Fullmetal Alchemist
Epic dark fantasy manga and anime about two brothers using alchemy to search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed transmutation.
Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
2001
Origin
Japan
Tags
dark fantasyalchemybrotherhoodmilitaryphilosophyadventure
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
Fullmetal Alchemist
Aliases
FMA, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi, Steel Alchemist
Type
Manga/Anime Series
Release Year
2001
Status
Completed
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creation Information
Creator
Hiromu Arakawa
Publisher
Square Enix (manga), Bones (anime)
Original Work
Manga
Genre
Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Military, Shounen, Drama, Action
Content Information
Synopsis
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric use alchemy to try to resurrect their mother, but the forbidden transmutation costs Edward his leg and Alphonse his entire body.
Main Characters
Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist), Alphonse Elric (armor-bound soul), Roy Mustang (Flame Alchemist)
Setting
Alternate early 20th century world where alchemy is a widely practiced science
Themes
Equivalent exchange, sacrifice, morality, war, family bonds, the cost of power
Target Audience
Shounen demographic, mature anime fans, philosophy enthusiasts
Characters
Edward Elric
Protagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist
The youngest State Alchemist in history, searching for the Philosopher's Stone to restore his and hi...
Protagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist
Alphonse Elric
Deuteragonist/Soul in ArmorAmestrian State Military (unofficial)Male14-15
Edward's younger brother whose soul is bound to a suit of armor after losing his body in human transmutation.
Abilities: Alchemy, Enhanced strength, No need for sleep/food...
Quotes:
"Big brother, you idiot! Think before you do something!"
""I am Alphonse Elric.""
"Even when our eyes are closed, there's a whole world that exists outside ourselves and our dreams."
character
Roy Mustang
Colonel/Flame AlchemistAmestrian State MilitaryMale29-30
Ambitious State Alchemist known as the Flame Alchemist, seeking to become Fﾃｼhrer to reform the military.
Abilities: Flame Alchemy, Military tactics, Leadership...
Quotes:
"I'll make this world one where she can cry tears of joy."
""I am Roy Mustang.""
"The power of one man doesn't amount to much."
character
Father
Primary Antagonist/Dwarf in the FlaskHomunculiMale400+ years
The ultimate antagonist, a homunculus created from Van Hohenheim's blood who seeks to become God.
Abilities: Perfect alchemy, Philosopher's Stone power, Soul manipulation...
Quotes:
"I am what you humans call God."
""I am Father.""
"Humans are nothing but pawns."
character
Lust
Homunculus/SeductressHomunculiFemale
The Ultimate Spear, a homunculus representing the sin of lust with deadly finger extensions.
Abilities: Ultimate Spear, Regeneration, Seduction...
Quotes:
"Humans are so interesting."
""I am Lust.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Envy
Homunculus/ShapeshifterHomunculiGenderless (appears male)
A shapeshifting homunculus representing envy, capable of taking any human form.
Abilities: Perfect shapeshifting, Regeneration, Combat skills...
Quotes:
"I hate humans! I hate them more than anything!"
""I am Envy.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
King Bradley/Wrath
Fﾃｼhrer/HomunculusAmestrian State Military/HomunculiMale
The Fﾃｼhrer of Amestris, secretly the homunculus Wrath with incredible combat abilities.
Abilities: Ultimate Eye, Master swordsmanship, Superhuman speed...
Quotes:
"I am Wrath, and I will have my revenge!"
""I am King Bradley/Wrath.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Van Hohenheim
Father/Immortal AlchemistIndependentMale
Edward and Alphonse's father, an immortal being with a Philosopher's Stone for a soul.
Abilities: Philosopher's Stone alchemy, Immortality, Soul communication...
Quotes:
"I'm sorry, Trisha. I'm sorry, Edward. I'm sorry, Alphonse."
""I am Van Hohenheim.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Media Forms
Comics
Monthly Shounen Gangan manga series (2001-2010)
Animated Series
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Live Action Films
Live-action film adaptations (2017-2022)
Video Games
Multiple video game adaptations across various platforms
Merchandise
Figures, clothing, accessories, collectibles, art books
Books
Light novels, art books, character guides, perfect guidebooks
Digital Content
Streaming anime, digital manga, mobile games
Commercial Information
Sales
Over 70 million manga copies sold worldwide
Revenue
Multi-billion yen franchise across all media
Awards
Seiun Award, TV Feature Award, American Anime Awards
Critical Reception
9.1/10 MyAnimeList rating for Brotherhood, widespread critical acclaim
Cultural Impact
Considered one of the greatest anime/manga series of all time
Streaming Rights
Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix international distribution
Fan Culture
Fanbase
Dedicated global community spanning multiple generations
Communities
Reddit r/FullmetalAlchemist, Discord servers, anime forums
Events
Anime conventions, FMA panels, cosplay competitions
Quotes
Equivalent exchange, To obtain something something of equal value must be lost, A lesson without pain is meaningless
Memes
Equivalent exchange jokes, Nina Tucker references, Edward height jokes
Fan Art
Character illustrations, alchemical circle designs, alternative universe stories
Cosplay
Edward, Alphonse, Roy Mustang, and other character costumes
Collectibles
Premium figures, replica automail, alchemical accessories
Historical Development
2001
Manga serialization begins in Monthly Shounen Gangan
2003
First anime adaptation by Bones with original ending
2005
Conqueror of Shamballa movie released
2009
Brotherhood anime begins, following manga storyline
2010
Manga concludes after 9 years of serialization
2011
Sacred Star of Milos movie released
2017
Live-action film adaptation released
2022
Final live-action film completes trilogy
Related Links
www.enjoyip.com