5/13/2005

This eclectic anime has been steadily rising in popularity since its appearance in 2003. Animated by Studio BONES and based on the popular manga by Hiromu Arakawa, Hagaren, as it is known as by fans (short for Hagane no Renkinjutsushi, the untranslated name) follows the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young alchemists who break the most severe rule placed upon them when they try to resurrect their deceased mother. Edward loses an arm and a leg, which are replaced by metal prosthetics, and Alphonse’s entire body is lost. The plot involves their search for the Philosopher’s Stone, which is said to have great power in the hands of an alchemist, in order to restore them to their original forms. In order to gain access to Stone resources, Edward joins the Amestris Military as the youngest State Alchemist in history, and experiences firsthand the corruption of the world.

Hagaren was almost as explosive as Naruto in 2004, and the fandom had spread all over the world before the show was ever aired anywhere but Japan. It has recently begun airing in North America as part of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim run, and a movie (Fullmetal Alchemist and the Conqueror of Shambala) is planned for theatrical release in Japan this summer.

Official Sites:
Japanese
English

Fansites:
Fullmetal-Alchemist.com
FMA LiveJournal Community