Fullmetal Alchemist (Japanese: 鋼の錬金術師, Hepburn: Hagane no Renkinjutsushi) is widely regarded as the "perfect" manga. Created by Hiromu Arakawa and serialized from 2001 to 2010, it is a masterclass in Dark Fantasy, Steampunk, and Adventure, praised for its airtight plotting and profound philosophical themes.

The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, in a world where Alchemy is a respected scientific craft governed by the Law of Equivalent Exchange: "To obtain, something of equal value must be lost." After their mother dies, the boys attempt the ultimate taboo—Human Transmutation. The experiment fails catastrophically: Edward loses his left leg and right arm, while Alphonse loses his entire physical body, his soul bound to a suit of armor. Now a "State Alchemist," Edward travels the country with Al to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies.

Alternative Names by Language

鋼の錬金術師 / FMA / Fullmetal Alchemist / Стальной алхимик / الخيميائي الفولاذي / แขนกลคนแปรธาตุ / 钢之炼金术师 / 鋼之鍊金術師 / 강철의 연금술사