Manga Review: Fullmetal Alchemist

Fuck yeah, Full Metal Alchemist is hands down one of the most badass mangas I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they embark on a dark and twisted journey to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy experiment.

From the get-go, you’re thrown into a world of insanity and chaos, with gruesome scenes of dismemberment and bloodshed that’ll make your fucking heart race. The artwork is absolutely top-notch, with intricate details and intense action scenes that’ll leave you breathless.

The characters are equally impressive, with each one possessing their own unique quirks and flaws. Edward is a fucking badass, with his steel-plated arm and automail leg, while Alphonse is a loyal and compassionate brother who’ll do anything to protect his sibling.

The plot is complex and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. There’s no shortage of action, either, with epic battles and intense showdowns that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat.

In terms of sexual content, Full Metal Alchemist doesn’t shy away from the darker side of human nature. There are scenes of graphic violence and gore, as well as some pretty fucked-up relationships that’ll make your skin crawl.

Fullmetal Alchemist, created by Hiromu Arakawa, is a compelling manga that masterfully weaves elements of fantasy, science, and philosophy into a gripping narrative about sacrifice, redemption, and the search for truth. Set in a world where alchemy—the practice of transforming matter—is a science bound by strict laws, the series follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, whose fates are forever altered by a forbidden alchemical experiment. Fullmetal Alchemist balances humor, action, and deep philosophical themes, making it a timeless and universally loved manga.

Plot Summary

The story begins with a tragic event: after their mother’s death, young Edward and Alphonse attempt to bring her back to life using alchemy, breaking a fundamental law called equivalent exchange. However, the forbidden experiment goes terribly wrong. Edward loses his left leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body, with his soul only saved by being bound to a suit of armor by Edward, who sacrifices his right arm. Determined to regain their original bodies, the brothers set out on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance that may allow them to bypass the restrictions of alchemy. As they search, they uncover dark secrets within their country’s government and face off against powerful enemies, including a group known as the Homunculi, who embody the seven deadly sins.

Key Characters

  1. Edward Elric
    • Description: Edward, the elder Elric brother, is the protagonist known as the “Fullmetal Alchemist.” Though short in stature, Ed is fierce, determined, and brilliant, with a strong sense of justice. His automail (mechanical) right arm and left leg, fitted after the accident, are his defining features.
    • Illustration: Edward’s illustration often highlights his iconic red coat and intense golden eyes. He’s depicted with his automail arm raised in combat, showcasing his ability to transmute weapons and tools without the need for alchemical circles, a rare and powerful skill.
  2. Alphonse Elric
    • Description: Alphonse, Ed’s younger brother, is a gentle and kind soul trapped in a massive suit of armor after losing his body in the alchemical mishap. Despite his intimidating appearance, Al is compassionate and thoughtful, providing a calming influence for Ed.
    • Illustration: Alphonse’s design is distinctive, with his towering, armored form and glowing eyes. Often shown standing protectively beside Ed, he’s depicted in a gentle stance that contrasts with his formidable size.
  3. Roy Mustang
    • Description: Known as the “Flame Alchemist,” Roy Mustang is a high-ranking officer in the Amestrian military and a skilled alchemist who uses alchemical flames in battle. With a charismatic and ambitious personality, he hides a darker side driven by a desire to uncover corruption.
    • Illustration: Mustang’s illustrations often show him with a smug expression, wearing a military uniform and signature white gloves inscribed with transmutation circles, which he uses to create flames by snapping his fingers.
  4. Winry Rockbell
    • Description: Winry is a childhood friend of the Elric brothers and a talented automail mechanic who maintains Ed’s prosthetic limbs. Outgoing and strong-willed, Winry is a crucial support for the brothers, offering emotional stability and unwavering loyalty.
    • Illustration: Winry’s appearance is highlighted by her blonde hair and work attire, often shown holding a wrench or working on Ed’s automail, embodying her role as a supportive, resourceful figure in their journey.
  5. The Homunculi (Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, and Pride)
    • Description: The Homunculi are powerful artificial beings representing the seven deadly sins, each with unique abilities and characteristics. Created by the mysterious antagonist known as “Father,” the Homunculi serve as both adversaries and tragic figures with hidden motives and complex backstories.
    • Illustration: Each Homunculus has distinct features and abilities that visually represent their sin. For instance, Lust is often shown with long, razor-sharp claws, while Envy’s design is unsettling and androgynous, emphasizing his shapeshifting abilities.

Art and Illustration Quality

The artwork of Fullmetal Alchemist is distinctive for its clean lines, expressive character designs, and detailed mechanical elements, especially in depictions of automail and alchemical transmutations. Hiromu Arakawa’s style combines a grounded, realistic approach with exaggerated expressions, particularly for comedic moments, which provide relief amidst the story’s darker themes. Combat scenes are dynamic and well-paced, with visual clarity that enhances the strategic aspects of alchemy-based battles.

Themes and Impact

Fullmetal Alchemist delves into heavy themes such as the moral consequences of scientific experimentation, the nature of humanity, and the complexities of war and government corruption. The concept of equivalent exchange—that to gain something, one must lose something of equal value—is a recurring philosophical point that challenges the characters’ motives and growth. The relationships between characters, particularly the bond between Ed and Al, are deeply moving and a central element of the story’s emotional weight.

Overall, Fullmetal Alchemist is a masterfully crafted manga that balances thrilling action, humor, and introspective depth, offering readers a thought-provoking journey that questions morality, humanity, and the cost of ambition. It’s a series that resonates on multiple levels and remains a benchmark of excellence in manga storytelling

Overall, Full Metal Alchemist is a must-read for any fan of dark, gritty manga. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, with stunning artwork, complex characters, and a plot that’ll keep you hooked until the very end. So if you’re looking for a manga that’ll push the boundaries of your sanity, look no further than Full Metal Alchemist. You won’t be disappointed.