Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Edward Elric

""In order for something to be obtained, something of equal value must be lost."

Alchemy is bound by this Law of Equivalent Exchange - something the young brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric only realize after attempting human transmutation: the one forbidden act of alchemy. They pay a terrible price for their transgression - Edward loses his left leg, Alphonse his physical body. It is only by the desperate sacrifice of Edward´s right arm that he is able to affix Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. Devastated and alone, it is the hope that they would both eventually return to their original bodies that gives Edward the inspiration to obtain metal limbs called "automail" and become a state alchemist, the Fullmetal Alchemist. Three years of searching later, the brothers seek the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical relic that allows an alchemist to overcome the Law of Equivalent Exchange. Even with military allies Colonel Roy Mustang, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes on their side, the brothers find themselves caught up in a nationwide conspiracy that leads them not only to the true nature of the elusive Philosopher's Stone, but their country's murky history as well. In between finding a serial killer and racing against time, Edward and Alphonse must ask themselves if what they are doing will make them human again... or take away their humanity."

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a 64-episode-long Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy & Shounen anime series adapted from the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa. The manga is from year 2004, though the anime premiered in Spring 2009, airing April 5th 2009 to July 4th 2010. Today, I wanted to talk a bit as usual about one of the main characters in the series; Edward Elric.

Edward (or simply Ed) Elric is the titular protagonist of the Fullmetal Alchemist series. After losing his right arm and left leg due to a failed Human Transmutation attempt, Ed became the youngest State Alchemist in history by achieving his certification at age twelve. Three years later, Ed has become fully engrossed in his search for the legendary Philosopher's Stone, an item which he hopes to restore his younger brother Alphonse Elric - whose whole body had been lost in the aftermath of the human transmutation.

Personality-wise, on the surface, Edward displays an immature sort of personality. He is decidedly stubborn and strong-willed, frequently letting his pettiness and vindictiveness get the better of him. He is somewhat selfish and self-absorbed, generally acting more out of self-interest than any sort of philanthropy as well as taking several opportunities to stroke his own ego or flaunt the governmental power and monetary license of his military position. He is largely hostile towards figures of authority and feels little incentive to follow orders with which he disagrees, earning him the distinction of being a loose cannon of sorts. However, for those few people who have made an impact on him, Ed shows his deeper nature to be one of marked selflessness, unflinching loyalty, and great compassion. As someone who has had to suffer greatly at such a young age, Edward cannot ignore the true suffering of others and becomes sympathetic upon sensing pain and resolve in people's hearts. Appearance-wise, Edward is small for his age (15-16 years old), standing at only 149 cm at the beginning of the series. He wears his golden-blond hair long - usually tied in a braid that hangs down to his shoulders, but sometimes forgoing the braid for a simpler ponytail. He parts his bangs in the middle so that they frame his face on either side as they fall and, in the center of the parting, he leaves a single strand of hair sticking up like an antenna. In Chapter 56, it's revealed that he does this intentionally, presumably to add to his height. Ed's eyes, too, are gold coloured. When it comes to clothes, he only wears black to hide any oil stains that he may obtain from his automail.

I am feeling very indifferent about Fullmetal Alchemist. Mostly because I did not watch the whole series (I lost interest around the beginning/middle of the anime series). Though my little brother still recommends it to me to this day... but I don't think I'll watch it again, despite my brother's attempts on making me rewatch. It is just not my cup of tea, but maybe it is yours? If you are looking for this type of anime, do not let me stop you!