Fullmetal Alchemist

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist

Author/Artist: Hiromu Arakawa

"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange."

Alchemy is a complex system of science that includes changing matter from one thing into something else of equal value, and only certain skilled people are able to master it. These people are called Alchemists. Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric mastered Alchemy at a young age, and thinking they were performing equivalent exchange, tried to bring their dead mother back to life through Human Transmutation, the one thing that is totally forbidden to Alchemists. The result was a terrible failure, and the boys paid the price. Alphonse's entire body disappeared, and Edward lost his left leg. Thinking quickly, Edward managed to seal his brother's soul into a suit of armor in the room where they had performed their treachery, but had to give up his right arm in return. Fast forward some years, and Edward is now one of the youngest and most highly esteemed State Alchemists. Because of his automail arm and leg he is known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. Even though Edward works for the government, he and his brother are given lots of leeway, which they use to gather information about Alchemy's largest legend, the Philosopher's Stone. Ed and Al believe that the stone will allow them to break the rules of equivalent exchange so that they can get back their complete bodies. However, the Philosopher's Stone is considered to be a myth. and even if it isn't, its secrets are well guarded and possibly deadly.

I picked this manga up because it had an interesting concept.

I finished the whole series because it was amazing! No character is insignificant (an amazing feat considering how many there are) and the plot is enthralling as well as brilliant.

I'd give this book to any anime fan! It has a little something for everyone.

Rating: ***** It was amazing!