Gunslinger Girl is also quite tragic... though it hasn't quite reduced me to tears yet... then again neither has Fma. not when anyone died. anyone. not nina not hughes.... nobody.

that's an astounding YES! I've learned so many life lessons from this show. and I really no longer look at the world the same anymore.

Hell no. Sure, there's some bits that I could empathise with and some bits where i went "Aww, shucks. That kinda blows for you." However, it's not a particularly sad series.

I'll have to second/third/whatever the Grave of the Fireflies people.

Also, I find Cowboy Bebop to also be in its own state of melancholy. It's hard to describe, y'know? *found Faye obnoxious but enjoyed her backstory*

I think FMA is one of the saddest anime/manga series I've ever watched/read, but it's not THE saddest.