In the overall anime field, the shonen genre remains the most popular. To date, such series Naruto and a piece Remain a classic of the genre, while the same as the current series Jujustu Kaisen and Gachiakuta Act as a more current staple. However, a shonen that is often considered the “greatest” not only of the genre, but of the entire anime realm. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood2009 adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's famous Fullmetal Alchemist Manga.
After a forbidden experiment goes awry, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a perilous journey to recover what they've lost. Their search leads them to rumors about the legendary Philosopher's Stone, a relic that could make their quest a success. However, this artifact has a dark history, which could change the brothers' paths for good.
What is the Philosopher's Stone?
A catalyst that can break away from the laws of alchemy
For generations, people in the world Fullmetal Alchemist Lived with the ancient art of alchemy. In simple terms, alchemy is a combination of magic and magic, the ability to dissolve and reconstruct matter. Anyone can learn alchemy, although they need to research and understand the subject and correct transmutation circles to perform simple experiments. If one makes sure to improve their alchemical skills daily, then they are likely to become an incredible alchemist one day. Some alchemists like Roy Mustang later join the army as state alchemists. However, other talented alchemists, like Izumi Curtis, don't join the government because they don't like how things are run.
Those who participate in alchemy are made aware of the rules early on, the biggest rule being not to attempt human transmutation. However, there is an ancient artifact that has the ability to transcend even the greatest natural laws of alchemy, undoing the punishments cornered by truth itself. That object is the philosopher's stone, a reddish crystal that performs alchemical wonders. Some believe that the Philosopher's Stone can even resurrect the recently dead, although few have witnessed this phenomenon.
The Origins and Legacy of the Philosopher's Stone
Everything started with a dwarf in a flask
Long ago, there was a civilization known as Xerxes, which centuries later was still famous for its advanced alchemical and philosophical works. However, Xerxes' fate will soon turn tragic when the flask is discovered to resemble a shadow known as the Dwarf, a man who appears to possess extraordinary knowledge. The creature was believed to have been brought to life by the use of human blood, which came from a young slave that the king's most talented alchemist used in his experiments. The same slave would soon discover the dwarf in the flask and become a student of the strange creature, learning alchemical skills as well as reading and writing. Years later, the student, known as Van Hohenheim, was released and began working as an alchemist's assistant.
The 20 Best Fantasy Anime of All Time, Ranked
Fans looking for epic fantasy anime to watch will find these titles among the best animated.
However, Flask's plans for van Hohenheim did not end with dwarfism. Since the original Homunculus was now working with the old king, his wisdom was sought to help the ruler become immortal. Years passed before the ritual could begin, which the king believed would make him stronger. In fact, this ritual actually made the spirits part of van Hohenheim, making him a living philosopher's stone and effectively immortal. As for the dwarf in the flask, he broke free of his glass container and took on the same human form as van Hohenheim. Van Hohenheim is forced to roam the planet, the first Homunculus, who now calls himself “Father”, creates seven other Homunculi and sets his most terrifying plan into action.
How is the Philosopher's Stone related to the Elric brothers?
Duo wants to use it to restore his original body
After losing their mother, brothers Edward and Alphonse decide to study alchemy in hopes of bringing her back to life. Although they knew that human transmutation was forbidden, they were certain that somehow, their own experiment would prove successful. Unfortunately, this would not be the case, and the brothers were instead forced to witness the creation of a seemingly inhuman creature. To make matters worse, Ed lost one of his legs in the process, while Al lost his entire body; Despite the pain, Ed gives up one of his weapons to save his brother's soul.
While Al was forced to learn how to live as a spirit attached to a suit of armor, Ed was given steel prosthetics known as Automail to replace his missing limbs. Once he recovered, Ed became a state alchemist despite his distrust of the government. If he becomes the state alchemist, Ed will have the means to learn information that ordinary citizens cannot, information that could bring back his brother's true physical form. Thus, the brothers embark on a journey together to recover what they have lost.
At the beginning of the 2009 anime, Ed et al. The team found Markoh's texts, and divided the work among themselves to translate the code. However, the two are horrified and disgusted by what these verses reveal. To create a Philosopher's Stone, one needs to sacrifice many lives, just as Father used Xerxes' soul to humanize Elric's own father, Van Hohenheim. After this discovery, the brothers are unsure of what to do next.
However, the rest of their curiosity leads them to discover hidden truths about the fallen Laboratory 5, including the Homunculi Jealousy and the experiments Lust is performing. This event will serve as the brothers' first true encounter with these dangerous enemies, and a precursor to their journey to consult with their teacher Izumi Curtis. Despite the fact that their original plan to create the Philosopher's Stone itself was now highly immoral, the two brothers vowed to find another way to help the other.
