A visitor taking a closer look at the manga artwork featured in the 'FullMetal Alchemist' exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
The year is starting off with a strong buzz for anime fans who love exhibitions brought in all the way from Japan. The Fullmetal Alchemist exhibition, which opened at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur today, is a must-see for followers of this manga series, written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa.
The ticketed exhibition, which runs through March 24, is a product of the popular Japanese manga work that has sold more than 80 million copies worldwide, leading to anime, live-action, book and video game adaptations.
The Hokkaido-born Hiromu saw her series serialised from 2001 to 2010 with a story that spanned 27 volumes.
Transmutations designs like these go hand in hand with the magic of alchemy. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
"Alchemy: the mystical power to alter the natural world; something between magic, art and science. When two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, dabbled in this power to grant their dearest wish, one of them lost an arm and a leg ... and the other became nothing but a soul locked into a body of living steel. Now Edward is an agent of the government, a slave of the military-alchemical complex, using his unique powers to obey orders ... even to kill. Except his powers aren't unique. The world has been ravaged by the abuse of alchemy," outlines a description from the Fullmetal Alchemist collected series.
This story became an international critical and commercial success, receiving both the Shogakukan Manga Award and Seiun Award. Fullmetal Alchemist has been adapted into anime twice, first as Fullmetal Alchemist in 2003 and again as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in 2009.
The Japan-produced exhibition features 300 items from the world of 'FullMetal Alchemist'. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
The original exhibition of Fullmetal Alchemist previously toured across Japan from 2017 to 2019, paving the way for this touring collaboration, which is the first show outside of Japan.
The exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil features approximately 300 items, including manga manuscripts and coloured illustrations from Hiromu's studio and archives. She is both writer and artist for the Fullmetal Alchemist series.
With seven exhibit zones, visitors will have the opportunity to inspect reproductions of Hiromu's works through the years. As a tour exclusive, she has also contributed a unique artwork for this first overseas exhibition, acknowledging the support of her audience in Malaysia.
A display of the costumes worn in the movie adaptation 'Alchemist Of Steel' (2017). Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
There also rare collectibles, such as costume props used in the Fullmetal Alchemist 2022 live action film, and also expect to see a wide array of alchemy symbols and transmutation circles, most of which made the series so intriguing for the fans.
It's also not an anime exhibition without audience participation.
There is a "stamp rally" at the exhibition, where collecting all six stamps scattered throughout the exhibition will score you an exclusive Fullmetal Alchemist sticker, as well as an honorary certificate from the prestigious "Amestris Army".
Beyond print, 'FullMetal Alchemist' was also adapted into an anime series for both TV and movies. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
Not to forget a merchandise area, stocked with plush dolls, badges, posters and more.
Last year, Malaysians enjoyed a good run of anime exhibitions in the Klang Valley, including the Demon Slayer, One Piece, Naruto and Junji Ito shows.
The Fullmetal Alchemist exhibition - licensed from PIA Global Entertainment in Japan - looks set to continue the momentum, giving Japanese anime culture a big boost in these parts.
In Malaysia, the show is presented by Ace Media Network and AM PM (HK) Limited, with support from AniManGaki, and Incubase Studio.
More info here.
