Fullmetal Alchemist (Manga) & FMA: Brotherhood (Anime)

Fullmetal Alchemist is definitely one of my top recommended mangas/animes. When I first read the series years ago I immediately fell in love. The original anime adaptation was fine... up until a certain fight scene (you know what I'm talking about), and then it took a really ... interesting turn. Luckily fans demanded a remake once the manga series was completed and it was delivered in the form of FMA: Brotherhood. To make this post easy to read, I will use FMA when referring to the manga/series in general and I will use Brotherhood when talking about the anime. 

This really is my second favorite series of all time, following Fruits Basket. I enjoy lots of manga and anime, but this is one that really digs deep into some human truths and stays with you long after. 

The basic story follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who have learned alchemy from the books their absentee father left. Their mom suddenly dies one day, essentially leaving them orphaned. Being the smart children that they are, they decide they are going to do something about it and resurrect her using forbidden alchemy. Everything goes horribly wrong as they are attempting to violate the laws of equivalent exchange (I know this sounds so crazy but it's not that complicated, you learn as you go). Long story short, Alphonse loses his entire body and Edward loses an arm and a leg; One is for the attempt for his mother and the other is so he is able to bind Alphonse's soul to a kickass suit of armor that they for some weird reason just have hanging around in their little farmhouse in the country.

So yeah. They fucked up. Big time. 

Edward is suited with the best automail from his neighbor/family, the Rockbells and he is ready for action. He passes the state exam to become a licensed alchemist at the tender age of 12, and in his simple pursuit to get his own and his brother's bodies back, they are caught up in the very adult world of military powers and greed. Everyone wants their hands on the elusive Philosopher's Stone, which allows them to bypass the law of equivalent exchange and basically lets them make whatever the fuck they want - rules be damned. 

I won't go into much more detail on the story because honestly, it's so well-written and so extensive that I highly recommend you enjoy it for yourself. FMA has things that everyone can connect with in terms of the struggles people are facing. This is not a kind world. Genocide and racism exist. The government is militaristic and hugely corrupt. Alchemists due extremely fucked up shit in the pursuit of "science". People's lives are tossed away like trash to further another's goal. But hey, it's also super funny at times. 

There are times where I crack up laughing, there are times when I cry, and there are a lot of times that I just ponder about humanity and the both great and terrible things that we are capable of. Edward is almost a bit of an anti-hero, but he really does have a very brave and kind heart and it reaches everyone he comes in contact with in one way or another. Alphonse is more of the bleeding-heart type, but he is also incredibly strong. The characters are all so well-developed and complex that's it's a treasure each time I encounter them. 

Brotherhood brings the story to life wonderfully, with great voice actors (sorry I like the dubbed) and a really clean adaptation. This is definitely a journey of growth, with tragedies and moments of forgiveness and sacrifice along the way. 

Like I said, this is a story that will stay with you for years to come. (Also there is a live-action which has a very very low budget and bad wigs but it's actually kind of fun if you can get past that).

FMA will always have a place in my heart (and maybe one day alchemy will be real which, can you imagine?).

If nothing else, watch Brotherhood. If you are able, read the manga. The comics at the end of each book are hilarious.