The story is something I feel is very untouched, especially since the plot revolves around an actual type of science. The beginning three or four episodes may feel a bit rushed to some viewers but eventually it slows down to a pace where significant progress is made each episode with very well done pacing. Almost everything in this show foreshadows something else to come, weather it just be a quote or something a character observes. There are so many twists and turns that it's near impossible to guess what's going to happen. They give you just the right amount of information to create a well written mystery.
Of course a well written story isn't much if the characters in it aren't also well written. Fortunately the characters in this show are all memorable and interesting, in many different aspects. Something at this show does especially well is villains. Each of the main villains are all so different and intimidating in their own ways. While one villain's size is terrifying, as a contrast another one is just as, if not more, intimidating by simply being in a room with the main protagonists. The overall antagonist in this series is one of my favorites in all of anime. The intelligence, the power, the mystery, this is an all around great main villain. The heroes in this series are also very well written. The development of some takes over half the show to be even close to be complete, and it all pays off to create amazing co-stars. Taking a look at the main protagonists, the Elric Brothers, these are easily two of the best siblings in anime as well as other genres of television. There is a very strong and believable family relationship between them in many more ways than one. One character that outdoes the two brothers in terms of being well written is none other than their own father, Hohenhiem. Just saying one thing about his past would soil his character arc. Overall each character is original and believable in their own way, staying away from repetitious arcs such as "someone died, now I'm evil" with one exception, which is developed and improved dramatically. Everyone has a drive, some simple, some complex, but all of them well done.
The art style is very beautiful, especially the locations such as Resembool and Fort Briggs. Color plays a key role in setting mood in this sometimes very dark and grotesque world. Lighting is very dynamic, showing very strong shadows for characters going through certain arcs and parts of life. The characters all have different looks and clothing making them easily distinguishable. There are however occasional quality drops but towards the end of the series these are very scarce. Music is also a very nice tone setting element with each song sounding like an orchestral piece. Some of these songs do get repeated quite a few times but if you're watching the show for your first time I can't see it being too noticeable or annoying. Many of the sound effects fit very well with situations and often give scenes that extra push, weather it be dramatic or silly. The official Funimation dub of this show is one of their best in my opinions. If you don't enjoy dubs, that's fine, but I suggest if you do try only one, try this one.
The flaws of this series often resolve themselves over time. The true momentum of this show, where I found myself not wanting the episodes to end, was about episode 25. That's not to say anything before that isn't as good, that's just the point where I began to watch until I could barely hold my eyes open. I would love to give this show a perfect ten, but I will say it has it's flaws, few they may be. This is my favorite anime of all and I strongly suggest it to anyone who likes mystery, strong characters, and great fight scenes.
