Full Metal Alchemist manga has a release date

[rachelmanija]

FULL METAL ALCHEMIST
By Arakawa Hiromu
A long awaited 4-volume manga series that tells the story of young brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who attempt to use the science of alchemy to bring their mother back to life, with life changing and action packed results. (June)

From Viz, which will also be releasing Hunter X Hunter in April.

http://www.time.com/time/columnist/arnold/article/0,9565,956125,00.html via Animenewsnetwork.com

ETA: Just noticed-- the series has only four volumes? Is that right? How can they possibly pack that much story into four volumes? I would have guessed eight to ten.

Also, please do not put spoilers in the comments (should anyone feel moved to comment). Thanks!

Comments

[coffeeandink.livejournal.com]

I was assuming that was an error -- scanlations have reached chapter 42, I think, and the books usually run 5-6 chapters.

I've also heard that the anime and manga storylines diverge sharply at some point, but I haven't reached it yet; I've been focused on rewatching the anime, not reading the manga.

[rushthatspeaks.livejournal.com]

The manga is ongoing and there are only four tankoubons to date. At a rate of ten issues per tankoubon, they should be collecting volume five soon. The mangaka has stated that the manga should be running for at least the next five to seven years, causing her publishing company to both scream with delight (look! insanely popular series bringing in revenue!) and whimper with fear (we're stuck with this now no matter what happens...). And yes, the manga and anime diverge not just significantly, but pretty much entirely. (Or so I am told-- I have not finished the anime yet nor read any of the manga.)