As the saga pushes toward the showdown between "Father" and Van Hohenheim, Ed and Al's Father, their journey is nearing the climax and things are starting to happen at a hurried pace. Will this odd assortment of warriors be able to defeat the evil Homunculi before they take complete control and use Humans for nothing more than sacrifices to maintain their existence? I don't know, but the battles will be cool anyway.

Full Metal Alchemist volume 22 opens with the battle between Edward, Greed and the rest of the small band that is still battling "Pride". Pride is a very powerful Homunculus living inside Selim Bradley's body. He is a young boy who appears to reflect true innocence and possesses no threat, but he could easily defeat these opponents if not for the superior power of Von Hohenheim. Al comes up with a plan that ends up trapping both himself and Pride in a stone sphere that eliminates Pride's power. Pride must have light to be able to cast his shadow, which is his real strength. His shadow is like a giant octopus with many arms and enormous power. Once light is take away from him, he is nothing more than an evil entity trapped in a 10 year old boy's body.

While all of this is going on, Roy Mustang and his band are wreaking havoc in Central City and trying to get the President's wife out. With the military after them, the trick is how to hold them off without killing anyone. 

Meanwhile, Edward, his Father and Greed lead their small group into the underground to find this mysterious bearded man who stands between them and their true goal. 

Overall

Volume 22 is loaded with battles and action. There is very little in the way of plot development, it is all about getting to the final conflict. Of course it is the wonderful world of Full Metal Alchemist, but very little of the light-hearted banter is to be found in this volume, it is much more serious. The evil they face could defeat them, but they press on with great determination and a desire to win.

If you are not familiar with the plot line and are interested in getting into the story, I would recommend starting with volume 1, but if you are following along, this is a must read. There are a few surprises that I didn't mention that make things more interesting. I fully enjoyed this volume and am ready for volume 23. This volume leaves us with a great cliff hanger.

ComicsOnline gives Full Metal Alchemist, Volume 22, 3.5 out of 5 Armored Ice Cream Trucks.