Fullmetal Alchemist is a complete manga by Hiromu Arakawa, published 2001–2010 in 27 volumes. Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric break the first law of alchemy — attempting to resurrect their dead mother — and pay a devastating price. Now cyborg alchemists working for the military, they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies. FMA is widely regarded as one of the greatest manga ever written for its perfectly paced plot, thematic depth, and satisfying conclusion. All 27 volumes are available in English from Viz Media.
Use the sections below for the full reading order, volume list, and follow-up recommendations.
All Fullmetal Alchemist Volumes in Order
Read in publication order from Vol. 1 to the latest.
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 2
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 3
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 4
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 5
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 6
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 7
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 8
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 9
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 10
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 11
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 12
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 13
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 14
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 15
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 16
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 17
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 18
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 19
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 20
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 21
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 22
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 23
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 24
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 25
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 26
- Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 27
Fullmetal Alchemist Reading Order
1. Ishbal Massacre / Eastern Investigations (Volumes 1–7)
Edward becomes a State Alchemist (a “dog of the military”) to access resources for their search. The boys investigate the Laboratory 5 experiments and the truth of the Philosopher’s Stone, encountering the homunculi — artificial humans named after the Seven Deadly Sins — as primary antagonists.
2. Ishbal War Revelations / Homunculi Arc (Volumes 8–18)
The brothers uncover the military’s history of atrocities in the Ishbal region, deepening the series’ political and moral themes. The homunculi plot is revealed to be far larger than anticipated, involving Father — a mysterious being who created all the homunculi and plans to use the country itself as a transmutation circle.
3. Promised Day Arc (Volumes 18–27)
All threads converge in the “Promised Day” — a solar eclipse when Father plans to initiate his grand scheme. Every character gets a defining moment. FMA’s ending is one of manga’s most satisfying: earned, complete, and thematically resonant.
Where to Read Fullmetal Alchemist
Manga Plus offers free access to the first and latest chapters. Physical volumes are available from the publisher. We recommend buying official volumes to support the creator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fullmetal Alchemist
- How many FMA volumes are there? Fullmetal Alchemist has 27 volumes. The series is complete, ending in 2010. All 27 volumes are available in English from Viz Media.
- Is FMA: Brotherhood the same as the manga? Yes. FMA: Brotherhood (2009) is a faithful adaptation of the full manga. The original 2003 anime diverges significantly from Vol. 7 onward. Brotherhood is the recommended anime adaptation.
- Is Fullmetal Alchemist manga better than the anime? Both Brotherhood and the manga are exceptional. The manga has some additional scenes and slightly different pacing. Most fans consider them equally great. Start with either one.
- Should I read FMA or FMA Brotherhood first? They cover the same story. Read the manga or watch Brotherhood — both are complete and excellent. If you prefer animation, start with Brotherhood. If you prefer manga, start with Vol. 1.