Anime Hajime Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (300th Review Special Part 2 of 2)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Alchemy has the power to transform anything. Depending on the skill of the alchemist, nothing is impossible. Yet there are things humans should leave in the hands of Gods. For to see the Truth, there’s no telling what one must sacrifice.

Believing they could achieve the unthinkable, two brothers attempt to resurrect their mother. Though gifted in alchemy, Edward and Alphonse Elric (voiced by Romi Park and Rie Kugimiya) underestimated the gravity of what they were trying to do.

Their transmutation goes wrong. In the process, Edward loses his left leg. While Alphonse loses his entire body. To rescue his brother at the cost of his right arm, Edward transfers Alphonse’s soul into an empty suit of armor. From that fateful day, the weight of their sin has haunted the boys. Despite that, they are determined to restore their bodies.

They learn of an artifact that can ignore the fundamental principles of alchemy; the elusive Philosopher’s Stone. Yet to obtain such an item, the brothers need access to a limitless supply of knowledge and resources. A privilege that is only given to the controversial State Alchemists.

Anime Hajime Review: Fullmetal Alchemist (300th Review Special Part 1 of 2)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

To obtain something, one must be willing to give up something of equal worth. This equivalent exchange is the fundamental principle of alchemy. A skilled alchemist can perform feats of miraculous proportions. Yet there are some things where the costs are unimaginable. A reality that becomes all too apparent for brothers, Edward “Ed” (voiced by Romi Park) and Alphonse “Al” (voiced by Rie Kugimiya) Elric.

After losing their mother, the boys decide to perform alchemy’s most forbidden technique. They try to bring their mom back from the dead. However, this act is forbidden for a reason.

The brothers fail in their attempt. In the process, Ed loses his left leg and his right arm. Al loses his entire body. Ed manages to tether his brother’s soul to an empty suit of armor, thus saving his life. Burdened with sin, the two dedicate themselves to restoring their bodies.

Their task appears insurmountable. That is until they learn of an object with the power to circumvent equivalent exchange; the Philosopher’s Stone. Yet, the stone’s mere existence is debatable. Information regarding it is scarce. Few even have access to what clues there are. That is with the exception of a select group; the State Alchemist.