Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa

Edward and Alphonse Elric are alchemists that made the mistake of breaking one of alchemy's biggest laws: resurrecting the dead. As a result they are stuck in half-human bodies of metal. They are searching for the philosopher's stone in hopes that it will help them regain their original bodies. In their search, they stop in a town that is under the power of a corrupt religious official. The townspeople believe that he can perform miracles but the alchemists quickly discover that his "miraculous powers" are nothing more than alchemy. The religious leader has a ring that appears to be the philosopher's stone, but when the brothers reveal him as a fraud to the townspeople the ring breaks in the scuffle and it becomes obvious that the stone is a fake.

Along they travel, and the brothers find themselves in a mining town were another corrupt official is taxing people to the point where they don't have enough food to eat and can hardly afford their homes and businesses. Using alchemy the brothers trick the official into trading the deeds over for huge sums of gold. The alchemists make a deal to trade the deeds over to the townspeople before the corrupt official notices that the gold has changed back into rock.

The alchemists then find themselves on a train being held hostage and they use alchemy and their quick wit to outsmart the gunmen and take control of the train.

This series contains violent action and some inappropriate language. It is intended to be read by teens 8th grade and up. Due to the scenes of intense action this title appeals mainly to boys.

Genre: Fantasy/Manga

Arakawa, H. (2002). Fullmetal alchemist. San Francisco, CA: Viz.

Wish (story and art by Clamp; translator Ray Yashimoto) English translation by Jamie S. Rich

Wish is the story of good versus evil that plays out on Earth. One night Dr. Shuichiro Kudo rescues angel Kohaku from a crow sent from the devil. So begins the debt of gratitude that Kohaku must repay. The problem lies in the fact that the dreamy doctor has no need for wishes because he has everything he needs. Kohaku sticks around and tries to help Shuichiro out around the house but she messes things up more than she helps. She may be an angel, but she's a clumsy one.

In confidence one night Kohaku reveals that she is also on Earth looking for one of the angel masters from Heaven, a woman who is also her mentor and is very dear to her. Time is running out to find her as there are strict rules about how long angels can remain on Earth. Meanwhile, beings from the underworld are conspiring against the angels.

Madam Hisui, the master angel, turns up while Kohaku and Koryu, a being from the underworld are about to battle and announces that she can no longer return to heaven because she has fallen for the son of Satan and the pair have consummated their affair. Book 1 ends with kind Dr. Kudo offering to house the lovers so that God will not be aware of the love affair.

This book contains some inappropriate language and sexual innuendos. It is intended for teen readers 8th grade and up. Although it is thoroughly entertaining this particular title appeals mainly to teen girls.

Genre: Fantasy/Manga

Rich, J. S. (2002). Wish. Los Angeles, CA: Tokyopop.