Back to Shizuru's Profile Shizuru's Profile

While this is a shounen series, it’s one of the few popular shounen titles that doesn’t revolve around repetitive and moderately episodic battling. I’m not saying that shows like Fairy Tail, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokemon don’t have merit - this just happens to go above and beyond in terms of story-telling, emotional impact, characterization, and theme.

Having broken the laws of alchemy in a failed attempt to bring their recently deceased mother back to life, two brothers pay a heavy price, a price of flesh. Thus begins their journey for redemption- to become truly powerful alchemists and gain back that which was lost. A journey ... which will lead them to unexpected places, unexpected truths, and embroil them in conflict much larger then they ever imagined.

FMA:B has plenty of comic relief, but for the most part doesn’t pull its punches. It deals in life and death, responsibility, sacrifice, power, racism, war, and revenge - all contributing to a classic coming of age story. It’s dark enough thematically to appeal to the more serious viewer, while still being action packed enough to hold the attention of the typical shounen audience.

With 64 episodes, there’s plenty of time to give the characters histories and develop them throughout the story- even many of secondary characters and villains. You won’t find “bwahahahaha” cardboard baddies, or characters for the sake of characters here. As in any great piece of story telling, you’ll find things to like and dislike about every character. The people in the show will feel real to you, and you’ll care about the things they go through. Naturally, 64 episodes is also plenty of time for twists and turns, and nail biting suspense.

*I originally posted this to my Tumblr, because I'm discussing favorite shows with a friend over there. Thought I'd post it up as a short and sweet review.