How Many Volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist Are There (2024)

Fullmetal Alchemist is the pinnacle in the world of anime and manga, so naturally, you’d be interested in reading its manga version. If you have decided to read it and are wondering how many volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist there are, keep reading, as this article will give you the answer!

Manga, as a medium, has a lot of content to offer. Old content is still relevant today, with some achieving levels of popularity that keep them at the top of popularity charts even years after they concluded.

Even though many series are still being newly serialized, some older series remain popular among the fans, being recommended as classics or staples everyone should consume at least once. This is the case of Fullmetal Alchemist, as the manga achieved an amazing fandom, which often claims that both its manga and anime adaptation deserve to be at the very top of the popularity charts on multiple websites.

There’s an interesting story about the anime adaptation, however. The first anime adaptation of the original piece didn’t follow its source material, thus reaching a conclusion much different than the one in the manga. This was fixed after Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was released. But still, reading the manga series is a completely different experience, and fans of the show must give it a try.

For those who love reading manga, there are a couple of inquiries one must ask beforehand, how many Fullmetal Alchemist volumes am I expected to consume? The logic behind this question is pretty simple: it gives you an estimate of how much time or money you will have to invest, and before we talk a little more about Fullmetal Alchemist, we will cover this aspect to aid you on your journey.

How Many Volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist Are There?

Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the best anime shows of all time by a long shot, and its manga series is also considered one of the best manga series ever!

The author, Hiromu Arakawa, has done a phenomenal job of telling a unique story set in a fascinating world. She has done something that many other manga series fail to do, tying up all loose ends and plot points by the time the manga reaches its conclusion.

Once you start reading the manga, you’ll understand that the world is unique, the alchemical powers are fascinating, and there are rules to using these powers because you can’t just use them without consequences. And that’s what makes Fullmetal Alchemist one of the best series ever!

So, how many volumes are there in Fullmetal Alchemist? And how many chapters have been released?

This title is a completed manga series, so there won’t be any new chapters or volumes. There are a total of 108 chapters in the story, and all these chapters are contained in 27 tankōbon volumes.

There is also a special edition, the “Fullmetal Editions,” that were released later. These are English versions of the series in hardcover format, and there are 18 volumes in total for this edition!

Is There A Fullmetal Alchemist Manga Box Set?

Yes, there absolutely is! Since this is a finished manga series, you can find a box set containing all 27 volumes, plus a couple of extra incentives.

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Fullmetal Alchemist Manga in Order:

Below, you’ll find a table featuring every single volume of Fullmetal Alchemist manga in order of their release date. You can read it in order, and you won’t miss any important detail in the story!

How Many “Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Editions” Are There?

Other than the standard manga editions released when the manga was in serialization, some new special editions were launched later. These are the “Fullmetal Editions.” These editions come in hardcore format, and each volume contains more chapters.

What is Fullmetal Alchemist Manga About?

Fullmetal Alchemist is a series that primarily focuses on the shonen genre and, thus, showcases considerable levels of action. Even then, the series revolves around the idea of alchemy and the idea of “Equivalent Exchange,” giving something equally valuable as what you are supposed to receive.

The series introduces a couple of brothers who work as State Alchemists, solving mysteries involving alchemy as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone. This legendary item is rumored to be capable of surpassing the rules of Equivalent Exchange, allowing its user to benefit from alchemy’s hidden potential of granting any possible wish.

The first of the two brothers is Edward, the State Alchemist known as the Fullmetal Alchemist for the two steel prosthetics he uses as both arm and leg, known as “automails.” His little brother, Alphonse, appears to be in a giant knight’s armor made of steel. In their search for the philosopher’s stone, the two will fight many enemies, including other alchemists, bandits, homunculus, and Scar, a survivor of a war fought by State Alchemists and someone who swore to take revenge on them.

The true story behind the two brothers is revealed afterward as you progress on the story. Edward lost his arm and leg, and Alphonse lost his entire body due to an incident involving one of the forbidden acts in the world of alchemy – human resurrection.

After their mother passed away, they attempted to bring her back, but failed miserably, with the ritual taking Edward’s arm and leg and almost taking Alphonse’s life, were it not for Edward’s quick decision to bind his soul in a knight’s armor that was nearby.

This was the incident that marked their lives forever and one that would start the gear of their journey.

Now, what makes this story so popular? From the many positive things I can say, I’d say that the story’s progression is smooth and concise. It doesn’t drag on the plot, going straight to the point by delivering development that feels rewarding while also including the amazing backstories and character developments of many characters, not only of Edward and Alphonse’s journey but also the journeys of those they meet along the way.

Conclusion

As an overall shonen title with adventure, supernatural, and lots of action, this is one series that, if you haven’t read or watched once, you definitely need to give it a chance.

Fullmetal Alchemist has been one of my favorite series of all time for a reason, and if you give it a chance, you’ll definitely understand why this is the case! Now that you have a clear understanding of the series and know how many volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist are waiting for you, I believe starting the adventure of reading it will be much more bearable and satisfactory.

Also Read: How Many Volumes of One Punch Man Are There?