Time for another Rising Sun! And it’s time to clap our hands together and transmute a recommendation for a great series, and one of the most acclaimed anime of the last ten years, that being Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is the second adaptation of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Himoru Arakawa to be produced by acclaimed studio Bones. But what makes Brotherhood shine over the previous adaptation is how closely it sticks to the source material. The show is set in a heavily defined fictional nation called Amestris, where alchemy is one of the top scientific forms, and follows two young alchemists, Edward and Alphonse Elric. When the brothers tried to use alchemy to perform a resurrection, Edward lost his arm and leg, and Alphonse lost his whole body. With the older brother Edward working for the state as a military-employed alchemist, the brothers begin to search for a way to restore their bodies.

The series is expertly written, incorporating several social concerns like racism, political corruption and even the limits of ethical experimentation. The characters go about their business not realizing that a greater power has dark plans in store for Amestris, plans which are hinted at by a filler episode straight at the beginning of the series. Genocide also appears as a plot device in the series, something that many of those involved came to regret. With all of the tension, some humor is needed throughout the series, most of which is provided by Edward’s sensitivity about being the shortest member of the military. I will admit it gets a little gross and somewhat horrifying pretty often, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless.

So if you’re looking for a gripping series with an expertly written plot, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood on Netflix and Hulu is a must-see.