Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)

The Price of Ambition and the Cost of Humanity

The 2003 adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist takes viewers through a dark and emotionally gripping story of two brothers who challenge the laws of nature and pay the ultimate price. With a unique storyline diverging from the manga, it stands as one of anime’s most powerful explorations of loss, morality, and redemption.

Season 1 Overview

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
Episodes: 51
Air Date: October 4, 2003 – October 2, 2004
Studio: Bones
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Opening Themes: “Melissa” by Porno Graffitti, “Ready Steady Go” by L’Arc~en~Ciel
Ending Themes: “Kesenai Tsumi” by Nana Kitade, “Tobira no Mukou e” by YeLLOW Generation

Story Summary

After attempting the forbidden act of human transmutation to resurrect their deceased mother, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric suffer devastating consequences. Edward loses his arm and leg, while Alphonse’s soul is bound to a suit of armor.

Driven by guilt and determination, they embark on a perilous journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary object said to amplify alchemy’s power and restore their bodies. Along the way, they uncover military secrets, face moral dilemmas, and confront the terrifying truth about the Stone’s creation.

Unlike later adaptations, The 2003 series diverges into an original, somber storyline that delves deeply into human suffering, war, and the limits of scientific pursuit.

Major Arcs Covered

• Human Transmutation Arc: The tragic beginning of the Elric brothers’ journey.

• State Alchemist Exam Arc: Edward earns his State Alchemist title, becoming the “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

• Homunculi Arc: The brothers face artificial humans born from failed transmutations.

• Ishvalan War Arc: The dark military history that shapes the world’s politics and hatred.

• Conqueror of Shamballa Connection: The anime concludes with a direct sequel film tying both worlds together.

Main Characters

• Edward Elric: The young prodigy known as the Fullmetal Alchemist, burdened by guilt and fierce resolve.

• Alphonse Elric: Edward’s younger brother, trapped in a hollow armor body yet full of warmth and humanity.

• Winry Rockbell: A skilled automail mechanic who repairs Edward’s prosthetic limbs and serves as his emotional anchor.

• Roy Mustang: The Flame Alchemist, a cunning officer with ambitions to reform the military.

• Riza Hawkeye: A loyal sharpshooter who shares Mustang’s burden and ideals.

• Homunculi: Enigmatic beings embodying human sins, created through tragic transmutations.

Themes and Style

• Moral Consequences of Science: The 2003 series dives deeply into the philosophical side of alchemy and its ethical boundaries.

• Loss and Redemption: Every character seeks to reclaim something they’ve lost, whether family, faith, or purpose.

• War and Humanity: The anime explores political corruption, genocide, and the human toll of ambition.

• Existential Tragedy: Unlike Brotherhood, this version offers a melancholic reflection on the limits of human knowledge.

Animation & Visuals

Studio Bones delivered a hand-drawn art style filled with earthy tones and heavy atmosphere, perfectly fitting the series’ tragic tone. The music by Michiru Ōshima adds haunting depth, from the melancholy of “Bratja” to the hopeful “Rewrite.”

Where to Watch

You can stream Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) on:

• Crunchyroll

• Netflix

• Amazon Prime Video

Popularity and Reception

Despite diverging from the manga, Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) earned critical acclaim for its storytelling, emotional complexity, and original ending. Fans praise it for its moral weight and tragic tone, with many considering it a masterpiece in its own right.

The film Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa (2005) concludes the story, offering closure to Edward and Alphonse’s emotional journey.

Final Thoughts

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) stands as a dark, mature retelling of the Elric brothers’ saga — one that questions the meaning of humanity and the true price of knowledge. It remains a cornerstone of anime history and a must-watch for fans of emotional storytelling.