Anime and Manga Stack Exchange
Anime and Manga Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [fullmetal-alchemist-series]

Use this tag for all entries in the Fullmetal Alchemist ("Hagane no Renkinjutsushi") franchise, including the manga by Hiromu Arakawa and both related anime series (Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (2010)).

FMA characters, from front to back: Edward Elric, Alexander Louis Armstrong, Alphonse Elric, Roy Mustang, Winry Rockbell, Riza Hawkeye, and Scar

This tag should be used for questions about the Fullmetal Alchemist manga, movies, light novels, and both anime series (Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood). In your question, specify which medium your question is about (per these meta posts: 1 and 2).

214 questions
59
votes
6 answers

Is Fullmetal Alchemist based on Nazi Germany?

It may be because I'm Jewish (yes, Madara is Jewish), but I couldn't help but noticing the similarities between Fullmetal Alchemist to the German Nazi regime. German names (Edward, Alphonse, Olivier, Bradley) A Fuhrer "Dogs of the Army" Very…
Madara's Ghost
  • 19,244
  • 20
  • 103
  • 166
34
votes
4 answers

Why does an alchemist need a transmutation circle?

As a follow up, but another subject, of my question about equivalent exchange part of the alchemy laws. Why do (most) alchemists require a transmutation circle? Does any circle suffice or does an alchemist require a specific type for each (type of)…
Veger
  • 1,378
  • 13
  • 33
30
votes
1 answer

What rank does Edward Elric hold?

Ed is a State Alchemist, but what's his rank within the military hierarchy? Col. Mustang explicitly mentions a few times he's his 'superior officer', so he's a bit lower than that, but how does he compare to Maj. Armstrong or some of the staff…
Nick T
  • 401
  • 4
  • 6
29
votes
3 answers

How does the automail work?

An automail must be a masterpiece, as the user seems to be able to use it as a fully working arm/leg/... It seems however, that it's no regular artificial limb. What's so special about an automail? How does it work? Are there any drawbacks?
looper
  • 11,105
  • 10
  • 58
  • 91
29
votes
1 answer

How similar is alchemy in FMA to the real alchemy?

The alchemy in Fullmetal Alchemist is based on a real alchemy. How similar is the alchemy in the anime to the alchemy in real life history? When and how do they diverge?
xjshiya
  • 11,316
  • 19
  • 56
  • 116
26
votes
4 answers

Who the hell is Truth?

In Full Metal Alchemist, who is the character (or the concept really) of Truth? What does he symbolize? What is his purpose? From what I guess, he's some sort of your inner God, because he seems to know you better than you do yourself. He knows the…
Madara's Ghost
  • 19,244
  • 20
  • 103
  • 166
21
votes
1 answer

Why can't Alphonse repair Edward's automail using alchemy?

Edward's automail breaks many times during animation, but every time even if Alphonse didn't take any damage they go after Winrey to fix Edward's automail. Now I'm wondering if Alphonse can easily repair a radio or any other mechanical device, why…
Ali1S232
  • 885
  • 3
  • 9
  • 20
20
votes
1 answer

Who is the man in the suit in the Fullmetal Alchemist series?

Does anyone have any clues on the man in the suit? He appears in both FMA and FMA:B. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Separate Destinations (episode 10) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Footsteps of a Comrade-in-Arms (episode 16) Fullmetal…
Batty
  • 201
  • 2
  • 3
20
votes
5 answers

In Fullmetal Alchemist, what does a State Alchemist's pocket watch do?

In Fullmetal Alchemist, it is stated a number of times that a state alchemist's pocket watch increases their power, but there doesn't seem to be a clear mechanism for that. How does that work, and what does increasing the power of an alchemist mean?
kuwaly
  • 23,721
  • 42
  • 128
  • 233
19
votes
6 answers

What does the symbol on Edward's coat mean?

In FMA, the back of Edward's coat shows this symbol: I can't figure out what it would be a reference to in-universe, because the symbology seems Judeo-Christian (a cross and what looks like it could be a serpent), and the show doesn't really have…
kuwaly
  • 23,721
  • 42
  • 128
  • 233
18
votes
1 answer

How similar is Hohenheim (FMA) to the real Hohenheim?

Hohenheim in FMA is based on a real person also named Hohenheim. How similar are the character from anime and the real person, and how do they diverge?
xjshiya
  • 11,316
  • 19
  • 56
  • 116
18
votes
6 answers

What are the transmutation circles in Fullmetal Alchemist based on, if anything?

The transmutation circles in Fullmetal Alchemist always looked familiar to me, but I could never place my finger on why. What, if anything, are they based on?
getynge
  • 181
  • 1
  • 1
  • 3
18
votes
5 answers

How do alchemists draw transmutation circles?

In FMA, alchemists draw transmutation circles that are made up of perfect circles and regular polygons. Is it ever show how they make perfect circles and entirely equal angles? I know that it is difficult to free-hand draw things like that. Is…
kuwaly
  • 23,721
  • 42
  • 128
  • 233
16
votes
2 answers

Why did Edward not wear a uniform?

As far as I know, Edward Elric is the only State Alchemist who doesn't wear a uniform. Why was he treated differently? Did he have a special rank or something? This is Edward current 'Uniform' These are some state alchemist, all of them wearing a…
Darjeeling
  • 19,225
  • 49
  • 130
  • 232
15
votes
1 answer

What does the "503 day" refer to?

In multiple fanarts and fanfic websites of Full Metal Alchemist, I have seen mentions of the "503 day". Here's an example: I did read and watch Full Metal Alchemist and Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood and I do not remember any mention of such a…
Ikaros
  • 4,881
  • 7
  • 36
  • 61
1
2 3 4 5