Fullmetal Alchemist Hardcover Edition Joins VIZ

If you check my MAL account you’ll find that Fullmetal Alchemist has a solid spot in my top 5 anime of all time. The series is one of the most emotional and intelligent series I’ve ever watched. I’ve even gone so far as to be brought to tears while watching it. So it should come as no surprise that I’m greatly anticipating the release of this collectors manga release for it.

VIZ Media FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST in a fully remastered collector’s edition with the release of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: FULLMETAL EDITION. The Hardcover book will include brand-new cover art, new color inserts and color versions of select pages previously printed in black and white, and behind-the-scenes character sketches from series creator Hiromu Arakawa.

For those new to the series this may be a great way to start if you’re into collecting. Personally I prefer trade paperbacks for reading, while hardcovers are just for display on shelves.

An exceptional Tale of Brotherly Love

In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Their journey to restore their bodies through the power of the Philosopher’s Stone begins here. The Story has been fully remastered with an updated translation and completely fresh lettering. The FULLMETAL EDITION is also presented with color pages on large-trim archival-quality paper.

“With brand-new cover art, character sketches, and updated translations, the FULLMETAL EDITIONS are worthy additions to any FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST fan’s collection,” says Hope Donovan, VIZ Media’s Managing Editor. “These new releases provide an exceptional entry point for any newcomers and a chance for fans to rediscover the Elric brother’s timeless adventures the way they were meant to be seen.”

Fullmetal Alchemist will always be a favorite of mine in both manga and anime form. It’s good to see the series being published again in a format that collectors will love.

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: FULLMETAL EDITION Volume 1 contains one and a half of the original graphic novels. As for pricing, It will be released exclusively in print with an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $26.99 CAN. The manga will also retain it’s ‘T’ rating for Teens. Future volumes will be published by VIZ Media on a quarterly basis.