Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis often considered one of the greatestanimeseries of all time. Every character has their own arc going on, and by the end of the series, it all comes full circle with thunderous cheers. This includes tales of vengeance, alchemy, the pursuit of knowledge, and finding meaning in life.
Watching Edward and Alphonse Elric struggle to get their old bodies back culminates in one of the greatest climaxes in anime. However, from their search for a philosopher’s stone and finally being able to grow past their mistakes, there are quite a few things that can go under the radar.
8An Early Cameo From Izumi
A Blink And You’ll Miss It Moment
Izumi Curtis is one of the best teachers in anime. She mentorsthe Elric brothersin the ways of alchemy after they prove their understanding of it, having survived on an island all on their own. Having attempted to perform human transmutation herself, she understands the brothers for what they attempted to do.
While being formally introduced in episode 12 of the series, she and her husband Sig make a sneaky appearance in episode nine. When Winry comes to town to assist in repairs on Edward’s automail arm, they can be briefly seen walking in the background. This cameo is easy to miss the first time watching, but can even slip under the radar of rewatchers.
7The Reason Edward Elric Is So Short
Thematic And Body Changes
Edward Elric being short is one of the anime’s biggest running gags. When people first meet the supposed Full Metal Alchemist, they usually gravitate towards Alphonse due to his stature and armor. They are then surprised when they realize Edward is the true prodigy.
However, Edward’s height is tied to both his attempts at human transmutation and his use of automail. Not only does he have these metallic limbs weighing him down throughout his childhood, but he also shares nutrients with Alphonse’s body, causing his growth to be stunted. Luckily, by the end of their adventure, he has his arm back, he doesn’t have to eat for two, and he has emotionally been able to grow past the trauma of his youth.
6The Philosopher’s Stone Was Never All Powerful
Miracles Or Myths?
Edward and Alphonseoriginally use their position to seek out a philosopher’s stone. The fabled powers of the stone are considered the ultimate enhancement to one’s alchemy that bypasses the law of equivalent exchange. However, in reality, this has never been the case, and it certainly can’t bring back the dead.
Not only is the stone itself powered by human souls, but it also consumes them each time it is used for alchemy. So, while on the outside it seems like the user is performing miracles, they are still paying the cost in a more discreet way. Ultimately, when the souls are exhausted, the stone breaks.
5Why Did Alphonse Lose His Entire Body?
The Law Of Equivalent Exchange And Irony
While attempting human transmutation, Edward loses a leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body. So, how come only Alphonse lost his form? For Truth, every exchange involving human transmutation comes with an ironic twist.
Alphonse wants nothing more than to feel his mother’s touch again, therefore he loses his body and his ability to feel anything. Edward lost a leg so that he could never stand on his own again. Other characters who attempt it or are forced into it pay similar costs. Roy Mustang loses his vision, so that he can never see the future he envisioned. Meanwhile, Izumi Curtis would lose her ability to bear children for seeking a way to get the one she lost back.
4Alchemy Isn’t Fantasy
The Real Roots Of Fullmetal Alchemist’s Magic System
Alchemy is portrayed as a mixture of magic and science in Fullmetal Alchemist. Nothing is produced from thin air, as the necessary components must be present in order to change their properties. To a viewer, this might seem like the equivalent of summoning circles, but in reality, the circles are inscribed with formulas that are each unique.
Alchemy is far from a fantasy element; it has its own real-world counterpart. While not as flashy as seen in the anime, the goals and concepts remain the same. How can you change something like iron into gold? Can immortality be achieved? Alchemy is more closely related to real-life chemistry and medicine.
3Edward Elric Is Ambidextrous
A Small Detail That Adds More Irony
Edward Elric gives up his right arm to preserve Alphonse’s soul within his iconic suit of armor. One hard-to-spot detail is that Edward is originally right-handed but later becomes ambidextrous. He draws the circle intended tobring back their dead motherwith his right hand. Bringing back his brother costs him the very limb he uses for alchemy.
This forces Edward Elric to utilize his left hand for more precise movements as he gravitates towards it for writing and picking up objects. This further showcases Edward’s determination to master his new limitations as he seeks out a way to return Alphonse to his original body.
2Isaac The Freezer Foreshadowed Everything
Secrets And The Climax Hidden In Plain Sight
When Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood released, the anime included an original character known as Isaac the Freezer. This alchemist acted as an introductory antagonist for Edward and Alphonse rather than starting off with Father Cornello’s deception. However, everything Isaac does comes into play later.
He is already aware of just how corrupt the government is and even tries to warn others of that fact. This early in the story, no one takes him seriously, though later our characters witness just how deep that corruption goes. His ultimate plan of covering the city with transmutation circles also parallels the kind of danger that the Elrics will encounter later on during the climax, as similar techniques are used.
1Military, Aircraft, And Inspirations
Characters Named After Aircrafts
While it might fly over your head the first time watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, some characters share similar naming conventions. What ties them all together is that they are named after WWII-era aircraft. Some characters that have this trait are Roy Mustang, Hawkeye, Fury, Havoc, and Hughes. Even Hawkeye’s dog, Black Hayate, shares this trait.
Fullmetal Alchemist is heavily inspired by this era, ranging from the industrial revolution to both World Wars. While the 2003 anime and sequel movies may leave the impression that it is solely inspired by Germany, the inspiration for the word comes from all of Eastern Europe.
