The Gist:
Two young alchemists search for the legendary "Philosopher's Stone" to help them restore their bodies after an alchemy experiment gone bad.
The History:
Brought to us by FUNimation and Bones (Rahxephon and Wolf's Rain), Fullmetal Alchemist is based upon the manga created by Hiromu Arakawa. The anime series ran in Japan from October 4, 2003 to October 2, 2004 and debuted in the U.S. on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block on November 6, 2004. Although the anime ended with 51 episodes, the manga is still ongoing.
The anime storyline continues in the full-lenth movie, Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie: The Conqueror of Shamballa.
The anime storyline continues in the full-lenth movie, Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie: The Conqueror of Shamballa.
Manga vs. Anime:
There are some differences between the manga and the anime series, most notably the absence of "Father," the original creator of the Homunculi in the manga. Instead, the anime features "Dante," an alchemist herself who is able to use her stone to jump from body to body, achieving immortality.
The anime begins to branch off from the original storyline at the 32nd episode. Although the series ends with episode 51, the storyline is continued in the movie and manga creator Hiromu Arakawa announced in the 20th manga volume (Japan) that a second FMA anime series is currently underway.
The anime begins to branch off from the original storyline at the 32nd episode. Although the series ends with episode 51, the storyline is continued in the movie and manga creator Hiromu Arakawa announced in the 20th manga volume (Japan) that a second FMA anime series is currently underway.
How to Watch:
Fullmetal Alchemist has been released on 13 individual DVDs, along with four box sets and, of course, the movie, Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie: The Conqueror of Shamballa.
See all the Fullmetal Alchemist DVDs.
See all the Fullmetal Alchemist DVDs.
Genres:
Studio:
Distributor: FUNimation
Animation: Bones
Animation: Bones
Rating:
The Review:
Fullmetal Alchemist is an exciting new anime full of magic and mystery. Our main character, Edward Elric, is a young alchemy genius, certified by the State when he was only 12 years old. Hot-tempered and impatient, he is balanced by his brother Alphonse, a more caring and nurturing character and the only person with some influence (albeit limited) over Edward's temper.
In their quest to bring their mother back to life, they ignore the basic rule of alchemy. In order to manipulate matter, something of equal cost must be sacrificed in order to manipulate the new creation. As a result, Edward loses an arm and part of a leg. Alphonse's body is lost completely, but Edward manages to trap his soul in an armor suit.
Together, they set out on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, a magical amplifier that can reduce the costs of matter manipulation.
The result is a fun and action-packed anime that ranks right up there with some of the best. The manga has sold over 30 million copies in Japan and the anime series won the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize in 2003, plus took home five of its six nominations in the 2007 American Anime Awards.
In addition to the anime and manga, Fullmetal Alchemist has seen some great success with other medias, including video games, TCGs, and, of course, a barrage of action figures and other merchandise. This is a must-watch for serious anime fans.
In their quest to bring their mother back to life, they ignore the basic rule of alchemy. In order to manipulate matter, something of equal cost must be sacrificed in order to manipulate the new creation. As a result, Edward loses an arm and part of a leg. Alphonse's body is lost completely, but Edward manages to trap his soul in an armor suit.
Together, they set out on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, a magical amplifier that can reduce the costs of matter manipulation.
The result is a fun and action-packed anime that ranks right up there with some of the best. The manga has sold over 30 million copies in Japan and the anime series won the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize in 2003, plus took home five of its six nominations in the 2007 American Anime Awards.
In addition to the anime and manga, Fullmetal Alchemist has seen some great success with other medias, including video games, TCGs, and, of course, a barrage of action figures and other merchandise. This is a must-watch for serious anime fans.