Super Groupies Full Metal Alchemist Edward Elric Hand Bag

#FullmetalAlchemist Edward Elric hand bag from Super Groupies arrived in all its red glory. Kind of what I expected but kind of not at the same time.

Actually it arrived about 2 weeks ago but I just around to the photos now (whoops). It was well packaged and had a distinct fake leather smell. The smell seems to have faded now.

The front of the bag with the alchemist watch decoration on the front.

The back of the bag shows a nice discrete pouch with a zip.

The bag has a decent depth to fit lots of stuff inside. It's pretty stiff and holds its shape well.

I really like the design with distinct Edward elements to it like the braids on the front and the obvious alchemist watch thing.

Emblem of a state alchemist; it is just a metal design stuck on the front but it is a nice touch.

There are some small bits in the construction I wasn't too pleased with. The bag is quite stiff and sturdy which ended up reminding me of a Randoseru.Some of the stitching was a bit loose in some areas and I found some extra iron filings stuck on some of the metal parts.

Due to the braiding, both buckles were slightly slanted. Not that big of a deal but it started to bother me the more I stared at it.

Some corner areas were exposed like this, making me wonder how much wear and tear it could withstand.

The top is held closed with this magnetic clasp which was already scratched like this when I first opened it.

But the construction aside, the bag is quite useful. There is the back pocket that has a zip, and the front also has a small pouch with no zip. The inside is quite roomy with two little pouches on the side. I just wish that the top had a zip as well as it wouldn't be too hard to slip your hand in through the sides.

The inside of the bag has two pouches for small items.

Just in case you forget, there's a Full Metal Alchemist tag inside :)

 I suppose overall I'm still happy with the bag. I just think the previous necklace was made better and will probably reconsider other apparel type items from Super Groupies from now on.

Super Groupies Fullmetal Alchemist Edward Elric's Silver Watch Necklace

My first order from Super Groupies arrived! A #FullmetalAlchemist necklace modeled after Ed's pocket watch. Very happy with their work, check out my commentary below...

First of all, this was my first purchase from Super Groupies. They do some pretty nice anime related merchandise for female fans; so things like jewelery, shoes, handbags etc. Having never bought from them before, I didn't know what the quality of their stuff was like, and also, their stuff is pretty damn expensive! 

Unassuming box.

However, I had kind of missed out on a lot of Fullmetal Alchemist stuff when it first came out so I was feeling a bit desperate for some fan things (I'm still holding out on a figure I would like of Ed and Al). When Super Groupies announced this necklace along with a shawl modeled after Ed's red cloak, I was hooked, new company be damned.

Pleasant surprise; the box is modeled after lovely looking book.

Since I was worried about taking care of a shawl, I ended up purchasing the necklace (also, that thing was bright red...).

I needn't have worried really; this necklace is really good! When it first arrived, it was just in a white cardboard box and I was thinking "uh oh, this doesn't look good..." but thankfully it was probably just for protecting the magnificent book inside.

Ta-da! The necklace is well wrapped and packaged.

The book is housed inside a cardboard slip cover for protection and is held closed by magnets which is handy. The two parts of the necklace are inside 2 separate zip-lock bags for protection.

You can very carefully open the locket to find a replica of the inside of Ed's watch.

The watch part can be opened to reveal the inside inscription and the time that the watch stopped, just as Ed's watch is in the series. If you're a fan, this is some awesome detail right there.

But before you get too excited, just notice that the watch is actually flat at the back, not really like a watch...

My summary would be:

This is an awesome piece of merchandise for Fullmetal Alchemist fans that is easily wearable outside in the general public without screaming "OTAKU" to the world. It's small and unassuming but the small details would be noticeable to any fan. The price is a bit steep but the material and quality is pretty top notch (it's sterling silver and swarovski crystal). Easily the best present you could give to a girlfriend who loves Fullmetal Alchemist.