Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium OVA Collection

Alchemy

Alchemy is the science of understanding, decomposing, and reconstructing matter into new forms.

Its fundamental rule is Equivalent Exchange, meaning a practitioner cannot create something from nothing and must provide materials of equal mass and properties.

Transformations are initiated using Transmutation Circles, which are arcane diagrams that channel energy.

Alchemic energy is drawn from the movements of the earth's crust, though this process is secretly restricted by a malevolent entity who has influenced the science’s development in the nation of Amestris.

The Philosopher's Stone

A legendary amplification device that bypasses the law of Equivalent Exchange, allowing its user to perform alchemy without a transmutation circle or equivalent cost.

The stone's true nature is a dense, red energy mass condensed from multiple human souls.

It can be depleted with use, contrary to myth, and is a central driving force for both the heroes and villains.

Homunculi

Homunculi are a group of seven artificial humans created by the series' main antagonist, referred to as "Father."

Each is named after one of the seven deadly sins: Pride, Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Greed, Sloth, and Wrath.

They possess a Philosopher's Stone as their core, giving them superhuman abilities and regenerative immortality, and they serve as Father's agents in his centuries-long plan.

Human Transmutation

A forbidden alchemical practice that involves attempting to resurrect the dead or create a human.

It is doomed to fail, as a deceased soul cannot be retrieved, and the reaction always results in a rebound.

This rebound sends the practitioner to a metaphysical realm called The Gate of Truth, where they are forced to see vast knowledge and pay a "toll" in the form of their own body parts.

Automail

A term for advanced mechanical prosthetics in the *Fullmetal Alchemist* world.

Automail limbs are surgically attached through a painful procedure that connects the mechanism directly to the nervous system, allowing for natural movement.

Popular in the industrial town of Rush Valley, automail can be customized for combat, featuring built-in weaponry like firearms and blades.

The story begins in Resembool, where young prodigy Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse commit the ultimate taboo in alchemy: human transmutation, to bring their dead mother back to life.

The attempt fails, pulling them into the Gate of Truth. Ed loses his left leg, while Al loses his entire body.

In a desperate trade, Ed sacrifices his right arm to bind Al's soul to a suit of steel armor.

Now fitted with automail limbs, Ed becomes a State Alchemist for the Amestrian military to gain access to research materials.

He is given the title "Fullmetal Alchemist" and, alongside his armored brother Al, sets out on a search for the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical object they believe can restore their original forms.

Their journey soon reveals that the Stone is created from human lives, forcing them to swear never to use one.

Their quest leads them to discover a millennia-spanning conspiracy orchestrated by Father, the creator of the Homunculi.

Father has secretly engineered the entire country of Amestris as a massive, nationwide Transmutation Circle designed to sacrifice its 50 million citizens during a solar eclipse known as "The Promised Day."

His goal is to absorb the resulting energy and God to open the planet's Gate of Truth, stealing the power of God for himself.

Joined by allies including Colonel Roy Mustang, the "Flame Alchemist," the mysterious Scar, and their estranged father Van Hohenheim, the Elrics fight to stop Father's plan.

On the Promised Day, a counter-plan devised by Hohenheim and Scar's brother reverses the transmutation, returning the nation's souls to their bodies.

In a final confrontation, Ed defeats Father after Al sacrifices his own soul to restore Ed's right arm.

Ed ultimately gives up his own "Gate of Truth"—his ability to use alchemy—to bring Al back fully, body and soul.

With the conspiracy foiled, the brothers return to Resembool before embarking on new journeys to explore alchemy and alkahestry from the East and West, seeking to give back what they have learned for the good of others.

The Elric Brothers

Edward Elric: The youngest State Alchemist in history, with the title "Fullmetal."

Despite his genius-level intellect and skill, he is sensitive about his short stature.

He lost his left leg in a failed human transmutation and his right arm to save his brother, both of which are now replaced with advanced automail.

Alphonse Elric: Ed's younger brother, whose soul is bonded to a towering, hollow suit of armor.

Gentle and empathetic, Al is physically formidable in battle despite his inability to feel touch, taste, or sleep.

He often serves as the emotional anchor for his more impulsive brother.

Military Allies

Roy Mustang: The "Flame Alchemist," an ambitious state alchemist whose ignition-cloth gloves allow him to precisely control fire.

A colonel with a hidden agenda, he seeks to become Führer and holds a deep loyalty to his subordinates, vowing to avenge the death of his best friend, Maes Hughes.

Riza Hawkeye: Mustang’s trusted adjutant and bodyguard, an expert sniper with unwavering loyalty.

She acts as his moral compass and protector and is a formidable soldier in her own right.

Winry Rockbell: The Elric brothers’ childhood friend and a brilliant automail mechanic from Resembool.

She is fiercely dedicated to her craft and acts as their source of mechanical and emotional support.

Antagonists

Scar: A vengeful Ishvalan warrior monk who carries a transmutation array on his right arm that allows him to deconstruct anything it touches.

He initially hunts State Alchemists for their role in the genocide of his people, but his motivations evolve as he uncovers the truth behind the war.

King Bradley / Wrath: The Führer of Amestris, who is secretly the Homunculus Wrath.

A master swordsman with superhuman agility and a powerful "Ultimate Eye" that lets him perceive everything, he serves as a terrifying and direct adversary to the protagonists.

Father: The original Homunculus and the mastermind behind the entire narrative.

Born in a flask in the ancient kingdom of Xerxes, he desires nothing less than to become a perfect being, free from emotion and limitation, by absorbing the power of God.

Anime Series

Two distinct television anime adaptations were produced by Bones studio.

The first, *Fullmetal Alchemist* (2003), aired for 51 episodes.

As it was produced while the manga was still ongoing, its second half diverges significantly, creating an original storyline and ending.

The second series, *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood* (2009), ran for 64 episodes.

This adaptation follows the original manga story faithfully through to its conclusion.

Animated Films

The 2003 series concluded with a sequel film, *Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa* (2005).

A second film, *Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos* (2011), takes place during the timeline of the *Brotherhood* series and tells an original side-story.

Live-Action Films

A Japanese live-action film adaptation was released in December 2017.

A two-part sequel, concluding the story with *Final Chapter – The Avenger Scar* and *Final Chapter – The Last Transmutation*, was released in 2022.

The *Fullmetal Alchemist* manga and its adaptations have received numerous awards, marking it as a critical and commercial success.

These honors include:

2004: Winner of the 49th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōnen category.

A recommendation by the jury at the 8th Japan Media Arts Festival.

2011: Winner of the 15th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize "New Artist Prize."

Winner of the 42nd Seiun Award for Best Comic.

In the 2006 "Japan Media Arts 100" poll, it was voted the number one manga of the 2000s and the fourth greatest manga of all time.