In the overall anime sphere, the shōnen genre remains the most popular. To this day, series such as Naruto and One Piece remain classics of the genre, while more recent series such as Jujustu Kaisen and Gachiakuta act as more current staples. However, a shōnen that is often regarded as the "greatest" of not only the genre, but of the entire anime sphere, remains Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the 2009 adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's famous Fullmetal Alchemist manga.
After a forbidden experiment goes awry, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a dangerous journey to regain what they have lost. Their search leads them to rumors about the legendary Philosopher's Stone, a relic that could make their quest a success. However, this artifact has a dark history, which may very well change the brothers' path.
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What Is a Philosopher’s Stone?
A Catalyst That Can Break Away From the Laws of Alchemy
For generations, people in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist have lived alongside the ancient art of alchemy. In the simplest sense, alchemy is a combination of science and magic, the ability to deconstruct and reconstruct matter. Anyone is able to learn alchemy, though they must research and comprehend the subject and the correct transmutation circles in order to perform even the simplest experiment. If someone makes sure to hone in their alchemical skills daily, then chances are they will one day become an incredible alchemist. Some alchemists, such as Roy Mustang, later join the military as a State Alchemist; however, other talented alchemists, such as Izumi Curtis, never join the government due to their dislike of how things operate.
Those who partake in alchemy are made aware of the rules early on, with the greatest rule being to never attempt human transmutation. However, there exists an ancient artifact that has the ability to surpass even the greatest natural laws of alchemy, to undo the punishments laid upon one cornered by Truth itself. That item is the Philosopher's Stone, a scarlet crystal that appears to perform alchemical miracles. Some believe that the Philosopher's Stone can even revive the recently deceased, though few have bore witness to this phenomenon.
The Origins and Legacy of the Philosopher’s Stone
Everything Began With the Dwarf in the Flask
Long ago, there was a civilization known as Xerxes, famous even centuries later for its advanced alchemical and philosophical pursuits. However, the fate of Xerxes would soon turn tragic after the discovery of a shadow-like being known simply as the Dwarf in the Flask, an individual that appeared to hold extraordinary knowledge. The being was thought to have come alive through the use of human blood, which came from a young slave that the King's most talented alchemist used in his experiment. The very same slave would soon discover the Dwarf in the Flask and become the odd being's student, learning alchemical skills alongside reading and writing. Years later, the student, then known as Van Hohenheim, was freed and began working as an alchemist's assistant.
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However, the Dwarf in the Flask's plans for Van Hohenheim were not finished. As the original Homunculus was now working with the aging King, his wisdom was sought upon in order to help the ruler become immortal. Years passed before the ritual could begin, one that the King believed would make him stronger. In truth, this ritual actually caused the souls to become part of Van Hohenheim, making him a living Philosopher's Stone and effectively immortal. As for the Dwarf in the Flask, he broke free of his glass container and took on a human form identical to Van Hohenheim. As Van Hohenheim was forced to wander the planet, the first Homunculus, who now called himself "Father", created the other seven Homunculi and set his most daunting plan into action.
How Does the Philosopher’s Stone Relate to the Elric Brothers?
The Duo Wish To Use It To Restore Their Original Bodies
After losing their mother, brothers Edward and Alphonse decided to study alchemy in hopes of bringing her back to life. Though they knew that human transmutation was forbidden, they were certain that somehow, their own experiment would prove successful. Tragically, this would not be the case, and the brothers were instead forced to witness the creation of a creature that appeared inhuman. To make matters worse, Ed lost one of his legs in the process, while Al lost his entire body; despite the pain, Ed gave up one of his arms to rescue his brother's soul.
As Al was forced to learn how to live as a soul connected to a suit of armor, Ed was given steel prosthetics, known as automail, in order to replace his missing limbs. Once he recovered, Ed set out to become a State Alchemist despite his distrust of the government. If he became a State Alchemist, Ed would have the means to learn about information that ordinary civilians could not, information that could bring back his brother's original physical form. Thus, the brothers set out on a journey together to regain what they had lost.
Early in the 2009 anime, Ed and Al come across the texts of Dr. Tim Marcoh, and divide the work amongst themselves in order to translate the code. However, the two are horrified and disgusted by what these texts reveal. In order to create a Philosopher's Stone, one needs to sacrifice several lives, much like how Father used the souls of Xerxes to turn Van Hohenheim, the Elrics' own father, into a humanoid one. Following this discovery, the brothers are unsure of what to do next.
However, their remaining curiosity leads them to discover the hidden truths about the fallen Laboratory 5, including the experiments the Homunculi Envy and Lust were performing. This event would act as the brothers' first true encounters with these dangerous enemies, and the predecessor to their journey to consult with Izumi Curtis, their teacher. Despite the fact that their original plan of creating a Philosopher's Stone themselves was now found to be highly unethical, the two brothers vowed to find another way in order to aid the other.