The Appeal and Review of "Fullmetal Alchemist": A Must-See Anime Guide

Fullmetal Alchemist: The charm and depth of a timeless anime classic

Introduction

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is an anime series based on the manga of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa, and aired from 2003 to 2004. The series captivated many viewers with its story that delves deeply into brotherly love, self-sacrifice, and the true nature of humanity, while skillfully incorporating the fantasy element of alchemy. In this article, we will explore the appeal and depth of "Fullmetal Alchemist," while also introducing detailed information about the series, related works, and recommended points.

Overview

"Fullmetal Alchemist" was broadcast as a TV anime series on MBS and TBS. It aired from October 4, 2003 to October 2, 2004, with a total of 51 episodes, every Saturday from 18:00 to 18:30. It is based on the manga by Arakawa Hiromu, serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan, directed by Mizushima Seiji, and produced by Mainichi Broadcasting System, Aniplex, and Bones. Copyright © Arakawa Hiromu/Square Enix, Mainichi Broadcasting System, Aniplex, Bones, Dentsu 2003.

story

The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, commit the alchemist's taboo of human transmutation in order to revive their mother, who died at a young age. However, the attempt fails, with Edward losing his left leg and Alphonse losing his entire body. Edward sacrifices his right arm and succeeds in binding Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor, but the price is too great. The brothers set out on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone in order to regain everything they had lost. Edward transforms his right arm and left leg into steel prosthetics called "automail," and he becomes known as the "Fullmetal Alchemist."

cast

Edward Elric will be played by Kumi Park, Alphonse Elric by Rie Kugimiya, Pinako Rockbell by Miyoko Asou, Winry Rockbell by Megumi Toyoguchi, Scar by Ryutaro Okiayu, Roy Mustang by Toru Okawa, Riza Hawkeye by Michiko Neya, Alex Louis Armstrong by Kenji Utsumi, Maes Hughes by Keiji Fujiwara, Jean Havoc by Yasunori Matsumoto, Heimans Breda by Tomoyuki Shimura, Cain Fury by Satoshi Shiratori, Vato Farman by Takehiro Murozono, Shou Tucker by Hiroshi Nagai Makoto and King Bradley are voiced by Shibata Hidekatsu, Lust is voiced by Sato Yuko, Gluttony is voiced by Takato Yasuhiro, Envy is voiced by Yamaguchi Mayumi, Trisha is voiced by Takamori Yoshino, Lars is voiced by Mizuki Nana, Greed is voiced by Suwabe Junichi, Glaceon is voiced by Mitsuishi Kotono, Nina is voiced by Koorogi Satomi, and Ed and Al's mother is voiced by Takamori Yoshino.

Main Staff

The original work was written by Arakawa Hiromu, published in the monthly magazine Shonen Gangan (Square Enix), directed by Mizushima Seiji, story editor Aikawa Noboru, character design Ito Yoshiyuki, main animators Sugiura Koji and Tomioka Takashi, production design Aramaki Shinji, art design Narita Iho, chimera design Ishigaki Junya, mecha design Fukushima Hideki, art directors Hashimoto Kazuyuki and Nakamura Norifumi, color design Nakayama Shihoko, director of photography Fukushi Toru, sound director Mima Masafumi, music by Oshima Michiru, and produced by Mainichi Broadcasting System, Aniplex, and Bones.

Main Characters

Edward Elric is a genius who was the youngest to be awarded the title of state alchemist in history, and is nicknamed the "Fullmetal Alchemist". His right arm and left leg are steel prosthetics, called "automail", and he and his brother continue their journey in search of the "Philosopher's Stone" in order to regain their original body. Alphonse Elric, contrary to his strong armored appearance, is a boy with a very kind heart, and sets out on a journey with his brother Edward to regain his lost body. Winry Rockbell is a childhood friend of the Elric brothers and a prosthetician living in Resembool, and she also fitted Edward's mechanical armor. Pinako Rockbell is Winry's grandmother, but she is also the prosthetician's master, and has watched over Edward and Alphonse as if they were her own grandchildren. Roy Mustang is a state alchemist with the nickname "Flame Alchemist" and is active as a colonel in the national army. Alex Louis Armstrong is a major in the national army, nicknamed the "Strong-Armed Alchemist" for his light footwork that doesn't suit his large appearance, and the alchemy he unleashes from his huge knuckles. Riza Hawkeye is a close aide to Colonel Mustang, and is a lieutenant in the national army, skilled in handling firearms. Maria Ross is a lieutenant, always loyal to her military duties, and has a strict personality. Lust is a being who appears out of nowhere and has the power to wipe an entire city off the map, but his true identity is still unknown. Gluttony is an being who only thinks about eating, and will eat everything down to the bone, whether it's a human or a synthetic beast, and he acts with Lust. Greed is a homunculus whose name means "greed," and as his name suggests, he is trying to obtain money, women, status, honor, and eternal life. Lars is a homunculus whose name means "rage," and is the only homunculus who can transmute his body with other substances. Scar (the scarred man) is called "Scarred Man" because of the large scar on his forehead. He regards state alchemists as blasphemers and calls himself God's representative, passing judgment on them. King Bradley is the highest authority in the military, with the rank of Führer. Jean Havoc is a lieutenant, and although he has a loose personality, he is very trusted by his subordinates. Heimans Breda is a lieutenant, and although he is often thought of as a fighter because of his bold appearance, he is actually a brainy man who is good at devising strategies and schemes. Vato Farman is a warrant officer, and is an intelligent soldier who always speaks calmly. Cain Fury is a sergeant, and is a straightforward and kind-hearted man who is good at using radio equipment. Maes Hughes is a lieutenant colonel in the military who is attached to the court martial. He is a family man who dotes on his daughter so much that he can be called a doting father, but he is also known as the sharpest intelligence officer in the military. Izumi Curtis is the person Ed and Al fear the most, and is their alchemy teacher. He has strength comparable to that of a state alchemist, but is physically weak. Sloth (after transformation) is a homunculus whose name means "sloth" and hides within the military under the name of Juliet Douglas, Secretary to the Fuhrer, to gather information. Envy is a homunculus whose name means "jealousy" and has the ability to freely change his body. Hohenheim is Ed and Al's father, and is an alchemist who goes by the nickname "Hohenheim of Light".

subtitle

The subtitles of each episode are as follows:

• 01/The Sun Challenger
• 02/Forbidden Body
• 03/Mom...
• 04/Love Craft
• 05/Run! Automail
• 06/ State Alchemist Qualification Exam
• 07/The Night the Chimera Cries
• 08/ Philosopher's Stone
• 09/Military dog ​​silver watch
• 10/Phantom Thief Siren
• 11/The Land of Sand and Gravel - Part 1
• 12/Land of Sand, Part 2
• 13/Flame vs Steel
• 14/Right Hand of Destruction
• 15/Ishval Massacre
• 16/What's Lost
• 17/Home where family waits
• 18/Marco Note
• 19/The Depths of Truth
• 20/ Guardian's Soul
• 21/Red glow
• 22/The Created Man
• 23/Heart of Steel
• 24/Memories are set in stone
• 25/Farewell Ceremony
• 26/Her Reason
• 27/Teacher
• 28/ One is all, all is one
• 29/Innocent Child
• 30/Attack on Southern Command
• 31/Sin
• 32/Dante in the Deep Forest
• 33/ Imprisoned Al
• 34/Theory of Greed
• 35/Fools' Reunion
• 36/The Sinner Within Me
• 37/The Flame Alchemist/The Fighting Lieutenant/The Mystery of the 13th Warehouse
• 38/ In the Flow of the River
• 39/ Eastern Civil War
• 40/Scar
• 41 / Virgin Mary
• 42/I don't know his name
• 43/The stray dog ​​ran away
• 44/Hohenheim of Light
• 45/ Things that degrade the mind
• 46/ Human Transmutation
• 47/Homunculus Seal
• 48/Goodbye
• 49/Beyond the Door
• 50/Death
• 51 / Munich 1921

Related Titles

"Fullmetal Alchemist" has a movie version, "Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa." This movie is a sequel to the anime series and depicts Edward's new adventures.

Theme songs and music

The opening themes are as follows:

• OP1 "Melissa": Lyrics by Haruichi Shindo, Music by ak.homma, Sung by Porno Graffitti
• OP2 "READY STEADY GO": Lyrics/hyde, Composition/tetsu, Arrangement/L'Arc~en~Ciel & Hajime Okano, Vocals/L'Arc~en~Ciel
• OP3 "UNDO": Lyrics by Hiroya Ishikawa, Composition by Hiroya Ishikawa, Sung by COOL JOKE
• OP4 "Rewrite": Lyrics by Masafumi Goto, Composition by Masafumi Goto, Arrangement by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Sung by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

• ED1 "Unforgettable Sin": Lyrics by Kitade Nana, Composition by Nishikawa Susumu, Sung by Kitade Nana
• ED2 "Beyond the Door": Lyrics by YeLLOW Generation, Composition by Kosuke Morimoto, Arrangement by Shigetsugu Nagaoka, Sung by YeLLOW Generation
• ED3 "Motherland": Lyrics by HUB, Composition by YANAGIMAN, Arrangement by Ken Matsubara, Sung by Crystal Kay
• ED4 "I Will": Lyrics by Seiko Fujibayashi, Music by Tetsuhiko Suzuki and Tomoji Togawa, Sung by Sowelu

Evaluation and recommendation points

"Fullmetal Alchemist" has won many fans with its deep storyline, fascinating characters, and beautiful animation. In particular, the brotherly love between Edward and Alphonse and the theme of self-sacrifice strike a strong chord with viewers. It has also been praised for its skillful use of the fantasy element of alchemy while raising real-world and ethical questions. Recommended points include the following:

• Deep story : Edward and Alphonse's journey will make you reflect on humanity, ethics and self-sacrifice.
• Charming characters : The unique characters, including the Elric brothers, have a charm that draws viewers in.
• Beautiful Animation : High-quality animation by Bones provides a visual treat.
• Music : Michiru Oshima's music is an important element in adding excitement to the story.
• Related works : The film "Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa" is also a must-see, allowing you to enjoy Edward's new adventures.