Fullmetal Alchemist is an iconic anime and manga series that has captivated fans worldwide with its unique blend of action, adventure, and drama. Here are ten lesser-known facts about Fullmetal Alchemist that might surprise even the most dedicated fans.
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The inspiration behind alchemy Creator Hiromu Arakawa drew inspiration for the series' concept of alchemy from her own experiences growing up on a dairy farm, where she observed the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all things.
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The Law of Equivalent Exchange The central principle of alchemy in Fullmetal Alchemist, the Law of Equivalent Exchange, is loosely based on the real-world concept of conservation of mass and energy in physics.
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Edward's braid Edward Elric's signature hairstyle was designed to be practical, as it kept his hair out of his face during alchemy battles and made it easy for Arakawa to draw consistently.
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Arakawa's pen name Hiromu Arakawa is a pen name. The author's real name is Hiromi Arakawa, but she chose to use a gender-neutral pen name to avoid potential bias in the male-dominated world of manga.
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Historical references The world of Fullmetal Alchemist is heavily influenced by early 20th-century Europe, and many characters and locations are named after famous historical figures and places.
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Roy Mustang's gloves Roy Mustang's iconic flame alchemy gloves are made of a special material called "pyrotex," which allows him to create a spark when he snaps his fingers.
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Alphonse's blood seal The blood seal that binds Alphonse's soul to his suit of armor is written in an ancient language called "Heptapod B," which is inspired by the real-world Sumerian script.
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The real-life Flamel The character of Nicholas Flamel, the creator of the Philosopher's Stone, is based on a real historical figure who was a French alchemist and scribe in the 14th and 15th centuries.
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The series' two adaptations Fullmetal Alchemist has been adapted into two separate anime series: the 2003 version, which diverges from the manga's storyline, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which follows the manga more closely.
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Arakawa's involvement in Brotherhood Hiromu Arakawa was more involved in the production of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, providing input and guidance to ensure that the anime adaptation remained faithful to her original vision.