"To gain something, there must be a sacrifice. This is the principle of equivalent trade. When we were younger, we beliieved that this was the truth of the world." Full Metal Alchemist is the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. As children, they barely knew their father, and grew up in the rural country area of Resembool with their mother. Throughout their happy and peaceful childhood, the two boys had a keen interest in the strange and controversial art of alchemy, which their father had practiced. Using the books and records left behind by their father, the two increased their skill, although Ed, as the slightly older of the two, was more adept at it. Edward and Alphonse were often encouraged and praised by their mother, Trisha Elric. The three of them were content as a small family. However, when Trisha dies from a disease that she never told her sons about, the two young boys, still small children, are left alone. The series starts off with Ed and Al drawing an Alchemy Circle, which is how alchemy is practiced. Their intention is to bring their mother back to life, although one of the most stressed laws of alchemy is that human transmutation is not enouraged. But something in the transmutation goes wrong. Because equalivalent trade is a law of alchemy, as compensation, Al's life is taken away, and Ed finds himself standing at a gate. Bargaining with some unknown force, Ed literally loses a limb. Now back at the alchemy circle, Ed uses his blood to seal his brother's spirit to a suit of armor. When they look back at the Alchemy Circle, they find a hideous creature, the result of human transmutation, that isn't anything like their mother. In fear, they leave it behind. Alphonse is now an empty suit of armor with a soul, while Ed lacks one arm and one leg. Their neighbors and close friends, the rockbells, are automal technitions. Automail is a type of robotic limb. While Ed is having his automail construcyed, he recieves an offer from a military official to become a State Alchemist. Although Ed is well aware that this will make him a "dog of the military", he wants to earn the title to gain access to state libraries to research alchemy, and perhaps find out more about the legend of THe Philosophers Stone, which they believe is the key to regaining their old bodies and bringing back their mother. After burning their old house, Edward and Alphonse leave Resembool to become state alchemists and start a new life. I give the storyline a 10 because the concepts and plot elements are so original and intriguing. Of course, this is expected from a Square-Enix project. The story extends far beyond my introduction, the emotions and amazing storyline is worth pages of commentary. But keeping this spoiler free, I strongly recommend this for its originality and amazing structure.

I give the characters a 10 as well, due to their distinct personalities and characteristics, relevance to the story, and of course, humour. Ed Elric, as the main character or hero, is hardly what one would expect. While he has the determination and good values that are true for all "heroes", many of his characteristics make him more realistic, believable, and likeable. Any comment about his height (Or lack of it =P) will set him screaming, threatening and accusing, bringing a humourous side to the story. His hatred for his boss makes him someone that everyone can relate to. On the other hand, he cares very much for the people close to him, although one height comment or offer of a cup of milk can set him off again. Definitely an interesting personality. Alphonse Elric, Ed's younger brother, is the calmer of the two. While he is often upset that he has no real body, he loves his older brother and protects him. Of course, he is often mistaken for the older of the two, with the height conflict and all... Winry Rockbell is a close friend of the two boys, from their old home at Resembool. Her skill as an automail mechanic make her actually a useful character, as well as a funny one. Colonel Mustang is Edward's boss for his job as a State Alchemist of the military. Also known as the "Flame Alchemist", his temper and arrogance rank him pretty high on Ed's hate-list. Under the solemn exterior is something of a cloest pervert, who at one point humourously confesses that his goal is to become furher of the miliatary so he can issue a decree for all female personnel to wear miniskirts. The Seven Deadly Sins, whose roles become more important later in the series, are all interesting personalities of their own. Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Pride, Greed, Wrath and Sloth, each with personaities to match their names, go beyond typical enemies and run deeply into the plot. There are many more characters, but I'd prefer to keep this spoiler-free.

The music of the opening and endings themes can probably be judged based on opinion. With edgier, faster tunes in the openings, and soft ballads for the endings, it should float well for most. The music in the actual episodes fits well and adds emotion and drama to the scenes. Again, nothing less than expected from Square-Enix.

The fight scenes and critical moments are beautifully animated, the gorgeous work of my favorite company (Must I really specify again?) At times of emotion and humour, there are always the more manga-style types of animation. This really isn't my forte, so I'll just move on and stop trying to sound like an expert.

There is also a game out; Full Metal Alchemist and the Angel with Broken Wings, or something along those lines. I finished it in about 15 hours. The animation is so-so, the anime cutscenes are great, the plotline is alright. I prefer the series to the game, but each to their own. For any anime-lover, or even someone new to the anime scene, I highly recommend Full Metal Alchemist. There are 51 episodes in total, and at this point the movie continuing from the ending has yet to be released. However, for the average person around work and social activites, this can probably be completed in about a week. It took me slightly less than that, but myeh... Although this is full opinion, I do not recommend the english dubs. I never do. Most characters sound extremely stupid, Al sounds like a muppet, and it's not translated very well. The Japanese voices with English subtitles are much better.

Great anime!

My favorite anime at the moment, I strongly recommend it. The character development is the best there is and the art/animation is superb. All epsisodes move the plot along, there are basically no filler episodes to waste your time on. The plot is different and unique, the show is both emotional and humorous and sometimes you don't know weather to laugh or cry. Really, it's a anime way above many,

Awesome anime. But the manga is way better. If they could have waited for more of the manga to be completed, we could have had 70+ episodes of FMA. Still loved the anime. Manga and anime diverges, if you haven't noticed check it out.

FMA is one of those anime that can be said to be pretty much perfect. The characters are very nicely drawn and the story line is amazingly well written. The music is excellent overall and they suit FMA well. 10/10 in every category. A true MASTERPIECE!

FMA is possibly one of the few animes that is interesting in every episode. It is never boring in any episode. Excellent character designs, music and story that illustrates FMA as one of the best anime ever created. No matter how many times I watch it, it still stays fresh and attractive. FMA should be seen by anyone who haven't seen it.