One of anime's most enduringly haunting sagas

Nearly two decades after its debut, Fullmetal Alchemist continues to resonate with fans worldwide, widely regarded as one of the most emotionally intense and unforgettable anime series ever created.

The story, adapted from Hiromu Arakawa's manga, follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who embark on a perilous quest to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy attempt to resurrect their mother.

While the manga was still ongoing, Arakawa requested that the original 2003 anime develop a separate ending, leading to major plot divergences from the source material. What has remained constant, however, is the show's impact.

Fans still recall scenes that left a lasting impression, particularly the tragic fate of Nina Tucker. The character's transformation through her father Shou Tucker's human experiment has been cited as one of the most disturbing storylines in anime history.

Unlike other antagonists who were given redemption in the manga's "In Memoriam" segments, Tucker was denied such resolution, a decision supported by the author and widely embraced by viewers.

Other moments in the series also underscore its intensity. In one notable battle, Edward Elric is overpowered by antagonist Kimblee and suffers near-fatal injuries after falling onto a metal beam, an episode often revisited in fan discussions for its shocking brutality.

Fullmetal Alchemist has since remained a reference point in anime culture, with many considering it an exemplar of storytelling that combines action, moral complexity, and raw emotional weight.

Despite subsequent adaptations, including the more manga-faithful Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in 2009, the original series continues to spark debate, analysis, and strong emotional reactions among viewers.

The anime's enduring legacy lies in how it confronts themes of sacrifice, grief, and the consequences of human ambition — leaving what fans often describe as "scars that never heal."