Fullmetal Alchemist

Basic Information

Japanese Title:Haragen, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi
Art and Story by: Hiromu Arakawa
Genre: Shonen, action/adventure, fantasy
Licensed in the US by: Viz Media
Rated: 16+ older teens
Approx. price in US per volume: $9.99
No. of volumes published by Viz: 5 English
No. of Japanese chapters: 55 (in January '06)
No. of episodes: 51 + Movie

Any Warnings?: Mild cussing, mild gore

Storyline in a Nutshell...

Edward and Alphonse Elric were children living in a rural village in the country of Amestris. Their father, an alchemist, left home when Edward was very young and Alphonse was a baby. Years later, their mother died of a mysterious illness. The boys decided to attempt to revive their deceased mother. They studied alchemy with a teacher and then used their father's notes to recreate a human transmutation circle. Their attempt costs Alphonse his entire body and Edward his left leg. In a desparate effort to save his brother, Edward sacrificed his right arm to "Affix" his brother's soul to a suit of armor. A State Alchemist by the name of Roy Mustang arrived shortly after in response to letters the boys had sent out seeking information about their father. Spurred on by the man's proposal, Edward sets out to become a State Alchemist. He is intent on using the resources of State Alchemists to find a way to restore what he and Alphonse have lost. The brothers eventually learn of the Philosopher's Stone and set off in search of it as a means of restoring their bodies.

Meli's Opinion

I really like this series, as it has a very interesting combination of Magic, Science, and Adventure. Its a really well thought out and written series, and has lots of Drama and Angst. I give it a 9/10, and the only reason I dock any points off is the idiocy of having the anime at such a different plot than the manga, and if not noted, can throw anyone off.

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