From its visuals to storytelling, Fullmetal Alchemist offers a refreshing take on the shonen genre. Hiromu Arakawa blends themes of alchemy and the occult with friendship and brotherhood in her manga. It differs from most Shonen anime through its storyline, fantastical elements, and character development.
Apart from depicting brotherhood and heroism, the manga explores much darker themes. However, the author tones it down through her addition of comical elements. The popularity of this manga isn’t surprising considering the author’s initial plan to constrict it to 21 volumes. It may not be the longest-running manga, but remarkable.
Hiromu Arakawa’s serialization process for Fullmetal Alchemist was fluid
Fullmetal Alchemist is a dark fantasy Shonen manga written by Hiromu Arakawa. It made its official manga debut in 2001. Apart from being one of the most popular Shonen manga, it is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prizes, Shogakukan Manga Award, and Eagle Award.
The manga is remarkable in its ability to tug at the reader’s heartstrings. The story follows Alphonse and Edward Elric’s journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone after a failed attempt at alchemy deforms their bodies. Apart from brotherhood and heroism, the manga highlights the practice of alchemy and political strife.
Because this manga is the author’s brainchild, one would think that its ending is devastating for them. However, this wasn’t the case with Arakawa san. In an interview with the French magazine Animeland, she revealed her initial plan regarding the serialization of her manga. She quotes :
At first, I told myself the story would take around 21 volumes. In the end, I required a bit more than planned, yet I’m really the one who decided it would stop at that point.
Besides that, she didn’t stop at 21 volumes because of the ever-evolving nature of the storyline. Her relationship with the manga and its eventual closure was relieving and satisfactory, as she later reveals in the interview.
Fullmetal Alchemist reflects Hiromu Arakawa’s original dream
Hiromu Arakawa initially wanted to pursue livestock farming. However, it isn’t surprising considering her manga Silver Spoon reflects her passion for animals and livestock. Although Fullmetal Alchemist depicts alchemy, it borrows the concepts of the author’s own experiences with animals.
While Silver Spoon hints at the author’s experience with animals and her farm experience, Fullmetal Alchemist fuses her insights and experiences with alchemy. Her love for animals is similar to Akira Toriyama’s adoration for his pets. Both authors took inspiration from animals for their manga.
Arakawa San’s upbringing in a farm environment in Hokkaido is reflected in her works. Her approach to the process of conceptualizing and serializing manga is effortless. She revealed her original dream and inspiration to become a mangaka. She quotes:
I’ve been drawing since I was a child. As soon I have a pen in my hands, I start scribbling. It’s true that I come from a farming environment, and I even started working there for seven years, at home. Of course, coming from my Hokkaido land to a big city such as Saitama, near Tokyo, was a big change, but I’ve always spent my time drawing, so I wasn’t a huge sacrifice.
Apart from being a nature and animal enthusiast, Arakawa san gives a new meaning to alchemy. While it may not be a high-rated anime, Fullmetal Alchemist exists beyond the binary of conventions and stereotypes.
Fullmetal Alchemist is available for streaming on Crunchyroll
