Fullmetal Alchemist started in 2001 as a manga series, which eventually ran for 9 years and was collected into 27 volumes. Set in a primarily European setting circa 1900 where alchemy reigns supreme, the series follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are searching for the Philosopher's Stone to repair their bodies.
The series was later adapted into two separate anime series, the first in 2003. As the manga had not yet finished, the original creator, Hiromu Arakawa, requested that this series come up with its own ending. The second series, subtitled Brotherhood, was a complete adaptation of the manga, and ran from 2009-10.
Alphonse Elric is an object lesson in why you should never listen to your older brother. Literally.
I mean, seriously. 99% of the blame for the shenangians they get into can be placed squarely on Ed's shoulders. Al's role in the series is that of the younger brother who has to sigh and apologize for everything his reckless older brother gets up to, whether it's getting into a fight or causing massive property damage.
But then, that's the kind of person Al is. Ed's recklessness is counterbalanced by Al's steady patience, aided by his unending faith in his brother. Al might have to mop up the damage afterwards, but he always knows his brother's on the right track. Most of the time, anyway.
More than anything, Al is kind. Where Ed is quick to anger, Al is warm and open, befriending more or less everyone who crosses his path. Especially stray cats. 🐈
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Alphonse and Fullmetal Alchemist are © Hiromu Arakawa and others.
No infringement intended.
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