Fullmetal Alchemist Will Always Be The Best Example Of Shonen Storytelling

From 2001 to 2011, mangaka Hiromu Arakawa kept the world enthralled in her world of steampunk and magic in Fullmetal Alchemist. It was an instant classic, one that kept readers and viewers entertained throughout the adventure.

While Shonen Jump was riding high with the success of One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach at the time, Fullmetal Alchemist was somewhat of an alternative to these properties, as it was published in Square Enix's Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine instead.

So being out of the shadows of the giants of the shonen genre, Fullmetal Alchemist was free to tell a more unique story, one that did not have to conform to the established tropes that one came to expect from the genre.

Even over 20 years, what makes Fullmetal Alchemist such a compelling story? Let’s take a look.

Broken Angel

The story of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, and their quest to reclaim the bodies they lost is one that is etched in the history of shonen manga and anime. Instead of being on a quest to become stronger, the two brothers must live with the consequences of trying to resurrect their mother.

For the most part, the two brothers don’t sway from their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, the mythical compound that is said to be able to perform any alchemical act. This takes them on a journey across their world and meeting new friends.

Fullmetal Alchemist is perfect because of its immediate relatability to its characters, as well as the world they inhabit. We meet a corrupt priest and a father who fused his daughter with a dog even before the plot begins, setting up the stakes and tone of getting the Philosopher’s Stone from the get-go.

As great as Edward and Alphonse are in how they contrast with each other, the other supporting cast like Winry Rockbell, Roy Mustang, Scar, and Lt Hawkeye, make for a fun cast of characters who all grow together, even right up to the finale.

Crimson Elixir

Magic systems are always an interesting literary device to dissect, especially in action adventure stories. Whether it is Dragon Ball’s Ki-based combat or Avatar: The Last Airbender’s four elements, it is the extent of these abilities that makes combat so compelling.

The alchemy of Fullmetal Alchemist is no different, but it is more subtle in its effects compared to the likes of Naruto and One Piece. Alchemists are special individuals and are not as common in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, so full-on alchemy-based combat is a rare sight to see.

Creatures created by alchemy, like the Homunculi and Chimeras, are more common enemies for Edward and Alphonse to encounter. But when they do show off their alchemy prowess, it is a sight to behold.

Characters also don’t name and announce their attacks in battle, which illustrates that these abilities are an extension of their capabilities. This is something that Avatar does well also, and there is a similarity between elemental bending and alchemical powers in a sense.

Dual Sympathy

Truly, Fullmetal Alchemist is a story of growth and it is masterful on Hiromu Arakawa’s part in allowing everyone in her story, even the villains, to grow up by the end of the story. It is a coming-of-age story that doesn’t use the character’s growth of strength as a measure of their maturity, but rather the actions they choose throughout the story.

It tells an honest story, filled with heart and laughs along the way, an equivalent exchange for those who invest their time into it. Fullmetal Alchemist is definitely one manga or anime that has to be seen to be believed.

For newbies, the original manga is still the best way to go, and the more faithful anime adaptation, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime had its moments, but the way it strays from the story’s intent did not stick to the landing.

The less said about the live-action films the better, and while there were many video game adaptations, it is definitely time for a new generation to experience the world of Fullmetal Alchemist.