Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 09: 09/21/11

Volume 9 of Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu starts an interesting arc that explains how soul transference works. Some of that was hinted at in Volume 8 but it's here that it comes to disturbing fruition.

Barry the Chopper is the key to this unsettling revelation. When he goes missing, his keepers send his body to find him. A body needs a soul to function and as Ed and the ex-death-row prisoners haves demonstrated, a soul can even animate a suit of armor. But a soul can't stay forever where it doesn't belong.

Back in Central, the cover up begins. Too many questions have been asked about Hughes's death. Questions lead to investigations which could lead to plans being revealed too early. In a show of efficiency, 2nd Lt. Maria Ross is investigated, arrested and convicted for his murder.

I suppose the Barry plot should be the most disturbing part of this volume but it Maria Ross's story that got to me. Her arrest shows how vulnerable all members of the military are, especially the non-alchemists who only have their weapons to use as defense. But even the "dogs of the military" can be put down if they disobey.

Five stars.

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