The appeal and reviews of "Fullmetal Alchemist": A must-see anime

Fullmetal Alchemist - The ultimate dark fantasy and brotherly bond

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is a TV anime series based on the original manga by Hiromu Arakawa, and was broadcast on MBS/TBS (JNN) from April 5, 2009 to July 4, 2010. This work, which consists of 64 episodes, is an epic story about the adventures and growth of the Elric brothers in the world of alchemy. Here, we will take a deeper look into its appeal and details.

story

Alchemy is the science of understanding, breaking down, and reconstructing matter based on the principle of "equivalent exchange." However, the greatest taboo of all is "human transmutation." Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who lost their mother at a young age, committed a taboo in an attempt to bring her back to life, resulting in Edward losing his right arm and left leg, and Alphonse losing his entire body. Edward dons a suit of mechanical armour (automail) and takes on the name "Fullmetal Alchemist," while Alphonse lives with his soul bound to a giant suit of suit of armour.

The brothers set out on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone to recover what they lost. However, their journey is full of difficulties, and they gradually come closer to the truth behind the Philosopher's Stone and the conspiracy of the military nation of Amestris. As the homunculus operate in secret, the desire for revenge of the oppressed people, and the tragedy brought about by alchemy intertwine, the brothers continue to move forward, caught between despair and hope.

Commentary

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is a work that skillfully incorporates elements of dark fantasy. The original manga was serialized in the monthly magazine "Shonen Gangan" from 2001 and won the 49th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2004. It was made into an anime in 2003 and a TV series and a movie, but this work faithfully develops the story of the original, focusing on the bond between the Elric brothers, carefully depicting the world of alchemy, the schemes of a military nation, and the feelings of a wide variety of characters.

The greatest appeal of this series is the complex mysteries, the succession of tragedies, and the brothers' struggle to overcome them. The mysterious story and the drama of the characters intertwine to draw viewers in. This is a work that marks a new step in the history of television animation, and can be called the strongest entertainment work.

cast

The cast of this work is luxurious, bringing out the individuality of each character. Edward Elric is played by Park Yumi and Alphonse Elric is played by Kugimiya Rie, who realistically express the bond between the brothers. Many talented voice actors also participated, such as Takamoto Megumi as Winry Rockbell, Miki Shinichiro as Roy Mustang, and Orikasa Fumiko as Riza Hawkeye. The voices of the homunculus are also provided by unique voice actors such as Inoue Kikuko, Takayama Minami, and Nakamura Yuichi, adding depth to the story.

Main Staff

The director was Yasuhiro Irie, and the animation was produced by Bones. The series was composed by Hiroshi Ohnogi, the character designer was Hiroki Kanno, and the music was composed by Akira Senjyu. As a result of the combined efforts of the staff, the worldview of the original work was faithfully reproduced, and the fusion of visual beauty and music left a strong impression on viewers.

Main Characters

Edward Elric is a state alchemist with the nickname "Steel". He is a small boy with blonde hair, golden eyes, a red coat, and mechanical armor on his right arm and left leg. He continues his journey in search of the Philosopher's Stone with his younger brother Alphonse. Alphonse Elric is Edward's younger brother, who lost his body when his mother's transmutation failed, and lives with his soul fixed in a steel armor. Winry Rockbell is a childhood friend of Ed and Al, and is the mechanic of Ed's mechanical armor. Roy Mustang is a state alchemist with the nickname "Flame" and is active as a soldier. Riza Hawkeye is a soldier who serves as Mustang's assistant, and is trusted for her calm personality and gun skills. Alex Louis Armstrong is a state alchemist with the nickname "Strong Arm", and is characterized by his sultry muscular physique and warm personality. Maes Hughes is a friend of Roy and a lieutenant colonel working at the Court Martial. Jean Havoc and Hymans Breda are both Lieutenants under Roy. Maria Ross is a gentle and loyal woman under Armstrong. King Bradley is the highest ranking officer in the Amestris military and governs the country as the Grand Commander. Scar is a mysterious man who kills state alchemists and is a warrior with the Right Hand of Destruction. Lust, Gluttony, and Envy are characters who operate in the shadows as homunculus. Zolf J. Kimblee is a state alchemist with the nickname "Crimson Lotus" and a psychopath who finds pleasure in destruction. Olivier Mira Armstrong is Major Armstrong's sister and a female general feared as the "Northern Wall of Briggs." Miles and Buccaneer are military officers in the Northern Army who serve as Olivier's aides.

subtitle

Many of the subtitles for all 64 episodes are symbolic of the story's development, drawing the viewer's interest. Starting with episode 1, "Fullmetal Alchemist," to episode 64, "The End of the Journey," each episode depicts a different theme and drama. In particular, episodes that are important turning points in the story, such as episode 30, "The Battle to Annihilate Ishval," and episode 50, "The Central Rebellion," are not to be missed.

Related Titles

There are many related works to "Fullmetal Alchemist". In addition to the original manga, movies such as "Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa" and "Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos" have also been produced. There is also a wealth of special content for fans, such as 4-frame theater and unaired episodes. Through these related works, you can enjoy the world of the Elric brothers even more deeply.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs of this series are an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of each episode. The opening themes used are "Again" by YUI, "Hologram" by NICO Touches the Walls, "Golden Time Lover" by Sukima Switch, "Period" by CHEMISTRY, and "Rain" by SID. The ending themes used are "Uso" by SID, "LET IT OUT" by Miho Fukuhara, "Tsunaida Te" by Lil'B, "Shunkan Sentimental" by SCANDAL, and "RAY OF LIGHT" by Shoko Nakagawa. These songs reflect the development of the story and the feelings of the characters, enhancing the emotions of the viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is a masterpiece anime that brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest. It has the power to draw viewers in with its skillful depictions of the growth and bond between the Elric brothers, the world of alchemy, and the conspiracies of a military nation. The characters are rich in personality and drama, and each episode has a different theme and development. The episodes depicting the brothers' bond and growth are particularly moving, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

This is a must-see for fans of dark fantasy and adventure stories. It is also recommended for those who are interested in the characters' feelings and relationships. Even those who have read the original manga will be able to enjoy it from a new perspective. The animation quality is high and the music is wonderful, so it is a work that is both visually and aurally satisfying.

"FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST" is a work that marks a new step in the history of television anime and is a work of entertainment that will leave a strong impression on viewers. Please experience the journey of the Elric brothers.