Confused about where the Fullmetal Alchemist manga ends? You’re not alone; with two different anime adaptations, it’s easy to get lost trying to find the story’s true conclusion. Many fans wonder which ending is the canonical one.
The Fullmetal Alchemist manga series, the original source material by Hiromu Arakawa, officially concludes at Chapter 108, which is collected in the final volume, Volume 27. This definitive finale provides the true resolution to the Elric brothers’ journey and is faithfully adapted in the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime series.
Based on a direct analysis of the official Square Enix publications, this guide will provide the exact chapter and volume numbers you need. You will discover how the manga ends, how it compares to both anime series, and where to start reading to get the complete, canonical story.
Key Facts
- Definitive Conclusion: The manga’s story is complete and ends with Chapter 108, “Journey’s End,” published in 2026. There is no official sequel.
- Final Volume: The concluding chapters are all found in Volume 27, which is the final tankōbon volume of the original series run.
- Brotherhood is Canon-Compliant: The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) anime is a faithful, 1:1 adaptation of the manga’s entire plot, including its ending.
- The 2003 Anime Diverges: The first FMA anime (2003) creates an original, non-canon story and ending because it caught up with the manga’s publication.
- Happy, Conclusive Ending: The manga’s canonical ending is triumphant and hopeful, providing satisfying resolutions for all major characters.
What Chapter Does the Fullmetal Alchemist Manga End?
The Fullmetal Alchemist manga officially ends with Chapter 108, titled ‘Journey’s End,’ which is collected in the final volume, Volume 27. This definitive conclusion to Hiromu Arakawa’s original story was first published in the July 2010 issue of Monthly Shōnen Gangan, marking the end of its nine-year serialization. The entire story arc is self-contained within these 108 chapters, providing a complete narrative with no official manga sequel.
For readers and collectors, understanding these numbers is key to identifying the story’s true finale. Any events that occur in the 2003 anime adaptation beyond its divergence point are not part of this canonical timeline. The story created by Hiromu Arakawa and published by Square Enix is the undisputed source material.
Here are the essential facts about the manga’s conclusion:
* Final Chapter: Chapter 108, “Journey’s End”
* Final Volume: Volume 27 (standard tankōbon release)
* Author: Hiromu Arakawa
* Original Publication: July 2010 in Monthly Shōnen Gangan
* Faithful Adaptation: The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime series
How Does the Fullmetal Alchemist Manga End? (A Chapter 108 Summary)
The Fullmetal Alchemist manga ends with a final confrontation between Edward Elric and the antagonist, Father. Edward defeats Father, and in a final act of Equivalent Exchange, sacrifices his ability to perform alchemy to restore his brother Alphonse’s body. The series concludes with the Elric brothers returning home to Resembool, having finally achieved their original goal in a way they never expected.
The climax, known as the Promised Day, is a massive battle at Central Command. The antagonist, Father (the Dwarf in the Flask), has successfully absorbed the “God” entity from beyond the Gate of Truth, gaining immense power. However, with the help of every major character, including Van Hohenheim and a last-minute sacrifice from Greed, Edward and his allies manage to weaken Father.
The critical events of the manga’s conclusion unfold as follows:
* Father’s Defeat: Edward Elric engages Father in a final, brutal hand-to-hand fight. Having lost control of the power of God, Father is ultimately defeated and dragged back into the Gate of Truth from whence he came.
* Alphonse’s Sacrifice: To restore Edward’s severed automail arm during the battle, Alphonse performs a transmutation to bond his soul to the arm, a desperate move that leaves his soul vulnerable at the Gate.
* Edward’s Final Alchemy: To retrieve Alphonse, Edward performs a final human transmutation on himself. He stands before The Truth, the metaphysical being embodying the universe, and makes the ultimate trade.
* The Final Exchange: Edward sacrifices his own Gate of Truth—the source of his alchemical abilities. In doing so, he gives up alchemy forever. The Truth deems this a fair price for a complete human soul and body, restoring Alphonse fully.
The story ends on a triumphant and hopeful note. Edward and Alphonse return home to Winry, their journey complete. The principle of Equivalent Exchange is given a new, more profound meaning: the willingness to sacrifice for others, not just the cold exchange of materials.
“There’s no such thing as a painless lesson, they just don’t exist. Sacrifices are necessary. You can’t gain anything without losing something first. Although, if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you’ll find that you now have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle. Yeah… a heart made fullmetal.”
What is the Final Equivalent Exchange at the Gate of Truth?
Edward Elric’s final act of equivalent exchange involved sacrificing his own Gate of Truth, which permanently removed his ability to perform alchemy, in return for the complete restoration of his brother Alphonse’s body and soul. This moment is the thematic climax of the entire series. The Gate of Truth is the metaphysical source of an alchemist’s power, a direct connection to the universe’s knowledge. By sacrificing it, Ed was trading his entire identity as “The Fullmetal Alchemist” for his brother.
Think of it like a world-renowned musician sacrificing their ability to ever play music again to save a loved one’s life. Throughout the series, the Elric brothers believed they needed a Philosopher’s Stone to bypass the laws of Equivalent Exchange. However, in this final act, Edward realizes he doesn’t need to break the rule; he just needs to offer something of equal value. His ability to perform alchemy was the only thing valuable enough to trade for a human soul.
When confronted by The Truth, who mocks him for giving up his power, Edward’s response redefines the series’ core theme:
The Truth: “You would cast away the Truth? You would be reduced to a simple human, unable to use alchemy! Do you really think that’s all right?”
Edward Elric: “What do you mean ‘reduced’? That’s the highest you can be. I’ve been a ‘simple human’ from the very beginning. And I’m satisfied with that. Even without alchemy, I still have my friends.”
This exchange shows that the ultimate “truth” isn’t alchemical knowledge but human connection. Edward wins not by being the most powerful alchemist but by being willing to give it all up.
How Does the Manga Ending Compare to the Anime Endings?
The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime is a faithful, 1:1 adaptation of the manga, sharing the same ending. In contrast, the original 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime diverges from the manga’s plot around the halfway point, creating a completely different story, antagonist, and a more ambiguous, bittersweet conclusion. This is the primary source of confusion for many fans.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Produced by Studio Bones after the manga was complete, this series was designed to be a direct and faithful adaptation. It follows Hiromu Arakawa’s plot precisely, from the introduction of characters from Xing to the final battle against Father on the Promised Day. If you have watched Brotherhood, you have seen the manga’s canonical ending.
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
The original anime, also by Studio Bones, began airing when the manga was still in its early stages. To avoid long filler arcs, the anime’s creators, with consultation from Arakawa, crafted a unique storyline. This version features a different main antagonist named Dante, different origins and fates for the Homunculi, and a much more melancholy ending that sees the brothers separated across dimensions. This ending is then concluded in the film The Conqueror of Shamballa.
This table breaks down the core differences:
| Feature | Manga Ending (Canon) | FMA: Brotherhood (2009) | FMA (2003) & CoS Movie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Antagonist | Father (The Dwarf in the Flask) | Father (The Dwarf in the Flask) | Dante |
| Edward’s Fate | Loses alchemy, stays in Amestris with Winry | Same as manga | Stranded in our world (post-WWI Germany) |
| Alphonse’s Fate | Regains his original body | Same as manga | Regains body but loses memories, searches for Ed |
| Story Tone | Triumphant, hopeful, conclusive | Same as manga | Bittersweet, melancholy, open-ended |
| Canonical Status | The original source material | Faithful adaptation of the canon | Original, non-canon “what if” story |
Where Does the 2003 FMA Anime Diverge From the Manga Canon?
The 2003 FMA anime’s plot significantly diverges from the manga after the Fifth Laboratory arc, around episode 25 (“Words of Parting”). While minor differences exist in earlier episodes, this is the point where the anime’s creators began crafting a unique story and conclusion because the anime had caught up to the manga’s publication at the time.
The divergence wasn’t a mistake; it was a necessary creative decision. Rather than stop production, Studio Bones worked with Hiromu Arakawa to develop a compelling, alternative storyline. This is why the 2003 series feels so complete on its own, despite being non-canon.
Here’s a simple timeline of the divergence:
1. Early Episodes (1-25): The plot is largely similar to the manga, covering events up to the Fifth Laboratory. Some character introductions are altered.
2. The Split (Episode 25): The events following the brothers’ encounter with the homunculus Greed become completely original to the 2003 anime.
3. New Plotlines: The anime introduces its own antagonist, Dante, and provides different backstories and motivations for the Homunculi.
4. Original Ending: The final 26 episodes build towards a unique conclusion that is resolved in the movie The Conqueror of Shamballa.
Pro Tip: If you’ve only seen the 2003 anime and want to experience the canonical story, it is highly recommended to start the manga from Chapter 1. So many small details and character arcs are different from the beginning that starting midway will only cause confusion.
What Happens to the Main Characters in the Manga’s Conclusion?
The manga’s epilogue provides happy endings for most characters: Edward and Winry marry and start a family, Alphonse travels the world to study different forms of alchemy, and Roy Mustang’s sight is restored as he is on track to become the Fuhrer of Amestris. It offers a deeply satisfying sense of closure for nearly every major character arc.
Edward, Winry, and their Family
- Edward proposes to Winry in his own clumsy, alchemy-themed way (“Equivalent Exchange! I’ll give you half of my life if you give me half of yours!”).
- They get married and, as shown in a final family photograph in the last pages, have a son and a daughter.
- Edward keeps his automail leg as a permanent reminder of his journey.
Alphonse’s Journey
- With his original body restored, Alphonse decides to travel the world to learn more about different forms of alchemy.
- He travels east to the country of Xing to study Alkahestry with May Chang, and west to Creta, promising to share his knowledge to help people.
Roy Mustang and the Future of Amestris
- Roy Mustang, who was forced to open the Gate and was struck blind, has his eyesight restored.
- Dr. Marcoh uses the last Philosopher’s Stone to heal him, on the condition that Roy brings true reform and democracy to Ishval and the nation.
- He continues his work to become the Fuhrer, with Riza Hawkeye and his loyal team by his side.
Did You Know? The final photograph in the manga shows almost every surviving character gathered together. Hohenheim, the Elrics’ father, also finds peace, passing away with a smile at his wife Trisha’s grave after knowing his sons are safe and have lived full lives.
FAQs About Fullmetal Alchemist Manga Ends Chapter 108 Volume 27
Is FMA: Brotherhood’s ending exactly the same as the manga?
Almost, but not 100%. Brotherhood is an extremely faithful adaptation that covers all major plot points, character fates, and the overall conclusion of the manga. However, due to pacing, it slightly condenses or shuffles minor scenes and omits some of the bonus “omake” chapters. The core ending is identical.
Is there a sequel to the Fullmetal Alchemist manga?
No, there is no official sequel to the manga. Hiromu Arakawa concluded the story with Chapter 108 and has stated it is a complete work. The movie The Conqueror of Shamballa is a sequel to the 2003 anime series only and is not part of the manga’s canon.
Is the Fullmetal Alchemist manga still ongoing?
No, the manga finished its serialization in 2010. The complete story consists of 108 chapters, collected into 27 volumes (tankōbon). There are no new chapters or a continuation of the main storyline being published.
What is the “Another Journey’s End” chapter?
“Another Journey’s End” is a short bonus epilogue chapter included in Volume 27. It’s a lighthearted story that takes place shortly after the main finale, showing characters like Edward struggling with his new life without alchemy and reaffirming the series’ themes. It is considered canon.
How many chapters and volumes are in the FMA manga?
The complete Fullmetal Alchemist manga series consists of 108 chapters. These chapters are collected into a total of 27 standard volumes (tankōbon). More recent collector’s editions, like the “Fullmetal Edition,” collect the series into 18 hardcover volumes.
Is “The Conqueror of Shamballa” movie canon?
No, it is not canon to the manga. The Conqueror of Shamballa is the canonical conclusion to the original 2003 anime series’ storyline. It has no connection to the manga’s ending or the Brotherhood anime.
Is the FMA manga worth reading if I’ve seen Brotherhood?
Yes, for fans who want the complete experience. While Brotherhood is very faithful, the manga offers slightly better pacing in the early chapters (which Brotherhood rushes through), additional character moments, and humorous side-comics (omake) that were not adapted. It provides the story exactly as the author intended.
What happens to the Homunculi at the end of the manga?
All of the main Homunculi are defeated by the end of the series. Pride is reverted to a harmless, childlike form; Wrath (King Bradley) is killed by Scar; Envy commits suicide after being defeated by Mustang; Lust is killed by Mustang earlier in the series; Gluttony is absorbed by Pride; and Greed sacrifices himself to help defeat Father.
Where is the best place to start the manga if I watched the 2003 anime?
It is highly recommended to start from Chapter 1, Volume 1. The 2003 anime changes details from the very beginning, including character introductions and plot points. To experience the true canonical story without confusion, a full read-through from the start is the best approach.
Does Edward get his arm and leg back in the manga?
Edward gets his flesh-and-blood arm back, but his leg remains automail. At the very end of the series, Alphonse’s soul is tethered to Ed’s arm to help him fight Father, and when Al returns, the arm comes with him. Ed chooses to keep his automail leg as a reminder of his journey and sacrifices.
Key Takeaways: Fullmetal Alchemist Manga Ending Summary
- The Definitive End: The Fullmetal Alchemist manga officially concludes at Chapter 108 (“Journey’s End”), located in Volume 27. This is the one and only canonical ending written by Hiromu Arakawa.
- Brotherhood is the Faithful Adaptation: The FMA: Brotherhood anime is an extremely close adaptation of the manga. If you have seen Brotherhood, you have seen the canonical ending with only minor changes.
- The 2003 Anime is a Different Story: The original 2003 FMA anime creates its own unique plot, antagonist (Dante), and a more bittersweet ending that is entirely separate from the manga’s canon after roughly episode 25.
- The Final Price: The story’s climax hinges on a final, profound act of Equivalent Exchange: Edward sacrifices his own ability to perform alchemy forever to bring his brother Alphonse back to life, body and soul.
- Happy Endings are Canon: The manga’s epilogue confirms that the main characters achieve happy, fulfilling lives. Edward and Winry marry and have children, Alphonse travels the world, and Roy Mustang is on track to reform Amestris.
- There is No Manga Sequel: The story is complete. The movie The Conqueror of Shamballa is a sequel to the 2003 anime only and has no connection to the manga’s timeline.
- Start from Chapter 1: For anyone wanting to read the manga after watching either anime, the universally recommended starting point is Chapter 1 to get the full, unadulterated story and character development as intended.
Final Thoughts on the Fullmetal Alchemist Manga Ending
Navigating the world of Fullmetal Alchemist can be complex, but the answer to its true ending is simple: the manga is the definitive source. Hiromu Arakawa’s 108-chapter masterpiece provides a conclusive, thematically rich, and emotionally satisfying finale that stands as the one and only canonical conclusion.
While the 2003 anime offers a compelling alternate take, the manga and its faithful adaptation, Brotherhood, deliver the author’s complete and intended vision. By understanding that the story concludes in Volume 27, you are equipped to experience the journey of the Elric brothers exactly as it was meant to be told—a story not just of loss and sacrifice, but of hope, connection, and the strength of a “heart made fullmetal.”
Last update on 2026-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
