At last, the Law of Equivalent Exchange is in effect. For what we’ve gained, we’ve given all in return.
Yesterday, Funimation announced that their rights to the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime series will expire on July 31. After this point, the rights will revert to the Japanese licensor. Funimation will take down all streaming video feeds and cease distribution of the show on home video.
In February, we reported that Hulu was slated to de-list the series on July 31.
Fullmetal Alchemist is based on Hiromu Arakawa’s manga of the same name. The 51-episode series was directed by Seiji Mizushima (Concrete Revolutio, The Slayers NEXT) at Bones, with Yoshiyuki Ito (Soul Eater, Space Dandy) providing character designs.
Funimation describes the series as:
Innocence and flesh were sacrificed when two young brothers ignored the laws of Alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their mother. The horrors they recklessly unleashed that night marked the beginning of a journey that leads from darkness to light and back.
In an era of war and corruption, State Alchemist Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse desperately search for the Philosopher’s Stone. The legendary artifact is their last hope to restore what was lost – or it could be their undoing. The grisly truths found in the quest for the relic will test their souls in ways unimaginable. Murder stalks the brothers from the shadows and false prophets conspire to steal their faith. Morality is assaulted by military atrocities and scientific abominations. Amid the ashes of their childhood, Edward and Alphonse will discover the power to create is but a breath away from the power to destroy. The bond of brotherhood will be their greatest weapon in the fight for their lives.
The series received a North American broadcast in 2004 on Adult Swim. You can check out one of the bumpers used to promote the run below:
Source: Funimation Blog
