The thing that made this amine so great (for me at any rate
) wasn't just the character design, music or fluid animation style but because the content had so many of its roots in events and scenarios that mankind has struggled with even to this very day.
The tragedy of loss in war, the indifferent genocide of a nation, the struggle between vengeance and forgiveness or the juggle of guilt in the fulfillment of duty. Even something as simple as losing everything you love at an early age and searching for something to make you whole again; these are all powerfully emotive conflicts which crop up through-out the series again and again, interwoven very skillfully by Hiromu Arakawa with a strong political and military theme, to the point where the entire manga/anime is downright satirical. You don't just care about the characters because they have depth and are well thought out, you care about them because you can relate to them and the struggles they face. And all this is achieved whilst telling an engaging and compelling fantasy that suits the storytelling style of anime/manga very well.
If i could ever write something that was even half as thought provoking, entertaining and inspiring as Fullmetal Alchemist i will feel fulfilled
All that said, do you think using "Fullmetal" as a pen name is an infringement of copy-write? In no way do i wish to claim credit for the name but instead seek to pay tribute to the author; it is my way of honoring him.