"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" REVIEW

"Alchemy: the science of deconstructing and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all powerful art. For everything that is taken, something of equal value must be given. This is the law of equivalent exchange."

When Edward and Alphonse Elric were young, they discovered through their father's books the science of alchemy and learned the ability to deconstruct things to an atomic level and rearranging the atoms to create something else instead. Basically, with alchemy, you can transmute (change) a plastic cup into a plastic bowl. However, there is the law of equivalent exchange. After Ed and Al's mother passed away, the brothers committed the ultimate taboo in alchemy: human transmutation. The result of trying to bring their mother back ended in failure, with Edward losing his right arm and left leg and Alphonse losing his entire body. If it weren't for Ed's alchemical ability to transmute Al's soul to a body of armor, Al would've been as good as dead.

Four years later, with Ed equipped with a mechanical arm and leg and Al still trapped with the suit of armor, Ed joins the military to become State Alchemist to find a way to get their original bodies back. Only one item can do such miracles to enhance their alchemy: the philosopher's stone. Perhaps they may learn the secret of human transmutation as well, but what could equal the value of a human soul?

This is the second anime I've sat and watched (The first being "Fairy Tail"), but the only one I've seen from beginning to end. I quickly fell in love with the characters and wanted to indulge myself even deeper into the show's concept. The writing doesn't lose its stride, never strays from the main plot with a single filler episode, and leaves us with a fulfilling ending after 64 episodes.

"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is not just my favorite anime, but one of my favorite shows, period. It is a must-see for those who like anime, story-driven series, great characters, or a great story of good vs. evil.

5/5 Stars

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