MC's all time favourite series... EVER

I promised myself I'd save this series for a special occasion, but I keep wanting to write about it, and I can't take it anymore!!!

I really have to say... if you only ever read one manga series in your lifetime... make it this one.

Or if you can't bring yourself to read the whole thing (though it's now nearing it's end, it's a long series) then wait and buy the second, more faithful, anime adaptation.
I'm talking about FullMetal Alchemist (or FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood), which is a very easy-to-read manga for manga-virgins, with a great, grown-up plot and plenty of visual humour. It's a story set in an alternate world similar to WW2 Germany, only there is also a brand of science known as "Alchemy", which utilises energy to transform matter into other objects, using the basic elemental components.

It's a surprisingly scientific way of putting magic into a world which is otherwise similar to our own. The first book introduces the concept of Alchemy, and to the FullMetal Alchemist, Edward Elric, and his Armoured brother, Alphonse. (On the cover)
It transpires that at a young age the boys committed a terrible sin, which resulted in them both losing parts of their bodies to a spiritual dimension referred to as "The Gate of Truth". Without giving too much away, this follows their quest to find a way of returning what they lost, using the power Edward has in his position as a "State Alchemist", who works for the military.

Readers of this series will come to notice many similarities between the fictional Military-Governed country of Amestris, and Nazi Germany; both being run by Fuhrers, both with astonishing Military force, and both seeking to take part in Ethnic Cleansing.
The Manga-ka (Artist/Author) is a woman, who has researched the Second World War meticulously so that the Characters reactions and determination is as close to real as possible. Edward's superior, Colonel Mustang, and his team of followers become much more than side characters as the intricate, and deeply political storyline unfolds.

The vast number of extremely engaging and memorable characters introduced over the full series doesn't feel daunting, and as everything connects together throughout it becomes obvious that the author, Arakawa, had meticulously planned everything so that it would come together perfectly long term.
E.g. Ed and Al's absent father turns out to be much more than a whimsical Alchemist who left his family, and the war turns out to be much more than a country's attack against terrorism and rioting.

Edward and Alphonse prove more important than two young prodigies on a quest.
This is by far the longest series I've ever gone to the trouble of collecting. (I have the 20 books) and I'm even buying the DVDs of the Brotherhood series (I'm less keen on the original anime, which deviates so much from Arakawa's clever work to a simple storyline that doesn't really appeal to me)

My favourite characters have to be the Military team working for Colonel Mustang. (below) and Major Hughes.Their story is actually much more involving (for me) than the brothers' quest. Mustang (The dark haired man playing chess) is a war hero trying to make the country better through climbing the ranks until he is head of the nation.

His team have pledged their loyalty, though only the daughter of his old teacher, Riza Hawkeye the sniper, has been with him since the war.

They too, have a secret they can't tell people about. (And when I found out my reaction was pretty loud, and involved me telling my completely uninterested sister with frantic hand gestures)

I could literally go on forever (and I'm sure you're all sick of my ranting anyway) but really, I wasn't interested in the manga at all before I read it, and now it is my all-time favourite. EVER.

MC out :)