Fullmetal Alchemist
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment (Manga, Anime, Media franchise) |
| Founded | July 2001 |
| Founder | Hiromu Arakawa |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga, anime series, films, light novels, OVAs, video games, collectible card game, merchandise, live-action films |
Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese manga created by Hiromu Arakawa, which was serialized in Square Enix's Monthly Shōnen Gangan magazine from July 2001 until June 2010, compiled into 27 volumes. The narrative unfolds in a fictional universe where alchemy functions as a scientific discipline and centers on brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who pursue the legendary philosopher's stone to recover their bodies following a failed resurrection experiment. The story’s steampunk atmosphere is heavily influenced by the European Industrial Revolution.
The franchise has been adapted into two separate anime series (released in 2003 and 2009), two cinematic films (2005 and 2011), light novels, original video animations (OVAs), video games, a collectible card game, and various merchandise lines. A live-action adaptation premiered in 2017, with two sequels arriving in 2022. In the North American market, Viz Media publishes the manga in English, while digital distribution rights have been held by Yen Press since 2014.
Having sold over 80 million copies worldwide, Fullmetal Alchemist stands as one of the highest-selling manga series ever. It has earned notable accolades such as the 49th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōnen category (2004), the UK's Eagle Award for favorite manga (2010 and 2011), and the Seiun Award for best science fiction comic (2011). The series enjoys both critical praise and commercial success.
Setting
The story of Fullmetal Alchemist takes place in the imaginary nation of , where alchemy is widely practiced and integrated into society. Alchemists employed by the government hold military titles, commonly at the rank of major. They perform transmutations using specific patterns known as transmutation circles, enabling them to create nearly anything, provided they adhere to the Law of Equivalent Exchange, which mandates offering something of equal value in return. Transmutations involving humans or gold are strictly prohibited, with attempts resulting in severe physical consequences and an unnatural mass loss. Such forbidden experiments invoke the presence of , a godlike figure overseeing alchemy who often punishes those who act arrogantly.
Individuals who engage in human transmutation are pulled into what is called the , where they receive immense knowledge and gain the capability to perform alchemy without relying on transmutation circles. Every living entity—and even celestial bodies—possesses its own Gate of Truth. The Law of Equivalent Exchange can be circumvented through the use of a Philosopher's Stone, a mysterious red artifact that enables the creation of Homunculi. These artificial beings personify the seven deadly sins, exhibit extraordinary superhuman powers, harbor contempt for humanity, and do not age unless their Philosopher's Stone is destroyed.
The country of Amestris includes multiple cities, with its capital serving as the central location for much of the story. Other notable areas include northern , a military stronghold; rural , where the Elric brothers originate; , a city influenced by a religious cult; and , renowned for producing automail prosthetics. The conservative region known as Ishbal opposes alchemy and suffered greatly during the Ishbalan Civil War following an incident where a soldier killed an Ishbalan child. Beyond Amestris, few foreign nations are detailed; however, one prominent country is Xing, inspired by Chinese culture. Xing operates under a clan-based imperial system that contrasts with Amestris’s elected Führer governance and practices its own variant of medical alchemy called , which can be bi-located using kunai. This diversity suggests that multiple alchemical traditions exist worldwide.
Plot
Edward and Alphonse Elric grew up in Resembool alongside their mother, Trisha, and their father, Van Hohenheim, who eventually left them. Following Trisha’s passing, the brothers trained under the tutelage of Izumi Curtis and attempted to bring their mother back through alchemy. This forbidden transmutation failed disastrously: Edward lost his left leg, and Alphonse lost his entire body. To save his brother’s soul, Edward sacrificed his right arm to bind Alphonse’s spirit to a suit of armor. Subsequently, Edward became a State Alchemist, earning the nickname "Fullmetal Alchemist," and was outfitted with prosthetic automail limbs. For three years, the siblings pursued the Philosopher’s Stone in hopes of regaining their original bodies.
During their journey, they encounter Scar, an Ishbalan vigilante murdering State Alchemists as retribution for the genocide of his people. When returning to Resembool for repairs from their childhood friend and mechanic Winry Rockbell, they meet Dr. Marcoh, who discloses that Philosopher’s Stones are created using human souls. Their efforts to uncover the stone’s origins are hindered by the Homunculi. Seeking further skill development, the Elrics return to Izumi for additional training. Meanwhile, Maes Hughes discovers a government conspiracy but is killed by Envy, a Homunculus. Izumi reveals her own failed attempt at human transmutation in an effort to revive her stillborn child. Alphonse is captured by Greed but is saved by King Bradley—who is unmasked as the Homunculus Wrath—and Greed is returned to Father, the mastermind behind the Homunculi.
The brothers form an alliance with Lin Yao, a prince from Xing who desires the Philosopher’s Stone to secure his claim to the throne. After learning of Hughes’s death, Mustang stages Maria Ross’s death to shield her from false accusations. Mustang also eliminates Lust during confrontations with the Homunculi. Lin captures Gluttony, who then swallows Lin, Edward, and Envy; they manage to escape after Gluttony transports Alphonse to Father, who subsequently makes Lin the new vessel for Greed. Mustang attempts to expose King Bradley but discovers that many government officials are complicit in Father’s schemes. The Elrics and Mustang receive warnings not to oppose Father, who plans to use them as "human sacrifices." Scar heads north accompanied by allies including May Chang and Dr. Marcoh.
At Fort Briggs, under General Olivier Armstrong's command, the Elrics confront Sloth and uncover that Father established Amestris with the intent of creating an enormous Philosopher’s Stone from its population to achieve godlike power on what is called the "Promised Day." Forced into cooperation with Solf Kimblee—a former State Alchemist allied with the Homunculi—the group divides and joins forces with Scar’s faction along with Lin/Greed. Riza Hawkeye discovers that King Bradley’s son Selim is actually the Homunculus Pride. Hohenheim reveals he gained immortality after Father orchestrated Cselkcess's downfall four centuries earlier and has since worked to thwart Father’s ambitions.
On the Promised Day, Father initiates a transmutation using an eclipse and human sacrifices—specifically alchemists who attempted human transmutation—to complete his transformation. Wrath and Pride coerce Mustang into performing human transmutation, which results in Mustang losing his sight. The Elrics and their allies engage Father’s minions: Edward defeats Pride, reducing him to infancy; Greed sacrifices himself for Lin; other Homunculi and Kimblee perish during battle. Father activates a nationwide transmutation circle and absorbs a powerful entity; Hohenheim and Scar counter by draining many of the absorbed souls, destabilizing Father. In the climactic fight, Alphonse sacrifices his soul to restore Edward’s right arm; Edward ultimately defeats Father, who is pulled into the Gate of Truth. Edward relinquishes alchemy forever to fully restore Alphonse’s body; Lin receives a Philosopher’s Stone as well. Hohenheim passes away peacefully at Trisha’s grave. The Elric brothers return home but part ways two years later to pursue separate alchemical research paths. Years afterward, Edward marries Winry and they have two children together.
Development
Arakawa’s fascination with the Philosopher's Stone led her to emphasize the philosophical dimensions of alchemy within the manga, rather than its practical applications. This thematic choice was influenced by the diligent efforts of her parents working on a farm in Hokkaido, underscoring the relationship between hard work and its rewards.
To incorporate societal concerns, Arakawa conducted research through news broadcasts and engaged in discussions with refugees, war veterans, and ex-yakuza members. Themes such as Pinako Rockbell’s nurturing role toward the Elric brothers and their evolving perception of family serve to reinforce these social motifs. The fictional universe of Fullmetal Alchemist is heavily inspired by the European Industrial Revolution, especially England’s cultural atmosphere, architectural style, and fashion of that period, creating a unique steampunk environment. The Ishbal region draws parallels to 20th-century Middle Eastern conflicts.
At the outset of serialization, Arakawa had already mapped out critical plot developments, including an ending where the Elric brothers regain parts of their bodies. As the characters grew older, she adjusted scenes to reflect their maturation. Her character designs are influenced by manga artists Suihō Tagawa and Hiroyuki Eto, blending elements from both creators’ styles. Among her characters, Alex Louis Armstrong and small animals were the simplest to illustrate; her fondness for dogs led to their frequent inclusion. Comedy was intentionally woven throughout the manga to sustain reader engagement and reduce overly somber moments.
Conclusion
After approximately forty chapters had been released, Arakawa increased the story’s tempo as it approached its conclusion. To preserve chapter quality within the page limits of Monthly Shōnen Gangan, she eliminated superfluous details and crafted a focused climax. Some characters appeared less frequently in certain installments. Although initially planned as a 21-volume series, it ultimately spanned 27 volumes over nine years. Arakawa expressed contentment with having fully conveyed her intended message through the manga.
During production of the first anime adaptation, Arakawa granted creative freedom to the staff and requested an alternative ending from the manga’s to avoid redundancy and allow further character development in the original work. She admired how the anime portrayed the homunculi uniquely and appreciated the staff’s interpretations of villain backstories. Her collaboration with Bones limited her availability for creating manga cover art.
Themes and analysis
The narrative tackles various societal issues such as discrimination, scientific advancement, political corruption, brotherhood, family bonds, and warfare. Scar’s background and his hostility toward the State Military reference the historical experiences of the Ainu people, whose territory was forcibly taken. The story delves into the impacts of guerrilla warfare and warns against unchecked militarization. Notably, some individuals who dispossessed the Ainu were themselves originally Ainu—a fact mirrored in Scar’s prohibited use of alchemy against other alchemists.
The Elric brothers’ status as orphans raised by adoptive family members highlights social responsibilities toward orphaned children, while their perseverance underscores labor as essential for survival. Central to the plot is the concept of equivalent exchange—the belief that acquiring something necessitates giving up something of equal worth—which governs alchemical transformations and forms the foundation of the protagonists’ worldview.
Manga
Fullmetal Alchemist, created and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, was serialized in Square Enix's monthly publication Monthly Shōnen Gangan from the August 2001 issue (released July 12, 2001) through the July 2010 issue (released June 11, 2010). The narrative wrapped up with its 108th chapter. Following the main series, a side story was issued in September 2010, while the original prototype version was published in July 2011. Square Enix compiled the chapters into 27 volumes, which were released between January 22, 2002, and November 22, 2010. Subsequently, the series was reissued in an 18-volume edition spanning from June 22, 2011, to September 22, 2012.
In North America, Viz Media secured the licensing rights and published all 27 volumes between May 3, 2005, and December 20, 2011. Additionally, Viz released a nine-volume omnibus collection from June 7, 2011, through November 11, 2014. In April 2014, digital rights for North America were acquired by Yen Press, with the series becoming available on ComiXology starting December 12, 2016. Furthermore, Viz published the complete edition titled Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition from May 8, 2018, until August 23, 2022.
Other English translations include those by Madman Entertainment for Australasia and Chuang Yi in Singapore. A full-color adaptation formatted for vertical scrolling debuted on Webtoon on May 7, 2025, featuring new chapters released biweekly.
The manga has also been officially translated into several other languages such as Polish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Korean.
Anime adaptations
Fullmetal Alchemist inspired two distinct anime series: the first, titled Fullmetal Alchemist (2003–2004), offered a loosely based storyline with original elements, while the second, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010), provided a faithful adaptation closely following the manga's plot.
Animated films
Two full-length animated movies were created: Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa, which serves as a continuation of the 2003 anime, and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos, set within the timeline of Brotherhood.
Live-action films
A live-action adaptation directed by Fumihiko Sori premiered on November 19, 2017. It starred Ryosuke Yamada as Edward Elric, Tsubasa Honda as Winry Rockbell, and Dean Fujioka portraying Roy Mustang.
Following this, two sequels—Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Last Transmutation—were released on May 20 and June 24, 2022, respectively. Both sequels became available on Netflix during August and September 2022.
Light novels
Square Enix published six Japanese light novels based on Fullmetal Alchemist, authored by Makoto Inoue with illustrations—including cover art and frontispieces—by Arakawa. These novels were licensed for English translation by Viz Media, with Alexander O. Smith translating the first five volumes. Serving as spin-offs to the original manga, the stories follow the Elric brothers' ongoing pursuit of the philosopher's stone. The debut novel, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Land of Sand, was adapted into episodes eleven and twelve of the initial anime series. Notably, the fourth novel contains an additional military-themed short story entitled "Roy's Holiday".
Novelizations of several PlayStation 2 games—including Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, Curse of the Crimson Elixir, and The Girl Who Succeeds God—were also published; Makoto Inoue authored the first while Jun Eishima wrote the latter two. Furthermore, two Wii games, Prince of the Dawn and Daughter of the Dusk, were jointly novelized by Sōji Machida.
Audio drama productions
Two separate series of audio dramas based on Fullmetal Alchemist have been released. The initial series began with Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 1: The Land of Sand, which preceded the anime adaptation and paralleled the first novel; it featured voice actors from the Tringham brothers reprising their roles. Volumes 2 and 3—titled False Light, Truth's Shadow and Criminals' Scar—adapted various manga chapters introducing different State Military characters than those in the anime. The second audio drama series was exclusive to purchasers of Shōnen Gangan magazine and included two stories: "Ogutāre of the Fog" (featured in April–May 2004 issues) and "Crown of Heaven" (published in November–December 2004 issues).
Video game adaptations
Numerous video games inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist have been developed, frequently featuring original characters and storylines distinct from those in the anime or manga. Square Enix produced three role-playing games (RPGs): Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, Curse of the Crimson Elixir, and Kami o Tsugu Shōjo. Bandai released two RPG titles for Game Boy Advance—Stray Rondo and Sonata of Memory—alongside a Nintendo DS game called Dual Sympathy. Additionally, Bandai developed an action game titled Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood for PlayStation Portable, which launched in Japan in 2009 and later in Australia and Europe in 2010. Other Bandai releases include the PSP RPG To the Promised Day (2010), PlayStation 2 fighting game Dream Carnival, as well as Wii games Prince of the Dawn (2009) and its follow-up, Daughter of the Dusk (2009), both produced by Square Enix. To commemorate the series' twentieth anniversary, Square Enix introduced Fullmetal Alchemist Mobile for iOS and Android devices in August 2022; however, its service concluded in March 2024. Out of twelve titles released exclusively in Japan, four—namely Broken Angel, Curse of the Crimson Elixir, Dual Sympathy, and Brotherhood—were distributed internationally.
Hiromu Arakawa personally oversaw story development and character designs for these RPGs, while animation studio Bones contributed animated sequences. Developers drew creative inspiration from Square Enix’s popular title Kingdom Hearts along with other manga-based games such as those based on Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece. Their objective was to create fully realized gaming experiences rather than simple character-focused products, resulting in development periods extending beyond one year.
In North America, Funimation acquired licensing rights for new video game adaptations published by Destineer. Destineer released a Nintendo DS port of Bandai’s Dual Sympathy in December 2006, followed by a DS version of Fullmetal Alchemist: Trading Card Game in October 2007, based on the franchise’s collectible card game. Moreover, the MMORPG MapleStory incorporated exclusive in-game items themed after characters from the second anime series during a 2010 event.
Art and guidebooks
Fullmetal Alchemist has been accompanied by multiple artbooks. Square Enix published three volumes, with Viz Media handling the release of two in the United States. The initial artbook features artwork from May 2001 through April 2003, covering the first six manga volumes. The second volume showcases illustrations from September 2003 to October 2005, corresponding to the following six volumes. The third artbook contains artwork from the remaining manga installments.
In addition, the manga includes three guidebooks that provide timelines, travel information, and gaiden chapters that were not compiled within the main manga series. Viz Media released only the first guidebook in English, titled Fullmetal Alchemist Profiles. Moreover, Fullmetal Alchemist Chronicle, which debuted in Japan in July 2011, delivers additional narrative details beyond the original manga storyline.
Merchandise
Various merchandise such as action figures, busts, and statues inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist have been produced by companies like Medicom and Southern Island. Medicom’s premium deluxe vinyl figures are exclusively distributed in the United States and United Kingdom through Southern Island. Southern Island itself launched a line of action figures in 2007 and had plans for a 12-inch statue; however, its bankruptcy raised uncertainty about the statue’s release.
A trading card game based on the series was introduced in the US market by Joyride Entertainment in 2005 and saw six expansions before being discontinued in July 2007. Subsequently, Destineer published a Nintendo DS version of this card game adaptation on October 15, 2007.
Popularity
A 2009 survey conducted by Oricon placed Fullmetal Alchemist ninth among manga titles fans wished to see adapted into live-action. The franchise enjoys strong popularity among amateur creators producing jadōjinshi fan works, with over 1,100 such dōjinshi present at Japan’s Super Comic City event. Many of these explore character dynamics, including relationships between Edward Elric and Roy Mustang. Anime News Network highlighted the series’ prominent representation at Comiket 2004, where numerous female fans contributed to dōjinshi creation. In TV Asahi's Manga Sōsenkyo poll conducted in 2021 with participation from 150,000 voters, it secured ninth place.
Sales
Among Square Enix’s best-selling franchises alongside Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, Fullmetal Alchemist reached over 50 million copies sold in Japan by volume 27. By January 2010, each volume had surpassed one million copies domestically. As of April 2018, Square Enix reported global sales totaling 70.3 million copies, including 16.4 million sold outside Japan. By July 2021, worldwide circulation had climbed to 80 million copies. The series consistently ranks among Viz Media’s top sellers, appearing on "BookScan's Top 20 Graphic Novels," the "USA Today Booklist," Diamond Comic Distributors' polls, and The New York Times Best Seller Manga list. The English edition of volume one was the highest-selling graphic novel of 2005.
In 2008, volumes 19 and 20 each sold over one million copies, earning tenth and eleventh spots among Japan’s best-selling manga volumes. Early in 2009, the series ranked seventh in sales with more than three million copies sold; volumes 21 and 22 also exceeded one million copies each. Producer Kouji Taguchi remarked that initial sales for volume one were around 150,000 copies but surged to approximately 1.5 million following the debut of the first anime adaptation; prior to the second anime series launch, volumes typically sold between 1.9 and 2.1 million copies apiece.
Critical response
Fullmetal Alchemist has garnered positive reviews from critics. Although initial volumes were sometimes criticized for their conventional approach, the narrative complexity increases as the series advances. Jason Thompson recognized Arakawa as a leading talent in crafting dynamic action sequences and emphasized the presence of well-developed female characters, noteworthy for a series targeted primarily at a male audience. He also pointed out the story’s exploration of darker issues such as governmental malfeasance, warfare, and genocide, describing it as "one of the definitive shonen manga titles of the 2000s." Melissa Harper from Anime News Network praised Arakawa’s ability to create distinctive character designs despite the characters’ similar attire. Hilary Goldstein of IGN valued Edward’s multifaceted personality, combining intelligence and obstinacy in a way that effectively supports both humorous and serious scenes. Holly Ellingwood from Active Anime lauded the progression and maturation of characters’ ideologies throughout the storyline.
Jarred Pine of Mania Entertainment observed that the manga remains compelling even for those acquainted with the original anime adaptation, commending its somber tone alongside a well-balanced mix of humor and action. He further appreciated the expansion of minor characters who were not featured in the initial anime. In a review of volume 14, Sakura Eries from Mania Entertainment highlighted significant plot developments and praised the portrayal and confrontations involving the homunculi, including Greed’s resurgence.
Awards and accolades
Fullmetal Alchemist earned Jury Recommended Works honors in the Manga Division at both the 8th and 11th Japan Media Arts Festivals (2004 and 2007). It shared the 49th Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen manga with Yakitate!! Japan in 2004. The series won the public vote for "Favourite Manga" at the Eagle Awards consecutively in 2010 and 2011. The editorial team at the French site manga-news selected it as the winner of their "Shonen Tournament 2009." Additionally, it received the 42nd Seiun Award for best science fiction comic in 2011. That same year, Hiromu Arakawa was honored with the New Artist Prize at the 15th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prizes. In 2017, Fullmetal Alchemist placed third in Tsutaya Comic Awards' All-Time Best category. The series was also nominated for the Grand Prize at the 10th Sense of Gender Award in 2010.