“For there is one thing which gravitation can do nothing, and that is humankind. Humankind cannot gain a thing without first giving something in return. This ageless maxim occupies center stage in Fullmetal Alchemist , the anime and manga phenomenon that remains a hot button for ethics and science discussion even decades after its original run. One of its darkest themes—the forced transformation of humans into chimera s—poses a truly disturbing question of whether or not a human chimera transformation can be undone.
Again, let’s delve into the science, lore, and ethics, across Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and the original manga, to see if such a horrific act of alchemy can ever be undone.
Nature of chimeras in Fullmetal Alchemist universe
In the universe of Fullmetal Alchemist, chimeras are usually produced by merging two or more life forms, usually animals. On a more philosophical and disturbing level, when the lines do get crossed, humans are in extreme cases fused with animals, often as a result of experimental or military machinations. This magic spell is accomplished through incredible alchemy – occasionally supplemented by the Philosopher’s Stone, which conveniently sidesteps the Law of Equivalent Exchange.
The outcome? A transgendered hybrid being with falsified biology and recollections of their previous human life. From Nina Tucker ’s sad fate to the chimeras talking and fighting for Kimblee, these beings are treated as both tragic victims and weapons of war.
Nina Tucker: The heartbreaking benchmark
Any conversation about human chimera reversibility has to start with Nina Tucker, a four year-old girl grafted to her canine guardian Alexander by her mad scientist father. In both anime adaptations, Nina is turned into a talking, tortured animal who identifies Edward Elric as “Big Brother.”
The change is permanent.
In the 2003 anime, Nina’s body is cloned, but it only produces a mindless husk. In Brotherhood and the manga, Scar kills her mercifully, as she is past the point of redemption. Nowhere besides canon is there any victory in bringing Nina back to her human state.
This case suggests an even more somber prologue—that alchemy may be able to physically join bodies, but cannot bring the human soul back together once it has been disturbed or combined.
Hope in the Shadows: Jerso and Zampano
All hope is not lost in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood or the manga. Inspired by the anime’s original human chimeras—Jerso and Zampano—these two human chimeras help Edward and Alphonse on their quest to destroy Father. They are later promised a cure and seen undergoing preparations for a journey to Xing, a place where alchemists practice an alternate style that some might call forbidden.
Although the story closes without revealing what happens to them, their subplot strongly suggests that reversal could be theoretically possible, particularly via the medical alchemy or alkahestry studied in Xing. The lack of any direct antidote demonstrated indicates that even if reversal were possible, it would be untested, risky, and anything but assured.
