Man this story is getting crazy. Both in the worldbuild aspects (we keep learning more about how souls/homunculi/chimeras work) and in a more 'traditional' sort: death and PTSD. It's so well written and drawn. I'm quite enjoying this.

Chapter 34: The Footsteps of a War Comrade

Shapeshifters! Or at least one! It's interesting, because the characters know about as little as we do about what homunculi can do.

This is the chapter that really hints at the costs of war. Strongarm Alchemist Armstrong has PTSD. Hawkeye likes guns because they’re impersonal. Oy.

And then there's Barry the Chopper. Such ways of showing affection:



And Gluttony: Oy.



New friend?

Chapter 35: The Sacrificial Lamb

He moved back to the countryside.

He had to come up with something on the fly... but oy. They're going to find out.



And there we are.

Then we have Barry saving the day and everyone running into each other at once. Something about Barry becoming a relatively major character is amusing. In most stories, he would have been a one off. Not here!

And whooaaaa that got dark. Flame Alchemist cooking a friend? Oh my oh my.

Chapter 36: Alchemist in Distress



So... was it Ross? With alchemy, I expect even dental records can be faked. From the future: CALLED IT!

Poor Winry is the first to go to the family. :/ That feels like Winry though. Man that hurts.

And then... holy crap. Two Barrys? Can souls be copied? Is it an imposter? WHAT'S GOING ON?!

Chapter 37: The Body of a Criminal



BARRY'S BODY!



BARRY IS (wonderfully) CRAZY!

GAH, this series is weird. And fun. ( )

I was a bit taken aback by the behaviour of the flame alchemist. The obsession of envy and all over Barry , the chopper seems a bit over . As I am reading it at a higher pace than my ordinary manga. It is becoming increasingly difficult to write a separate review for each volume. The manga as a whole has become very enjoyable. Still no clue what actually is the plot. ( )

Political intrigues are balanced with the emotional moments of the core cast finding out (in stupid ways, I must say) that one friend has died and another is accused of murder. The creator is juggling two dozen characters in this volume but everything is tight and moves along quickly. ( )

Enjoyable installment in this manga series. It's not my favorite (I don't like Ling Yao much) but I did enjoy the story and the plot sneakiness. I'm glad I've seen the anime though, or I'd be a little too worried about one of my favorite characters. This one does end on a cliffhanger, but that's not uncommon for serial stories like manga. ( )

It’s really hard to review volume 9 without giving out some major spoilers, so if this review is more vague than most I apologize. Volume 9 is a bit of a wake up call as Maes Hughes death finally comes to light for the Fullmetal Alchemist and his friends. They are devastated by the loss and blame themselves for dragging him into this mess in the first place. They have some tough decisions to face as a result and some real growth is shown here for both the boys and for Winry as well.

The events in this volume also highlight the animosity between Mustang and Ed. Combined with some looks back at the Ishvala campaign and the machinations of the homunculi makes this one of the saddest and most sinister volumes yet.

I really encourage you to read on even as the plot twists and characters turn around and stun you. Just like with every other volume, keep unwrapping that onion. There's always another layer underneath. ( )