I'll keep this short because I could ramble - and I mean RAMBLE- about how awesome this series is for hours. Every character has a deep place in my heart, even some of the evil ones. If I could be anyone in the whole freaking world, I would be the author of this manga. Because to create something this meaningful and deep and entertaining...would just be unbelievable. This is, at least for me, the best series ever. It's a masterpiece. End of story.

To be honest, I picked it up back when it first started and didn't really find it quite that interesting. But now that I've reread the entire thing (I know, crazy right?) I realized that when I first picked it up, I wasn't really mature enough to read it. I think FMA is something that requires a sense of maturity to realize what is really going on in the story and it really requires you to read between the lines. It's not that it's unsuited for a younger audience, but I find that the younger audiences won't be able to really grasp the concepts hidden behind the story.
Like many people said, each character is really detailed with their own separate personality. There's really a reason why each character acts that way and you can see how the other characters affect their lives and way of thought. At first, you feel like there's that mold that the artist gives them: the young protagonist that's highly gifted who will eventually save the world, the evil antagonist who doesn't really have a soul (literally in this case) who wants to be the perfect being. I mean, you see that mold in the popular Jump mangas like Naruto, Bleach, etcetc. But what I really like about the characters is that the artist gives substance to the molds; they're not just clones of all the other protagonists out there.
Can't believe this started in 2001... But now I feel like it's going to end soon. Ten years is a good run though

I have been reading Fullmetal Alchemist for a long time, and I love it! There's nothing that will change my opinion towards the manga, there's no flaw! It really isn't the same trite kind of shounen manga at all. (For example, no offense to Bleach fans out there, but as much as I love Bleach, the story just got really...boring)

Although the art didn't appeal to me in the beginning, I now feel that it's drawn with confidence. The lines are bold, and I don't see those kind of lines drawn. Every character is special, as I have noticed almost everyone's eyes are different. Especially Ed's, he has those determined eyes that look that they'll never falter for even a second. He's also very special because of his braid. >< The chimeras are also very well drawn, as well as all the little details of the automail, which probably are a hassle to draw.

Putting that aside, the plot is phenomenal. In the beginning, I was only reading the manga for the entertainment and the idea of alchemy, and for Ed and Al. But as I kept reading on and on, I realized that there's so much more than just the fun and laughter, the tears and sadness of the story. Rather, Arakawa has took the military and scientists together and mixes it with the government. It shows conspiracies within, and it makes me think that our world is probably like that. We're all oblivious to these things, living our daily lives. Also, the deep bond between two brothers, they live for each other, and I wish I was like that with my own sibling. There is also the relationship between children and adults. Ed and Al never really rely on anyone else, but there are people like Mustang who would like to be relied on. Children are still children-they shouldn't grow up too fast. Arakawa also incorporates "God" into the story beautifully. The idea that with alchemy, even with that type of power, you would be condemned for trying to revive someone, that no one can get so close to God.

The concept I like the best is that all the bad guys are named after the 7 Deadly Sins. It shows that humans aren't perfect and those are the most hideous traits that we all have.

My favorite part of this series is that the everything is unique. The protagonists aren't like all the overused concepts of the shounen protagonist. The Elric Brothers may be prodigies, but they're not constantly popping out new powers or having powers that are surprising to everyone else. They're intelligent young boys, and what their logic and ways of fighting are what someone would expect from prodigies, so it's not surprising. They're not trying to be the best, nor are they the best. They're not invincible nor perfect.

Lastly, I just love all the characters. Ed is so...well there's no word to describe him! He's just awesome. He's funny, determined, and I hate seeing his sad face. He's unique, especially the part where he hates being called short! Al is so cute too! He's very kind. That reminds me, I love how Ed may not seem like the nicest person, being rude all the time, but he's also just as kind as Al inside.
Anyways, all characters in the story are essential, and like someone else said, they aren't just thrown away after being drawn for an arc. the story is just a big masterpiece.

Hmm...it seems like I've over-commented on this...-__- Sorry! I'm pretty sure no ones gonna read this though...><

BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FMA!!! PLEASE READ IT!

By the way, the anime is really good too! The first 51 episodes has its own story, which is really interesting. The OVA is awesome too! Brotherhood goes more according to the manga, but I think the anime is worth watching.

... Last updated on May 10th, 2010, 7:32pm

I originally came across FMA by seeing the english dubbed version of the first anime on tv years ago. I loved it from the very first episode. After the anime was done, I picked up the manga hearing it was a little different. EPIC. I could elaborate, but I won't. You don't wanna miss out on an great manga? Read it.

I agree with the person below me in regards to the morality and society themes. It's a shounen manga, but it has very mature tones and ideas. This is the kind of story and characters that spark ideas in new stories from generations to come. It's truly one of the best stories of all time.

Have been following this from the start; FMA is like a diamond. One that took some time before one can see its beauty. I recall being turned off by her art as well as pacing initially but as it went along, it grew on me.

The squarish and stoic looks of the characters that DONT look like one another gives them an identity; instead of just being "different in hair" like most manga. There is a solidness in her art that gives it a much needed 'realism' in her tale filled with fantasy.

The unique personalities and their driving forces are points that hooked me onto the series. Arakawa looks at them and their actions carefully, there is a calculated angle seen from the way the story is going. Yet it flows along gracefully, each action and move a pivot to another. It is a tale filled with cause and effect, one that keeps us on our toes as we question and await the answer.

The boys learn from their doings and move on. They fight and they fail. They lose people and they lose things. But they still move on. FMA is a story filled with lessons and beautiful snippets. She weaves a beautiful tale where we are reminded time and again that there is only so much one can achieve, yet at the same time, there really is a lot one can achieve.



FMA is surprisingly philosophical and raises interesting issues on morality and society. This is something i have not seen in a shounen manga in a long while; usually those that try come across as pretentious. FMA speaks with a truth and a boldness that itself embodies.

I am a jealous fan, a jealous reader. I used to praise and persuade people to read FMA, but now, i rarely do. Not because i stopped loving the series. But rather because i dont feel like sharing. Many newer readers dont understand the issues raised and instead look at it as an unique action packed series with tears and laughter. It pains me that this story is diluted to such by them. Hence, i urge all of you who believe that there is really something more to read deeper into the tale if you have never done so before and see what FMA really is all about.

I LOVE this manga. I absolutely LOVEEEEEEE it. <3

It's funny, heart-warming, funny, deep, funny, great art, dramatic, FUNNY

Did I mention FUNNY?!

I think Edward is well-liked because, he's a potty-mouth, with great perspective on life, with more than his share of dramatic scenes.
TOTALLY recommended.

Fullmetal alchemist is like getting an egg from your local bazaar and waiting excitedly for that egg to hatch into that cute fluffy hairball but then, before it matures and starts painting your floor with carpet bombs of poop, it becomes the reincarnation of Buddha. Fullmetal Alchemist is like that. What the brothers strive for makes a great and original plot. Combining original plot with a creative sense of humor that does not rely on the same overused concepts (slapstick, pervy main char . . .) and placed at the right moments, this manga is quite the gem. The mastery of the manga is its ability to amalgamate (combine) light hearted humor with serious dispositions of tragedy without spoiling the overall mood. In other words, this manga will make you laugh, it will make you cry (only if you're really sentimental), and it will do both without interfering with one another.

What I love about Fullmetal alchemist is its reality in social relationships. This isn't a story only about kids. It brings adults into the picture they are likable, real, and part of the story. It is unlike other works that portrays adults as comical side characters (the silly homeroom teacher or horrible parents).This manga is is on par with books in its ability to fabricate a believable alternative reality. Although it's an adventure about two teenagers, I believe that with its realism and inclusion of adults, the audience extends beyond teenagers and towards adults who are fine with have young adult as one of the main characters and are seeking a captivating adventure.
[this next part is a commentary on her art. If not interested in her art then don't read.]


This is my favorite manga and is on the same level as a book. It's tied with Historie. I give this a 5 out of 5.
--wufu aka kwally

This is my favorite manga ever!!!! It's just sooo creative. The drama, the tradgedy, the comedy, the awesome action scenes, and the hidden romance. It's just the best ever. I wish this manga doesn't ever end. I mean, lately it seems to be nearing the climax. Does that mean it's going to end soon I hope not!!! I want another 15 volumes if possible!!

*edit*

I just read the last chapter!!!! Aaaaaaahhhhh my Number one favorite manga is finally over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Noooooooooooooo I want more fullmetal alchemist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

... Last updated on June 10th, 2010, 6:19pm

I loved this series at first (probably up to the part around where Sloth is introduced), but the initial and primary objective, getting their bodies back, became a secondary objective.



I enjoyed the tragedies and philosophies expressed in this series and, most definitely, the earlier storyline of this series.

... Last updated on July 28th, 2009, 8:01pm

Ive been reading this series for about 2 years now and it always gets better and better. The chapters are just long enough for me not to get antsy about waiting another month to read a new one.

It seems like the story is getting close to the end with the latest chapter(Ch. 97).



... Last updated on July 10th, 2009, 5:02pm