When the boys were younger, they delved into alchemy by reading their missing father’s notes. Shortly after, their mother Trisha passed away from an illness, and the boys were determined to bring her back to life using alchemy. However, they needed more training, which is why they became students of Izumi Curtis, a housewife and skilled alchemist.

The Elrics returned home to attempt the taboo of human transmutation. However, they created something that was not their mother. In the process, Al lost his body and Ed lost his leg to the “Truth”. In order to bring Al’s soul back from the “Truth”, he gave up his arm to bind the soul to a suit of armor within the room. The creature they created died shortly after its birth.

Colonel Roy Mustang, looking for the father of the Elrics, arrives in Resembool and finds what the boys have done. Seeing that they both survived the experience, he suggested that at least Ed join the ranks of State Alchemists, known by others as “Dogs of the Military.” Determined to fix everything, Ed receives automail in place of his missing limbs and sets off with Al to become a State Alchemist.

After becoming the youngest State Alchemist on record (earning him the name of the Fullmetal Alchemist), him and Al work on finding ways to restore their bodies, the primary method being using the Philosopher’s Stone, a stone of alchemy used to bypass certain rules of alchemy. However, the closer they get to obtaining the stone, the more they find it difficult to actually use the stone, knowing what it is actually made of: human souls.

The Homunculi, created by a mysterious man known only as the “Father”, go after Ed, Al, and other alchemists to be used in their creator’s plot that has been in planning for hundreds of years. The Homunculi each represent a different “sin”: Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Greed, Pride, Wrath, and Sloth. Ed and Al also learn that their own father, Van Hohenheim, is closely tied to the “Father”, although not in a way they expect. In the process of learning what the plan is, they discover that the entire country of Amestris will be affected, and the President is heavily involved.

Fullmetal Alchemist has an amazing mix of action, suspense, and great depth. The character development is very strong and becomes apparent as all of the characters interact with each other on different levels. It is a highly recommended and will not disappoint.

Hiromu Arakawa, the writer and illustrator of Fullmetal Alchemist, also created stories such as Stray Dog and Hero Tales. Hero Tales (Jūshin Enbu) and Fullmetal Alchemist are both published in the US by Viz Media.

~Steven R.