Title: Fullmetal Alchemist
Author:
Hiromu Arakawa
Literary Level:
Intermediate
Rating: 5/5
Published in July of 2001 by the
magazine Monthly Shōunen Gangan and authored and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa.
This dark fantasy follows the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on their
search for the Philosopher Stone, a stone that can grant anyone immortality and
the ability to freely control any material without equivalent exchange. Their
desire for this myth comes from their failure to save their mother, as well as
Edward’s mistake of destroying his brother’s body, only being able to exchange
his right arm to save his soul and transmute it into an armor suit. Their failed
attempt cost them an arm and a leg to Edward, and his entire body for Alphonse’s
case; however, Ed gained the ability to transmute anything without the exchange
of any material. They both journey, with the help of the militia, solving
strange occurrences that may lead to the end of many lives.
This is the most well-written
story, with loveable characters and metaphysical concepts that make you read
again and again. Concepts such as truth, immortality, what you will risk in
order to save someone, experimentation with human physiology, and the weight of
human life both in a literal sense and a philosophical one. One read is not enough
to enjoy the magnificence of this story and its small details sprinkled throughout
the story. You will cry, laugh, and be angry at characters on a constant basis,
seeing your favorite character develop and evolve according to what happens at
any moment's notice. I won’t say much regarding the story because it is something
everyone has to experience at least once, be it the manga or the anime. Word of
advice: there are two animated versions, one differing from the source material
(manga).