One of anime's most enduringly haunting sagas
The story, adapted from Hiromu Arakawa's manga, follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who embark on a perilous quest to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy attempt to resurrect their mother.
While the manga was still ongoing, Arakawa requested that the original 2003 anime develop a separate ending, leading to major plot divergences from the source material. What has remained constant, however, is the show's impact.
Fans still recall scenes that left a lasting impression, particularly the tragic fate of Nina Tucker. The character's transformation through her father Shou Tucker's human experiment has been cited as one of the most disturbing storylines in anime history.
Unlike other antagonists who were given redemption in the manga's "In Memoriam" segments, Tucker was denied such resolution, a decision supported by the author and widely embraced by viewers.
Other moments in the series also underscore its intensity. In one notable battle, Edward Elric is overpowered by antagonist Kimblee and suffers near-fatal injuries after falling onto a metal beam, an episode often revisited in fan discussions for its shocking brutality.
Fullmetal Alchemist has since remained a reference point in anime culture, with many considering it an exemplar of storytelling that combines action, moral complexity, and raw emotional weight.
Despite subsequent adaptations, including the more manga-faithful Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in 2009, the original series continues to spark debate, analysis, and strong emotional reactions among viewers.
The anime's enduring legacy lies in how it confronts themes of sacrifice, grief, and the consequences of human ambition — leaving what fans often describe as "scars that never heal."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
One of anime's most enduringly haunting sagas
Nearly two decades after its debut, Fullmetal Alchemist continues to resonate with fans worldwide, widely regarded as one of the most emotionally intense and unforgettable anime series ever created. The story, adapted from Hiromu Arakawa's manga, follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who embark on a perilous quest to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy attempt to resurrect their mother. While the manga was still ongoing, Arakawa requested that the original 2003 anime develop a separate ending, leading to major plot divergences from the source material. What has remained constant, however, is the show's impact. Fans still recall scenes that left a lasting impression, particularly the tragic fate of Nina Tucker. The character's transformation through her father Shou Tucker's human experiment has been cited as one of the most disturbing storylines in anime history. Unlike other antagonists who were given redemption in the manga's "In Memoriam" segments, Tucker was denied such resolution, a decision supported by the author and widely embraced by viewers. Other moments in the series also underscore its intensity. In one notable battle, Edward Elric is overpowered by antagonist Kimblee and suffers near-fatal injuries after falling onto a metal beam, an episode often revisited in fan discussions for its shocking brutality. Fullmetal Alchemist has since remained a reference point in anime culture, with many considering it an exemplar of storytelling that combines action, moral complexity, and raw emotional weight. Despite subsequent adaptations, including the more manga-faithful Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in 2009, the original series continues to spark debate, analysis, and strong emotional reactions among viewers. The anime's enduring legacy lies in how it confronts themes of sacrifice, grief, and the consequences of human ambition — leaving what fans often describe as "scars that never heal."
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Express Tribune
'Fullmetal Alchemist' to launch Webtoon edition in full colour from May 7
Fullmetal Alchemist will officially debut on the English-language Webtoon platform on May 7, bringing Hiromu Arakawa's acclaimed manga to a wider digital audience. The release will feature the series in full colour and restructured for Webtoon's vertical-scroll format. According to Anime News Network, this adaptation is seen as a significant moment for the franchise, which has continued to attract fans more than a decade after its conclusion. The new format is designed to introduce Edward and Alphonse Elric's story to a mobile-first audience, providing a new way to engage with Arakawa's detailed storytelling and artwork. The move to Webtoon includes recolouring the original black-and-white pages and adapting the layout to suit mobile reading habits. While some long-time readers may have concerns about the format change, others may welcome the opportunity to experience the story with new pacing and accessibility. Fullmetal Alchemist originally ran from 2001 to 2010 in Monthly Shōnen Gangan and has been widely praised for its world-building and moral complexity. The series inspired two anime adaptations, including Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, as well as films and spin-offs. The Webtoon release aligns with the rise of digital comic consumption, offering a gateway for new readers while giving existing fans another way to enjoy the series.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Love 'Twilight?' These 10 romantic vampire movies are a must-watch
If Twilight ignited your love for supernatural romance, you're not alone. But the vampire romance genre stretches far beyond Edward and Bella. From twisted bloodlust to poetic love stories, these ten vampire films take the passion, danger, and drama of the undead to thrilling new levels. Whether you're craving something steamy, philosophical, or emotionally raw, here's your must-watch list. 1. Thirst (2009) Like Edward Cullen, Sang-hyun (played by Song Kang-ho) wrestles with guilt over his bloodlust, though his battle is far more brutal. Directed by Park Chan-wook, Thirst follows a priest who becomes a vampire after a botched medical experiment. The film dives deep into moral torment and forbidden desire. 2. The Wisdom of Crocodiles (1998) Also known as Immortality, this eerie drama stars Jude Law as a suave vampire named Steven who seduces women to feed on their love — and blood. But he yearns for one woman whose genuine love might finally make him whole. It's a seductive and haunting tale. 3. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) Set in a ghost town called Bad City, this Iranian black-and-white film blends horror and romance in an unforgettable way. The unnamed vampire (Sheila Vand) stalks the streets at night, preying on abusive men, but her budding bond with a lonely outcast gives the film a surprising tenderness. 4. Dracula (1979) Frank Langella brings a romantic edge to Count Dracula in this adaptation, having just portrayed the vampire on Broadway the year before. While the plot stays close to Bram Stoker's novel, the film leans into romance, turning Dracula into a seductive and complex figure. 5. Interview With the Vampire (1994) This gothic classic features Brad Pitt as Louis, a vampire recounting his long life in a present-day interview. Though the 2022 TV version leaned harder into its romantic and queer subtext, the '90s film still delivers powerful emotional depth and lavish vampire storytelling. 6. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) Gary Oldman gives a raw, emotional performance as Dracula in this visually rich, faithful adaptation. While it honors Stoker's original novel, the film adds a romantic angle and paints Dracula as a deeply wounded lover, offering a tragic but beautiful perspective. 7. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2023) This offbeat gem follows Sasha (Sara Montpetit), a gentle vampire who can't bring herself to kill. Pressured by her family to act like a 'real' vampire, she finds a solution in Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard), a depressed teen willing to give up his life. The result is weird, funny, and heartfelt. 8. The Hunger (1983) Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon star in this stylized, erotic horror. A twisted love triangle forms when John (Bowie), turned immortal by Miriam (Deneuve), begins to age rapidly. When Sarah (Sarandon) enters the picture, desire and survival collide.
