Warning: Contains spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist.
Summary
Fullmetal Alchemist is a classic series with unique powers, characters, and social/political commentary. The manga covers are visually appealing, hinting at important plot points and themes. The series explores themes of sacrifice, love, humanity, and the consequences of power through its artwork.
AlchemistWritten and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, it is a classic of the 2000s that fans refer to and revisit today. Filled with unique powers, three-dimensional characters, thrilling battles, and relevant social and political commentary, the manga and anime have cemented their place at the forefront of the action, adventure, and drama genres.
Arakawa creates a wonderful story through both dialogue and art direction. Consistent with the fantastical nature of the story, the dark shadows, vivid controls, and detailed characters draw the reader in to analyze the visual references and thematic devices. These manga covers are instantly recognizable and Summoning shōnen lovers to enjoy an iconic story of sacrifice, love, and humanity.
10 Darkness at the Crossroads
Episode 24
Volume 24 features Fu, Greed, Ling Yao, and Lan Fan with serious expressions supporting King Bradley, who stands silently but ready to fight. The book cover is colored in cold blue, contrasting black, and a layer of gray mist. At first, the reader's focus can easily miss the background details, but upon closer inspection, It depicts a gruesome scene that alludes to important plot points.. Although the central character appears calm, the book cover is very interesting and evocative as it leads towards the conclusion of the series.
As the story progresses, the lines between characters and personal vendettas become blurred. The series clearly depicts how the characters, their motivations, and their goals overlap with the social structures and forces that protect people from invisible darkness.
9 Blurred Lines and Revelation
Episode 12
This book cover stands out from the others with its light green color and busy nature, as characters and elements overlap in both the foreground and background. Volume 12 depicts Ling Yao carrying an injured Lan Fan, with Winry and Scar on either side. The line between right and wrong has blurred. as “hideouts” are equipped with swords and guns, and “allies” and “enemies” are redefined as readers learn more about the true nature of the characters.
The Elric brothers and Prince Ling continue to clash with homunculus enemies in battles that are truly Fullmetal Alchemist. At the same time, the political landscape begins to crumble with shocking revelations and internal conflict. This cover alludes to the story's themes of complicated history, understandable origins of hatred, painful sacrifices, and what people will do to protect the ones they love.
8 A pillar of strength in the tundra
Episode 17
Standing tall and intimidating as Fort Briggs, Olivier Armstrong and a handful of her subordinates take centre stage on the cover of volume 17. Relaxing on her throne, Olivier is pictured in the iconic blue uniform of the state alchemist as the wind blows through her hair. The background is illustrated in a monochrome palette of white and grey, matching the tundra landscape they fortify.
Bringing Armstrong's remaining sister into the spotlight not only fits with her growing involvement in the plot, but also the overarching theme of the series as a whole. A positive note of Alchemist is its depiction of womenwith key figures in positions of power, opposition and influence. Although she plays the comic role at times, Olivier is also someone to be reckoned with.
7 Regretful Memories
Episode 15
Three beloved soldiers sit on the cover of issue 15. Readers see a desert scene with a solemn Roy Mustang, Riza Hawkeye, and Maes Hughes huddled together on a rock. Even without seeing their full faces, fans can still understand the regret and grief the soldiers feel after contemplating their role in the death and destruction.
The series was praised for its social and political commentary.depicts multi-faceted motivations and conflicts between duty and morality. Mustang, Hawkeye, and Hughes all show moments of remorse when discussing the Ishval Civil War, which ultimately leads them to question their place in the military hierarchy and uncover hidden truths. For such a humorous and entertaining anime, Fullmetal Alchemist masterfully depicts the destruction of imperialism and the consequences of hunger for power.
6 Admissions and mergers
Episode 14
Volume 14 cleverly blends characters and story elements together on its cover illustration. Author and illustrator Hiromu Arakawa seems to favor a cooler color palette for most of his manga covers, and this one is no exception. Shades of sadness are interwoven throughout the story. as well as the physical elements of metal and black alchemy used by many characters.
This cover teases the reader with an upcoming drama, as the Elric brothers come face to face with a familiar face from their past. At the same time, Ling and Greed develop into something new, creating an interesting dynamic. The art depicts characters on the brink of action or hovering, keeping the reader on their toes for the next exciting and shocking reveal.
5 Empty Shells
Episode 21
Volume 21 looks sinister and creepy with dark shadows and a tense atmosphere that permeates the pages. Alphonse Elric is a kind and caring character, which is ironically in contrast to his intimidating armored image that is seen throughout much of the story. This illustration highlights that menacing and conflicted image as he advances towards the reader, while ominous figures smile through the trees in the background.
Alphonse is not only a lovable, sweet side character, but also an interesting character who depicts a separate struggle. His shared trauma with his brother connects their goals and perspectives on life, but the consequences of trying to change who he is are arguably more painful. While trying to return their bodies to normal, Alphonse represents a unique weakness that fans can't help but sympathize with..
4 Hit but not broken
Episode 27
Edward stands bloodied, his automail almost hanging in mid-air on the final cover of the manga. Alphonse's helmet rests peacefully in his arms, as an open Gate of Truth lies behind them. While the image may seem distressing at first glance, the bright colors, lighting, and expressions of the characters suggest to the reader a more hopeful and light-hearted scene for the series' conclusion.
The Elric brothers have fought tirelessly against evil enemies and their own dark pasts to achieve peace. This final illustration sums up their positive attitude despite the hardships, and fans reflect on their happiness and relief. These two are a great couple to watch. because they show the true nature of sacrifice, family, and what it means to be 'human'.
3 Dangers in Unexpected Places
Episode 18
Volume 18 depicts curved shadows overhead, leading from a man to a cold silhouette in the background. Edward and Alphonse take center stage, tense and ready for battle. The protagonist's red cloak matches the curved lines of the page, set off by the blue, black, and purple. With this cover and others, Arakawa illustrates images with engaging movement and captivating colors, creating a tangible atmosphere for the reader..
Whether through imagery or written description, dark forces constantly loom over the Elirc brothers in the physical and astral worlds. The 2000s manga continually introduces and expands on this idea, showing how long-standing structures of murky origins give way to new wars.
2 Facts
Episode 25
As the series draws to a close, episode 25 highlights one of the major plots seen throughout the story. Half of Alphonse's armor is on the left, with his frail figure standing behind and in front of the Gate of Truth. The scene is largely empty, seemingly almost sterile in the bright space. This book cover metaphorically connects the main character's life experiences.with his metal and flesh bodies close together yet separate, as he considers the sacrifices necessary to regain normalcy.
The theme of surrender is expressed through many characters in the manga. While the emphasis is on the Elric brothers, The debate between power and humility, between trust and humanity is masterfully explained through their mental, emotional and physical suffering. The goal that Alphonse has long awaited is within reach, but good things can come with consequences.
1 Dive into the devil's lair
Episode 13
Metal and chains surround the protagonist on the preview cover of volume 13. Edward appears tense under a crimson cloak, standing behind him as 'Father' separates and reaches out to the edge of the page. The illustration is filled with monochrome bronze tones, drawing the reader's eye to the huge space in the middle.
Despite the early 2000s drawing style, which includes simple lines and shading, Author and illustrator Hiromu Arakawa is still able to Evokes a sense of fear and anxiety in readers with its strange villains and mysterious settingAs Prince Ling and Ed actually dive into the belly of the beast, readers are treated to a coolly composed cover art for the midpoint of the series.