Fullmetal Alchemist

I started reading this manga because I tried watching the anime twice but couldn't get into it. Knowing it's highly rated, I decided to give the manga a chance and found it much better suited for this kind of story. Here's my review:

Story: The plot is really engaging. However, I didn't rate it higher than an 8 because there are too many characters, and I often had to go back to recall who they were talking about.

Characters: Many people praise the characters, but I found them to be somewhat predictable in terms of personality. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it made the story's plot even more impressive.

Enjoyment: The pacing of this story is fantastic. By the end of every chapter, I was eager to read more. I ended up staying up way too late, continuously reading just to see what happens next.

Overall, I enjoyed this manga. It's good, and I do recommend it. With its great plot and ability to keep you hooked, it's definitely worth checking out.

Normally, I don’t write reviews. But after finishing the last chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA), I felt compelled to share my thoughts. While it may not be perfect for everyone, I hope this review helps you decide to give it a read, as FMA is the best series I’ve ever encountered.

Story: At first glance, the synopsis doesn’t seem particularly unique. However, what sets FMA apart is its intricate plotting. The narrative is profoundly deep, with every detail contributing to the overall story. Characters are never forgotten; they frequently reappear, and everything is meticulously explained. The plot constantly surprises, leaving you in awe as Hiromu Arakawa reveals new layers you hadn’t anticipated. The story is both captivating and profound, earning a solid 10 from me.

Characters: Each character in FMA is lovable in their own way, including the villains. They all have strengths and weaknesses, making them well-rounded and relatable. Even antagonists have redeeming qualities, while protagonists have flaws. Some characters will frustrate you, others will make you laugh, but all of them feel real and purposeful. Watching them grow, learn from their mistakes, and persist through adversity makes you deeply invested. You’ll worry about them, celebrate their victories, and mourn their losses. This emotional connection earns the characters a perfect 10.

Art: The artwork in FMA isn’t flashy or overly detailed, but that simplicity enhances the magic of the series. It wouldn’t suit the tone if it were as exaggerated as One Piece or as dark as Claymore or Death Note. Arakawa’s style is ideal for FMA, especially her skill with expressions and humor, such as depicting Edward Elric in chibi form. While some drawings may appear slightly sloppy at times, it’s hardly noticeable and doesn’t detract from the story. The art fits seamlessly with the narrative, earning a 9. If not for those minor imperfections, it would have scored a 10.

Enjoyment: No other series has captivated me more than FMA. It starts strong and continues to improve, reaching its peak in the final chapters before concluding beautifully, showing where everyone ends up two years later. The emotional range is incredible—laughing at Ed’s antics, crying over beloved characters’ fates, marveling at discoveries, worrying about hospital stays, and feeling anger towards villains. Every moment kept me hooked, making the wait for each new chapter excruciatingly delightful. FMA maintained my interest better than any other series, deserving a perfect 10.

Overall, FMA was flawless in my eyes. Arakawa knew exactly when to end the series, and it deserves higher than a 10, but since I can’t give it more, I’ll settle for a 10.

In the vast and plentiful production of Shonen series, many seem to go on endlessly, filled with clichés and tropes. Fullmetal Alchemist stands out from the rest. There are no pointless power-ups, repetitive battles where the hero loses, comes back, and repeats the cycle over and over again.

The series is deeply story-driven and character-focused. Every character plays a significant role in the grand scheme of things. Each conversation holds value and contributes to the plot's progression and character development. It is a powerful tale of sacrifice, love, friendship, family, and realizing one's potential.

I cannot recommend this series enough. Whether you are new to manga/anime or someone who has yet to explore the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, it is an absolute must.

Fullmetal Alchemist – Spoiler-Free – Highly Recommended

TLDR
Story – 10/10
Art – 9/10
Characters – 10/10
Enjoyment – 10/10
Total – 10/10

Story – 10/10
The story of Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA) is nearly flawless. Although it begins at a slower pace, it never becomes boring or filled with unnecessary content. As the series progresses, particularly from the middle volumes onward, it becomes increasingly epic and maintains this momentum until the end. The final volumes are some of the best storytelling ever created. The ending is perfect and highly satisfying, making FMA a well-crafted narrative full of intricate details that reveal themselves to those who pay close attention. It avoids common pitfalls like lack of believability and features incredible plot twists. I can't recommend it enough.

Art – 9/10
FMA's art is exceptional. It’s not only humorous but also excels in action scenes, making it a very enjoyable read. The character designs are distinctive and memorable. The detailed artwork, especially in character portrayals and settings, makes FMA visually appealing and functional. While there aren’t many awe-inspiring panels, the overall art style is both beautiful and effective.

Characters – 10/10
The characters in FMA are unforgettable and brilliantly crafted. They are humorous, well-developed, and have fantastic interactions. Characters like Mustang, the Armstrong brothers, and Scar have become some of my all-time favorites. Each character, whether major or minor, stands out in their own unique way. The main characters are excellent, but the supporting cast is equally compelling, ensuring no single character dominates the spotlight.

Enjoyment – 10/10
FMA is an outstanding manga. It has everything: humor, an engaging story, remarkable characters, and a great ending. It sets a high standard for how a manga should be done. While the initial chapters may not grip you as much as the later ones, the middle and final sections are exceptional. FMA will always remain one of my favorite mangas, and for good reason. If you enjoy manga, do yourself a favor and read FMA; it won’t disappoint you.

This is just a quick brief review... Please excuse my spelling; I seem to be illiterate at the moment...

FMA (Fullmetal Alchemist) is about the story of two brothers who lost their mother. They practiced alchemy, which is a science that creates matter from pre-existing matter. To make gold, for example, you need something of equal value and the correct components (chemical structure). They used alchemy to try to bring their mother back to life. Bringing back the dead was considered taboo in alchemy, and they paid a heavy price. The younger brother lost his body and had to transfer his soul into a suit of armor to continue living. The older brother lost an arm and a leg and had them replaced with metal prosthetics. Now, they are on a quest to regain their original bodies and continue their lives.

BUT AFTER YOU FINISH THE MANGA, MAKE SURE TO READ "FMA: CONQUEROR OF SHAMBALLA" AND WATCH ALL THE OVAs AND OTHER MATERIALS.

The information I wrote above is important because there are things explained in the movies and OVAs that aren't covered in the regular manga =)

All aspects of this manga were amazing—the art, the characters, and the storyline were all top-notch. However, the storyline might be hard to understand at first due to all the complexities, but you'll get it soon enough.

As a warning, you might cry, and if you don't like gory stuff, there is some of that, but not too much. The beginning was a bit gory, but it's not overwhelming, so don't worry =)

HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AND FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL =)

I remember when I had only four chapters left of this manga, I almost cried at the thought that it was the one I enjoyed the most, which means I may never come across something this awesome ever again. I absolutely don't regret reading it and wish I could go back in time to experience it for the first time.

Art:
I used to draw manga characters just for fun, without even watching or reading the series they belonged to, but the Fullmetal Alchemist manga made me think seriously about taking my drawing to the next level. Arakawa Sensei's drawing style is outstanding, though there were a few scenes I found a bit absurd. I reproduced many scenes from the manga, which helped me practice a lot.

Story:
Apart from the mother's tragedy, which is common in many mangas and becoming somewhat cliché, the story is great. I believe the reason Fullmetal Alchemist is so popular is that it spans many genres, making it enjoyable no matter your age or preferred genre. The conspiracy is well-executed, and the romance adds a subtle touch, like faint colors in the background of a painting. It’s not essential to the story, but without it, the manga would be a bit dull. Unlike some other works, the romance here is not useless; it adds depth. You can learn something from it, not just be entertained. Also, those jokes at the end of every volume are too precious to miss.

Overall, I recommend this manga to everyone who hasn’t read it (I think it’s better than the anime), especially beginners.

One of my all-time favorite works of fiction. I adore the characters and their interactions, whether they are comedic or dramatic. Edward and Alphonse are excellently written protagonists that had me rooting for them throughout their journey. They are very likable, and other standout characters include Scar, who evokes sympathy despite his misguided actions, and Pride, who revels in his evilness and is genuinely creepy.

The story is well-paced, giving scenes enough room to breathe, allowing for significant character growth. The action sequences are also well-executed, featuring some cool fight scenes that will satisfy Shonen manga fans. What always intrigued me were the world and themes explored in this series: Genocide, governmental power, and moral questions related to science. These themes kept me engaged and were delved into with considerable depth.

To wrap up, here are my overall thoughts: It's a brilliant story with fantastic manga elements, filled with memorable characters, well-drawn combat scenes, funny moments, sad moments, and scenes that get your blood pumping. The exploration of themes that relate to our own world adds an impactful layer to the narrative. This is a brilliant work that I couldn't recommend more highly, regardless of whether you're a big fan of Shonen or not. I believe most people would thoroughly enjoy this piece.

I am a huge fan of FullMetal Alchemist and enjoyed reading this. I only wish other characters like Roy could have been included as well. I rated "8 for character" because there could have been at least a few afterwords on everyone else's lives. I gave "9 for overall" because, while it focuses on Ed, Al, and Winry's life after the end of the manga, I felt the other characters could have had a few mentions. But since it's mainly about Ed, Al, and Winry's life post-manga, I'll accept it. Overall, it's a heartwarming conclusion full of love. Long live FMA!

This is my first review (sorry for my bad English)

When I started reading the manga (which was about four months ago), the story immediately hooked me. I sat and read for two weeks straight until I finished 101 chapters. Now, every month, I eagerly await the new chapter.

The events are incredible, with a new chapter released only once a month, leaving fans wondering, "What will happen next?" The plot is simply stunning and becomes more interesting with each chapter. This manga will end soon, but probably for the better—I don't want FMA to turn into a 400-chapter shounen series.

The drawing style is very simple, so you won't strain your eyes trying to make out strange details. Everything is pretty understandable.

I think this is one of the best shounen ever. ^_______^