Even after more than two decades, Hiromu Arakawa's manga, Fullmetal Alchemist, continues to captivate fans. Its intricate world-building and deeply woven character narratives are key reasons why the series remains a timeless favorite.
Recently, a discussion ignited on X (formerly Twitter) in Japan, highlighting a unique aspect of the series. Unlike many shonen manga that focus on "training arcs" and "growth during battle," Fullmetal Alchemist takes a different path. Its characters show virtually no significant power growth from beginning to end, yet the story masterfully carries the entire narrative. This has led many netizens to exclaim, "This series is an absolute beast!"
The conversation kicked off when a user quoted another post, asserting that Fullmetal Alchemist's greatest strength lies in "the characters' power levels remaining almost unchanged from start to finish." There are no typical training arcs, no "power creep," yet the story remains incredibly engaging. This observation resonated with many users, who quickly chimed in with their agreement.
Other netizens echoed the sentiment: "The characters' combat abilities stay pretty much on the same level throughout. Homunculi with military backgrounds are strong from the get-go, and protagonist Edward is already a genius from the start." There are absolutely none of those typical shonen manga moments where you hear, "He's evolving mid-battle!?"
Another user, @Kama_iruka, noted that while they don't deny the appeal of "growth stories," Fullmetal Alchemist clearly isn't one of them. Instead, it's a series where "everyone starts at Level 100." This allows the plot to flow smoothly, with characters truly leveling up emotionally rather than in combat prowess. While the protagonist does experience mental growth and deeper understanding, that development is cleverly integrated into the early background setting.
Someone even recalled that the author once quipped in a gag four-panel manga: "Our protagonists are Lv.100 from the very beginning." This setup was considered an ideal structure even back then, and it remains impressive today.
Interestingly, the series is also lauded as a "masterclass in ensemble storytelling with no idiot characters." Whether it's the main cast, villains, or even minor roles, almost everyone maintains their convictions and acts logically. Their choices and actions are believable, with no sudden, out-of-character shifts.
"Even characters who seem like mere background fodder early on, if they weren't there, the story would fall apart," one user pointed out, citing the example of "Yoki," the corrupt coal mine manager who terrorized the locals in Yuswell. This highlights the incredible depth of the ensemble cast, making the entire series a joy to rewatch.
Edward Elric, the protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist, also stands apart from typical hot-blooded shonen heroes. User @warosu_emperor noted: "He doesn't aim to be the strongest alchemist, nor does he want to surpass his father; he simply wants to get back what he lost." This clear and consistently maintained motivation keeps the plot focused and highly compelling.
Years have passed since Fullmetal Alchemist concluded, yet whenever it's brought up, discussions still flare up with intense passion, a testament to its profound influence. The original poster who sparked the discussion believes, "A true classic never fades."
It's truly amazing how a series like Fullmetal Alchemist, which finished over a decade ago, can still generate such fervent discussion. It just goes to show how captivating this masterpiece truly is!
via： togetter