Set in an alternative world where the science of alchemy, that is the transmuting of elements into other elements – for you n00bs, is possible – Fullmetal Alchemist is the story of Edward Elric – the titular fullmetal alchemist, a naturally talented young alchemist on a quest to restore his dead mother to life using his talents.

Unfortunately the so-called process of ‘human transmutation’ is the only real taboo in alchemy. It would require the sacrifice of another human life – in alchemy; something cannot be transmuted from nothing. There is however, an artefact known as the ‘philosopher’s stone’ – which permits the process of creatio ex nihilo that Ed requires. So, with his brother Alphonse, who is also a walking suit of armour (I know, right!?) he sets off on an adventure across the country of Amnestris to find the first Harry Potter book.

The fifty-episode anime however explores much more than a simple quest. The anime is set against the backdrop of a country with a totalitarian, military government which is guided by an ancient conspiracy. Not only that but Amnestris’ society has been acutely affected by the recent ‘war’ against rebels in the region of Ishbal, which is viewed by the Ishbalans as a genocide.

Political and social commentary is not the only complex subject for discussion explored in the largely mystical show. The show also explores the meaning and purpose of the soul and its role in ethical decisions and spends lengthy periods of time postulating on religion and philosophy, exploring the alternative history of the world in which the anime is set. Its ability to deal with a range of complex themes is one of the most interesting aspects of the anime, but not the most prominent.

The anime’s range of colourful characters provide the majority of the show’s highly entertaining content, either through cleverly written, funny dialogue or through a range of aesthetically pleasing and intelligent combat scenes produced by the wide range of alchemy styles of the peripheral characters. In one episode Ed transmuted a giant cannon out of the ground, in another Major Armstrong transmuted something in his own perfectly chiselled image.

One of the best and most intelligent anime series ever made, Fullmetal Alchemist is a must see for anyone interested in anime, but aside from that, it is also a fantastic television series, clever but very entertaining.