I was a bit slow with ch 45, but at the end I knew I just had to go on with 46. And I did remember right that it’s about time that Winry encountered Scar.. now I have to hold myself back not to start the next chapter right away. This is one scene I really like in particular and my heart always breaks for her.
I love that anime/manga trope on the second page of the family photo with a plot-important member hidden… except that said point-important member is the one holding the photo in this scene. I’m kinda unclear on exactly what the bandits hoped to gain by attacking the wagon, though.
Yeah, but in a world where motor-cars exist, it really feels like people riding in a covered wagon - not even a stagecoach - aren’t particularly moneyed. Though, the guy on Hohenheim’s side nearest the driver does look like he might have at least a little bit. And then there’s the guy trying to reach for his briefcase while Hohenheim is attempting to save his life.
Also, there’s no industry-standard “stand and deliver” declaration, it’s just “shoot 'em all and deal with things later” - my understanding is that highwaymen and bushrangers in real-world history who had a tendency of leaving dead bodies behind them generally didn’t really have long careers.
This chapter contains one of my favourite scenes in this manga - Ed’s answer to Winry is such a sweet moment.
I love when you get a peek behind Ed’s tough guy facade and discover that he’s actually got tonnes of emotional intelligence.
The level of depth in the characters in FMA is absolutely top tier.
I keep forgetting to post my thoughts, and some weeks I read a bit ahead and just get a bit lost on which chapter we’re reading along, lol.
Chapter 48
I love scenes like this in general, they just always feel so climaxy in stories for me! But yeah, funny how they start arguing about the small details, but that makes sense since each and every one of them has different interests. And that’s what makes the characters truly interesting and complex!
The ‘political’ plot is really starting to move, too - you can see that the revelation that Bradley is a homunculus is going to make things develop somehow.
Btw, I was surprised to notice we are almost at 50 chapters - it doesn’t actually feel like we’re reading this for a year now!
You can always drop all your thoughts at the end of the volume, like right now!
I agree about the speed - a lot is happening, but it’s a smooth sailing!
Also, about the break - I’ll be travelling 16-30 in November, so I definitely won’t be able to set up a thread for the next volume during that period.
If we want a week break as usual, I can create the thread beforehead, with reading starting a week later. Or we could have a two week break (and I’ll set up the thread a bit later - on December, 1 presumably). Or maybe anyone wants to step up?
What do you think?
Reading starts next week (no break)
Thread’s up on 15th, reading starts on 22 (one week break)
Two week break (thread would be up on December, 1)
I have to remember to write down my thoughts along the way but that’s also a good option of course!
I’m also fine with taking a longer break for next volume (or not, no particular wishes!). It’s a bit hard of me to commit to hosting threads right now as there are many unforeseen things coming up in my life, otherwise I’d be glad to help.
An author after my own heart! I always look at characters’ “details” like birthday, blood type, height, etc. like this: (why do I need it, I don’t believe in it’s importance)
I’m kinda unclear on exactly what the bandits hoped to gain by attacking the wagon, though.
but that’s also a good option of course!
(why do I need it, I don’t believe in it’s importance)
