Story 5/5

As far as stories go, Fullmetal Alchemist provides one of the most heartfelt, engaging, and overall epic stories ever to be set in anime. After their mother’s death, Edward and Alphonse Elric, two aspiring young alchemists, set out to perform the ultimate sin. The Human Transmutation, the art of raising the dead, is decided by both of them. During the ritual, the brothers’ payment is met: Ed loses his left leg, Al his entire body. As a result, a grotesque creature is born. In an effort to save his brother’s soul, Ed sacrifices his right arm to seal his brother’s soul to a suit of armor. Years later, Ed is a State Alchemist and a soldier in the military, and together, the two brothers look for the fabled Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact which could possibly regain the lost body parts. Along the way, the brothers meet up with a vengeful religious man named Scar, and some questionable creatures called Homunculi. The journey is filled with incredible symbolism and storyline. Fullmetal Alchemist successfully demonstrates the limits of mortality while also showing a powerful bond between the brothers. The storyline is expanded upon with an excellent cast of diverse characters, from the Flame Alchemist Roy Mustang to Ed and Al’s cheerful neighborhood mechanic Winry Rockbell. The story is one of the deepest and most powerful storylines around and is worthy of a perfect score in every way.

Art 4.5/5

Fullmetal Alchemist does an excellent job of creating mood in every scene. Early in the series, Ed and Al are merely searching for the stone and the mood is much happier. When remembering the Human Transmutation, the entire mood switches to a darker tone. As the series progresses, the entire scope of mood narrows into a climactic finisher. The characters themselves are colorful and unique in every way, from Ed’s spazzing out to Al’s nervous expressions. Although some moments are a little bland, the entire series expresses its story tremendously and the entire series demonstrates it.

Audio 5/5

Vic Mignogna’s voice acting of Ed is nothing short of flawless. It’s very difficult to find a better-suited voice actor for the multi-dimensional alchemist. Other voice-acting such as some excellent work from Scott McNeil as Hohenheim or Chris Patton as the Homunculus Greed show the voices at their epitome and demonstrate some of the best voice-acting from them all. The music is equally excellent, with the opening "Rewrite" by Asian Kung-Fu Generation being easily one of the best opening themes around. The ongoing theme, Brothers, is an extremely heartfelt Russian piece worthy of praise. The audio is flawless.

Length 5/5

Fullmetal Alchemist is 51 episodes long, but there is no filler. Sure a few episodes diverge from the goal a bit, but they’re so entertaining and in the end are an integral part of moving the story. Fullmetal Alchemist doesn’t slow down the story at any time and always finds an excellent way to progress through Ed and Al’s story. The story ends with a cliffhanger, but it’s sure to be finished in Conqueror of Shamballa. Fullmetal Alchemist’s lack of any disruption in its story makes it a fast-moving and constantly engaging anime.

Tilt 5/5

A constant reference to human existence gives Fullmetal Alchemist a ledge to grab and you always feel connected to the characters when something dangerous happens. Certain moments offer some truly heartfelt moments. Battles, though few, provide some of the best action scenes in anime. The characters have an infinite amount of personality. Fullmetal Alchemist’s ingenious originality, incredible character design, and gripping story gives it Tilt to spare.

Final Verdict 5/5

Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the greatest anime in existence. Focusing on major issues concerning mortality and determination, the story begins with some heartfelt moments and never stops going. Colorful characters, superb voice acting, and excellent music makes the anime’s presentation second-to-none. Fullmetal Alchemist is a marvel in presenting incredible emotion into an anime while not making the entire anime overly-dramatic or mediocre. This is an incredible anime on every level and must be seen by otaku and newcomer alike. Do not miss this phenomenal series.