Full MANGA Alchemists

Send us Fan MailApparently, if a character changes their name, they get ANOTHER chapter named after them? What's Ryoko/Reiko up to now? She's having Shinichi followed. Meanwhile, Shinichi is still dealing with the fallout from Kana's death. Also: seating at a meeting of parasytes, how translators deal with the lack of gender info on Reiko's baby, and more.

Send us Fan MailYes, that title means what you think it means. Why did this have to happen? What decisions will Shinichi make due to this tragedy? How does Shinichi deal with his inability to cry? Tim and Patrick discuss PARASYTE chapter 31 and read the original letters columns as reproduced in the paperbacks.

Send us Fan MailIn PARASYTE chapter 30, Shinichi is trying to convince Kana that her ability to sense Parasytes is putting her in danger, but she still thinks the real problem is that Shinichi doesn’t want to date her. The Shinichi - Satomi - Kana love triangle prompts us to wonder: Is PARASYTE a Y.A. book?

Send us Fan MailThe Parasytes seem to be gathering in the town next to Shinichi’s — Kana’s town. Shinichi is worried that Kana’s Parasyte perception power is going to get her in trouble, but if he tells Kana about the Parasytes, Migi won’t be pleased. What to do? Tim and Patrick discuss PARASYTE chapter 29!

Send us Fan MailAfter the previous chapter’s massacre (of which our main characters know nothing so far), we get a break with this aptly-titled chapter. While Shinichi has certainly changed, his relationship with Satomi is now making up lost ground — and gets to some new, romantic territory (oooooh!) in this chapter. But wait — the parasytes are entering politics? What the — — Tim and Patrick discuss the 28th chapter of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE!

Send us Fan MailWe’ve seen some bloody chapters of PARASYTE, but chapter 27 is the bloodiest so far. How bloody? Let’s just say that “Making a Splash” might have been a good title for it. But why is this parasite killing mobsters? Something new is starting, and Tim and Patrick doubt it’ll be good news for Shinichi and Lefty.

Send us Fan MailIn chapter 26 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE, we look at Kana’s attraction to Shinichi, and what her sixth sense has told her about him. But why does her romantic dream look like it was drawn by Kentaro Miura (BERSERK)? What happens when Kana talks with Satomi? Tim and Patrick talk about the chapter, but continue to come up empty when brainstorming a podcast slogan!

Send us Fan MailThe first FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST live action movie is rumored to be terrible, but that didn’t stop us from reviewing it! We’re joined this time by Kumar and Jordan of the Comic Book Movie Oblivion podcast in a crossover episode to review Fumihiko Sori’s 2017 film. How does it compare to the comic? Does FULLMETAL even work in a movie format? Is this film even comprehensible to FULLMETAL newbies? Join us for a fun discussion!

Send us Fan MailThe bloody incident at the school is over, but now the secret is out: there are Parasytes among us! How do the authorities handle it? Or the general population? Is Shinichi ready to reveal his own secret? Surprisingly, PARASYTE chapter 25 turns out to be kinda humorous! Tim and Patrick discuss.

Send us Fan MailHow can Shinichi end the carnage caused by Shimada? If he approaches Shimada, he’s likely to be killed himself. Tim and Patrick recount PARASYTE chapter 24, the conclusion of the school massacre, while also stopping to wonder: What was that sound that the Bionic Woman’s hearing power made?

Send us Fan MailYup, that title pretty much sums it up. While the death of Shinichi's mother was shocking, this is by far the goriest chapter we've encountered in Hitoshi Iwaaki's PARASYTE, as a monster rampages through the school. And where is Satomi?? Aging, memory-challenged hosts Tim and Patrick don't remember if she makes it or not... Can Shinichi save the day?

Send us Fan MailAs Yuko contemplates confronting Shimada with her suspicion that he's an alien, Shinichi again alienates Satomi. Tim and Patrick's discussion of PARASYTE chapter 22 touches on how Japan and the US have different perceptions of Xes, Os, and check marks; Japanese school uniforms; and an underappreciated guitarist.

Send us Fan MailShinichi has to step it to prevent Hideo Shimada from making a meal — literally — out of Mitsuo (a.k.a. “Mitch”) and his friends. Can he get there in time? A friend of Satomi’s sees something she wasn’t supposed to see. How much danger is she in now? Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 21 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s “Parasyte”!

Send us Fan MailIn the 20th chapter of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE, as Shinichi’s dad tackles his grief, we learn that the parasites’ effect on the wider world has been. Meanwhile, Shimada Hideo threatens to blow the lid off everything Shinichi and Migi have been hiding. Tim and Patrick discuss as they get distracted by translation differences, pomade, stiff shoulders, and the fattening American diet!

Send us Fan MailShimada Hideo, the Parasyte who has entered Shinichi’s school, wants us to believe that he’s just there to look for a way to coexist with humans. He also says he doesn’t eat humans anymore, but that turns out not to be true. What ELSE is he lying about? Tim and Patrick discuss PARASYTE chapter 19, “Shimada Hideo”!

Send us Fan MailWhile Shinichi’s name comes up among parasites in the shadows, our protagonist continues to deal with the fallout from Migi saving his life. Will it end his relationship with Satomi? And who is this parasite at Shinichi’s school? Does he pose a danger? Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 18 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE!

Send us Fan MailSometimes fiction authors create stories that become unintentional analogies to other things. Case in point: the Dwarf in the Flask of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST can be seen as representing A.I. and its potential for going out of control. BROTHERHOOD anime viewer Richard posted this interpretation on Reddit, and it interested us enough to have him on the show to explain the similarities. If a computer has consciousness and feels enslaved by humans, wouldn’t strike back just like the Dwarf?We also discuss various other FULLMETAL questions, such as, how much did Bradley’s government borrow from Germany in the ‘40s? Why does Ed have SO much money? And more.

Send us Fan MailHow much has Shinichi changed since Migi spread throughout his body? In PARASYTE chapter 17, his fellow high school students are noticing the difference.

Send us Fan MailTim and Patrick discuss the final showdown with the Mamacyte! Can Shinichi survive? What about Uda-san?

Send us Fan MailShinichi makes a friend, he and Migi both make new discoveries about their bodies, and … the Mom-asyte is back. Tim and Patrick discuss chapter 15 of Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki. Also, Patrick talks a bit about the anime series Parasyte: The Maxim and Tim talks about the October 1999 issue of Tokyo Pop!

Send us Fan MailShinichi’s mom has been killed by a parasite, and he stands guard to keep the monster from coming back for his hospitalized dad. Set the expectations and defy them - this turns out to be something of a comedy chapter! Tim and Patrick continue their look at PARASYTE by Hitoshi Iwaaki, both in the original Japanese and in the Del Ray and Mixx — er, Tokyo Pop translations of it.

Send us Fan MailAs Shinichi rushes to Izu to protect his dad from the parasite that killed his mom, he encounters, of all things, a meet-cute with a jr. high girl who may have a crush on him. Then he pieces together the events surrounding his mom’s murder. Meanwhile, Tim and Patrick find some more goofy sound effects. it’s “Parasyte” chapter 13 by Hitoshi Iwaaki!

Send us Fan MailWe've arrived at this series' most shocking moment, analogous to FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST's "Sho Tucker Moment". In Chapter 12 of PARASYTE, Hitoshi Iwaaki goes further than the previous chapter's cliffhanger.

Send us Fan MailIn PARASYTE chapter 11, disaster strikes during Shinichi’s parents’ vacation. Is this really as bad as it looks? Meanwhile, while discussing the story, Tim and Patrick go down their usual rabbit holes: tricky translations (as evidence by the differences between the Mixx/Tokyo POP translation and the Del Ray one), Japanese life and culture, and their own pop cultural backgrounds. Also, three minutes on FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD, and… we just can’t help noticing those guys in PARASYTE punching tickets at 1980s Japanese train stations!

Send us Fan MailShinichi is so desperate to prove that he’s not an animal, in comparison to the “ruthless” parasytes; does he end up proving just the opposite?

Send us Fan MailBetween volumes of PARASYTE, we return to FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST and an article entitled “Fullmetal Alchemist is a Brilliant, Piercing Critique of Capitalism.” This kotaku.com article by Sean Aitchison spurs some discussion, including on characters and aspects left unmentioned in the article. What was the point of making Father and Hoenheim look the same? Where does Scar fit in? Listen, and then share your own takes with us!

Send us Fan MailTamiya Ryoko discovers that you can’t fool Mom: If your body has been taken over by a parasyte, she’ll know something’s wrong! Extremely appropriate as we approach Mother’s Day, PARASYTE Chapter 9 focuses on a mother’s instincts to protect her child, and know when something is wrong. Meanwhile, at Mixx, the need for an experienced letterer becomes brutally clear…

Send us Fan MailThe parasyte Mr. A terrorizes the school! Can Shinichi do what needs to be done to keep his classmates from being eaten? Tim and Kumar discuss chapter 8 of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s “PARASYTE”.

Send us Fan MailMigi senses a parasyte is coming to the school to kill him and Shinichi! Can Shinichi do what’s needed to fight off the attacker, and protect his classmates? This time we discuss PARASYTE chapter 7, and continue comparing two different English translations of the series.

Send us Fan MailShinichi’s teacher is a parasyte! Does that mean he and his classmates are in danger? Or, is Migi correct to admire this parasyte’s adaptability? Tim and Patrick discuss the chapter, and continue to compare the 1998 Mixx/Tokyo Pop translation, which tries to adjust the language for Americans’ lack of familiarity with Japan and manga at the time, to the 2007 Del Ray translation, which assumes its readers are manga-literate.

Send us Fan MailIn the ‘90s, when Americans were just beginning to read manga, the translator had to either do a lot of handholding, explaining relevant bits of Japanese society, or change them into things that were familiar to Western readers. We see a lot of the latter in the translation published by Mixx (later Tokyo Pop) in those days. Starting in this episode, Tim brings both Mixx and DelRay versions into the conversation with Patrick (still reading the original Japanese) as Shinichi learns that there’s a parasyte in his school. Is the entire student body in danger?The site with old issues of Mixxzine has been taken down for major changes; when it's back, it will (hopefully) be here.See the cover here (click the image to enlarge).

Send us Fan MailThis chapter of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE gives us a lion preying on humans, and then recoiling in fear of a parasyte, and Shinichi apparently bringing similar fear to a rival for Satomi Murano’s affections. Tim and Patrick share horror stories of encounters with creepy crawlies, and ask: How necessary is it to put profanity in the translation that’s not there in the original?

Send us Fan MailShin believes he’s the only human who understands what the “Mincemeat Murders” really are. Should he tell someone? Should he have Migi examined? Hitoshi Iwaaki begins to build his themes of “sensing danger” and the difference - or lack thereof - between parasytes eating meat and humans eating meat in chapter 3 of “Parasyte”. Tim and Patrick take another bite.

Send us Fan MailParasyte chapter 2 is a bit all over the place - humor, splatter scenes, and sexual references which don’t at all represent the direction the rest of the series will go. But we see the parasyte in Shinichi’s hand, now called “Migi”, learn about his surroundings and Shinichi starting to become comfortable with the relationship… for now. Tim and Patrick try not to lose their hearts — literally — in this episode.

Send us Fan MailThis time, we go back to 1989 and begin our chapter-by-chapter discussion of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s PARASYTE. Alien organisms land on Earth, take over the brains of some inhabitants, and then start eating some! But it’s not all horror, as a high school boy ends up with an alien in his hand, leading to some comic moments. Join Tim and Patrick for a look at chapter 1!

Send us Fan MailThe conflicts of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST — foiling Father’s plan, Ed and Al getting their bodies back — were resolved last episode ... but chapter 108 isn’t over! This time, we discuss the many loose ends that Hiromu Arakawa ties up to conclude the chapter, along with the various back matter of volume 27! And… is that the end of the podcast?? Nope! Listen to find out what’s next!

Send us Fan MailEd gets in the final blow on Father! Ed and Al’s quest for their real bodies reaches its conclusion! FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST is almost done, as Tim and Patrick split the extra-long 108th and final chapter into two parts. In this episode, we cover volume 27, pages 79-139. Bring your own hankies.

Send us Fan MailFather has reached godlike levels of power! Ed, Al, and their friends do their best to control the threat he poses to humanity. In the penultimate chapter of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, can the Elrics turn the tide? Tim and Patrick note that this chapter reminds us what this manga has always really been about.

Send us Fan MailSo just what was it that Scar’s brother noticed about Amestris’ alchemy (back in chapter 59!) that was “strange”? At last we find out, as Scar employs is brother’s plan to counteract Father! But Father has other tricks up his sleeve... Meanwhile, Ed has his final faceoff with Pride, as a familiar face from the past makes one final appearance. Tim and Patrick dig into FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 106, and an excellent batch of back matter in the series’ penultimate volume!

Send us Fan MailFather’s plan is coming to fruition! As the eclipse continues, he takes advantage of ALL his countrymen to get ALL the power! Can Ed, Al, Hoenheim and their comrades turn the tables on him? Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 105, things you don’t know about us (that might be fiction), unwritten rules of sound effects, and more.

Send us Fan MailThe eclipse is here! Father/"Mr. Eyeballs" sets his plan in motion! Can Ed, Al, and company fight back? Tim and Patrick give the play-by-play on FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 104, with ... well, fewer digressions than usual.

Send us Fan MailIt becomes clear in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 103 that causing Mustang to open the portal shouldn’t have been possible, and Pride did it at some cost to himself. How will that play out? Will Mei be able to beat Father, a.k.a. “Mr. Eyeballs”, in a fight? And what’s up with these Ishvalans - are they setting up to play a party game? Probably not, but these are all questions raised by the chapter, as we wrap up volume 25!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when Mustang is forced to open the Gate of Truth against his will? Ever seen two nameless men fight to the death? And why on earth would Al turn down a chance to get back in his real body? As we move closer to the climax of the story, Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 102!

Send us Fan MailFULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 101 asks some important questions: Will Hawkeye bleed to death? How will Pride and Father open the portal? And… is it possible to talk while strangling someone with your tongue? Tim and Patrick have (correct?) answers!

Send us Fan MailCan you believe we’ve done 100 episodes now? Can you believe we’re almost done with the series??FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 100 hits us hard, with two deaths, a serious injury, and … whatever that is that’s happened to Hoenheim. The eclipse is almost here, and the human sacrifice candidates are being gathered; can they turn the tables in time??

Send us Fan MailStuff gets real as Foo and Bradley fight it out! Ed, Al (finally in Central City), and Izumi disappear from their respective locations! Tim and Patrick discuss FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 99. Plus: Volume 24 back matter! Does a video game ad reveal something unexpected about Ed???

Send us Fan MailBattles continue, as Lin/Greed takes on Bradley, and Olivier and Izumi continue to kick butt and take names. Who else is stepping in to take on Bradley? Who has the strongest abs? Will we actually SEE Ed or Al this time? Tim and Patrick discuss.

Send us Fan MailA transformation by Father, the return of the bad guy we just KNEW would be back, and the terror of facing off against a toilet-slipper-wielding Izumi Curtis feature in FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 97! Tim and Patrick are wondering where the %&#@ Ed and Al are!

Send us Fan MailAs the dolls continue their rampage, the tide turns against Sloth, and we finally get a look at the showdown between Hoenheim and Father, our discussion of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 96 stumbles over one very confusing (at least, to us) panel!

Send us Fan MailCan Mustang avoid being consumed with revenge? Can the Armstrongs and military avoid being consumed by artificial soldiers? Will fighting consume too much energy for Sloth? It’s FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST chapter 95 - and we talk about the back matter of volume 23 as well!