Fullmetal Alchemist

Overview

Fullmetal Alchemist Vol 1 JPN (Jan 2002)

Fullmetal Alchemist is dramatic action series manga created by artist and writer, Hiromu Arakawa, The first chapter was published in Monthly Shonen Gangan on August 2001. It tells the story of the Elric brothers, on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone and find a way to gain back the bodies they lost by breaking alchemy's greatest taboo. Along the way they encounter many hardships and trials, and learn more about themselves than they ever wished.

Publishers:

• Square Enix (Japan)
• VIZ Media (North America)
• Kurokawa (France)
• Norma Editorial (Spain)
• Panini Comics (Italy)
• Planet Manga (Germany)
• Japonica Polonica Fantastica (Poland)
• Editora JBC (Brazil)
• Chuang Yi (Singapore)
• JBC (Portugal)
• Bonnier Carlsen (Sweden)
• Haksan (South Korea)

Publication History

In Japan, Fullmetal Alchemist was first published in Square Enix's Monthly Shonen Gangan in August 2001. The first volume was released on January 22, 2002, with the 28th, final volume being released on November 22, 2010. Several volumes have also been released in two "Extra Volume" series, and Square Enix also released a new tankobon called Fullmetal Alchemist: The First Attack, which compiled the first nine manga chapters and several side stories. A one-shot side story was also released in Shonen Gangan on September 28, 2010. Several guidebooks have also been released for the series.

In North America, Fullmetal Alchemist is published by VIZ Media, with the first volume being released on May 3, 2005. Currently, they have released 24 volumes in English, with the 24th being released on January 28, 2011. However, Viz Media has only licensed the first guidebook, Fullmetal Alchemist Profiles.

Alterations

Fullmetal Alchemist - Greed scene Japan to US comparisons

The English text has kept the original text relatively intact, barring some confusion between " Xerxes" and "Celkcess" in terms of the name of the ancient country, some slight confusion as to whether the people of Ishval were "Ishbalan" or "Ishvalan", and some censorship of some of the harsh language. However, there were 12 panels in Volume 8 depicting Greed affixed to a crucifix shaped stone, which were edited into a larger, more roundedstone so as to avoid offending more religious readers.

Characters

Edward Elric

The Fullmetal Alchemist. He travels alongside his brother Alphonse in search of the Philosopher's Stone. He possesses an automail arm and leg. Ed is good-natured and kind, although he can be serious if he wishes to be. However, he can be VERY touchy about his height.

Alphonse Elric

Ed's little brother, he is basically a soul trapped in a suit of armor. He joined Ed in his adventures to find the Philosopher's Stone. Al is good-natured and very kind, but if provoked he can be far more dangerous than his brother.

Colonel Roy Mustang

The Flame Alchemist. He makes use of gloves treated with a special chemical so that they can ignite flames. Mustang fought during the Ishvalan War, and now works as the immediate superior of Edward Elric and several members of the army.

Story Arcs

Adventures in the East (Volumes 1-4)

Journey to the South (Volumes 5-8)

Stranger from Xing and the Return to Central (Volumes 8-10)

Returning Father and the Nameless Grave (Volume 11)

Hunting Immortals (Volumes 11-13)

The Belly of The Beast (Volumes 13-14)

The War on Ishbal (Volume 15)

The Northern Wall of Briggs (Volumes 16-20)

The Promised Day (Volumes 21-26)

The Final Fight and New Beginnings (Volume 27)