In the early part of the volume, we see Hoheheim, and he is basically indestructible. Not only does he not age, but he seems invincible. It feels strange; he seems like the homunculus, but even they are invulnerable. If he truly is the Elric brothers father, then what are they?
One of the things Scar’s master said earlier in the series was that vengeance only brings about more vengeance. This point is shown even more when Winry learns that Scar killed her parents. The worst part is they weren’t state alchemists responsible for the war. They were doctors helping all victims in the war. While the war caused Scar great pain, it is clear he is a hypocrite in many ways.
At the very least, Ed helps Winry not seek out vengeance in the pain she is feeling. She has people back in her new workplace that really love her work. Much like her parents, she should seek to help rather than to hurt. Much like with Jean, both of them have things only they can do. For Jean’s case, just because life kicked him in the ass doesn’t mean he has to stay down.
The plan to bait out the homunculus works well, as Gluttony ends up getting “baited” by Ed & Scar. Even though Scar ends up escaping. Interestingly enough, they were able to distract Wrath. Interestingly enough, Wrath, being the most human of the homunculi, has him embracing when things don’t go as planned. It shows there is humanity within him since being among humans for so long. Still, thanks to Ling, everyone knows that Bradley is one of the homunculi, so I’m curious how that changes things going forward.
Despite capturing Gluttony, he escapes being held, and more than likely due to his rage at how Roy killed Lust. There is another monster inside of Gluttony that is downright creepy. As Gluttony before was filled with his desire to eat and consume, but there is clear hatred in wanting revenge for Lust. The fact these homunculi can be this strong is scary. Ed, Ling, & Al made a great speech about the youth stepping up, but what can they actually do here?