Hunter x Hunter Anime Manga

Hunter × Hunter adalah judul manga karya Yoshihiro Togashi, yang bercerita tentang anak laki-laki berusia 12 tahun bernama Gon Freecss, dan usahanya untuk menemukan ayahnya, Ging Freecss. Ging adalah seorang Hunter, yang dalam cerita Hunter x Hunter yaitu anggota dari suatu kelompok elit yang memiliki segala macam izin untuk melakukan apapun dimanapun.

* Gon Freecss: Seorang anak laki laki berumur 12 tahun yang mengembara untuk menemukan ayahnya yang sudah lama pergi dan tak pernah kembali. Gon mempunyai indera yang sangat tajam karena terbiasa hidup dihutan dan tidak takut pada monster. Gon sangat polos, baik dan setia kawan. Dia bertemu dengan Killua pada ujian hunter dan sejak saat itu Gon dan Killua menjadi teman yang baik. Memiliki Nen bertipe Kyouka, atau penguat, yang sering digunakan secara spesifik oleh Gon untuk melancarkan pukulan yang amat kuat. Jurus spesialnya adalah Jajanken.



* Killua Zaoldyeck: Anak dari keluarga pembunuh bayaran yang sangat terkenal dan ditakuti oleh banyak golongan. Memiliki sifat yang sangat cuek dan suka semaunya sendiri. Dia bertemu dengan Gon pada latihan hunter, namun sayang dia gagal dalam ujian hunter yang pertama karena tekanan kakaknya, Illumi Zaoldyeck. Karena paksaan kakaknya itu, setelah ujian hunter Killua terpaksa ikut kembali kerumahnya. Karena perjuangan tekad Gon, Kurapica,dan Leorio yang nekad menerobos masuk ke rumah keluarga Zaoldyeck di Kururu Mountain, maka akhirnya Killua pun ikut kembali bersama Gon, dan dari saat itu Gon dan Killua tidak pernah berpisah. Killua memiliki Nen bertipe Henka, atau transformasi. Killua mengubah kekuatan Nen miliknya menjadi suatu kekuatan listrik yang cukup mematikan. Killua telah dilatih sedemikian rupa untuk menjadi seorang assassin, terbukti dengan mampunya ia membuka 3 pintu gerbang rumahnya, yang notabene beratnya 16 ton. Killua juga tahan terhadap racun dan aliran listrik.

* Leorio: Orang yang suka humor, bahkan kadang-kadang saat bertempur-pun ia sesekali bercanda. Merupakan salah satu teman baik Kurapica.Dia memiliki cita-cita untuk menjadi seorang dokter karena dia pernah kehilangan seorang teman yang sangat akrab dengan dia,ia tak dapat menyembuhkan temannya itu. dia ikut ujian hunter pun hanya karena dia membutuhkan dana untuk ikut kuliah di universitas kedokteran, pada akhirnya dia berhasil menjadi seorang dokter. Sejauh ini, Leorio hanya menguasai 'Ten' dari 4 dasar 'Nen'.

* Kurapika: Lelaki yang "cantik" ini berumur 16 tahun,ia membuat banyak orang bertanya-tanya apakah dia lelaki atau perempuan. Leorio pernah ingin mengajukan tebakan, apakah Kurapica laki-laki atau perempuan saat ujian hunter di menara trik. Orang yang sangat akrab dengan Gon, bijaksana dan selalu berpikir dengan kepala dingin. Wawasannya luas karena hobinya membaca buku (terutama buku sejarah). Walau demikian, saat mendengar tentang Genei ryodan, sifat kalapnya akan muncul, bersamaan dengan munculnya mata merahnya. Kurapica, sebagai keturunan terakhir suku Kuruta memiliki mata merah yang hanya akan muncul saat ia mulai marah. Kurapica sebenarnya memiliki Nen bertipe Gugenka, materialisasi, yang diwujudkan dengan rantai yang melilit tangan kanannya. Tetapi saat mata merahnya muncul, tipe Nen-nya berubah menjadi Tokushitsu, atau spesialisasi. Saat matanya berubah merah, kemampuan khususnya adalah dapat menggunakan semua tipe nen dengan tingkat kemahiran 100%. Kurapica mempunya dendam yang mendalam terhadap Genei Ryodan. 5 tahun sebelum ujian hunter,Genei Ryodan membunuh seluruh anggota suku Kuruta yang mendiami wilayah Rukuso.Banyak orang memburu mata merah dari suku Kuruta. Saat terjadi pelelangan di Yorkshin city, sepasang bola mata suku Kuruta terjual dengan harga 2,9 milyar.



* Hisoka : Pria misteris yang kuat dan aneh. Sifatnya yang nyentrik, sesuai dengan penampilan sehari-harinya mirip seorang pesulap atau badut (pierrot). Dia bertemu dengan Gon saat ujian hunter dan tertarik akan keberanian Gon dalam menolong Leorio. Menganggap bahwa Gon memiliki kekuatan potensial yang hebat, Hisoka berusaha menghindar untuk membunuh Gon, karena menunggu sampai kekuatan Gon cukup "matang untuk dipanen". Seorang anggota laba-laba atau Genei Ryodan (palsu, karena nomor punggungnya yang bernomor 4 hanya tempelan di punggungnya), walau sebenarnya ia hanya masuk dalam Genei Ryodan demi melawan sang pimpinan, Kuroro Lucifer. Sama seperti Killua, nen Hisoka bertipe Henka. Hyosoka mengubah nen-nya menjadi mirip seperti permen karet (Bungee Gum).Hisoka kemungkinan memiliki ketertarikan dengan salah satu anggota Genei Ryodan, Machi.

* Ging Freecss : Merupakan seorang hunter yang diakui sebagai salah satu hunter terhebat pada masa itu. Ging merupakan ayah dari Gon dan merupakan alasan kenapa Gon berusaha untuk menjadi seorang hunter profesional. Saat Gon masih sangat kecil, Ging meninggalkan Gon dalam perawatan Mito dan ibunya, sementara Ging sendiri menghilang tidak jelas kemana. Ging memiliki tipe nen Tokushitsu atau spesialisasi. Ging adalah salah satu dari 11 pencipta game Greed Island, yaitu Ging, Razor, Elena, Eeta, dan Dwun (aslinya Wdwune), sedangkan untuk 5 orang lagi tidak diketahui asal usulnya.

* Bibi Mito : Adik dari istri Ging Freecss, dia juga mencintai Ging, namun Ging lebih mencintai kakaknya. Dialah yang merawat Gon, sejak Gon masih kecil hingga dia berumur 12 tahun. Dia sangat membenci Ging, karena mengganggap Ging tidak bertanggung jawab dengan menelantarkan Gon begitu saja.

Do you know "Devil May Cry"

Devil May Cry (デビル メイ クライ) is a series of four hack and slash video games set in the modern day(possible the mid to late 1990's), developed by Capcom and created by Hideki Kamiya. Originally intended to be a sequel in Capcom's Resident Evil series, Devil May Cry was such a radical departure from the series' style that it was developed into a new property entirely. Devil May Cry has been cited as the origin of the 3D hack and slash genre of video games followed by the Ninja Gaiden, Shinobi, and God of War series of video games. The series centers on main character Dante's goal of avenging his mother's murder by exterminating demons. The gameplay consists of heavy combat scenes in which the player must attempt to extend long chains of attacks while avoiding damage in order to exhibit stylized combat; this element along with time and amount of items collected and used are taken under consideration when grading the player's performance.
The series has been a success with the first three games selling multiple million copies and being awarded the "Platinum Title" award by Capcom. The success of the video game series has led to the creation of comic books, novelizations, an anime series, guides, collectibles, publications, and a variety of action figures.



Series origins
In 1998, after the completion of Resident Evil 2, preliminary work on a PlayStation 2 installment of the Resident Evil series began under the direction of Hideki Kamiya, under the name "Team Little Devil".[1] Early research and development work included a trip to Spain to examine various castles as a basis for the game's environments. However, in prototype status, it proved to be a radical departure from the established Resident Evil formula and the survival horror genre in general. Rather than abandon the project entirely, the premise was changed and it eventually became Devil May Cry.[2]
Games in the series
Title Year Platforms
Devil May Cry
2001 PlayStation 2

Devil May Cry 2
2003 PlayStation 2

Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
2005 PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows

Devil May Cry 4
2008 PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows

Devil May Cry 3D 2008 Java ME



Common gameplay elements
The gameplay of the series focuses primarily on fast, highly stylized combat; gaining a high style ranking requires long attack and evasion strings while avoiding damage. In later games, the system was slightly modified so players had to actively vary the attacks used, so as to maintain the style rank. The style rank is tracked during combat with letter grades, from worst to best: D, C, B, A, S. They are also represented by words that start with the first letter of the class, "Dull" for D for example. The third game introduced "SS" and "SSS" ranks, which continues in the fourth. The player's performance on each level is also ranked using these letters.[3]
The game also features some puzzle-solving and exploration elements retained from its survival horror beginnings, but these are downplayed; Devil May Cry games put emphasis on action.




The Devil Trigger ability enables the player's character to transform into a devil-like form with additional powers based on their current weapon, while the character's strength and speed increase and health is slowly restored.[3] Notable weapons in the series include the swords Force Edge/Sparda in Devil May Cry,[4] Rebellion in Devil May Cry 2,[5] and Yamato in Devil May Cry 3.[6] The first three games also eliminated the need to reload or reserve ammunition.
Dante is generally the lead character in the games, though Devil May Cry 2 featured another character who could be selected instead of him (Lucia), the Special Edition of Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening allowed the player to use Vergil, and Devil May Cry 4 features a new protagonist named Nero.
Series innovations
Each game in the series has added new elements to the gameplay.
Devil May Cry introduced the 'style' meter and ranking, encouraging players to attack continuously while avoiding damage.[3]
Devil May Cry 2 introduced the ability to perform combination attacks in mid-air and an evasion button. It also introduced a weapon-change button, so the player could cycle through ranged weapons without switching to the inventory screen.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening added a selection of gameplay styles, allowing the player to focus on their favorite techniques or weapons, whether it be swords, guns, evasion or defense. Each of the four basic styles gain experience points, which unlock more techniques and abilities without costing 'red orbs', the common currency of the series. A second weapon-change button was added, allowing the player to cycle through the character's melee weaponry, specifically known as Devil Arms, as well.[7]



Devil May Cry 4 brings one major innovation in the form of main character Nero's "Devil Bringer" arm, which gives players the ability to pull distant enemies in to be attacked, or smash them into the ground. Nero is also armed with a sword that can be "revved" up via a throttle handle, allowing players to precharge the sword for extra damage on the next hit, or with precise timing it can be charged after each attack, for extra damage and style. As Dante, players can also switch fighting styles in mid-combat seamlessly.[8]
Series plot
Devil May Cry series fictional chronology
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Devil May Cry
The Animated Series
Devil May Cry 4
Devil May Cry 2

The chronological order of the Devil May Cry series does not follow the release order of the games. The first game in the time line is Devil May Cry 3, followed by Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 4 and Devil May Cry 2. The Devil May Cry anime series is set sometime between Devil May Cry and Devil May Cry 4. The novels and manga are not included in this list as they have been officially deemed non-canon due to plot conflicts with the games.[citation needed]
The plot of the series begins with Devil May Cry 3 in Dante's as-of-yet unnamed shop as a mysterious man named Arkham appears to offer an invitation from Dante's brother, Vergil.[9] An immense tower erupts from the ground a short distance away from the shop and Dante takes the situation as a challenge.[10] Following numerous battles Dante arrives at the tower's summit, Temen-Ni-Gru, and battles Vergil. Vergil defeats Dante and departs. He eventually catches up in the control room located in the tower's basement. The brothers battle again until they are interrupted by Lady, then Arkham, who has been manipulating them all to reactivate the tower. Arkham intends to steal the Force Edge, Sparda's sword.[11][12]
Dante crosses over to the demon world and catches up with Arkham, and he and Vergil work together to bring down Arkham. Dante and Vergil battle, and Dante is victorious. Returning to the human world, Dante meets Lady outside the tower where she coins the phrase "devil may cry" while trying to comfort Dante over the loss of his brother. They form a friendship and the beginnings of a partnership in demon-slaying, and he names his shop "Devil May Cry".[13][14]
Devil May Cry begins with Dante being attacked in his office by Trish. He brushes off her assault and she claims that the demon emperor Mundus is planning a return.[15] Dante explores Mallet Island, encountering a variety of demons, including one named Nelo Angelo.[16] Dante is defeated but Nelo Angelo flees. Other encounters with Mundus' demon generals serve to indicate Dante has become even more powerful than his father since his initial awakening in Devil May Cry 3.[17] Nelo Angelo attacks twice more in later missions, and is eventually revealed to be Dante's twin brother, Vergil. Dante enters the underworld in search of Mundus, where Trish sacrifices herself to save him. Dante releases the power of Sparda that Vergil sought in Devil May Cry 3.[18] Dante and Mundus then battle on another plane of existence. Trish returns and lends Dante her power. Dante then defeats Mundus.[19] Dante and Trish escape as the island collapses, and later work together in the renamed shop, "Devil Never Cry".
In the Devil May Cry anime series, Dante is hired as the bodyguard of a young girl named Patty. While initially skeptical of his personality. Patty winds up growing attached to Dante and spends most of her time at his shop, often cleaning it or decorating it in girly fashion, much to Dante's dismay. While Dante's main job during the series is to protect Patty, he spends most of his time doing odd jobs he receives at his shop (which has been renamed back to "Devil May Cry" sometime after the events of Devil May Cry) which often end in him killing demons that harass the city. Lady makes a return, working as a Devil Hunter herself, to hire Dante in order to pay off a huge debt Dante owes. Trish soon shows up as well, and it's revealed that she has been working away from Dante for some time in order to try and establish a solo career as a Devil Hunter. Lady and Trish meet for the first time and do not get along right away. Despite this, the three wind up working together to take on certain difficult jobs. Near the end of the series it is revealed that Patty's mother is the descendant of a human sorcerer, who once sealed away the power of an ancient devil lord, Abigail. Eventually the demon Sid comes out as the villain of the series and reveals his evil plot involving the sealed away power of Abigail. While Lady and Trish fight off demons summoned by Sid, Dante fights and kills Sid himself. Sometime later, Dante, Trish, and Lady all get hired on the same job and take bets on who will win. Patty comes into Dante's shop to clean, showing that the two continue to have a somewhat father-daughter type of relationship.
In Devil May Cry 4 Lady visits Dante's shop (still renamed "Devil May Cry" again, and not "Devil Never Cry") to investigate The Order of the Sword, a cult-like group that worships Sparda and has been collecting Devil Arms. Dante is originally uninterested, but Trish (who appears to have given up her solo career and is working under Dante again) goes on ahead and takes the Sparda sword with her. Later, Nero witnesses Dante crash into an Order meeting and assassinate the leader, Sanctus. Nero attacks Dante and awakens his Devil Bringer arm, only to find that Dante was not taking their fight seriously. Nero pursues Dante, and along the way comes to realize that the Order is opening gates to the demon world in order to harness its power. Sanctus is revived through demonic power, and he sets in motion a plan to have Kyrie, Nero's love interest, kidnapped. Nero pursues and fights against Sanctus, but is captured by him and used together with Kyrie to form the core of The Savior, a giant demon in the form of a god. Dante steps in and destroys all the Hell Gates that the Order has opened, then fights against the Savior. Unable to destroy it from the outside, he leaves that task to Nero to defeat it from the inside. Nero kills Sanctus and rescues Kyrie, and ultimately destroys the Savior. Dante gives Nero the sword Yamato that formerly belonged to Vergil (the Order had found it, broken, and Nero had restored it and used it in his fights as his own Devil Trigger). Later, at the Devil May Cry shop, Lady pays Dante and Trish for their work; however, Trish is unhappy with the amount. Dante avoids dealing with the situation, and as a customer with the password phones in, the three head out to take on another mission.
In Devil May Cry 2, begins with Dante entering a museum where an important item called the Medaglia is stored, where Lucia invites Dante to Dumary Island. Lucia's mother, Matier, asks Dante to help fight Arius, a businessman who wields demonic power.[20] Dante decides to help.[21] Lucia confronts Arius, who reveals that she was his creation.[22] Shortly afterward, Lucia gives Dante the last of the Arcana before leaving.[23] Dante then encounters Matier who asks Dante to take the Arcana to save Lucia from Arius.[24] Lucia attacks Arius, though he captures her. Dante arrives and trades the Arcana for Lucia, then attacks Arius, who escapes.[25] A large stream of energy strikes the Uroburos tower and a portal to the demon world is opened. Dante and Lucia argue over who will enter, with Dante entering the portal to deal with Argosax.[26]
After Dante departs, Arius returns too, though Lucia goes on to defeat him.[27] Within the portal, Dante fights and defeats the partially summoned Argosax. Finding the portal closed, Dante instead drives further into the demon realm on a motorcycle. In the aftermath of the battle, Matier insists to Lucia that Sparda returned from a similar trip. Sometime later in Dante's shop, Lucia muses about Dante and examines the coin he gave her. It shows that it was two headed. Outside the sound of a motorcycle echoes, and Lucia leaves to investigate. The player is not shown whether or not it is Dante.
Cultural impact
The Devil May Cry series has sold over ten million copies world wide,[28] with each release becoming a Platinum title.[29] Devil May Cry has been cited as the beginning of a sub-genre of action games called "Extreme Combat", which focus on powerful heroes fighting hordes of foes with a focus on stylized action.[30] The game has also been described as being the first game that "successfully captured the twitch-based, relentlessly free-flowing gameplay style of so many classic 2D action games".[31] The series has become the game against which other 3D action games are measured, with comparisons in reviews of games including God of War,[32][33] Chaos Legion,[34] and Blood Will Tell.[35]
Dante's confident and fearless attitude have gained him widespread popularity. He was ranked as the seventh of Game Crush's "Top 10: Most Badass Video Game Characters" list,[36] and third among the "Top ten coolest video game characters" list of Screwattack.[37] The popularity of the Devil May Cry series led to a line of Devil May Cry action figures produced by Toycom.[38] Japanese company Kaiyodo produced a similar line for Devil May Cry 2 and a Devil May Cry 3 Dante action figure.[39][40]
Other media
Two Devil May Cry light novels written by Shinya Goikeda and illustrated by Shirow Miwa have been published, first in Japan in 2002 and later translated and released in the United States in 2006. The first, entitled Devil May Cry Volume 1 published in Japan in conjunction with the release of the first game and depicts Dante in an adventure set before the events of the first game. The second novel (entitled Devil May Cry Volume 2 in the U.S.) was published in Japan to coincide with the release of the second game and takes place after the events of the first game. Publisher TokyoPop released the books in the U.S. in June and November 2006, respectively.
Two volumes of a planned 3-part Devil May Cry 3 manga series have been published in Japan and the U.S. Taking place about a year before the events of Devil May Cry 3, the manga tells the story of how the characters came to where they were at the start of the game.
Three issues of a comic adaptation of the first game were published by Canadian publisher Dreamwave Productions in 2004, but was left unfinished when the company went bankrupt in 2005.[41]
An anime series entitled Devil May Cry featuring Dante debuted on the WOWOW TV network in Japan on June 12, 2007. The series ran for 12 episodes.[42][43] The show was produced by the anime studio Madhouse and was directed by Shin Itagaki. Bingo Morihashi, one of the writers for the third and fourth games, was one of the writers. The first full trailer featured Dante in his garb from the first game, and a character list including two of his partners from the games (Lady and Trish) and two new characters.
On July 25, 2008, both WildStorm (a DC Comics’ imprint) and Capcom announce that they are joining to create a new Devil May Cry comic book series. The details on the new comic series, including creative team and launch month, will be announced at a later date.[44]
In other games
• In the Viewtiful Joe games, another Capcom series also created by Hideki Kamiya, Devil May Cry characters appeared in the PlayStation versions. Dante is a playable character in the PS2 version of the first Viewtiful Joe, and the PSP version of Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble includes him as well as Vergil, Trish, Sparda, Marionette, and Plasma.
• Dante was set to appear in Soulcalibur III, but did not make the roster.[45]
• In a deal between Capcom and Atlus, Megami Tensei character designer Kazuma Kaneko did the designs for Dante's and Vergil's demonic forms in Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening. In turn, Atlus included Dante (as he appeared Devil May Cry 2) as a character in an enhanced release of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne titled Maniax in Japan. The later English localization of Nocturne was based on this Maniax edition of the game.[46]
• Dante and Trish are set to appear in Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds.
Reception
This section requires expansion.

Aggregate review scores
As of January 5, 2010.
Game GameRankings
Metacritic

Devil May Cry
89.31%[47]
94%[48]

Devil May Cry 2
72.90%[49]
68%[50]

Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
84.34%[51]
84%[52]

Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition
87.83% (PS2)[53]
70.87% (PC)[54]
87% (PS2)[55]
66% (PC)[56]

Devil May Cry 4
84.48% (PS3)[57]
83.88% (360)[58]
80.26% (PC)[59]
84% (PS3)[60]
84% (360)[61]
78% (PC)[62]

The Devil May Cry series has received overall positive reviews especially with recent titles, however the PC versions have been criticized as being inferior to the original console versions receiving much lower scores than their console counterparts.
See also
• Bayonetta
Book:Devil May Cry series

Books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.


References
1. ^ Mielke, James (August 18, 2006). "The Okami Family Tree". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3152913. Retrieved March 29, 2007.
2. ^ "E3 2001: Interview with Shinji Mikami". IGN. May 17, 2001. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/094/094860p1.html. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
3. ^ a b c Devil May Cry Instruction Booklet. Capcom. 2001.
4. ^ "Demon's Legacy: Force Edge/Sparda," GameInformer 179 (March 2008): 112.
5. ^ "Demon's Legacy: Dante," GameInformer 179 (March 2008): 113.
6. ^ "Demon's Legacy: Yamato," GameInformer 179 (March 2008): 113.
7. ^ "List of styles in Devil May Cry 3". devilmaycry.org. http://www.devilmaycry.org/devil-may-cry-3/styles. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
8. ^ "Official English language DMC4 site from Capcom Japan". http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil4/eng/main.html. Retrieved January 31, 2007.
9. ^ Arkham: Is your name Dante? Son of Sparda? Dante: Where did you hear that? Arkham: From your brother. He sent this invitation to you. Please accept it. Dante: Invitation huh? (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
10. ^ Dante: It's been nearly a year since we last met. Where does the time go? No doubt you've got some fun planned for me. Right Vergil? (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
11. ^ Jester: It was quite a ride, you know! If any of you had died before getting here, our little plan would have gone to waste! Therefore, my job was to get you to battle each other in order to weaken you. But at the same time, I needed to guide you here and make sure you were kept alive. I even went so far as dressing like a complete idiot! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
12. ^ Arkham: He plucks the threads that make us dance, finger and toe! We surrender in joy to the lowest of the foul and rank; we submerge through darkness, rancid filth. Hour by hour, we move downward, ever closer to Hell, in a slow, steady gait. Now, let the world resonate! Sloth! Gluttony! Greed! Envy! Lust! Wrath! And pride! A bell of chaos that tolls human desires! After two thousand long years, the once sealed gate to the demonic world will open! Destruction! Carnage and Despair! Let your instincts drive you! Entrap this world in fear! As its very name Temen-ni-gru strikes terror into the heart of mankind. Then I will become the ultimate ruler of this wasteland engulfed with pandemonium. The demonic power that Sparda once imprisoned... will be mine! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
13. ^ Lady: Are you crying? Dante: It's only the rain. Lady: The rain already stopped. Dante: Devils never cry. Lady: I see. Maybe somewhere out there even a devil may cry when he loses a loved one. Don't you think? Dante: Maybe. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
14. ^ Lady: Oh, speaking of a kind devil, he finally decided on a name for his shop. It took him quite a while to pick one. Want to know the name? Devil May Cry. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
15. ^ Trish: Yes, his powers were sealed by Sparda, he's attempting to take control of the human world again. He has been preparing to open the gate on... Mallet Island. (Devil May Cry) Capcom, 2001
16. ^ Dante: This stinking hole was the last place that I thought I’d find anyone with some guts. (Devil May Cry) Capcom, 2001
17. ^ Griffon: Yours is definitely the power of Sparda... No. Even more so. (Devil May Cry) Capcom, 2001
18. ^ Dante: How much longer are you going to keep zapping? Come out and show yourself, Mundus! (Devil May Cry) Capcom, 2001
19. ^ Trish: Dante, use my power! Dante: Trish! Okay! (Devil May Cry) Capcom, 2001
20. ^ Matier: Son of Sparda... we must ask this favor, of you... You see, there's a man who's transformed our land into a demon's paradise; his name is Arius. And although he is the president, of an international public corporation... he uses the demon power. Please, deal with Arius and his master for us. (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
21. ^ (After flipping a coin and noticing the result is heads.) Dante: ...Looks like it's your lucky day. (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
22. ^ Arius: You are my creation. Lucia: Liar! Matier is my mother. Arius' secretary removes her mask, revealing the fact her face is identical to Lucia's. Arius: She merely found you when you were about to be disposed of, and then raised you as a soldier. Is that what you consider to be a mother? (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
23. ^ Lucia: But... actually... I do not deserve this power... Lucia: Bring this to Matier for me... please... I... I've got something that I need to take care of... (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
24. ^ Matier: There is one more thing I need to ask of you, son of Sparda. My daughter went to face Arius all by herself... Please, take these, and save Lucia. (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
25. ^ Arius: You cannot win... someone is holding you back... Lucia: Ugh, forget about me! Kill Arius! Dante: Don't worry. I've got you... (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
26. ^ Lucia: But...! Dante: Let's leave it to fate. Heads, I go; Tails, you go. He flips the coin and it lands as heads again Dante:See ya around. Lucia: Don't you want to hear the story about Sparda from... Matier? Dante: I know... He did the same thing... Hold on to my coin, Lucia. (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
27. ^ Arius: You are not human! You are just a monster... a monster that I created! Lucia: Dante told me... Devils never cry! (Devil May Cry 2) Capcom, 2003
28. ^ Haruhiro Tsujimoto (February 20, 2008). "Smokin'! Capcom's "Devil May Cry 4" Ships over 2 Million Stylish Units - Making it the fastest game in the DMC series to reach that milestone". Capcom. http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e080220.html. Retrieved February 21, 2008.
29. ^ "Platinum Titles". Capcom. January 17, 2007. http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/million.html. Retrieved April 4, 2007.
30. ^ Bateman, Chris; Richard Boon (August 29, 2005). 21st Century Game Design. Charles River Media. pp. 246–247. ISBN 978-1-58-450429-0.
31. ^ Ahmed, Shahed (October 17, 2001). "Gamespot Devil May Cry review". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/devilmaycry/review.html. Retrieved March 29, 2007.
32. ^ "God of War". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/objects/661/661321.html#previews. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
33. ^ "God of War Review". Playstation World. June 16, 2005. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=120641&site=psw&skip=yes. Retrieved April 3, 2003.
34. ^ Varanini, Giancarlo (August 4, 2003). "Chaos Legion review". Gamespot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/chaoslegion/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
35. ^ Bedigian, Louis (September 29, 2004). "Blood Will Tell review". Gamezone. http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22035.htm. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
36. ^ Rocco Inzauto, Edward (February 25, 2007). "Top 10: Most Badass Video Game Characters". http://gamecrush.blogspot.com/2007/02/top-10-most-badass-video-game-charaters.html. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
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More Info

KIba (牙) anime

Kiba (牙-KIBA-?, literally fang, or if divided into Ki-Ba, a spiritual place), a fantasy anime by Madhouse, began broadcasting on TV Tokyo on April 5, 2006. The series is directed by Hiroshi Kōjina with Upper Deck Japan, a trading card game company, as the main sponsor. [1] The anime has been licensed by Upper Deck USA and produced by ADV Films for North American distribution.



The series is more violent than other trading-card-game-tie-in animations with many characters being killed. According to an interview with the March 2006 issue of Animage, Hiroshi Kamishina, the show's director, noted that the show "absolutely will not have any plot elements that curry favor to children".[1] The producers of the show has also commented that Kiba will not be the type of show to put "human drama" on the back burner while concentrating on promotional tie-ins.[1]. While Upper Deck owns the rights to the series, ADV Films is the distributor and their production studio Amusement Park Media is producing the dub. Kiba aired on Toonami Jetstream from July 14, 2008 to January 21, 2009 and is now showing on The Anime Network's Video on Demand service.

Plot
Kiba's main character is Zed, a 15-year-old boy who lives in a place called "Calm". Frustrated by his current situation in life he feels that somewhere out there is a place where he can live more fully. One day, at the invitation of a mysterious wind, Zed dives into a space-time crevasse (portal), seeking the answers that might be there. Riding on the wind, he is transported to a war-torn world where magic users called "Shard Casters" fight endlessly with each other, using spells in the form of marble-like "Shards".
With the power of the Shards, the Shard Casters are able to use spells and control monsters called "Spirits". Fascinated by that power, Zed aims to become a Shard Caster. However, he still doesn't know that residing in his body is "Amil Gaul", a mighty Spirit with the power to influence the world's future. Amil Gaul is one of the "Key Spirits" that, when together with the other Key Spirits, can destroy or save the world. There are a total of six Key Spirits: Amil Gaul, Pronimo, Sachira, Monardi, Jumamis and Shadin.
Zed undergoes countless trials in order to find out who he really is and what is most important to him.
Characters
Main article: List of characters in Kiba
Zed (ゼッド Zeddo?)
Zed is the 15-year-old main character and protagonist. He is an unsatisfied and unfocused boy living in Calm. One day, he finally gets his chance at a new life when a mysterious gust of wind guides him to a small space/time crevasse. It leads him to Templer, (known as Tempura in the original) a land full of "magic", crystals with strange powers called shards, and monsters called spirits.
Noah (ノア Noa?)
Noah Boalia, 15 years old, is Zed's friend from Calm. He is sickly, but nevertheless insists on pursuing his goals whole heartedly. After Zed goes through the portal to Templer, Noah is eventually teleported to a militaristic land called Neotopia. In the English language version, his name has been romanized to Noah.
Roya (ロイア Roia?)
Roya is a 15-year-old girl living in Templer. She is the disciple of the elder sage Jiko, who rescued a 6-year-old Roya from Tusk. She was to be killed after it was predicted that she would kill her father, Morocco. She is one of the first people who discover Zed as he arrives in Templer, and is an old friend of Mikki.
Jiko (ジーコ Jīko?)
Jiko is a 79-year-old man, and is one of six sages of Templer. Jiko has a rather calm and wise personality, in which he regularly performs rather sagely tasks such as meditation and fishing, while equipped with a mind of void. After Zed arrives, Jiko acts as his mentor, and gives him advice on many occasions.
Robès Redondo (ロベス•レドンド Robesu Redondo?)
Robès is a princely figure living in Templer. He recently became the Shard Champion after winning the Shard Casters tournament.
Sagiri (サギリ Sagiri?)
Sagiri is the princess of the Seekers.
Mickey (ミッキ Mikki?)
Mikki is a friend of Roya and becomes the town bread maker.
Pino (ピノ Pino?)
Pino starts as a maid to Robès but later becomes Mickey's girlfriend and helper at his shop.




Countries
Calm: The city in which Zed was raised. A world where the wind never blows and where people don't know about the existence of Shard Casters.
Templer: A land that represents harmony and humanity. The place that Zed is first teleported to and makes his home.
Neotopia: A totalitarian state that revolves around a set of "Ultimate Rules". Anyone who breaks these "Ultimate Rules" is considered an outlaw and is hunted down and killed. There are no second chances and no exceptions. Family members of outlaws were sent to Ulbacus unless they show a high aptitude for shard-casting. In the latter part of the series, Neotopia is taken over by Tusk.
Kalbu-fu: A small territory where the people are persecuted by Zymot. The people of Kalbu-fu have gills and can breathe underwater, furthermore, they are hatched out of eggs.
The Seekers: A floating fortress for the people of Leon, a place that is now part of Zymot. The Seekers seem very mysterious to people from other lands since very little is known about them. However, they seem to be very knowledgeable of a lot of things, such as the existence of Calm. The Seekers are a peace-loving people, they have no desire for power and have only one objective——to keep the key spirits from being assembled in one place. For that reason, they kept Shadin within their fortress, but sent a group of their people to bury Sachira in Leon.
Tusk: A land that is home to two distinct races: the Tusker Humans (first appeared in episode 1), who mostly resemble other humans but are often masked, and the Beastmen (first appeared in episode 19), whose four-armed beastly appearance and ability to use Shard attacks innately (Beastmen cannot use spirit Shards) set them apart from everyone else. Moreover, both Tusker Humans and Beastmen can be recognized by the "tuskans" protruding from their shoulders. The Tusker Humans are led by a council of masked noblemen, who are in turn led by the King Gari, also the king over all the Beastmen. In actuality, Gari is merely a puppet king installed by a council of four masked members to trick other Beastmen into believing that there is a god, Tusker, who would be awakened if enough spirit Shards are gathered, and a sacrifice of a Shard Caster is offered (which has been frequently done, but to no avail). As a result, Tusk is a dangerous place for Shard Casters, even Tusker Humans.
Ulbacus: An observatory-like country with many great scientists (lead by Professor Bender), who focus on gathering information from the best fighters to perfect their own. Ulbacus science enables people who are not shard casters to use shards (via mechanical implants), and can fuse low-level spirits to create stronger spirits. It has been revealed that Ulbacus has no native population, and that most of its residents are people banished from Neotopia. The surrounding area is constantly raining. Famine is a major issue due to a lack of farmland. It's also the residence of Herrick, Ginga,and Moreno.
Zymot: The empire once ruled by the monarchy of King Bakkam, who was later betrayed and overthrown by Hugh. Most of the royal family was executed, later including surviving member Princess Rebecca.[2]
Anime
Episode list
No. Episode Title[3][4]
Airdate

1 "Wind of Destiny"
"Unmei no Kaze" (運命の風) 2006-04-02
In a city called "Calm," a boy named Zed is causing his private school lots of trouble. He's been smashing into doors all over town. He tells his childhood friend, Noa, that he wants to leave Calm and that he feels, by breaking down some barrier, he will be able to.
2 "New World"
"Atarashii Sekai" (新しい世界) 2006-04-09
Zed finds himself in another world, in the country of Templer. He meets Roya and her master, Jiko, and learns about Shard Casters. Without meaning to, he gets into trouble with the law.
3 "Those With Power"
"Chikara wo Motsumono-tachi" (力を持つ者たち) 2006-04-16
Zed meets Dumas and Robès, the top non-sage Shard Casters in Templer. Robès is a playboy aristocrat, while Dumas is a hard-working farmer. Dumas currently holds the title of Shard Champion of Templer.
4 "The Wind's Resolve"
"Kaze no Ketsui" (風の決意) 2006-04-23
Zed desperately wishes to participate in the Joust, the annual fighting competition that decides the Shard Champion. When Mikki expresses his fear of fighting a second round, Zed decides to switch clothes with him.
5 "The Nation of Sacred Law"
"Kairitsu no Kuni" (戒律の国) 2006-04-30
The story changes perspectives. Noa, Zed's friend, is now the protagonist. Noa is also transported to the other world, but he ends up in a different country: Neotopia. There, he is taken in by a man named Carter and his wife. He also becomes close to Aisha and Keith, childhood friends of Carter's son, Gale.
6 "A Rushed Conclusion"
"Hayasugita Ketsumatsu" (早すぎた結末) 2006-05-07
Gale plans to destroy Letto by sending its people to different towns. In order to save the place he has grown to love, Noa tries to persuade Gale to take him and not harm the village.
7 "Awakened Feelings"
"Mezameta Omoi" (目覚めた思い) 2006-05-14
The story returns to Zed and his fight against Robès. Zed is unable to summon his spirit, and so, loses the battle. Robès continues to steal from the townspeople under the alias "No-Face". His butler begs him to stop and Robès agrees on the condition that he can do just one more heist. However, things take a turn for the unexpected when another No-Face appears.
8 "Betrayers' Whereabouts"
"Uragiri no Yukue" (裏切りの行方) 2006-05-21
Robès is locked up and his claims that there is another No-Face are ignored. Zed, however, realises the veracity of his claim. He demands that Robès reveal the identity of the other No-Face. Instead, Robès tosses him a strange flower.
9 "After the Fight is Over"
"Tatakai no Ato" (戦いのあと) 2006-05-28
Zed's spirit does not listen to Dumas, instead attacking the invaders. After the battle, Roya and Zed find a strange girl at the edge of the forest. She asks Zed to lend her his strength.
10 "The Lonely Princess"
"Kodokuna Ōjo" (孤独な王女) 2006-06-04
Rebecca reveals that Zed's spirit is called "Amil Gaoul". Robès and a team are sent to find Dumas.
11 "Premonition of Conspiracy"
"Inbō no Yokan" (陰謀の予感) 2006-06-11
Hugh succeeds in capturing Rebecca. Zed is furious but he joins Elda when Philip sends her on a mission.
12 "The Advance Towards Truth"
"Shinjitsu he no Zenshin" (真実への前進) 2006-06-18
Elda takes Zed to a place where he can get a new and powerful spirit which he can control. At the castle, Rebecca is fearful of her new groom and runs out of the room. Hugh stops her from fleeing and implies in the ensuing conversation that her father is still alive.
13 "Strength to Dash"
"Shissōsuru Chikara" (疾走する力) 2006-06-25
Rebecca decides to return to the castle, in hopes that she might see her father again. On the way, she and Roya are attacked by Elmeida and dragged back to castle. Zed goes off to rescue them. Meanwhile, Robès finally gets to fight Dumas.
14 "Temptation of Power"
"Chikara no Yūwaku" (力の誘惑) 2006-07-02
Zed, Roya and Robès return to Templer. Mikki is depressed over the betrayal and death of his sensei. He has been trying to find work, since he must support himself now. Roya comes up with the idea of selling Mikki's tasty bread. When Robès sees the boy, he decides to give him a gift.
15 "Small Treasure"
"Chiisana Takaramono" (小さな宝物) 2006-07-09
After Mikki attacks Roya, she and Zed go to Robès and then to Zico for information. It seems that Mikki is possessed by Suraguna, his master's old spirit. Meanwhile, Noa prepares to leave Galba, Sagiri and the other nomads.
16 "Tragedy of a Race"
"Higeki no Tami" (悲劇の民) 2006-07-16
Guzman shifts himself to Templer and asks Zed to return with him to Kalbu-fu, where Rebecca is leading a rebellion against invading Zymot forces. Zico forbids Zed to get involved.
17 "Unreachable Desire"
"Todokanu Negai" (届かぬ願い) 2006-07-23
The Zymot forces begin a full-fledged assault on Kalbu-fu. Kemp continues to argue for peace, while Guzman insists on fighting. Noa and Sagiri are being treated at a hospital in Neotopia. Diana tries to convince him to fight for the Neotopian government.
18 "A Wish Beyond Reach"
"Kienai Inori" (消えない祈り) 2006-07-30
The people of Kalbu-fu awaken Promino, a spirit summoned by their collective unconscious. Hugh reveals a connection between it and the spirit he took from Rebecca.
19 "The Land of Darkness"
"Ankoku no chi" (暗黒の地) 2006-08-06
Keith is on the run from the law. He's able to find a shifting shard, and he travels to Templer. Robès is called in to return the runaway to Neotopia, since Templer and it are allied. Robès, however, suggests Zed instead as an escort. The shifting goes wrong, and Roya, Zed and Keith land in Tusk, an ally of Zymot. Both Hugh and Noa go out to find them.
20 "Reunion"
"Saikai" (再 会) 2006-08-13
Roya is taken to the palace of Tusk to be used as a sacrifice. Keith finds Zed, and they go to save her. Meanwhile, Noa continues to search for Keith as Hugh searches for Zed.
21 "Unforgetable Memory"
"Nuguenu Omoi" (拭えぬ思い) 2006-08-20
Roya finds small tuskan protruding from her shoulder, indicating that she is from Tusk. She tries to ask Jiko about it but gets embarrassed. She trains vigorously for an upcoming tournament. Zed waits for arrangements to be made for his journey to Neotopia.
22 "Maze of Memories"
"Kioku no meiro" (記憶の迷路) 2006-08-27
Ginga saves Roya twice, they end up being taken care of by a high class Tuskian. Zed meets up with Roia and decide to stay. At a party celebrating Roia as the Tuskian's new foster daughter, she is told to go see her mother by a mysterious man. At the meeting place, someone shows up determined to kill Roia.
23 "Bonds"
"Kizuna" (絆) 2006-09-03
Roia's family past is revealed. Zed, Roia, Templer's spy get into a battle with the people who want to kill Roia. She is saved from her father by her mother. Zed and Roia return to Templer.
24 "The Yellow Shard of Happiness"
"Shiawase no kiiroi shādo" (幸せの黄色いシャード) 2006-09-10
A bad gang comes for Robes and the butler says he will give them the family's secret yellow shard of Happiness in exchange if they let Robes off. But the three family maids are ambitious for happiness and steal the shard. Bad things happened when the shard granted them wishes. In the end it was a cursed shard and the bad guys were punished by Miki.
25 "Prelude to Battle"
"Tatakai no josou" (戦いの序奏) 2006-09-17
An inter-country joust is being held. Zed and Robes are nominated for Templer, Zed wishes to see Noa which is the main reason he agreed, Roia follows him to joust. Noa is competing in the Joust too, for Neotopia. Zed and Noa meet in Neotopia and chat for a long time as good friends, discussing what has happened and about key spirits.
26 "Lonely Memories"
"Kodoku na kioku" (孤独な記憶) 2006-09-24
The episode recaps Noa's time in Neotopia. This involves both events when his spirit, Sachira, involuntarily released and caused destruction around him, thus causing him to fear his power. It also incorporates Noa's inclusion into Neotopia as its "Savior". Joust First Round
Templer Zed vs. Ulbacus Moreno
27 "Warriors"
"Senshi-tachi" (戦士たち) 2006-10-01
During the Joust, Zed must combat everyone from old opponents to the strange technologists from Ulvarx, who possess wicked devices that are able to defeat even the most powerful spirits.
28 "Proof of Existence"
"Sonzai no Akashi" (存在の証) 2006-10-08
When Zed shows just how powerful a shardcaster he is, the Neotopian leader Hyrum tries to enlist him in his campaign for global domination.
29 "Friendship at Cross-Purposes"
"Surechigau Yūjō" (すれ違う友情) 2006-10-15
When Roya is arrested by the Neotopian soldiers, Zed discovers his friend Noah is very different than the person he thought he knew.
30 "Showdown"
"Taiketsu" (対 決) 2006-10-22
Zed and Noah face each other in the Joust and Noah shows just how mercilessly he can wield his new powers.
31 "The Cost of Ambition"
"Yabō no Daishō" (野望の代償) 2006-10-29
After defeating Zed, Noah stops an attempt on Hyrum's life. He then unmasks Hugh, and defeats him. The final victor, he vows a rematch with Zed.
32 "The Nation's Agenda"
"Kokka no Omowaku" (国家の思惑) 2006-11-05
Assassination attempts on Hyrum continue, as Noah and Zed become pawns in the political game of cat-and-mouse between warring nations.
33 "Lost Luster"
"Ushinawareta Kagayaki" (失われた輝き) 2006-11-12
An Ulvarx faction reveals a technological advantage over Hyrum and Neotopia, and they intend to use this to end Hyrum's reign. But they need Zed and they try to persuade him to join their cause.
34 "War Breaks Out"
"Makiokoru Senka" (巻き起こる戦火) 2006-11-19
Noah and Kira are sent to take out Zed and the Ulbaks assassins. Preparation is made for a celebration in Neotopia. Meanwhile, Zymot and Tusk reveal their alliance for the first time: in an attack on Neotopia.
35 "The Ones Who are Sacrificed"
"Ikenie to narumono" (生贄となる者) 2006-11-26
Zed and Noah fight all four of Nuduu's spirits. When Zed is to take a hit from one of Nuduu's spirits Noah steps in the way and takes the hit for him. Before Zed can see if Noah is alright Noah gets up and heads towards the city which is now under attack. Can Noah get back in time to save the city?
36 "Wings Reborn"
"Yomigaeru Tsubasa" (よみがえる翼) 2006-12-03
The war continues. Sagiri befriends a beastman from Task who saved her life. Herrick gets a hold of and releases Ex-Machina, a composite spirit but who does he run into when he shifts to Neotopia? Noa confronts Hugh in battle, but how are they brought together? And can Zed finally summon Amil Gaul again?
37 "The Fall of the Capital"
"Shuto Kanraku" (首都陥落) 2006-12-10
The three key spirits are having trouble bringing down Ex-Machina; that is, until Amil Gaoul changes his form again. Noa and Zed are captured by Hugh as they are being distracted by the condition of Zed's hand. Roya decides to go to Neotopia to help, and Hugh infiltrates the throne room of the capital!
38 "Endless Battle"
"Owarinaki Tatakai" (終わりなき戦い) 2006-12-17
Jiko arrives in Neotopia to help out Hairam despite his ban. Hairam reveals Noa is to receive another key spirit, if they can find it. And hostages are brought in by Hugh, who will return them if he gets Hairam's head.
39 "Epiphany"
"Kaigan" (開 眼) 2006-12-24
Fuelled by his anger at Hugh's continual massacre of innocent people, Zed called forth Amil Gaoul to fight Pronimo as he duels Hugh.
40 "Sought-After Power"
"Nerareta Chikara" (狙われた力) 2007-01-07
With Neotopia fallen, Tusk now shifts its attention (and forces) to Ulbacus, determined to bring Ulbacus's technologies to Tusk's side.
41 "The Thought that Possessed Him"
"Torawareta omoi" (囚われた思い) 2007-01-14
Ginga has returned to the Ulbaks with Zed and Roya only to find that Professor Bender has given up the lab to Task. Now things have changed and Zed, Roya, and Ginga are on the run from the Task army. In a safe spot Ginga reveals his past then goes to face Dukem while Zed and Roya go deal with Professor Bender. Can Zed and Roya stop the mad Professor and can Ginga defeat Dukem?
42 "A Small Savior"
"Chiisana Kyūseishu" (小さな救世主) 2007-01-21
Sagiri is on board the Seeker ship. Since she is one of them they put her through the test to see if she is there savior which can only be confirmed by the acceptance of the keyspirt. Meanwhile someone has broken into Tempura. What is this new key spirt and who has managed to break into the Tempura base?
43 "Truth Made Known"
"Akasareta Shinjitsu" (明かされた真実) 2007-01-28
Zed's Mother, Sara has appeared and she seems to be fighting Jiko. We go back in time to discover the relationship between Sara and Jiko. Why has Zed's mother appeared and what could she want?
44 "An Unbreakable Spell"
"Tokenai Jubaku" (解けない呪縛) 2007-02-04
Zed's Mother, Sara is defeat by Sagiri's key spirit, Shadin. Sara manages to escape. After the fight Zed tries to pursue his mother but is prevented in doing so by Jiko. Zed is now imprisoned in the Tempura base. Will Zed be able to save his mother from her inner demons?
45 "The Girl Confined to the Castle"
"Rōjyō no Shōjo" (籠城の少女) 2007-02-11
Zed decides to go off with Sagiri and the Seekers to learn about his Mother and his Father. Meanwhile in Task Morima decides she wants to test Mirette to see if she is Task's savior. If Mirette makes it back to the palace alive then Morima will accept her as Task's savior. Can Mirette make it back alive and who was Zed's father?
46 "To the Land Where the Decisions Will Be Made"
"Ketsudan no chi e" (決断の地へ) 2007-02-18
Lord Doruga is accepted among the Jimoto leaders but Morima wants to prove he is worthy by fighting her. Out in Task Gitra prepares to take Mirette back to the palace. Back in Tempura Roya waits for Zed to return. Will Zed return back to Tempura?
47 "A Savior Adrift"
"Mayoeru Kyūseishu" (迷える救世主) 2007-02-25
Zed and Lord Doruga begin their battle. As the battle progress' Zed figures out that Doruga is actually Noa. Since Amil Gaoul is defeating Sachira with ease, Jimu steps in and releases Pronimo and Monardi to make the battle go in the favor of Doruga. With no choice Zed releases Shadin. Becoming impatient Jimu begins to attack Zed while he fights Doruga(Noa). With Zed defeated Jimu takes his Key Spirits. Now with four of the Key spirits all Jimu has to do now is get Sachira from Doruga and find Mirette. Can Zed stop him?
48 "Advent"
"Kōrin" (降 臨) 2007-03-04
Tusker is now effect inside the spirit to control the spirits inside. Noa and Zed had lost their spirits. But the Tusker has a significant effect on their resurrection.
49 "Mother and Child"
"Haha to Ko" (母と子) 2007-03-10
Zed's mother has followed him to a floating isle in Tusk. Overwhelmed by her desire to once again possess Amil Gaoul, she would do anything just to have that great power, but for what reason? Her endless pursuit seemed to have blinded her from her true purpose—to protect her precious son. It is this realization that allowed her to pass away in peace.
50 "An Eternal Bond"
"Eien no Kizuna" (永遠の絆) 2007-03-17
Noa summons Tusker once again, but it's still in its incomplete form; meanwhile, a possessed Noa fights Zed as the four realms (Temperal, Tusk, Neotopia, and Zymot) experience unprecedented turmoils in the form of meteors and earthquakes as they draw near to each other.
51 "To Where the Wind Blows"
"Kazefuku basho he" (風吹く場所へ) 2007-03-24
The episode starts with Zed getting enveloped in Tusker's power; Tusker releases himself and uses Zed's body and spread his wings to reveal his true form. While Zed is inside the endless abyss in Tusker getting lectured about how humans are bad because they want power, all the spirits get released. In the end Tusker is defeated, spirits go back to where they came from, Zed tries to attack Amil Gaoul but ends up shifting and merging with Amil Gaoul and at Calm where the city's wind has returned. In the end Zed leaves for other worlds because he wants to go where the wind takes him, but he promises that a day he will return to Tempura.

[edit] Music
Opening themes
Transcription/Translation Artist Episodes
Sanctuary Nami Tamaki
1-26
Hakanaku Tsuyoku Younha
27-51
Ending themes
Very Very Afromania
1-13
Solar Wind Snowkel
14-26
STAY GOLD Limelight
27-39
Sekai no Hate made/Until the end of the World Kozue Takada
40-51
Insert songs
Nakanaide Afromania
15
Image songs
Wind of Power / Zed Hiroyuki Yoshino
n/a
Go Smiler / Roya Nana Mizuki
n/a
Fate / Zed Jun Miyake
n/a
Kiba Original Soundtrack 1
• CD 1:
1. zed-fate
2. zed-run
3. roya-pas de bourree
4. zymot
5. templer-fear
6. enemy
7. zed-nostalgia
8. zed-intense
9. dawn
10. templer-breeze
11. templer-promenade
12. roya-sentiment
13. noa-intense
14. noa-calmness
15. battle-approach
16. battle-bump
17. battle-chase
18. zed-friends
19. mother
20. shard-blaze
21. shard-battle
22. zed-regret
23. urban
24. zed-journey
25. Sanctuary [TV ver.]
26. Very Very [TV ver.]
27. solar wind [TV ver.]
• CD 2:
1. Wind of Power
2. Go Smiler
Kiba Original Soundtrack 2
• Disc 1
1. zed-fate
2. war
3. plot
4. joy
5. scene-forest
6. scene-lake
7. scene-desert
8. underground
9. neotopia
10. roya-romance
11. fanfare
12. roya-destiny
13. noa-friends
14. disaster
15. darkness
16. secret
17. seekers
18. shard-battle ~ perish
19. universe
20. tears
21. anger
22. zed-friends (alternative take)
23. Hakanaku Tsuyoku (TV ver.)
24. STAY GOLD (TV ver.)
25. Sekai no Hate Made (TV ver.)
• Disc 2
1. Mei no Naki Kaze ni Fukarete
2. Kaze no Fuku Basho

Fullmetal Alchemist versi bahasa Indonesia

Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師 Hagane no Renkinjutsushi?) adalah sebuah anime dan manga karya Hiromu Arakawa. Fullmetall Alchemist diterbitkan dalam majalah manga Monthly Shonen Gangan sejak tahun 2002 dan dalam bentuk tankobon oleh Square Enix. Di Indonesia, komik ini diterbitkan Elex Media Komputindo sejak Mei 2007.
Edward Elric dan Alphonse Elric awalnya hidup bahagia dengan orang tua mereka. Tetapi karena pekerjaan ayahnya adalah alkemist (ahli kimia), ayahnya yang bernama Van Hohenheim sering bepergian keluar rumah, sehingga Ed dan Al hanya tinggal bersama ibunya, Trisha Elric. Karena terlalu lelah mengurus rumah sendirian, Trisha jatuh sakit dan akhirnya meninggal. Ed dan Al yang saat itu masih kecil, namun sudah mewarisi bakat ayahnya sebagai alkemist mencoba menghidupkan kembali sang ibu. Namun, usaha mereka gagal. Tubuh Al diambil sebagai "biaya masuk" karena transmutasi manusia adalah hal tabu dalam alkimia. Ed yang panik akhirnya memindahkan roh Al ke dalam baju zirah dengan bayaran tangan kanannya dan kaki kirinya.
Di tengah keputusasaannya, Ed mendapat tawaran untuk menjadi seorang alchemist kenegaraan (State Alchemist). setelah mempertimbangkan keuntungan memperoleh berbagai hak istimewa sehingga ia bisa menyelidiki dan mencari cara untuk mengembalikan tubuh mereka, Ed menerima tawaran itu. Tangan dan kaki Ed pun diganti dengan automail. Setelah itu, Ed mengikuti tes ujian alchemist kenegaraan dan lulus sebagai alchemist kenegaraan termuda dalam sejarah dan mendapat julukan Fullmetal Alchemist. Bersama dengan Al, dimulailah petualangan Ed guna mencari cara untuk mengembalikan tubuh mereka.



Dalam petualangan mereka, mereka menemukan bahwa militer bekerja sama dengan Homunculus untuk menghancurkan Amestris. Homunculus-homunculus tersebut diperintahkan secara khusus oleh orang yang disebut dengan julukan "Ayah." Ayah ini adalah Homunculus pertama yang ada di dunia. Dalam versi manga, homunculus ini pertama tertangkap dalam sebuah botol kecil. Homunculus dapat hidup karena darah Van Hohenheim diberikan sedikit kepada Homunculus. Van Hohenheim berteman akrab dengan Homunculus ini sampai suatu hari raja di Cselk Cess meminta kepada Homunculus untuk mendapatkan hidup abadi. Setelah Homunculus memberi tahu caranya, dimulailah pembuatan lingkaran transmutasi oleh raja Cselk Cess. Ternyata Homunculus menipu raja dan semua orang di Cselk Cess menjadi kurban dalam pembuatan batu bijak (philosopher's stone). Karena dulu Van Hohenheim menolong Homunculus, maka Homunculus memberikan hidup abadi kepada Van Hohenheim sebagai imbalan dengan menggunakan setengah batu bijak. Setengahnya lagi dipakai oleh Homunculus untuk merubah dirinya menjadi mirip seperti Van Hohenheim. Oleh sebab itu, Ed, Al, dan teman-temannya berusaha keras untuk mencegah "Ayah" dalam menghancurkan Amestris.
Tokoh-tokoh
Edward Elric
Edward Elric adalah tokoh utama cerita ini. Ia adalah seorang yang tempramental dan mudah terpancing emosi. Badannya yang pendek membuat ia dijuluki "pendek" oleh setiap orang yang melihatnya (dan dia selalu marah karena itu). Kadang-kadang, orang salah kira, apakah Al kakaknya atau adiknya, karena Al jauh lebih tinggi daripada dia. Meski begitu, ia sangat menyayangi adiknya, Al karena merupakan keluarganya satu-satunya. Ed sangat benci pada ayahnya karena menurutnya ayahnya adalah penyebab ibunya meninggal. Apalagi karena ayahnya selalu cuek dan tidak peduli.ed merupakan salah satu dari korban ransmutasi, kaki kiri dan tangan kananya diambil untuk dikembalikannya nyawa al.
Alphonse Elric
Kebalikan dari kakaknya, Alphonse (Al) adalah orang yang sangat lembut dan pencinta kucing. Ia sering menahan agar kakaknya tidak cepat marah. Al pernah ragu pakah dia benar-benar ada atau ia cuma ciptaan Ed semata (karena hasutan Barry the Chopper). Namun akhirnya dia sadar dan yakin bahwa kakaknya benar-benar menyayanginya.tubuh al diambil sbg bayaran masuk ke lingkaran transmutasi...
Winry Rockbell
Winry adalah teman Ed dan Al semasa kecil. Orang tua Winry adalah dokter yang bertugas pada saat perang Ishvall (Ishvall Massacre). Orang tua Winry terbunuh pada saat itu, dan akhirnya Winry hanya hidup berdua bersama neneknya, Pinako Rockbell. Winry adalah ahli mekanika automail nya Ed. Dia dan neneknya adalah pembuat automail Ed. Pembunuh orang tua Winry adalah scar.
Militer Kenegaraan
Lihat lebih lengkap: Karakter Militer Kenegaraan di Fullmetal Alchemist
Roy Mustang
Roy Mustang adalah kolonel (taishan) yang juga alkemist (alchemist-orang yang bisa menggunakan kekuatan alchemy) negara. Julukannya adalah Flame Alchemist. Ia adalah salah satu alchemist terkuat di Amestris walaupun alchemy-nya terkadang terhalang masalah hujan (seperti ketika ia bertemu Scar di East City) Ia masuk militer karena ia ingin melindungi negaranya dan semua orang yang ada di dalamnya. Impiannya ini mendapat ujian ketika ia terjun ke perang Ishvar, yang sering disebut sebagai ajang pembantaian. Walaupun ia dijuluki pahlawan perang Ishvar, ia dihantui tragedi di Ishvar. Sejak saat itu, ia bercita-cita menjadi Fuhrer untuk merubah negaranya dan membawanya menuju kedamaian. Tekad kuatnya membuat banyak orang yang bersimpati dan mendukungnya, dan tidak sedikit yang setia kepadanya. Roy merupakan salah satu alchemist yang dipilih para homunculi untuk menjadi tumbal, walaupun ia baru benar-benar menjadi kandidat setelah ia melakukan transmutasi manusia dan membuka gerbang karena paksaan Pride. akibat dari hal itu, roy mengalami "kebutaan"
Riza Hawkeye
Riza adalah Letnan Pertama (chu'i) di Militer. Ia merupakan tangan kanan Roy Mustang dan selalu berada di samping Roy Mustang. Selain itu, dia merupakan penembak jitu yang handal dan disebut "Si Mata Elang" di kemiliteran. Sebenarnya, ia adalah anak perempuan guru alchemy Roy. Setelah kematian ayahnya, ia memberikan catatan rahasia penelitian ayahnya pada Roy dan dengan begitu menjadikan Roy seorang Flame Alchemist. Ia dan Roy memiliki ikatan kepercayaan yang kuat. Begitu kuatnya sampai Roy meberinya izin untuk menembaknya jika ia menilai Roy telah meninggalkan jalan yang mereka perjuangkan, jalan untuk merubah negara mereka. Ia selalu bersikap lembut dan akrab dengan Edward dan Alphonse. Ia juga akrab dengan Winry.



Maes Hughes
Hughes berpangkat Letnan Kolonel yang merupakan sahabat Roy Mustang. Mereka sudah bersahabat sejak masih di akademi militer dan bertemu kembali di perang Ishvar. Walaupun pekerjaannya lebih banyak di depan meja, ia seorang petarung andal yang ahli dalam menggunakan pisau. Dia merupakan maniak keluarga, dan sangat sayang pada keluarganya, yaitu istrinya, Gracia dan anak perempuannya Elicia. Ia selalu menjenguk Edward saat Edward masuk rumah sakit di Central. Winry juga dekat dengan Hughes dan keluarganya, terutama dengan anaknya, Elicia. Pekerjaan Hughes di Mahkamah Militer membuatnya selalu berurusan dengan dokumen militer. Hal inilah yang membuat ia menyadari dengan cepat rencana para Homunculi untuk menciptakan transmutation circle raksasa yang melingkupi seluruh Amestris. Pada saai itu juga ia mencurigai hubungan antara King Bradley dengan para homunculi. Hughes dibunuh oleh Envy yang mennggunakan wujud istrinya, Gracia, saai ia berusaha menyampaikan penemuannya itu pada Roy.
Alex Louis Armstrong
Alex Armstrong adalah seorang Mayor yang juga seorang alchemist negara. Ia adalah anak kedua dari keluarga Armstrong. Walaupun ia seorang anggota militer yang juga alchemist negara, ia memiliki hati yang lembut dan sering tidak cocok dengan kebijakan militer yang "semena-mena dan tidak mengenal belas kasihan". Hal inilah yang membuatnya ditarik mundur dari perang Ishvar setelah menolak perintah untuk melanjutkan pembantaian warga Ishvar. Ia dekat dengan Elric Brothers dan termasuk salah seorang yang mendukung Roy Mustang. Ia memiliki seorang kakak perempuan walaupun mereka berdua sangat tidak akrab.
Olivia Milla Armstrong
Mayor Jenderal Olivia Armstrong adalah kakak perempuan dari Alex Armstrong dan satu-satunya jenderal wanita di Amestris. Berkebalikan dengan adiknya, ia orang yang dingin dan tidak mudah mempercayai seseorang. Ia bertanggung jawab atas Benteng Briggs yang menjaga perbatasan utara antara Amestris dan Drachman. Reputasinya dalam pertempuran dengan Drachman membuatnya dijuluki "Northern Cliff of Briggs". Walaupun ia selalu bersikap dingin dan keras pada bawahannya, pendirian dan kepribadiannya membuat para prajurit Briggs amat setia padanya. Ia terlibat dalam konflik dengan para homunculi sejak Elrics Brother mendatangi Briggs untuk meminta bantuannya dan juga karena Sloth, homunculus yang bertugas membuat transmutation circle raksasa, menerobos masuk ke bentengnya. Ia tidak menyukai Roy Mustang karena ia memandang Roy sebagai saingannya untuk mendapatkan posisi Fuhrer.
Jean Havoc
Havoc yang merupakan perokok ini berpangkat Letnan Dua. Dia salah satu anak buah Roy Mustang yang setia pada Roy. Dia juga sangat sial karena bila ia sudah mendapat pacar, entah kenapa Roy pasti memberinya tugas yang mengharuskan dia memutuskan pacarnya itu (seperti sewaktu ia termasuk bawahan Roy yang ikut pindah ke Central). Sewaktu ia berhasil mendapatkan pacar baru di Central, ternyata pacar barunya adalah Lust yang menyamar untuk mendapat informasi darinya. Cedera yang didapatkannya dari Lust saat ia menyertai Roy menyusup ke lorong dibawah Lab No.3 memaksa ia pensiun dini. Belakangan ia diketahui tetap mendukung Roy dengan cara mengirimkan senjata melalui Letnan muda Ross saat terjadi pertempuran di Central.



Homunculus
King Bradley
Menjalani hidup sebagai manusia meskipun seorang homunculus, ia adalah Fuhrer alias Presiden di Amestris. Dia menjadi homunculus karena pada saat pemilihan Fuhrer, ia adalah satu-satunya orang yang tetap hidup meskipun disuntikkan Philosopher's Stone, batu legenda yang merupakan inti homunculi. Karena homunculi tidak bisa ber reproduksi , ia mengadopsi anak. Anaknya sangat mengagumi Edward. Di versi anime ia tidak segan-segan mencoba membunuh anaknya untuk melakukan keinginannya.
Envy
Envy adalah homunculi yang kejam. Ia bisa mengubah dirinya menjadi orang yang berbeda. Karena dialah perang Ishvall dimulai. Dia berubah wujud menjadi salah seorang tentara dan menembak kepala seorang anak. Envy juga membebaskan Kimbley untuk mengejar Scar dan Dokter Marco yang melarikan diri.
'Lust
Lust yang mati dibunuh Roy Mustang ini adalah homunculi yang sangat cantik. Ia menyamar menjadi perempuan bernama Solaris dan memacari Jean Havoc untuk mengetahui rahasia militer. Namun Havoc bukan tipe orang yang mencampur urusan pribadi dengan pekerjaan. Di anime diketahui bahwa Lust adalah pacar kakak Scar yang meninggal saat perang.
'Wrath
Homunculus yang hanya muncul di anime. Ia merupakan anak dari Guru Ed dan Al, Izumi Curtis. Izumi yang gagal mentransmutasikan anaknya sehingga anaknya menjadi homunculi. Dia meminta Alphonse untuk mentransmutasikan dirinya sebagai biaya masuk agar Al bisa bertemu dengan Ed lagi dalam movie Conqueror of Shambala. Homunculus ini muncul di manga Fullmetal Alchemist sebagai King Bradley.
Pride
Dalam manga Fullmetal Alchemist, Pride adalah anak adopsi dari King Bradley yaitu Selim Bradley. Semua tidak mengira bahwa Selim Bradley adalah Homunculus sampai ketika Lt.Hawkeye datang ke rumah King Bradley untuk menyampaikan suratnya dan ia bertemu dengan Selim saat berjalan pulang. Selim mengaku bahwa dirinya adalah Homunculus pertama yang disebut Pride.
Gluttony
Homunculus yang muncul selalu bersama dengan Lust saat Lust masih hidup. Ia adalah Homunculus gendut yang hanya memikirkan makan saja. Walaupun ia memiliki muka yang culun, tetapi jangan meremehkan Homunculus yang satu ini. Jika Gluttony marah ia dapat membuka perutnya untuk menelan segala yang ada di sekitar dia.
Greed
Greed adalah satu-satunya Homunculus yang berkhianat. Ia lebih memilih untuk hidup sendiri tanpa teman-teman Homunculusnya. Yang selalu Greed katakan adalah "Aku ingin segalanya yang ada di dunia ini." Dalam versi manganya setelah Greed mati oleh "Ayah" (Ketua dari semua Homunculus yang biasa dipanggil Ayah), Greed dibentuk lagi, tetapi dengan mengambil tubuh Lin (Pangeran dari negeri Xing).
Sloth
Dalam versi manga, Sloth adalah Homunculus yang diciptakan untuk menggali pertambangan yang membentuk lingkaran transmutasi, sehingga seluruh negeri Amestris dikelilingi lingkaran transmutasi. Lingkaran transmutasi ini direncanakan oleh "Ayah" untuk membuat batu bijak dengan kurban semua orang yang ada di Amestris.
Haoem
Dia adalah Homunculus pertama kali yang ada di dunia. Dalam versi manga, homunculus ini pertama tertangkap dalam sebuah botol. Homunculus dapat hidup karena darahnya Van Hohenheim diberikan sedikit kepada Homunculus. Van Hohenheim berteman akrab dengan Homunculus ini sampai suatu hari raja di Cselk Cess meminta kepada Homunculus untuk mendapatkan hidup abadi. Setelah Homunculus memberi tahu caranya, dimulailah pembuatan lingkaran transmutasi oleh raja Cselk Cess. Ternyata Homunculus menipu raja dan semua orang di Cselk Cess menjadi kurban dalam pembuatan batu bijak. Karena dulu Van Hohenheim menolong Homunculus, maka Homunculus memberikan hidup abadi kepada Van Hohenheim sebagai imbalan dengan menggunakan setengah batu bijak. Setengahnya lagi dipakai oleh Homunculus untuk merubah dirinya menjadi mirip seperti Van Hohenheim.

Full Metal Alchemist version english

Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi?, literally "Alchemist of Steel"), is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The world of Fullmetal Alchemist is styled after the European Industrial Revolution. Set in a fictional universe in which alchemy is one of the most advanced scientific techniques known to man, the story follows the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who want to restore their bodies after a disastrous failed attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy.

The manga was serialized in Square Enix's Monthly Shōnen Gangan magazine (starting August 2001 and ending June 2010) and currently has 25 tankōbon volumes. It was adapted into an animated television series of 51 episodes by Bones from October 4, 2003, to October 2, 2004, later followed by a film sequel that concluded the story of the anime. Fullmetal Alchemist would later spawn a second series called Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which first premiered in Japan on April 5, 2009. Another feature film will follow the end of Brotherhood. A multitude of spin-off novels, original video animations (OVAs), drama CDs, soundtracks, and video games have been adapted from the series. A collectible card game, multiple supplementary books, and a variety of action figures and other merchandise based on the characters of the series have also been released.

The manga has been licensed by Viz Media for publication in the United States, with twenty-two bound volumes released currently. Although there are no major differences with the Japanese version, some pages have been edited to avoid minor references to western theology. Funimation Entertainment has dubbed the anime episodes in the United States and Canada, and has also released them in all English-speaking DVD regions. The English version of the film premiered in a limited number of U.S. theaters on August 25, 2006, and was later released on DVD. Funimation and Destineer have also been releasing the video games from the series.

In Japan, the Fullmetal Alchemist manga has enjoyed exceptional sales of 40 million volumes sold as of 2009. The English release of the manga's first volume was the top-selling graphic novel during the year 2005. In two TV Asahi web polls, the anime was voted #1 most popular anime of all time in Japan. It was nominated in six of the eight categories for which it was eligible at the American Anime Awards in February 2007, winning awards in five of them. Reviewers from several media generally had positive comments on the series.



Plot
See also: List of Fullmetal Alchemist characters
Edward and Alphonse Elric are two alchemist brothers searching for the legendary catalyst called the Philosopher's Stone, a powerful object which would allow them to recover their bodies (which were lost in an attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy). Born in the village of Resembool from the country of Amestris (アメストリス Amesutorisu?), the two brothers lived there with their mother. Their father, Van Hohenheim, left home for unknown reasons and years later, their mother, Trisha Elric, died of a terminal illness leaving the Elric brothers alone. After their mother's death, Edward became determined to bring her back through the use of alchemy, an advanced science in which objects can be created from raw materials. They researched Human Transmutation, a forbidden art in which one attempts to create or modify a human being. However, this attempt failed, ultimately resulting in the loss of Edward's left leg and Alphonse's entire body. In a desperate effort to save his brother, Edward sacrificed his right arm to affix Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. Some days later, an alchemist named Roy Mustang visited the Elric brothers, and he told Edward to become a member of the State Military of the country to find a way to recover their bodies. After that, Edward's left leg and right arm were replaced with automail, a type of advanced prosthetic limb, created for him by his close family friends Winry Rockbell and her grandmother Pinako.
Edward then became a State Alchemist (国家錬金術師 Kokka Renkinjutsushi?), an alchemist employed by the State Military of Amestris, which infamously annihilated most of the Ishbalan race (Ishbal) in the past decade. Becoming a State Alchemist enables Edward to use the extensive resources available to State Alchemists, but it also turns him into what they call a "dog of the military". His more friendly relationship with Mustang however, whom he reports to and who recruited him, allows the brothers freedom to search for the Philosopher's Stone as part of Edward's research, as each State Alchemist is expected to independently research new things which may be of a use to the State Military of Amestris. The brothers set off in search of the Philosopher's Stone as a means to restore their bodies. Throughout their journey, they meet many antagonists, including those who are willing to do anything to obtain the Philosopher's Stone; Scar, one of the few surviving Ishbalans, who seeks vengeance on the State Alchemists for the destruction of his race; and the homunculi, a group of human-like creatures who carry pieces of the Philosopher's Stone inside themselves, and from it derive the ability to survive almost any harm.
As the story progresses, Edward and Alphonse discover the vast expansion of Amestris was the result of the homunculi, who created and secretly control the State Military. The homunculi and much of the high-ranking military officers are commanded from behind the curtains by the creator of the homunculi, a man simply known as "Father" who gained immortality by creating the Philosopher's Stone by tricking Hohenheim centuries before the series' timeline. He plans to use Amestris as a gigantic transmutation circle in order to transmute the entire country for reasons unknown to the Elrics. When Edward and Alphonse discover Father's plans, they, along with other members of the State Military, set out to defeat him.
As the forces collide, one by one, the remaining homonculi are defeated and Central city's troops are enlightened about the truth of the situation. However, Father temporarily harvests all the souls in Amestris, numbering several million, and using that power, traps "God", gaining immense power. However, due to Hohenheim's earlier actions, the souls are brought back to their bodies by their spirits, and Father becomes unstable. Everyone joins in to fight Father, forcing him to use more and more of his stone, finally being defeated by Edward with his original arm, Al having sacrificed himself to bring it back. After Father is trapped within the Truth, revealed to be God, Ed sacrifices his ability to use alchemy to bring Al back in his original body. The Elrics return to Resembool, but two years later, they separate in order to repay the people who helped in their journey.
Differences in the first anime adaptation
The first half of the anime's plot basically follows that of the manga, but the plots severely diverge from each other near the middle of the story;[1] when Ed and Al reunite with their teacher. A former lover of Hohenheim, their teacher's teacher, Dante, acts as the series' main antagonist, appearing only in the anime. Centuries ago, the two perfected methods for making the Philosopher's Stone, achieving a sort of immortality by transferring their soul and intellect into others' bodies as they age. Hohenheim was eventually overcome by the guilt of sacrificing lives to make the Stone and left Dante. Although Dante is still able to jump from body to body with the last stone she and Hohenheim created, she does not possess the complete knowledge on how to make one. She uses the homunculi to spur Edward and Alphonse, along with other Alchemists equally desperate, into creating another complete Philosopher's Stone for her.[2]
When Scar creates the Philosopher's Stone, he infuses the stone into Alphonse's metal body, making him the main focus of Dante's efforts leading to him being kidnapped.[3] When Edward goes to rescue him, he is killed by the homunculus Envy. Alphonse uses the Philosopher's Stone to revive his brother but disappears in the process. Dante tries to escape, but she is killed by the homunculus Gluttony whose mind Dante had earlier destroyed, fails to recognize his master. After being revived, Edward risks his life to bring back his brother in exchange. As a result, Edward ends up in a parallel world, while Alphonse recovers his original body. Determined to return to Alphonse, Edward becomes involved in rocketry research, with the intention to use that technology to try to get back to his home world.[4]
The story is followed in the film Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa situated two years after the end of the anime. While Edward is working in Germany to find a way to return to Amestris, Dietlinde Eckhart, a member from the Thule Society, discovers the existence of Ed's world and starts giving him hints to open a portal to Amestris. Alphonse, having been looking for his brother after two years, also discovers the portal and opens it at the same time as his father Hohenheim opens the one from Germany, allowing Dietlinde to enter Amestris and try to conquer it. Edward reunites with his brother and they join forces to defeat Dietlinde. Knowing the danger that both worlds are now connected through the portal, Edward returns to Germany to destroy that side of the portal, knowing that he would be trapped there forever. Alphonse secretly follows him, having decided to stay with Edward.


Production
After reading about the philosopher's stone, Arakawa said that she became attracted to the idea of using alchemy in the manga. She liked it so much that she started reading books relating to alchemy, which she found very complicated due to the fact that some books contradicted others. Arakawa was attracted more by the philosophical aspects than the practical aspects.[1] For the Equivalent Exchange concept, she was inspired by the work of her parents who had a farm in Hokkaidō and always had to give all their effort in order to earn the money to eat.[5]
Arakawa wanted to integrate social problems into the story. She gathered information watching news programs and talking to people, such as refugees, war veterans and former yakuza. Several plot elements expand on these themes, such as Pinako Rockbell caring for the Elric brothers after the death of their mother, and the brothers helping people all over the country, to gain an understanding of the meaning of family. When creating the fictional world of Fullmetal Alchemist, Arakawa was inspired after reading about Europe during the Industrial Revolution period; she was amazed by how different the people from different countries were, in terms of their culture, architecture, and clothes. She was especially interested in England during this period and "added to it her own original flavor to turn it into a fantasy world".[1]
When the manga began serialization, Arakawa had in mind how the story would end. As the plot continued, however, she felt some characters were maturing and decided to change some scenes, resulting in some sketches of the faces of the characters being improvised.[5] In creating the characters' designs, she comments that the manga authors Suihō Tagawa and Hiroyuki Eto are her main inspirations, and describes her artwork as a mix of both of them. The easiest of the series characters for her to draw was Alex Louis Armstrong, as well as little animals. Due to the fact she likes dogs, Arakawa added several of them in the story.[6] Arakawa made comedy central in the manga because she thinks it is intended for entertainment, and tried to minimalize focus on sad scenes.[5]
When the number of manga chapters was around 40, Arakawa commented that as the series gets near the end, she will try to make story faster until getting to the conclusion. To avoid making chapters less entertaining than others, unnecessary details from each of them are removed and a climax is developed. The removal of minor information is also necessary since the number of pages that Arakawa has to work with in Monthly Shōnen Gangan is not enough to cover all the storyline content she wants to add. For this, certain character's appearances were limited in some chapters.[7]
During the development of the first anime, Arakawa allowed the anime staff to work independently from her, and requested having a different ending from the one in the manga. She said that she would not like to repeat the same ending in both media, as well as to make the manga longer to work more in the development of the characters. When watching the ending of the anime, she was amazed about how different the homunculi creatures were from the manga and enjoyed how the staff speculated about the origins of the villains.[1] As Arakawa also helped the Bones staff in the making of the series, she was kept busy from focusing on the manga's cover illustrations and had little time to make them.[7]
Media
Manga
Main article: List of Fullmetal Alchemist chapters

This panel from volume 8 shows some of the changes in the graphics that Viz Media made in changing from the original release of Fullmetal Alchemist (left) to their English release (right).
Written and drawn by Hiromu Arakawa, the Fullmetal Alchemist manga series is serialized in Square Enix's monthly manga magazine Monthly Shōnen Gangan. It has been serialized since Monthly Shōnen Gangan's August 2001 issue (published on July 12, 2001) and has been completed with chapter 108 marking an end to the series, as of June 2010.[8] Square Enix is collecting the chapters in tankōbon format. The first volume was released on January 22, 2002, and as of April 22, 2010, 25 volumes have been released.[9][10] A few chapters have been rereleased in Japan in two "Extra number" magazines and Fullmetal Alchemist, The First Attack, which features the first nine chapters of the manga as well as other side stories.[11] Viz Media is releasing the manga in North America. The first volume was released on May 3, 2005, and the latest volume they have released is volume 22 in January 2010.[12][13]
The content of the manga released by Viz in the United States were mostly consistent with the original material. As of August 2007, the only edits that have been made were to a set of twelve panels from volume 8, depicting the homunculus Greed tied to a cross-shaped stone slab in crucifixion style. In the U.S. version the stone was redesigned to become round in each panel,[14] as commented by Viz to avoid references to Christianity. This change in the manga was made with the approval of Arakawa.[15]
In Singapore, the manga is being published by Chuang Yi. Publishing in both English and Simplified Chinese, nineteen volumes have been released in English, while twenty-one volumes have been released in Simplified Chinese. In Poland, Japonica Polonica Fantastica is publishing the manga[16] - as of January 2010, eighteen volumes have been released. In France, the manga is being released by Kurokawa.[17] Volume eight, released in September 2006, was available also in a collector's edition, which consisted of the book packed with the original comedic novel Flame Alchemist, focusing on Roy Mustang's schedule.[18][19] Prior to this, this novel was only available with the limited edition of volume six in Japan.[20] In Brazil, Editora JBC is publishing the manga with forty-four volumes equivalent to the first original twenty-two volumes having been released currently.[21] In Italy the manga is published by Panini Comics using the label "Planet Manga"[22]
Anime series
[edit] Fullmetal Alchemist
Main article: List of Fullmetal Alchemist episodes
The animation studio Bones adapted the manga into a 51-episode anime series. It was directed by Seiji Mizushima, written by Shō Aikawa and co-produced by Bones, Mainichi Broadcasting System and Aniplex. Character designs were handled by Yoshiyuki Itō. The anime was broadcast on Mainichi Broadcasting System, TBS, and Animax in Japan from October 4, 2003 to October 2, 2004,[23][24][25] with a 6.8 percent television viewership rating.[26] The English dubbed version of the anime was produced by Funimation and debuted on the Adult Swim block of the United States cable channel Cartoon Network on November 6, 2004.[27] A year and a half later, Canada's YTV began airing it on March 3, 2006.[28] The anime's later story and conclusion by Bones is different from the manga due to a request by Arakawa.[1] During the making of the anime, Arakawa was present in meetings to give the staff insight into the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, though she did not actively take part in any writing for the TV series.[5]
The series has been released in a series of thirteen DVDs from December 17, 2003 to January 26, 2005 in Japan.[29] Funimation Entertainment also released the same series of DVDs from February 8, 2005 to September 12, 2006 in the United States.[30][31] MVM had released the first eight volumes in the United Kingdom; however, Funimation gave the rights over to Revelation Films.[32]
A film sequel, Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa, was made by the same studio, and premiered in Japanese theaters on July 23, 2005.[33] A series of five original video animations (OVAs) were also released. The majority of these OVAs are side stories and do not expand on the plot. These OVAs also include a live action segment with Alphonse Elric travelling around a city. In March 2006 a DVD featuring these OVAs was released in Japan with the name of Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium Collection.[29] Funimation acquired and dubbed Premium Collection during the end of 2008 for English release.[34] The DVD was released in English on August 4, 2009.[35] During January 2009, Bones released a "DVD box archives" of the anime. It includes the first anime of 51 episodes, the film, the CD soundtracks, and guidebooks from the series.[36]
[edit] Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Main article: List of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood episodes
In the 20th volume of the manga, creator Arakawa announced that a second Fullmetal Alchemist anime series was being produced. Bones produces the new series with Yasuhiro Irie as director and Hiroshi Ōnogi as writer. The title of the series is also Fullmetal Alchemist in the Japanese version, although as Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Furumetaru Arukemisuto?, abbreviated as 鋼の錬金術師FA) to differentiate it from the 2003 series.[37][38] The series premiered on April 5, 2009, on MBS-TBS's Sunday 5:00 pm JST anime timeblock, replacing Mobile Suit Gundam 00, and voice actors Romi Park and Rie Kugimiya reprised their roles as main characters Edward and Alphonse Elric respectively.[39] Unlike the first anime which had an original story, the second series follows the story of the manga.[40] On March 20, 2009, it was announced that the English title of the series was Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and that it would receive its English language premiere on Animax Asia, with Japanese audio and English subtitles, on April 10, 2009, at 8:30 p.m, five days after its Japanese premiere.[41] Aniplex started releasing the series in Blu-ray and DVD on August 26, 2009, with each of them containing two episodes.[42]
On April 3, 2009, Funimation announced it would stream English subtitled episodes four days after they air in Japan. Madman Entertainment will also stream it "within days" of the episodes airing in Japan.[43] Funimation later suspended the release of new episodes of the series for a few weeks due to an incident involving an episode of One Piece being uploaded before it had aired in Japan.[44] However, the episodes are now back on the Funimation website as well as on the official Funimation channel on Youtube.[45] In September 2009, Funimation announced the cast for an English dub of the series.[46] Starting February 13, 2010, the English dub of the series can now be seen on Adult Swim.[47] On July 4, 2010 the final episode of Brotherhood revealed that a second film is currently in production.[48]
Light novels
Main article: List of Fullmetal Alchemist light novels
A series of six Fullmetal Alchemist Japanese light novels, written by Makoto Inoue, have been published by Square Enix.[49] The novels are licensed for an English-language release by Viz Media in North America, with translations by Alexander O. Smith.[50] Although Arakawa did not write the novels, she did illustrations for them, including covers and frontispieces.[51] The novels are spin-offs of the manga series and follow the Elric brothers on their continued quest for the Philosopher's Stone. The first novel, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Land of Sand, was animated as the episodes eleven and twelve of the anime series.[52] The fourth novel also contains an extra story about the military called "Roy's Holiday".[53] Novelizations of three of the PlayStation 2 games, Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, Curse of the Crimson Elixir, and The Girl Who Surpasses God—have also been written. The first was authored by Makoto Inoue and the rest by Jun Eishima.[49]
Drama CDs
There have been two series of Fullmetal Alchemist audio dramas. The first volume of the first series, Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 1: The Land of Sand (砂礫の大地 Sareki no Daichi?), was released before the anime and tells a story similar to the first novel. The Tringham brothers reprised their roles in the anime.[54] Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 2: False Light, Truth's Shadow (偽りの光 真実の影 Itsuwari no Hikari, Shinjitsu no Kage?) and Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 3: Criminals' Scar (咎人たちの傷跡 Togabitotachi no Kizuato?) are stories based on different manga chapters with the addition of other characters from the State Military from the series.[49]
The second series of audio dramas, available only with purchases of Shōnen Gangan, consists of short stories. There are two stories in this series, each with two parts. The first, Fullmetal Alchemist: Ogutāre of the Fog (霧のオグターレ Kiri no Ogutāre?), was included in Shōnen Gangan's April and May 2004 issues, while the second story, Fullmetal Alchemist: Crown of Heaven (天上の宝冠 Tenjō no Hōkan?), was found in the November and December issues.[49]
CDs

Cover of Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa Original Soundtrack
The music for Fullmetal Alchemist was composed and arranged by Michiru Oshima, who won the 5th Tokyo Anime Award in the category "Best Music" for Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa.[55] TV Animation Fullmetal Alchemist Original Soundtrack 1 was released on March 24, 2004 in Japan and contained thirty-three tracks, including several of the background sounds used during key points in the main series and the first opening and ending theme songs.[56] Although never released officially, a version of the Russian track "Brothers" (Russian: Братья, Bratja; Japanese: Burācha) from this CD has been recorded in English by Vic Mignogna, the voice actor who played Edward Elric in the English dubbed version. TV Animation Fullmetal Alchemist Original Soundtrack 2 was released on December 15, 2004 and contained thirty tracks.[57] TV Animation Fullmetal Alchemist Original Soundtrack 3, released on May 18, 2005 contained twenty-seven tracks.[58]
Fullmetal Alchemist: Complete Best and Fullmetal Alchemist Hagaren Song File (Best Compilation) are compilations of the soundtracks that were released in Japan on October 14, 2004 and December 21, 2005, respectively. A bonus DVD, exclusive to the U.S. release, contains a music video for Nana Kitade's "Indelible Sin".[29][59] Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie Conqueror Of Shamballa OST, which contained forty-six tracks, was released on December 21, 2005. All are tracks used in the featured film Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa.[29] During December 2004, a concert titled "Tales of Another Festival" was staged in Tokyo and Osaka. It featured performances by several of the musical artists from the television series as well as narrations by the voice actors and actresses. A DVD of the concert entitled Fullmetal Alchemist Festival - Tales of Another was released in Japan on April 27, 2005.[29]
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's music composer is Akira Senju. The first CD soundtrack from this anime was published on October 14, 2009.[60] The second CD soundtrack from the anime was published on March 24, 2010.[61] The third and final CD soundtrack became available on July 7, 2010.[62]
Video games
Video games based on Fullmetal Alchemist have also been released. The storylines of the games often diverge from those of the anime and manga and feature new characters. Square Enix has released three role-playing games (RPG)—Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, Curse of the Crimson Elixir, and Kami o Tsugu Shōjo—and one fighting game, Dream Carnival, for the PlayStation 2. Bandai has released two RPG titles, Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo (鋼の錬金術師 迷走の輪舞曲 Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Meisō no Rondo?) and Fullmetal Alchemist: Sonata of Memory (鋼の錬金術師 想い出の奏鳴曲 Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Omoide no Sonata?), for the Game Boy Advance and one, Dual Sympathy, for the Nintendo DS. Bandai also released another RPG, Fullmetal Alchemist: To the Promised Day (鋼の錬金術師 Fullmetal Alchemist 約束の日へ Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Fullmetal Alchemist Yakusoku no Hi e?), for the PlayStation Portable on May 20, 2010 in Japan.[63] Destineer released a game based on the trading card game in North America for the Nintendo DS.[64][65] Of the seven games made in Japan, Broken Angel, Dream Carnival, Curse of the Crimson Elixir, and Dual Sympathy have seen international release; the others have not been released internationally. For the Wii, Akatsuki no Ōji (暁の王子?, lit. Fullmetal Alchemist: Prince of the Dawn) was released in Japan on August 13, 2009.[66] A direct sequel of the game, Tasogare no Shōjo (黄昏の少女?, lit. "Fullmetal Alchemist: Daughter of the Dusk"), was released on December 10, 2009 for the same console.[67]
Funimation licensed the franchise to create a new series of Fullmetal Alchemist related video games to be published by Destineer Publishing Corporation in the United States.[68] Destineer released its first Fullmetal Alchemist game for the Nintendo DS, a translation of Bandai's Dual Sympathy, on December 15, 2006, and has commented that this will be the first of many titles that they plan to release.[69] On February 19, 2007, Destineer announced the second game in its Fullmetal Alchemist series, the Fullmetal Alchemist Trading Card Game. This title was released October 15, 2007.[70] A third game for the PlayStation Portable titled Fullmetal Alchemist: Senka wo Takuseshi Mono was released in Japan on October 15, 2009.[71] The game was announced for a European release with Namco Bandai being the publisher on March 4, 2010.[72] The massively multiplayer online role-playing game MapleStory is also going to receive special ingame items based on the series as tie-in.[73]
For the RPG games, Arakawa oversaw the story and designed its characters, while Bones, the studio which would be responsible for the anime series, produced several animation sequences. The developers looked at other titles for inspiration, particularly Square Enix's action role-playing game Kingdom Hearts, in addition to other games based on manga series, such as Dragon Ball, Naruto or One Piece games. The biggest challenge they had to overcome was to try to make the title a "full-fledged" game rather than a simple "character-based" game.[74] Tomoya Asano, the assistant producer for the games, noted that development spanned more than a year, unlike most character-based games.[75]
Art and guidebooks
The Fullmetal Alchemist franchise has several artbooks for the manga and the anime; two manga artbooks called The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist (イラスト集 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST Irasuto Shū Fullmetal Alchemist?) were released by Square Enix and later by Viz Media.[76] The first contains illustrations made between May 2001 to April 2003, spanning the first six manga volumes, while the second has illustrations from September 2003 to October 2005, spanning the next six.[11] For the anime, three artbooks with the name of The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist: The Anime (TVアニメーション鋼の錬金術師 ART BOOK TV Animēshon Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Artbook?) were released in Japan, while only the first was released by Viz Media.[76]
The manga also has three guidebooks; each of them contain timelines, guides to the Elric brothers' journey, and gaiden chapters that were never released in a manga volume.[11] Only the first guidebook has been released by Viz Media, under the name of Fullmetal Alchemist Profiles.[77] An anime character guide book called Fullmetal Alchemist Anime Profiles (TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Kyarakore?) was released Japan as well in the United States.[76] A series of five fanbooks have also been released with the name of TV Anime Fullmetal Alchemist Official Fanbooks (TVアニメ 鋼の錬金術師 オフィシャルファンブック TV Anime Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Ofisharu Fan Bukku?) containing each one information of the anime as well as several interviews with the staff of the series.[11] Additionally, on August 12, 2009 it was released a guidebook focused on the second anime series.[78]
Other merchandise
Action figures, busts, and statues from the Fullmetal Alchemist anime and manga have been created by leading toy companies; primarily Medicom and Southern Island. Medicom has created high end deluxe vinyl figures of the characters from the anime. These figures are exclusively distributed in the United States and UK by Southern Island.[79] Southern Island has also released their own action figures in 2007 of the main characters. These figures and a 12" statue were scheduled to release in 2007. Southern Island has since gone bankrupt, putting the figures on permanent hiatus.[80] A trading card game was first published in 2005 in the United States by Joyride Entertainment.[81] Since then, six expansions have been released. The physical game was retired on July 11, 2007.[82] Destineer released a Nintendo DS adaptation of the game on October 15, 2007.[70]
Reception
In March 2007, the manga has sold over 27 million volumes in Japan, while as of March 2008, the number increased to more than 30 million.[26][83] With the release of volume 24 in December 2009, the series will have a total of 40 million units printed.[84] As of January 10, 2010 every volume of the manga has sold over a million copies each in Japan.[85] Along with Yakitate!! Japan, the series won the 49th Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen in 2004.[86] During 2008, volumes 19 and 20 sold over a million copies, ranking as the 10th and 11th best seller comics, respectively from Japan.[87] In the first half of 2009, it ranked as the 7th best-seller from Japan, having sold over 3 million copies.[88] Volume 21 ranked 4th, with more than 1 million copies sold and volume 22 ranked 6th with a similar number of sold copies.[89] Producer Kouji Taguchi from Square Enix said that Volume 1's initial sales were of 150,000 copies and changed to 1.5 million copies after the first anime aired. Prior to the second anime's premiere, each volume sold about 1.9 million copies, and then it changed to 2.1 million copies.[90] The series is also one of Viz Media's best sellers, appearing in "BookScan's Top 20 Graphic Novels" and the "USA Today Booklist".[91][92][93] It has also been featured in the Diamond Comic Distributors's polls of graphic novel and the The New York Times Best Seller Manga list.[94][95] The English release of the manga's first volume was the top-selling graphic novel during the year 2005.[96] In a survey from Oricon in 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist ranked ninth as the manga that fans wanted to be turned into a live-action film.[97]
Fullmetal Alchemist has generally been well received by critics. Though the initial volumes were felt to be formulaic, critics noted that the series grows in complexity as it progresses. Arakawa was praised for being able to keep all of her character designs unique and distinguishable, despite many of them wearing the same basic uniforms.[98] The characterization of the protagonist Edward balances between being a "typical clever kid" and "a stubborn kid", successfully allowing him to float between the series more comical moments and its underlying drama without seeming false.[99] Reviewers celebrated the development of the characters in the manga, with their beliefs actively changing during the story forcing them to grow in maturity.[100] Mania Entertainment's Jarred Pine found that the manga can be enjoyed by anybody who has watched the first anime despite the similarities in the first chapters. Like other reviewers, he praised the dark mood from the manga and how it balances the humor and action scenes.[101] The development from characters who have little appearances in the first anime was also praised by Pine.[102] In a review from volume 14, Sakura Eries from the same site liked the revelations in spite of the fact that there are still several story arcs that need to be resolved. She also praised the development from the homunculi such as the return of Greed as well as their fights.[103]
The anime premiered in Japan with a 6.8 percent television viewership rating.[26] In 2005, Japanese television network TV Asahi conducted a "Top 100" online web poll and nation-wide survey; the Fullmetal Alchemist anime adaptation placed first in the online poll and twentieth in the survey.[104][105] In 2006, TV Asahi conducted another online poll for the top one hundred anime, and Fullmetal Alchemist placed first again.[106] Fullmetal Alchemist was also a winner in the American Anime Awards in several categories. These include "Long Series", "Best Cast", "Best DVD Package Design", "Best Anime Theme Song" ("Rewrite," by Asian Kung-Fu Generation), and "Best Actor" (Vic Mignogna, Edward Elric's English voice actor). It was also nominated in the category of "Best Anime Feature" for Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa.[107] The series also won most of the Twenty-sixth Annual Animage Readers' Polls. The series was the winner in the "Favorite Anime Series", "Favorite Episode" (episode seven), "Favorite Male Character" (Edward Elric), "Favorite Female Character" (Riza Hawkeye), "Favorite Theme Song" ("Melissa", by Porno Graffitti), and "Favorite Seiyū" (Romi Park, Edward's Japanese voice actor).[108] In the "Tokyo Anime Fair", the series also won in the categories "Animation Of The Year" (Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shambala), "Best original story" (Hiromu Arakawa) and "Best music" (Michiru Oshima).[55] In About.com 2006 American Awards, Fullmetal Alchemist was the winner in the categories "Best New Anime Series" and "Best Animation".[109][110]
The series has become one of the top properties of Square Enix along with Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.[111] It was named the 95th best animated series by IGN. They commented that although it's mostly upbeat with amazing action scenes, it also touches on the human condition. They described it as "more than a mere anime," and "a powerful weekly drama."[112] The staff also featured it in their "10 Cartoon Adaptations We'd Like to See" with comments focused in the characterization the series features.[113] The designs of the characters have been praised remarking they are different from each other. Flashbacks have been criticized to be annoying as they are repeated several times.[114][115] Other reviewers compared the series with an Odyssey as part tragic, part coming of age story. The plot and the music have been celebrated to be very entertaining.[114] The anime has also been praised for having a good balance between action, comedy and deep moments and remarked the emotional core of the development of the two main characters.[116] Criticism towards the anime focused on the large number of sentimental scenes in the series abused to evoke kneejerk emotional responses from the viewers. The ending was also the basis of one negative review noting that Edward's beliefs did not change at all as he tried once again to bring somebody back to life.[117] Soundtracks received praise for its varying styles of music as well as a large number of artists that make every song enjoyable. The music of the backgrounds has been noted to never distract to it from the story and to always be pleasant to hear.[111] DVDvisionjapan considered the first opening theme and the first ending theme as the best tracks of the series remarking that they made a good combination of anime and song.[118]
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has been criticized by the Anime News Network Staff, who say that its first fifteen episodes were not very entertaining due to it repeating events from the first anime. In comparison to the first series, Brotherhood was criticized for its lack of suspense and "energy".[119] Mania Entertainment's Chris Beveridge noted that what makes the second series entertaining is the difference between the characters' actions and how some of the episodes following episode 15 added more emotional content.[120] In another review, Beveridge praised the new fight scenes as well as more drama which made these episodes "solid".[121] In April 2010, it was listed as the 6th best anime between April 2009 and March 2010 by Animage.[122]
The first Fullmetal Alchemist novel, The Land of the Sand, was well received by Jarred Pine of Mania as a self-contained novelization that remained true to the characterizations from the manga series. He notes that while the lack of backstory makes it geared more towards fans of the franchise than new readers, it was an impressive debut piece for the Viz Fiction line.[123] Ain't it Cool News also found the novel to be true to its roots, and that while it brought nothing new to the series, it was compelling enough for followers of the series to enjoy a retelling. As a whole, the reviewer felt it was a "work for young-ish readers that's pretty clear about some darker sides of politics, economics and human nature."[124] Charles Solomon of the Los Angeles Times noted that the novel has a different focus than anime series, with The Land of Sand "creating a stronger, sympathetic bond" between the younger brothers than is seen in its two episode anime counterpart
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