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Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. It follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric in a fictional world where alchemy is a major scientific practice, as they search for the Philosopher's Stone after a failed attempt to restore their mother to life. The series is widely available in Canada through English-language releases and has a substantial Canadian fanbase.

Premise

The story begins after the Elric brothers attempt forbidden alchemy to bring their mother back to life, resulting in severe physical losses. Their journey focuses on recovering what they lost while uncovering broader political and scientific conspiracies.

Publication history

Fullmetal Alchemist was serialized in Square Enix's Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 2001 to 2010. The chapters were later collected into 27 tankōbon volumes.

Setting and themes

The series takes place in a fictional nation and surrounding world inspired by the European Industrial Revolution. Its plot combines alchemy, state power, military conflict, and ethical questions about equivalent exchange.

Adaptations

The manga was adapted into anime television series, including a 2003 adaptation and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which more closely follows the manga. The franchise also includes films and other related media.

Key facts

  • The series was created by Hiromu Arakawa and serialized in Monthly Shōnen Gangan.
  • It centers on Edward and Alphonse Elric and their search for the Philosopher's Stone.
  • The story is set in a steampunk-like world where alchemy is widely practiced.
  • The manga ran from 2001 to 2010 and was collected into 27 volumes.
  • The franchise was adapted into anime television series and films.
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Canadian context

Fullmetal Alchemist is widely available in Canada through English-language manga and anime releases and has a substantial Canadian fanbase, but it has no specific Canada-only origin or setting.

Frequently asked questions

What is Fullmetal Alchemist?
It is a Japanese manga series by Hiromu Arakawa about two brothers who use alchemy while searching for the Philosopher's Stone.
Who created Fullmetal Alchemist?
The series was written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa.
When was the manga serialized?
It ran in Monthly Shōnen Gangan from July 2001 to June 2010.
How many volumes does the manga have?
The manga was collected into 27 tankōbon volumes.
What is it about?
It follows Edward and Alphonse Elric after a failed alchemical attempt leaves them searching for a way to restore their bodies.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fullmetal_Alchemist
    Supports: Core facts about authorship, serialization dates, volume count, plot premise, and setting.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fullmetal_Alchemist_(TV_series)
    Supports: Anime adaptation details including the 2003 television series.
  3. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction — https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/fullmetal_alchemist
    Supports: Setting, tone, and adaptation details for the 2003 anime series.