
Fullmetal Alchemist
Hiromu Arakawa · 2010
Alchemy tore the Elric brothers’ bodies apart. Can their bond make them whole again?<br> In this world, alchemists are those who study and perform the art of alchemical transmutation—the science of manipulating and transforming matter. They are bounded by the Law of Equivalent Exchange: in order to gain something, one must sacrifice something of equal value.<br> In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “auto-mail” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother’s bodies...the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. <br><br> (Source: VIZ Media) <br><br> <i>Note: Includes eight extra chapters.</i>
Thoughts
Fullmetal Alchemist is one of my favorite stories and deeply shaped my childhood. I learned Japanese so that I could read the monthly releases. Arakawa is somehow a master of character development, world building, and deep, consequential storytelling.
This isn’t one to miss, even if you’re not into manga. If you prefer this in television form, watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
A certified banger