The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist
Hiromu Arakawa Illust Shuu

US Release Date: November 8, 2005
Japan Release Date: February 27, 2004

US Edition: 96 Pages; All color
Japan Edition: 95 Pages; All color


The first in a set of collections of Hiromu Arakawa's illustrations for the manga production of Fullmetal Alchemist features works created from May 2001 to April 2003. Artwork from chapter titles, to novel and drama cd covers, as well as production art from the first Playstation 2 game can all be found in this book. There are also some closing notes from Hiromu Arakawa herself at the end.

This is the book to buy if you're a fan of Hiromu Arakawa's artwork. The only difference between the English and Japanese releases are the language they are printed in and the fact that the English edition is hardcover, while the Japanese is softcover. While, it is nice to have the artist's comments and the list of original publications of the artwork in English, I prefer the softcover of the Japanese edition.

The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist 2
Hiromu Arakawa Illust Shuu 2

US Release Date: October 16, 2007
Japan Release Date: March 18, 2006

US Edition: Not yet released
Japan Edition: 111 Pages;


The second artbook to chronicle Hiromu Arakawa's original illustrations covers the works she completed between September 2003 and and October 2005. Similar to the first artbook, it collects the artwork used for telephone cards, chapter title pages, and gangan covers, as well as novels and calendar works. In addition, the character designs for the second and third Playstation 2 games can be found here, and another of Arakawa's autobiographical comics detailing her rushed efforts to compile her works for the publication.

A lovely follow up to the first artbook, an English release is slated for late 2007 from Viz. The English version will probably be hardcover, as the first one was, but I prefer the softcover version, personally.

TV Animation Fullmetal Alchemist Initial Materials
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Senga Shiryou Shuu

Release Date: May 31, 2004

128 Pages; First 4 pages in color, rest in black and white


Perfect for artists and aspiring animators, the Initial Materials artbook is a collection of the model sheets used for the Fullmetal Alchemist anime. The characters are sketched in full detail, from all sides, with close ups of many facial expressions, as well as height references. In addition to the characters, there are sketches of the many locations in and around the world of Amestris, as well as items such as the State Alchemist pocket watch, weapons, modes of transportation, and a variety of transmutation circles.

This book is a great reference for any fan interested in the mechanics of animation, especially for artists in regards to drawing bodies proportionally. There are numerous close ups of character's outfits and hairstyles, from many angles, so it might also be a nice reference for cosplayers as well. It should be noted that this book is now out of print, and will continue to be harder to find.

The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist The Anime
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Artbook

US Release Date: October 17, 2006
Japan Release Date: June 30, 2004

US Edition: 96 Pages; All color
Japan Edition: 92 Pages; All color


Packed with production images from the early episodes of the anime series, this first artbook in a series of three is a lovely collection of works reprinted without text from the magazines they were originally published in. The last few pages give an insider look at how the anime artwork is colored by computers, as far as where shading and highlights will be placed, and closes with an interview with Character Designer, Yoshiyuki Ito.

I haven't picked up the English release of this artbook yet, but I think the only difference is the language, and the hardcover, which I'm not as fond of as the softcover Japanese release. These books are definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of the artwork featured in the anime.

TV Animation Fullmetal Alchemist Artbook 2
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Artbook 2

Japan Release Date: December 22, 2004

105 Pages; All color


The second artbook in this series focues on images used in articles and magazines from the middle of the series, to the later episodes. The majority of images featuring homunculi are captured in this volume, as well as many interesting works featuring the characters in trendy clothing and other situations outside of the series. This artbook closes with an interview with Production Designer Shinji Aramaki and with some silly looking staff comments.

Another lovely book in this series, the images are clear, colorful, and a very nice size. Definitely one to pick up, and it may be released in English soon since Viz has published the first in the series.

TV Animation Fullmetal Alchemist Artbook 3
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Artbook 3

Release Date: December 22, 2005

95 Pages; All color


The third and final television artbook focuses on artwork done mostly to promote the film The Conqueror of Shamballa. Artwork used in articles and on magazine covers can be found here free of text, as well as artwork published around the end of the television series run. The covers from the character song files and the DJCDs appear in this book as well, and it closes with an interview with the director of the opening titles of The Conqueror of Shamballa Nobutaka Mochizuki.

All three of the artbooks are really lovely, and definitely worth picking up. They might all be released in English eventually, but I prefer the softcover Japanese releases to the hardcover editions Viz is putting out.

TV Animation Fullmetal Alchemist Characters Collection
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Kyarakore

US Release Date: November 21, 2006
Japan Release Date: October 21, 2004

US Edition: 96 Pages; All color
Japan Edition: 95 Pages; All color


Released by Viz as Fullmetal Alchemist Anime Profiles, this book is a who's who of Fullmetal Alchemist, featuring tidbits and information as well as numerous screencaps of the more notable characters in the series. There is also a chart detailing which episodes which characters appear in.

I do not own the English edition of the book yet, so I can't tell you if Viz altered or omitted any information found in the Japanese edition, but I can tell you that both editions come with a poster featuring the cover image. This book seems to have a lot of information in it, but the screencaps could be a little larger, and a relationship chart covering the entire series would be nice.

Fullmetal Alchemist Animation Comic
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Komikku

Release Dates: Volume 1: December 3, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 2: December 20, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 3: January 15, 2005
Release Dates: Volume 4: January 30, 2005
Release Dates: Volume 5: February 15, 2005
Release Dates: Volume 6: February 28, 2005
Release Dates: Conqueror of Shamballa, Part One: January 31, 2006
Release Dates: Conqueror of Shamballa, Part Two: January 31, 2006

Volume 1: 254 Pages; All color
Volume 2: 205 Pages; All color
Volume 3: 205 Pages; All color
Volume 4: 206 Pages; All color
Volume 5: 205 Pages; All color
Volume 6: 206 Pages; All color
Conqueror of Shamballa, Part One: 198 Pages; All color
Conqueror of Shamballa, Part Two: 198 Pages; All color


An ani-manga consists of stills from the anime compiled in book form. They have word bubbles like manga do, in order to tell the story. The first editions of these books came with a puzzle featuring the cover art of that volume.

I personally don't see the appeal of ani-manga, but I know lots of other people really like them.

Fullmetal Alchemist Perfect Guidebook
Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Paafuekuto Gaidobukku

US Release Date: June 20, 2006
Japan Release Date: November 28, 2003

US Edition: 184 Pages; First eight in color, rest in black and white
Japan Edition: 184 Pages; First eight in color, rest in black and white


Released by Viz as Fullmetal Alchemist Profiles, the Perfect Guidebook contains interesting tidbits and facts about the more major characters of the series. In addition, it makes mention of Mobuta's recurring appearances and briefly summarizes the stories for the first two novels, the first Playstation game, and the cast list for the first drama cd. There's also a character relationship chart, a very brief and incomplete timeline tracking the Elric's journey up to Chapter 28, a short run-down on the homunculi, a military rank chart, an indepth look at the inner workings of Ed's automail, and an interview with the creator, Hiromu Arakawa, which you can read here! There is also an inside look at Arakawa's studio, short works from her assistants, popular character polls, and a few quizzes and games. Also included are the omake printed on the actual tankoubans in Japan, and after the last chapter in the Viz publications, round robin yonkoma Arakawa created with her assistants, and a few sketches that were eventually collected in the sketchbook special bonus book that came with the first printing of Volume 12. There is also a gaiden collected nowhere else entitled, The Blind Alchemist, which you can read a summary of on this website soon.

This book is packed with lots of tidbits, and is certainly worth buying for the extra story and the yonkoma and omake alone. The English version released by Viz is printed without some of the games (specifically a small crossword puzzle), and with a brief summary of the third novel instead of any information about the first drama cd. The larger format is also nice, so it's really a matter of language preference which one you pick up.

Fullmetal Alchemist Perfect Guidebook 2
Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Paafuekuto Gaidobukku 2

Release Date: April 29, 2005

199 Pages; First eight in color, rest in black and white


As with the first Perfect Guidebook, this volume is packed with information. Statistics on characters not introduced at the time of the first volume's publication now appear, as well as a manga timeline, a history of alchemy in Amestris and how it works, and a brief encyclopedia. There are always quiz games, a look inside Ed's suitcase, military rankings, an Amestrian Travel Guide, and a five page interview with Hiromu Arakawa, among other things! There is also an extra chapter not collected anywhere else featuring the details of Izumi's training, which you can read here on mobuta.com, soon!

Another great volume, it would be wonderful if they released more books in this series in Japan. I assume Viz will translate and publish this as well, though there is no word on that as of yet. Another great addition for any fan, though it might be more beneficial if you can read Japanese.

Hagaren DX Guidebook
Hagaren Kenkyuujo Deluxe

Release Date: September 30, 2004

191 Pages; First 8 pages in color, rest in black and white


This book mainly showcases Japanese Fullmetal Alchemist fan art that was sent in to Shounen GanGan, as well as numerous character popularity polls, and mini-games. There is also a collection of Arakawa's Fullemtal Alchemist yonkoman and gag stories, as well as a 100 question interview with her that is currently being translated for mobuta.com!

This is a pretty cute little book, it's got a lot of fun artwork in it. The gag stuff is really cute, some of the yonkoma are 'round robin' yonkoma, where Arakawa and her assistants each draw a different panel, but keep a cohesive story. It's a nice little addition to any fan's collection.

Fullmetal Alchemist Complete Book: Material Side
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Konpuritto Bukku Materiaru Saido

Release Date: December 17, 2004

167 Pages; First 56 pages in color, rest in black and white


The color pages at the beginning of this book feature full body shots of characters, close ups of items, and beautiful production art used for locations. The rest of the book contains numerous interviews with production staff, and line drawings of all the people, places, and things that make up the world of Amestris. Also handy is a chart at the back of the book listing the air dates of every episode of the series.

If you're only going to buy two books for this series, make it the Story Side and Material Side Complete Books. The amount of information and great artwork contained in these books make them 'complete' indeed.

Fullmetal Alchemist Complete Book: Story Side
TV Animation Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Konpuritto Stoori Saido

Release Date: March 2005

175 Pages; First 136 pages in color, rest in black and white


In contrast to the Material Side book's amount of artwork, the Story Side book contains a massive amount of information. This book goes into great detail in regards to the characters and individual episodes of the series, accompanied by screencaps. There are also interviews with the voice actors and director, and detailed cast and crew credits for each episode, as well as a gag page from Hiromu Arakawa.

A wonderful companion to the Material Side book, this is a great book to own, and I highly recommend it.

Fullmetal Alchemist Conqueror of Shamballa Absolute Cinema Guide
Gekijouban Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Shanbara wo Yukumono Absolute Cinema Guide

Release Date: September 30, 2005

125 Pages; All color


This book contains tons of information about the new movie characters, as well as lots of images and screen captures to go along with the content. There are also numerous interviews with the new movie cast and crew, as well as line drawings, and even some movie gag comics from Hiromu Arakawa herself!

As far as books about the movie go, if you're interested in content as well as art, I'd pick up this one. It'd be nice if it were translated into English, but who knows if most of these books ever will be. It's definitely worth picking up, in my opinion. I especially like the cover image.

Fullmetal Alchemist Conqueror of Shamballa Fastest Guidebook: 10 Keywords
Gekijouban Anime Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Shanbara wo Yukumono Koushiki Gaidobukku

Release Date: June, 2005

32 Pages; All color


This magazine is a quick run down of the movie, The Conqueror of Shamballa. It hits the big differences, and illustrates them all. It also features a few character pages as well as brief interviews with the movie voice actors.

It's content is similar to the Absolute Cinema Guide, so it's not necessarily worth tracking down, but the pictures are nice.

Fullmetal Alchemist Conqueror of Shamballa Scenario Book
Gekijouban Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Shanbara wo Yukumono Shinario Bukku

Release Date: July 22, 2005

327 Pages; First 8 pages in color, rest in black and white


The color pages contain an interpersonal character chart and introduce us to the characters new to the film. Most of the book is the acutal script from the movie, in Japanese, of course. Story boards appear at the bottom of most pages, coinciding to the scene script above. There are also a few more storyboards in the back. There are some line drawings as well, much like those that appear in the Complete Books. In addition, there is an interview with Seiji Mizushima, the director.

While this is a very nice book, unless you can read Japanese you might not get very much out of it. The storyboards are interesting, and the line art is always lovely.

The Story of Fullmetal Alchemist
TV Anime Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Shinario Bukku

Release Dates: Volume 1: September 24, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 2: October 29, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 3: December 22, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 4: February 25, 2005

Volume 1: 351 Pages; First 16 pages in color, rest in black and white
Volume 2: 351 Pages; First 16 pages in color, rest in black and white
Volume 3: 343 Pages; First 16 pages in color, rest in black and white
Volume 4: 319 Pages; First 16 pages in color, rest in black and white


This series of books is much like the Scenario Book for The Conqueror of Shamballa, it contains the scripts for each episode of the series, broken up into four books. Each book's color pages feature screen captures from the episodes contained inside. Just as with the Scenario Book, screen captures appear throughout the script pertaining to the scenes being read. Each book also features an interview with a member of the production crew.

These books are exactly the same as the Scenario Book, but for the series. As with that book, they probably won't be of much use to anyone who can't read Japanese, but they are interesting for what they are.

GanGan Comics Remix: Fullmetal Alchemist, The First Attack
Hagane no Renkinjutsushi The First Attack

Release Date: July 2005

386 Pages; All black and white


This thick magazine features the first nine chapters of Fullmetal Alchemist republished, without the third chapter, together with the Military Festival and Dog of the Military? Gaidens. There is also a sneak-peek article about the movie The Conqueror of Shamballa.

I have no idea why the third chapter is omitted from this publication, or why this book even exists, really. There is no new content that is not collected somewhere else. Maybe if the movie article were in color, that would make it worth the buy.

Fullmetal Alchemist Extra Number 1
Zoukan Hagane no Renkinjutsushi

Release Date: 2004

252 Pages; First 8 in color, rest in black and white


Republishing Fullmetal Alchemist chapters 1,2,4,9, and the Military Festival Gaiden, this book also features the republication of Hiromu Arakawa's debut work Stray Dog! There is also an interview with Hiromu Arakawa herself, as well as a special Fullmetal Alchemist Psychology Test!

The appearance of Stray Dog alone makes this magazine worth buying, however, the color pages of the first chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist are also reprinted here, which is a rarity. Definitely worth picking up if you're a collector.

Fullmetal Alchemist Extra Number 2
Zoukan Hagane no Renkinjutsushi

Release Date: 2004

257 Pages; First 8 in color, rest in black and white


Collecting Fullmetal Alchemist chapters 5 through 8, this book also features a reprinting of the first chapter of Shanghai Youma Kikai, as well as a length interview with Hiromu Arakawa, and some mini-games and a character poll.

Most of the color pages are all ads, unfortunately. The only reason to really own this is for the Arakawa interview and the Shanghai chapter. It's not printed on nicer paper than is featured in Shounen GanGan, just the same as the first volume.

Fullmetal Alchemist Book in Figure Red
Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Bukku in Fuigyua Red

Release Date: December 17, 2004

72 Pages; First 8 pages in color, rest in black and white


Released with a figure designed by Hiromu Arakawa herself, this book features tidbits about Ed and Al, as well as some other prominent characters, in addition to lots of mini-games. The gem of this little book, however, is a flashback chapter where Ed gives Winry her earrings as a gift. You can read this here, on mobuta.com, very soon!

I probably would have bought these figures if they hadn't even come with anything, the book is a wonderful added bonus.

Fullmetal Alchemist Book in Figure Blue
Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Bukku in Fuigyua Blue

Release Date: April 2005

72 Pages; First 8 pages in color, rest in black and white


The companion to Book in Figure: RED, this book was also accompanied by a figure designed by Hiromu Arakawa. However, this time, Roy Mustang, Riza Hawkeye and Black Hayate are the focus. Tons of mini-games and facts about the military personnel of Fullmetal Alchemist, and a flashback chapter featuring Roy and Hughes in the trenches of Ishbal, which will be available to read here on mobuta.com, soon!

This figure is also a great addition to anyone's collection. Just as the RED set displayed an ad for this BLUE edition, there can be seen an ad for what appears to be another figure centering on the homunculi, known as BLACK. Unfortunately, the BLACK item is simply a set of pins featuring Lust, Envy and Gluttony that one could obtain by mailing in the proofs of purchases from the RED and BLUE figures.

Fullmetal Alchemist: English Alchemist
Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Eigo no Renkinjutsushi

Release Date: March 16, 2005

175 Pages; All color


Designed to help Japanese fans of the series learn simple English phrases and words creatively and in a fun way, this book makes use of screencaps and various production artwork. It's also printed as an English book would be, from left to right.

This book is pretty cute, as far as the novelty goes. I'm not sure how successful it would really be in teaching anyone useful English, but they sure did try. Some of the example sentences in the book: "The reason why his suitcase seems so big is not because it's large." "He transformed Greed's high-hardness, ablation-resistant body into a frangible substance."

Fullmetal Alchemist Official Fanbooks
TV Anime Hagane no Renkinjutsushi Ofuisharu Fuan Bukku

Release Dates: Volume 1: January 30, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 2: April 30, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 3: June 30, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 4: August 31, 2004
Release Dates: Volume 5: October 30, 2004

All color


These magazines feature lots of tidbits about the characters, the series, and even interviews with the musicians, directors, voice actors, and much more!

These magazines are really nice and big, have lots of great pictures in them, and the interviews have some great content. The binder was available after sending off the proofs of purchase from the five magazines. It would be almost impossible to find these available as a collection.