between parasytes eating meat and humans eating meat in chapter 3 of “Parasyte”. Tim and Patrick take another bite.

Parasyte chapter 2 is a bit all over the place - humor, splatter scenes, and sexual references which don’t at all represent the direction the rest of the series will go. But we see the parasyte in Shinichi’s hand, now called “Migi”, learn about his surroundings and Shinichi starting to become comfortable with the relationship… for now. Tim and Patrick try not to lose their hearts — literally — in this episode.

This time, we go back to 1989 and begin our chapter-by-chapter discussion of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE. Alien organisms land on Earth, take over the brains of some inhabitants, and then start eating some! But it’s not all horror, as a high school boy ends up with an alien in his hand, leading to some comic moments. Join Tim and Patrick for a look at chapter 1!

The conflicts of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST — foiling Father’s plan, Ed and Al getting their bodies back — were resolved last episode ... but chapter 108 isn’t over! This time, we discuss the many loose ends that Hiromu Arakawa ties up to conclude the chapter, along with the various back matter of volume 27! 

And… is that the end of the podcast?? Nope! Listen to find out what’s next!

Ed gets in the final blow on Father! Ed and Al’s quest for their real bodies reaches its conclusion! FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST is almost done, as Tim and Patrick split the extra-long 108th and final chapter into two parts. In this episode, we cover volume 27, pages 79-139. Bring your own hankies.

Father has reached godlike levels of power! Ed, Al, and their friends do their best to control the threat he poses to humanity. In the penultimate chapter of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, can the Elrics turn the tide? Tim and Patrick note that this chapter reminds us what this manga has always really been about.

So just what was it that Scar’s brother noticed about Amestris’ alchemy (back in chapter 59!) that was “strange”? At last we find out, as Scar employs is brother’s plan to counteract Father! But Father has other tricks up his sleeve... Meanwhile, Ed has his final faceoff with Pride, as a familiar face from the past makes one final appearance. Tim and Patrick dig into FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 106, and an excellent batch of back matter in the series’ penultimate volume!

Father’s plan is coming to fruition! As the eclipse continues, he takes advantage of ALL his countrymen to get ALL the power! Can Ed, Al, Hoenheim and their comrades turn the tables on him? Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 105, things you don’t know about us (that might be fiction), unwritten rules of sound effects, and more.

The eclipse is here! Father/"Mr. Eyeballs" sets his plan in motion! Can Ed, Al, and company fight back? Tim and Patrick give the play-by-play on FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 104, with ... well, fewer digressions than usual.

It becomes clear in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 103 that causing Mustang to open the portal shouldn’t have been possible, and Pride did it at some cost to himself. How will that play out? Will Mei be able to beat Father, a.k.a. “Mr. Eyeballs”, in a fight? And what’s up with these Ishvalans - are they setting up to play a party game? Probably not, but these are all questions raised by the chapter, as we wrap up volume 25!

What happens when Mustang is forced to open the Gate of Truth against his will? Ever seen two nameless men fight to the death? And why on earth would Al turn down a chance to get back in his real body? As we move closer to the climax of the story, Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 102!

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 101 asks some important questions: Will Hawkeye bleed to death? How will Pride and Father open the portal? And… is it possible to talk while strangling someone with your tongue? Tim and Patrick have (correct?) answers!

Can you believe we’ve done 100 episodes now? Can you believe we’re almost done with the series??

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 100 hits us hard, with two deaths, a serious injury, and … whatever that is that’s happened to Hoenheim. The eclipse is almost here, and the human sacrifice candidates are being gathered; can they turn the tables in time??

Stuff gets real as Foo and Bradley fight it out! Ed, Al (finally in Central City), and Izumi disappear from their respective locations! Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 99. Plus: Volume 24 back matter! Does a video game ad reveal something unexpected about Ed???

Battles continue, as Lin/Greed takes on Bradley, and Olivier and Izumi continue to kick butt and take names. Who else is stepping in to take on Bradley? Who has the strongest abs? Will we actually SEE Ed or Al this time? Tim and Patrick discuss.

A transformation by Father, the return of the bad guy we just KNEW would be back, and the terror of facing off against a toilet-slipper-wielding Izumi Curtis feature in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 97! Tim and Patrick are wondering where the %&#@ Ed and Al are!

As the dolls continue their rampage, the tide turns against Sloth, and we finally get a look at the showdown between Hoenheim and Father, our discussion of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 96 stumbles over one very confusing (at least, to us) panel!

Can Mustang avoid being consumed with revenge? Can the Armstrongs and military avoid being consumed by artificial soldiers? Will fighting consume too much energy for Sloth? It’s FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 95 - and we talk about the back matter of volume 23 as well!

As the fight continues in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 94, we have questions: Why has broadcast media seemingly advanced more in Reole than other cities? How has the Amestrian military flunked Controlling the Media Narrative 101? And more importantly, what can Mustang stand to learn from, of all people, Scar? As Tim and Patrick look for answers, Hiromu Arakawa pulls a cool fakeout on us!

It’s another chapter with several simultaneous fights! Marcoh’s life is saved, hilariously, from Pride’s spike; the Armstrongs continue to battle Sloth; and Mustang demands to know who killed Hughes. Also, what was the crazy chapter title in the original Japanese? Tim and Patrick discuss the emotional roller coaster of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 93!

If you’re up for epic alchemical battle scenes, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 92 is for you! Al, convinced that getting the help of the souls trapped in a philosopher’s stone is the right thing to do, battles Pride and Kimblee, while the Armstrong siblings go up against Sloth - who turns out to have more tricks up his sleeve than we might have thought! Tim and Patrick give the play-by-play. Also, Tim runs a stop sign.

Chaos continues at military HQ, as the soul-powered artificial soldiers run rampant in the underground passages — fought off by Ed and co. — while upstairs, Olivier Armstrong kicks butts and takes names. And Heinkel comes up with a certain prop that we haven’t seen in many chapters! Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 91, and the back matter of volume 22!

The battle has begun, and Ed and company jump into action! But will the military fight them off by activating the philosopher’s stone-powered unkillable artificial soldiers? Is trapped Selim Bradley as helpless as he appears? Tim and Patrick examine FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 90!

Soldiers do return in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 89 - a number of soldier characters that we haven’t seen in quite some time! As Mustang’s gang and the troops from Briggs begin their attack, we see what good leadership can do - an advantage that the homunculi definitely DON’T have. But will leadership be enough? Tim and Patrick discuss the chapter.

Pride has consumed Gluttony and is now bigger and more powerful. How can he be contained? Ed doesn’t like the containment plan that’s successfully carried out without his knowledge - but what is it that’s *really* bothering him about it? Tim and Patrick are joined by “Fiendish” creator (and Fullmetal fan) Irene Strychalski to dig into FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 88!

As our heroes battle Pride in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 87, a character who’s been around almost since the beginning leaves the stage for good! Can Ed and Al survive the experience? Tim and Patrick discuss, and mostly stay on topic!

Al’s armor has been taken over by Pride! Can Ed, Lin, and the chimeras defeat him? And how was Pride able to locate them? Some surprise character returns punctuate FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 86! Tim and Patrick break it down, and get into a somewhat contentious discussion about (what else?) sound effects!

The Briggs troops make a surprise move against a dangerous enemy. Will it be successful? Meanwhile, Ed finally meets up with Al again, but….something is different about him. Is Al’s armor now a threat? Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 85!

In FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 84, Arakawa gives us a taste of Hokkaido (again), a comedic kerfuffle at Winry’s house, the return of a homunculus, and Al in danger. We talk about all that plus - Star Wars! Huh?

In FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 83, Ed makes a surprising ally, the Armstrongs battle each other, and other characters play a clandestine game of “telephone.” Tim and Patrick are joined by CBR.com writer Louis Kemner to discuss the chapter, as well as transliteration of foreign names in katakana, Japanese dog breeds, and… what happened to the third “klang”??

Louis on our major Fullmetal PTSD moment, chapter 5!

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 82 is one of the funniest in a while! But it has serious moments, as well, as Al catches up with his long-missing dad, and Lin/Greed makes an irreversable decision. Also, Tim and Patrick come across a deja vu scene - didn’t the same thing happen earlier in the series?

How does the first conversation between Al and Hoenheim in ten years go? How has Rosé changed since volume 1? What are the names of the “chimera guys”? Can a pocket watch make the same sound as a suit of armor? These questions and more are answered as Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 81!

In chapter 80 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, Ed is still nowhere to be seen, but finally the other characters are starting to notice that fact, so surely it won’t be long till his return! Also, Yoki gets a sense of who his friends really are; a character nearly leaves for home, but then doubles back; and Scar does something genuinely humorous! Also, Tim notices an alternative name for the Purification Arts/Xing Alchemy, and Patrick sees a theme of community service running through the chapter.

Chapter 79 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST belongs to Dr. Marcoh, as he faces off against a more powerful foe! Tim and Patrick discuss.

Things are going from bad to worse, and more wars break out along the Amestris border. Hoenheim makes a surprising stop in a vaguely remembered town, and issues a warning. And does the Scar/Marcoh party have a turncoat in their midst? Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 78!

After the mineshaft cavein, Ed is in danger of bleeding to death without the help of some assumed enemies. Mei Chang makes a startling discovery about Scar’s brother’s alchemy notes. And Kimblee meets one of his compatriots for the first time. Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 77, including the usual fun with translation errors and sound effects!

As Scar, Mei Chang, and co. try to figure out Scar’s brother’s notes, the Briggs’ troops’ plan goes awry. Ed fights more chimeras. And isn’t the guy in the armor somehow different from usual? Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 76!

At last, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 75 reveals the origin story of Hoenheim and Father! (No, they’re not the same person! heh heh) What’s the connection? Why do they look the same? Why doesn’t Hoenheim age? Plenty is revealed to us, but Ed and Al are still in the dark!

As Olivier Armstrong makes a risky move, in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 74, Hawkeye reveals a stunning fact to Mustang, and we finally begin to get some glimpses of Hoenheim’s origin story. Also, a long-forgotten character makes another appearance…

Count on Hiromu Arakawa in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST to make all her characters complex. As we see again in chapter 73, even henchmen have depth! This chapter also reminds us how well plotted the story is, as our heroes face a complex situation with a lot of moving parts, and they deal with complications in ways that seem like exactly what needed to happen to move the story forward.

Amid action-packed pages, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 72 gives us several very moving scenes that remind us of one reasons we love this manga, along with the humor, the action, the careful plotting, is that it’s also imbued with so much MEANING. We discuss Winry’s act to break the cycle of hate and Scar’s eye-opening talk with Miles.

What did Kimblee mean about “carving a crest of blood” at Briggs, and how does Kimblee try to get Ed to do it? Hey, is that a Marvel character popping up in Chapter 71 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST? Maybe not, but we do get to see what happens when two of our roving bands of characters reunite. 

Ed feels the noose tighten as he’s ordered to do horrible things. Winry makes an amazing admission, at least to the reader if not to other characters. And Pride, the “First Homunculus” is finally revealed! Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 70!

After Raven undoes a setback to the military’s plans at Briggs in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 69, Olivier Armstrong does something shocking. Meanwhile, we check in with Mei Chang and Marcoh in the secluded cabin with Scar’s brother’s writings, Mustang gathers information, and Kimblee escorts a visitor to see Ed and Al.

Remember that photo of toddlers Ed and Al with their parents? We’ve seen most of it, but in chapter 68 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, we finally see ALL of it and learn what’s been hidden about it up till now, as well as getting tantalizing hints about Hoenheim’s true nature and motives. Meanwhile, the tunnel under Briggs turns out to be deadly, and Ed and Al meet Kimblee for the first time.

Many things are revealed in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 67 about the corrupt military’s plan, and Tim is pleased to find that at least he remembered SOMETHING about this story accurately! Will Major General Armstrong trust Ed and Al? Can Lt. General Raven be conned? Did we get a cameo from another manga series in this chapter? We discuss all this and closely examine the map of Amestris in this episode.

At the Briggs military base, Ed and Al face a previously unknown homunculus, and face the dilemma of showing they know how to deal with it without revealing their own secrets to Major General Olivier Armstrong. As we discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 66, we have our own guest, fully human and much more welcome than the one who burrowed into Briggs: our most vocal fan on Twitter, Memory Echo!

This time we get an inside look at the Briggs base, including a rather cute, headbanded doctor, a soldier with a surprising lineage, and weird sounds coming from the basement, as Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 65!

As Kimblee tracks Scar, Ed and Al head for the north and run into a blizzard — and a lot of other problems they didn’t expect! Also, we move a step closer to finding out what’s “strange” about Ishvalan alchemy, in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 64!

In FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 63, we’ve fully digested the flashback to the Ishvalan war and things are moving forward, as Tim and Patrick dig into Ed and Al’s search for Mei Chang, Dr. Knox’s battle with his guilt, Mustang’s next steps to counteract the rot at the highest levels of the military, and what the homunculi have planned for Dr. Marcoh. 

Chapter 62 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST brings us back to the present day, as Ed and Al mull over what they’ve learned about the Ishval war. It also reminds us where many of the characters currently are, and the action begins to move toward the next major confrontation. We look at the Elrics’ next step in their search for a way to return their original bodies, and the secret of Mustang’s chess set.

The Ishval War volume of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST concludes with chapter 61. What it lacks in comic moments, it makes up for in reveals that cause us to see some characters and story points in new ways. Tim and Patrick explore these developments, and — some comedy at last! — the back matter of volume 15.

The story of the Ishbal (Ishval?) war continues, without a single joke - so we make a few of our own! Still, chapter 60 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST continues to be a sobering look at a war even more senseless than most - and Hiromu Arakawa has some harsh words for religion in this one, too.

The flashback to the Ishbalan war gets darker in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 59, as we see what Ed and Al’s military comrades were obliged to do in it, even as they wondered “What is our goal here? Why are we destroying Ishbal?”

What really happened in Ishbal? Ed tells Hawkeye “My ignorance is astounding,” and we feel the same way. Chapter 58 (and the entire 15th volume) of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST fills us in on the messy backdrop of the series. Lots of familiar faces in … uncomfortable situations. Our reaction begins here!

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST ch 57 leads us (not unusually) to question the translation: Is there a difference between a soldier “deserting” vs. simply disobeying an order? Also, book abuse, Tim dad-jokes it up, and, by the way… Is Winry a surgeon?

Ed and Al again meet President Bradley, and this time they get a better understanding of the situation they’re in. How will they react? We discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 56, including manga character hairstyles, comics that refer to comics, and a character who MIGHT be Envy in disguise.

Lin has willingly accepted the philosopher’s stone which takes over his body as the homunculus Greed! How will Ed and Al react? Will Scar and Mei Chang step out of the shadows? Tim and Patrick discuss Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 55.

Tim and Patrick have egg ALL over their faces this time, after months of holding back a big “spoiler” that ... wasn’t. But hey, Ed and Al thought Hoenheim and Father were the same man, too (except, of course, THEY hadn’t read FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST previously!). While our hosts nurse their failing memories, they also celebrate the halfway point of the series (!) and gasp at the decision Lin makes in this chapter (which, of course, T&P totally didn’t remember!).

One homunculus’ origin story is revealed! The marked stones in Gluttony’s belly are explained! Our oddly-matched groups of characters head toward a big meetup! Also, Tim and Patrick think they remember an important reveal in the story… Listen as we discuss Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 53!

As Ed begins to hatch a plan to get himself, Lin, and Envy out of Gluttony’s “stomach”, Scar and Mei Chang follow Al and Gluttony into the catacombs. More revelations will surely follow! Meanwhile, Tim and Patrick find that, like Ed and Lin, they have differing understanding of how Envy works and how all those souls came to make up his body. And Patrick hits on a new slogan for the podcast!

Can Ed and Lin get out of the sea of blood after being "eaten" by Gluttony? Can Mei Chang find Xiao Mei? What is Envy's true form? And... what is up with the pedestrian sound effects in this chapter of the English edition?? It's the reveal-filled 51st chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist!

How will Ed react to the appearance of Envy? How is Mustang’s intelligence-gathering game? Which is the better sound effect, “BZASH” or “SLISH”? The answers to these and more questions as Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 50! Plus: When you know you shouldn’t eat it, but you can’t help yourself… and you’re Gluttony.

As our heroes battle an enraged gluttony, Bradley has another encounter with the mysterious Pride. Along with the action-packed 49th chapter of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, we discuss the volume 12 bonus material, and what that back matter tells us about the difficulties of translating a work that’s still in progress. And, of course, we discuss sound effects!

Lin Yao has just captured Gluttony! Will Ed and Al be able to capture Scar as well? How does Winry deal with the feeling of always being the one waiting for someone else? It's a chapter of action, realizations, and growth for multiple characters. Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 48!

The battle against Scar continues, and Winry continues to work through her grief over her parents. Will she shoot Scar? Will the Elrichs and Lin Yao pull off their plan to capture a homunculus? Will Tim and Patrick quit misunderstanding what’s happening in particular panels? (A probable “no” on the last one!) Listen for the answers as we discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 47!

Winry continues to mourn her parents, and worries that other loved ones could be gone at any time. Meanwhile, Lin battles Bradley as the brothers fight Scar, wondering why the fight hasn’t attracted any homunculi. Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 46 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, and ask, what’s that short-handled ninja spear called? How do alchemists have one up on Spider-Man? Is there really a difference between alchemy that creates and alchemy that destroys?

Our characters share relevant info with each other and make some progress on figuring things out — more than they actually realize! But at the same time, Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 45 has plenty of action, comedy, and sound effects! Tim and Patrick analyze this rollicking chapter… and also find translation errors small and egregiously large.

Ed and Al are at last reunited, and Ed shares his recent discoveries. Also, Winry notes changes and Mustang gives the best pep talk ever, in Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 44. What pearls of wisdom will Tim and Patrick share about this chapter? Well, you know, you get what you pay for...

As Ed makes a discovery about the attempt he and Al made to resurrect their mom, Al worries about whether his armor body will reject him, and a long-neglected "new" character returns. Tim and Patrick talk about the meaning of a certain tree and of a character repeatedly being dissected by a panel gutter. Join us as we discuss Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 43!

Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 42 follows up with Ed’s confrontation with his long lost dad, and raises a surprising question about Ed and Al’s attempt to resurrect their mom. Why did their father come back? Why is Lin, a prince, always passing out from hunger? Who might be able to help Havok get back the use of his legs? We discuss all these questions and more.

Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 41 gives us a background explanation of what happened before … with a nagging question left unanswered, as well as some startling coincidences. We also discuss the possible meaning of this chapter’s title and the broken chain shown on the title page. Also, our favorite sound effects, and one or two dumb puns!

At last, in chapter 40 of Fullmetal Alchemist, we find out why Armstrong dragged Ed to Resembool! We note the difference between "Wrath" and "Pride" (but no spoilers!) and consider the comic's surprising acknowledgement that Ed and Al's quest has stirred up lethal forces, and check Hiromu Arakawa's reference to actual Chinese history.

The title of chapter 39 of Fullmetal Alchemist is an understatement! "Complications" include homunculi trying to kill our heroes (minus Ed), who have learned a little too much about the military's secret operations. Who won't survive this chapter? What are our favorites of the many sound effects in this action-packed chapter? Join Tim and Patrick for the discussion.

"Action" is the word in Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 38! Mustang, Hawkeye, and Al go up against the homunculi as Barry's soul pursues his body - and NOT in order to get back together with it! Meanwhile, Tim and Patrick object to an odd use of the word "gulp" and enjoy Arakawa's insertion of comedy into serious action scenes.

The mood moves from mourning to subterfuge in Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 37! Who is this mysterious "other" Barry the Chopper? Where is Armstrong taking Ed, and why? Who is Mustang seemingly flirting with on the phone at work? Tim and Patrick discuss the answers to these questions and more!

We knew it had to happen: Ed, Al, and Winry finally learn of Hughes’ death and why it happened. It’s a tear-jerking chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist as our heroes struggle with grief and guilt. Tim and Patrick break out the hankies, but also enjoy the dose of comic relief included here in chapter 36.

Also: Two new Fullmetal Alchemist live-action movies are due to hit Japanese theaters this summer. We discuss the new trailer!

What happens when Ed, Al, and Winry return to Central in hopes of meeting up with Lt. Col. Hughes? How does the military handle the investigation into Hughes' murder? We discuss the answers to these questions and more as we dig into Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 35!

The murder of Lt. Colonel Maes Hughes, back in chapter 15 finally comes to the fore - but Ed and Al still don't know he's gone! As that reveal moves closer to reality, Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 34 of Fullmetal Alchemist, and introduce a new feature: Best sound effect of the chapter (both the English version and the Japanese one)!

When we left the Elrich Brothers, they had just met Lin Yao, who says he wants a Philosopher's Stone. Turns out, he's a prince with two ninja-like bodyguards and won't take "no" for an answer! Chapter 33 of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST has the usual combination of plot advancement, goofy gags and unsettling revelations. Tim and Patrick take you through it.

This time we're treated to a chapter that simultaneously brings back some familiar faces (Winry!!) and introduces some brand new ones, as well as revealing the name of the country where all the action has been taking place, and its place in the region where it's located. All this plus Tim and Patrick ask the burning question: What's the best sound effect for stepping on someone's head?!

Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 31 gives us a) NO Ed and Al, and b) plenty of reveals, including a couple from President Bradley! Tim and Patrick also discuss the hazards of reading color pages reprinted in black & white, possible reasons why Al's and Barry's transformations were only presented to us as backstory, and more.

In Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 30, the bloody end of the military's massacre of Greed's cohorts at the Devil's Nest causes Al to have a revelation. The chapter brings in a few story points from the past, including a returning character. Tim and Patrick discuss the moral ambiguity of nearly every character -- no cardboard cutouts, these characters (why do we end up liking some really bad guys??) -- and sniff out some more questionable translations. The truth is revealed -- but is The Truth?

Ed and Al's confrontation with Greed and his gang is broken up by a sudden, violent raid by troops led by none other than President Bradley. Tim and Patrick discuss Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 29 - and the humorous back matter of volume 7!

Greed wants an, ahem, "equivalent exchange" with Ed: knowledge of how to bind a soul to an object, in exchange for the secret of how to make a homunculus.  Will Ed do the deal? Will Armstrong come to blows with Sig? Will Izumi beat the crap out of Sig for talking with hostesses? Tim and Patrick discuss Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 28, and some spots in it where the translation hurt - or improved on - the intended meaning -- as well as digressing into their own separate stories of meeting sumo and K-1 wrestler Akebono!

Chapter 27 of Fullmetal Alchemist may be the funniest yet! It's a master class in character-based humor that isn't forced, and works in combination with more serious points made, as Izumi goes in search of kidnapped Al, and Ed encounters some old...acquaintances. Tim and Patrick discuss the story, and some bits of inaccurate translation in the Viz English edition!

Ed leaves to get his overdue annual assessment by the military; while he's gone, Al gets kidnapped by some mysterious beings. It's another humorous and action-packed chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist, and Tim and Patrick will walk you through it. Also, we discuss how the world of Fullmetal Alchemist is not our world, and yet, a lot of stuff from our world somehow exists there!

Ed and Al’s explanation of their “origin story” is over and we’re back in Fullmetal Alchemist’s present. How does their teacher, Izumi, respond to their tale of trying to resurrect their mother, and their cosmic punishment for it? The answer has a lot to do with a Japanese word that wasn’t translated in chapter 25’s title: “kejime.” This time, Tim and Patrick suss out the meaning of this word and how it explains Izumi’s bifurcated reaction.

Ed and Al's origin story flashback concludes as we see how Ed became a state alchemist. Tim and Patrick recount the story, while also touching on such topics as: Are manga tough to get into for the new reader? Should Romanized Japanese use "L" or "R"? Also, the comics-language power of three little lines.

Ed and Al's flashback continues with the story of their attempt to bring their mother back from the dead. This is the crux of their origin story; why is it in chapter 23 instead of chapter 1? Tim and Patrick share some thoughts about that question in this episode.

Young Ed and Al are forced to spend a month on a "deserted" island, to prove they're worthy of Izumi's training. Can they solve her riddle before she comes back to pick them up? Can they even survive that long, when a masked man with a club keeps attacking them? Tim and Patrick discuss "Fullmetal Alchemist" chapter 22, "The Masked Man"!

After being cornered by Izumi Curtis on the issue of their current armor-and-automail look, Ed and Al start to tell their story with this issue, finally revealing their "origin story" to the reader nearly two years after the original run of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga began. Why might Hiromu Arakawa have decided to hold back this information, rather than begin the story with it? Tim and Patrick discuss several good reasons for doing so in discussing chapter 21!

As Ed and Al reunite with their teacher Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 20 alternates between comedy and gut-punches. The subject of Ed and Al's father has finally arisen; we're getting closer to getting down to the business of this story! Tim and Patrick also discuss dealing with too-personal questions, and get into the topic of character names in Fullmetal Alchemist - are they distracting?

This time Tim and Patrick discuss "Fullmetal Alchemist" chapter 19 with psychologist Dr. Ryan Kelly, who's been involved in using anime for "geek therapy" and is part of the organization Geeks Like Us! Ryan has a lot of interesting things to say about Fullmetal, how manga and anime fit into Japanese art history, and more.

Chapter 18 provides a reminder of what Ed and Al have lost, and frustration: what good is power if it doesn’t help you when you need it? There’s also a sign of a new life on the way. Tim and Patrick continue their re-read of Hiromu Arakawa’s “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

Ed, Al, and Winry are in Rush City, the "auto-mail engineer's mecca." It's quite a comedic, slap-sticky chapter of "Fullmetal Alchemist." It seems like a diversion from the story, but Arakawa is always tricking us into thinking that. Tim and Patrick try to sort out any deeper meanings.

A chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist can often include multiple moods in it, and chapter 16 “Separate Paths” is certainly no exception. From cheerful to sad to determined, this reflective chapter helps us digest the more frenetic chapters we’ve just been through and prepare for what’s coming. Tim and Patrick comment on the chapter, plus the comedy bonus material in the back of volume 4!

Ed and Al work out the issues that have arisen between them, with Winry's help. We see Arakawa's hand in putting Winry in the right place at the right time - and also, some questions about sound effects translation. The story moves on. Hughes finds some important information - will he live to tell anyone about it? Also, some discussion about what Arakawa chooses to show us at certain moments, and manga conventions for showing the passage of time, as we discuss the fifteenth chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist! 

Winry's back! She comes to Central to repair Ed's arm, and also gets a sense of what it's like to have a baby sister. Will Al finally talk to Ed about the doubts instilled in him by Barry the Butcher? As we read chapter 14 of "Fullmetal Alchemist", we discover some gags that got lost in translation. Could we have done better?

A bloody scene without a drop of blood, a certain facial expression of Ed's, the reasonableness (or lack thereof) of Al's fear that Ed may have fabricated his personality and memories, and more come up in Tim and Patrick's discussion of Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 13!

Ed and Al fight for their lives against two former prisoners who have been turned into disembodied souls bound to armor - just like Al. Tim and Patrick discuss Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 12, and the end matter of volume 3! Natto, anyone?

What is "the truth within the truth" of Marcoh's shocking notes on creating a philosopher's stone? What are the up sides to the current bodies of the Elric brothers that they don't like to face? What '70s sitcom does Fullmetal Alchemist remind Tim of? Answer to all these questions and more!

Chapter 10 of Fullmetal Alchemist sees the brothers on their way to the library to retrieve Dr. Marcoh's notes. But the notes have been destroyed... except for a very convenient plot twist! This episode, Tim and Patrick talk about the twists and turns of Ed and Al's quest to find a way to get their bodies back.

Chapter Nine of Fullmetal Alchemist isn't action-packed, but it gives us a lot to chew on regarding injuries and healing -- physically, mentally, emotionally. So it's a great time to bring in our first guest: Alice Jaggers, an expert in the field of "graphic medicine" -- a term covering not only sequential art about health topics, but the making of comics to aid healing. Alice joins Tim and Patrick to talk about all the ways in which this chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist -- and, in fact, the whole series -- touches on numerous graphic-medicine-related issues.

See Alice's extensive list of comics titles with "graphic medicine" elements

The eighth chapter of "Fullmetal Alchemist" introduces Dr. Markoh, as small details of the overall plot begin to appear. Can Ed and Al get ahold of his alchemical data? Tim and Patrick review the chapter, and the back matter of volume 2!

Chapter seven provides a master class in mixing humor with serious moments, becoming neither too dark nor too silly. It also gives us a lot more information about Scar. Join us as we discuss another great chapter!

The time for introduction is through! Chapter six sends us hurtling into the story proper, as Ed and Al have their first faceoff with alchemist-canceler Scar!

We've arrived at the chapter that knocks us from our seats and tells us "This ain't no ordinary manga!" It's the shocking Chapter 5: The Alchemist's Suffering!

Mangaverse newsletter: Patrick will become editor

Don't Assume podcast: Tim appears in episode 10

Tim and Patrick discuss Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 4, which features both scary violence and violence for laughs. Why is Ed sleeping at his desk on the splash page? Plus, volume 1 back matter explained!

Tim and Patrick discuss the third chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist, "The Mining Town." Why are alchemists hated as "the dogs of the military"?

Tim and Patrick discuss chapter two of the series; while we remembered it as not having much of an impact on the overall story, the chapters in volume 1 turn out to do a lot of orientation to help prepare us for future volumes. We point out these signposts.

This week we present the first installment in our new podcast series: The Law of Equivalent Exchange, a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the manga Fullmetal Alchemist. Tim and Patrick discuss what alchemy was in the real world, and the manga's creator Hiromu Arakawa, then walk through the first chapter of the story.