Just over two decades ago, the renowned Fullmetal Alchemist anime series made its debut on Japanese television screens in October 2003. Created by Hiromu Arakawa, the anime was an adaptation of the popular manga series of the same name. However, due to the ongoing publication of the manga at the time, the anime took a different path and diverged from the original story, creating a unique and alternative storyline. This decision is not uncommon when it comes to adapting manga into animation and allowed Fullmetal Alchemist to stand out as a global phenomenon with a distinct ending separate from the manga.
Fullmetal Alchemist follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, living in a world where alchemy is a dominant science. In this alternate universe, alchemy involves breaking down and rebuilding materials according to the “Law of Equivalent Exchange,” which states that something of equal value must be sacrificed in order to transmute into something else. The Elric brothers, gifted prodigies in alchemy, tragically lose their mother and attempt the forbidden act of human transmutation in their grief. This experiment results in Edward losing his arm and leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body, with his soul bound to a suit of armor by his brother. Determined to restore their bodies and defy the laws of alchemy, the brothers embark on a mission.
The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime series spanned 51 episodes, taking a different direction from the manga after the 25th episode. This divergence gave rise to two distinct storylines with different main villains and endings. Despite deviating from the original source material, the anime series embraced its own identity and showcased a darker and more intense storyline that resonated with viewers. Director Seiji Mizushima and writer Shō Aikawa crafted a series that not only served as an alternative adaptation but also carved its own path, separate from the manga.
Manga creator Hiromu Arakawa gave her blessing for the anime production team to create their own narrative and complete the story as they saw fit. The anime series delved deeper into the Elric Brothers’ role as tools of the state, with Edward becoming a State Alchemist backed by the government. However, they are still bound to follow the military’s will. The story unfolds in the country of Amestris, where a corrupt government secretly controlled by artificial beings called Homunculi manipulates events. The original anime series delves into the effects of military intervention and exposes the government’s corruption.
By creating a unique storyline for the latter half of the series, Studio Bones allowed Fullmetal Alchemist to explore darker themes and intensify the narrative. The Elric Brothers witness the horrors of war and the consequences of their government’s actions, which take a toll on their emotional well-being. Another dark aspect of the show revolves around the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful object that defies the laws of alchemy. The anime series depicts Alphonse becoming a literal Philosopher’s Stone due to the actions of the antihero Scar. The series delves into the emotional impact of a government controlled by the military, challenging the brothers’ ideals and leading to acts of genocide and displacement.
The main villain of the anime series, Dante, emerges later in the story as the mastermind behind the Homunculi. She has used alchemy and created new Philosopher’s Stones to prolong her life by swapping bodies. Dante was once involved with Hohenheim Elric, the father of the Elric brothers, but he eventually turned against her. The Elric Brothers ultimately bring down Dante and the corrupt government, but not without consequences. While Alphonse regains his body, Edward finds himself trapped in another dimension, separated from his brother in a world driven by combustion engines rather than alchemy.
Each Homunculus in the series has a tragic backstory and is named after the Seven Deadly Sins. They are not mere two-dimensional villains but complex characters driven by their own desires to become human. The anime series depicts the birth of the Homunculi through traumatic events, adding depth to their characters. They resemble Pinocchio, longing to become real. For instance, Wrath is created from the miscarried fetus of Izumi Curtis, a talented alchemist and the Elric Brothers’ teacher. Lust arises from Scar’s brother’s failed attempt to revive his deceased lover. Envy is the result of a failed resurrection involving Hohenheim and Dante’s deceased son, while Sloth is a manifestation of Edward and Al’s failed human transmutation experiment. The Homunculi are tragic figures burdened by trauma and rejection, much like Frankenstein’s monster.
After the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime series concluded in 2004, the story continued in a theatrical movie sequel titled Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
