In the world of the Full Metal Alchemist, the greatest scientific discovery has been ‘transfusion’ or alchemy. Brothers, Alphonse and Edward desperately search for the ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ to help return their bodies to normal but they are not the only ones searching out the powerful catalyst.
Full Metal Alchemist first kicked off like a lot of Anime series – as a Manga, published by Enix in August 2001, the series finished last month. Written by Hiromu Arakawa, who also brought us other Manga such as ‘Stray Dog’, ‘Hero Tales’ and ‘Raiden 18’, Arakawa also worked on the script for the anime series of Full Metal Alchemist for a short while then decided to leave so that both the novels and TV series could have different endings and she could concentrate more on her work with the Manga.
It has sold well over 40 million copies in Japan and was the top selling graphic novel of 2005 when it got its English release. It should be noted that while the Anime follows the Manga story, the series takes a different direction about halfway through; Arakawa had asked that the Anime end differently to the Manga because she didn’t want them to end up being the same.
Alphonse and Edward Elric were two young brothers who had a gift with the science of Alchemy. Raised by their mother in the little village of Resembool, their father left years ago, leaving their mother to take care of the family up until her death from a terminal illness. Distraught and alone the boys in their desperation turn to alchemy to try and bring their mother back to life, an act forbidden because of its very nature. Using alchemy, a process in which materials are swapped in order to create something of equal value, in using the procedure to try and bring their mom to life the boys sacrifice more than they know – Al loses his right leg while his younger brother Ed loses his entire body and would have lost his life entirely, if not for Al sacrificing his arm to fix his brother’s soul into an armored suit.
Registering with the military, Edward becomes a State Alchemist in order to gain the knowledge and materials he would need to restore his little brother to a normal human body and his own arm and leg (which are now replaced with automail) however while under the Military he must also carry out errands and missions assigned to him by the man who recruited him, Roy Mustang. The years pass and the brothers research leads to a legendary catalyst known as the ‘Philosopher’s Stone’, something which might aid them in their quest but dark forces are at work and they too seek the power of the stone.
Beings known as Homonculi are causing ruin and devastation across the state of Amestris and a killer believed to be one of the last of an ethnic race wiped out by the Military is taking his revenge and killing all those who get in his way.
The series runs for fifty one episodes and is designed to resemble the age of Industrial Revolution in Europe. So much happens in the series, with episodes focusing on several key plot points at the one time, it can often seem like you might have a clue as to what is going on but this all part of the intricate details of Full Metal Alchemist. As we watch the brothers seek out the powerful stone, they slowly begin to realize and unravel the truth behind the stone but with constant attacks by the Homonculi and Scar as well they are bogged down in mystery and secrecy with only each other to guide them through their destiny.
It is beautifully animated, with the elements of steam punk fantasy blending well with the animation and colour. There is a Germanic feel both to the characters and places in the world of Full Metal Alchemist – place names, characters and the landscape but Arakawa has said a lot of her inspiration came from England.
The voice actors (we watched in Japanese with English subs) are passionate and we gain a real sense and feel for the characters. In particular the brothers and the Homonculi known only as ‘Lust’ have the greatest impact on the viewer – the development of the fraternal bond between Al and Ed, the strain that their quest puts on it is extremely intense and very well written while we develop a serious empathy toward Lust, one of the series villains.
Full Metal Alchemist is an intoxicating blend of drama, action and even some comedy. At times you will find yourself choking down a laugh or two, on the edge of your seat hanging by a thread of suspense or reaching for a tissue to dry away the tears.
The fifty one episodes are packed with beautiful animation, detailed characters and a profound and deep storyline – there is very little missing or wrong with the series – enough fight scenes and action to satiate your lust for violence and more than enough drama and suspense to keep you engrossed for the entire series.
Bad Points
It can be hard to remember every single detail of the series.
Good Points
Engrossing plot and memorable characters
Intense fight scenes and electrifying emotional moments
Animation – colourful scenery and detailed landscapes mixed with rusty and grey flashbacks
The Verdict: 9/10
