Daemons of the Shadow Realm: A Fullmetal Alchemist-esque Manga You NEED to Read!

Fans of Fullmetal Alchemist are always looking for their next great manga read and if you love this epic series you will want to pick up Hiromu Arakawa's latest manga series, Daemons of the Shadow Realm!

A New Manga From The Creator Of Fullmetal Alchemist

This series is a return to the fantastical for this iconic mangaka, with several parallels to Fullmetal Alchemist! It’s not just a similar style, however! This new manga is a whole new and interesting exploration of character relationships, along with world-building and several story elements that really keep this one in a new league.

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The Story Of Yuru And Asa

Yuru, flanked by Left and Right, his Daemons. Image

At its heart is a set of twins, Yuru and Asa. These two begin their lives in an isolated mountain village and as fate would have it their birth sparks a huge, and possibly terrifying prophecy. As events unfold these two amazing, twin siblings have some life altering challenges come their way including their village getting destroyed.

Their arrival brings change to their world! The main problem appears to be figuring out who is in charge of all the amazing and scary powers that will inevitably be passed on. The main character, Yuru simply wants to return back to a happy existence alongside his sister, a deeply human longing that's easy for any manga reader to relate with.

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What Makes Daemons Of The Shadow Realm Great

My Hero Academia's Deku and Fullmetal Alchemist's Edward Crying in the rain. Image

Many similarities between Fullmetal Alchemist and Daemons of the Shadow Realm are clear! If anything, Arakawa turns the focus to a story about family in an all new way! The two siblings in Fullmetal Alchemist have an unbreakable bond. That changes here! As Yuru and Asa have an unique and complex sibling story. It highlights what is impossible to know as the plot gets increasingly engaging, bringing even more tension! Yuru has very little trust for Asa, as well as several others, having been sheltered by his home. Asa appears familiar with a bigger world and the challenges around navigating an outside setting.

What is an incredible aspect of Arakawa's world-building is Daemons, powerful and unique spirits that can have different qualities as each new one comes to light! They are incredibly significant in their role! Each Daemon shows off a different aspect that’s beyond their normal usage, something akin to Alchemy! They can do an impressive set of tasks and do a wide array of changes, however, the big twist is that Daemons seem to possess a lot more complexity!

Fans may get another compelling experience. In the previous series and in Fullmetal Alchemist it’s always easy to decide who is on what team, good versus bad. Daemons of the Shadow Realm brings this whole dynamic together by presenting complex issues. Those watching or reading along may discover that they don't necessarily agree about the motives or sides being presented! It adds a whole other element. Giving the reader the chance to dive into a moral grey area and the possibility that they can change based upon each new interaction with the cast of characters.

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Key Differences Between The Two Manga

Despite the similarities, Daemons of the Shadow Realm is distinct and new!

The twin characters' relationship, one of distance rather than constant companionship, that many viewers will appreciate.
The modern setting!
The traditional village lifestyle contrast for Yuru! This will make the story uniquely memorable and create great laughs in many moments of this great series!
And of course, Daemons! These powerful beings play such a unique role in the show.

These add such new and refreshing aspects to a manga reader’s adventure! The unique characters have been a great joy and may surprise manga readers at every turn! Each Daemon takes this speciAl power to a new level that's pretty crazy.

The big ongoing battle centers around families as well. In Fullmetal Alchemist the battle extends between nations but Daemons of the Shadow Realm starts in one location. A single village!

But! This doesn’t mean it’s not capable of changing the world. Yuru and Asa's power is more powerful than just a simple duel. The Kagemori family may become even more relevant in a series that features plenty of conflict, twisting turns and surprises that fans love!

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Should You Read Daemons Of The Shadow Realm?

If you are looking for a fantastic read, you need to add Daemons of the Shadow Realm to your to-read list! This manga has amazing twists and turns. With engaging stories that go along well with Fullmetal Alchemist and yet stands entirely apart! This incredible, creative world, with Arakawa's fantastic art style gives audiences a completely new look and it already is an exciting story!

This series currently is running! Dive in! It’s already super engaging and not something to just lightly dip into and explore. If you are looking to delve into something completely original. Give Daemons of the Shadow Realm a try. Fans of the Fullmetal Alchemist are already big fans of Daemons of the Shadow Realm!

What are you waiting for? Head over to Square Enix's Manga Up! App to read it today!