Fullmetal Alchemist: Shonen storytelling at its best

“An Equivalent Exchange for All!

From 2001 to 2011, Hiromu Arakawa, a talented mangaka, captivated the world with her mesmerizing blend of steampunk and magic in Fullmetal Alchemist. This series swiftly became an instant classic, keeping readers and viewers enthralled throughout its gripping adventure. While Shonen Jump was riding high with the monumental success of One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach during that period, Fullmetal Alchemist took a different path, being published in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine instead.

Operating outside the shadow of the shonen giants, Fullmetal Alchemist had the freedom to tell a unique story, unbound by the established tropes that had come to define the genre. Even after more than two decades, what makes Fullmetal Alchemist such an enduring and compelling tale? Let us delve deeper into its captivating elements.

Broken Angel:

At the heart of Fullmetal Alchemist lies the story of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, and their relentless quest to regain their lost bodies. This poignant tale stands as a significant milestone in the history of shonen manga and anime. Rather than embarking on a typical journey to become stronger, the Elric brothers are burdened with the consequences of their ill-fated attempt to resurrect their deceased mother.

Throughout their arduous journey, the brothers remain resolute in their pursuit of the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical substance believed to possess limitless alchemical power. Their quest takes them across a vividly imagined world, where they encounter both allies and adversaries. Fullmetal Alchemist excels in its ability to create relatable characters who inhabit a richly detailed universe. Even before the main plot unfolds, we are introduced to a corrupt priest and a father who transmuted his daughter with a dog, setting the tone and raising the stakes from the very beginning.

The brilliance of Fullmetal Alchemist lies not only in the dynamic relationship between Edward and Alphonse but also in the captivating supporting cast, including Winry Rockbell, Roy Mustang, Scar, and Lieutenant Hawkeye. Together, they form a cohesive ensemble that experiences significant growth and development, carrying their individual story arcs all the way to the grand finale.

Crimson Elixir:

In the realm of action-adventure stories, magic systems serve as intriguing literary devices, and Fullmetal Alchemist is no exception. While Dragon Ball’s Ki-based combat and Avatar: The Last Airbender’s elemental bending have become iconic, it is the depth and complexity of these abilities that make combat sequences truly captivating.

In Fullmetal Alchemist, alchemy is a subtle force compared to the overt powers seen in series like Naruto and One Piece. Alchemists are a rare and special breed in this world, making full-fledged alchemy-based battles a rarity. Instead, Edward and Alphonse often face adversaries such as Homunculi and Chimeras, creatures born from alchemical experimentation. However, when the Elric brothers do showcase their alchemical prowess, it is a sight to behold.

One notable aspect of the series is the absence of characters naming and announcing their attacks during battles, illustrating that these abilities are simply extensions of their own capabilities. This approach, shared with Avatar: The Last Airbender, highlights the similarity between elemental bending and alchemical powers in their narrative impact.

Dual Sympathy:

Above all, Fullmetal Alchemist is a story of growth and maturation. Hiromu Arakawa masterfully allows every character in her story, even the villains, to undergo significant personal development by the story’s conclusion. It is a coming-of-age tale that does not measure maturity solely by physical strength but rather by the choices characters make throughout their journey.

This honest narrative is brimming with heartfelt moments and laughter, offering an equivalent exchange for those who invest their time and emotions into it. Fullmetal Alchemist is unquestionably a manga and anime experience that must be witnessed to be fully appreciated.

For newcomers, the original manga remains the best entry point, followed by the more faithful anime adaptation, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. While the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime had its moments, its divergence from the original story’s intent ultimately hindered its impact. As for the live-action films, it is best to spare them mention, and while several video game adaptations were released, it is high time for a new generation to embark on their own discovery of the captivating world of Fullmetal Alchemist.”

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Lan Fan, May, Havoc, McDougal, Gluttony, Sloth