If you haven’t watched Fullmetal Alchemist you might be a little confused on why there are two series and which to watch first. Both have the same protagonist but their storylines go in very different directions. After reading this article you’ll have a little more understanding to determine which you want to watch first.
What is Fullmetal Alchemist?
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Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the best anime series of all time which almost fulfills the purpose of a perfect anime. Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese manga written by Hiromu Arakawa and serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan – a monthly manga magazine published by Square Enix. It also refers to the popular anime series of the same name. The series was quickly exploded into a worldwide anime hit, selling over 70 million volumes worldwide. In 2004, the FMA won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award. Then came the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – the second adaptation of the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga series. It follows the original events of the Manga. The Brotherhood is not to be confused with the 2003 manga series but is equally captivating to watch, if not better. There are still some aspects of the original manga series that simply make it better than the Brotherhood.
In the 2003 anime series, the story revolves around two brothers – Edward and Alphonse – who are blessed with the gift of alchemy and the series’ central antagonist Dante – a furious woman who controls seven homunculi that are named after the seven deadly sins.
What is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, or FMAB, is the second adaptation of the original FMA anime series but is more faithful to the original manga. The series began when the original manga was still in its early stages of production. It is believed to be closer to the manga and follows the original events of the manga apparently. Brotherhood is longer than the original FMA with 64 episodes. Unlike the original anime series, the main character Alphonse in the Brotherhood is voiced by a girl.
Difference between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood
Story
– Both FMA and FMAB are really good anime series adapted from the manga of the same name written by Hiromu Arakawa. However, the 2009 series Brotherhood is believed to be closer to the manga and follows the original events of the manga apparently. In a way, Brotherhood could be seen as a true FMA story but with less emotional impact. The original FMA is somewhat more dramatic than the Brotherhood and definitely very different from the manga. With 64 episodes, the Brotherhood is longer than the original, which is a 50-episode series.
Animation
– While both the FMA series boast some high-quality art with a great choice of colors and vivid backgrounds, the Brotherhood features considerably advanced and better animation than the original. Brotherhood is more alive with details in everything and backgrounds are more dynamic and elaborate. The original FMA, however, lacks visuals with less intuitive backgrounds; in fact, nothing actually happens in the background. This makes the action scenes look more mediocre than real. The Brotherhood is both visually appealing and spectacularly anime, which makes the action scenes look more real-like.
Characters
– Every single character in the original 50-episode Fullmetal Alchemist anime series is interesting, considering each one has a backstory that is carefully presented. Each character is unique and lovable, which makes the anime more interesting to watch. You are bound to love each character – be it the brothers, Edward and Alphonse, or the little Nina Tucker or Roy Mustang for that matter. The FMA has an extensive cast of characters and you remember each name as if you play the character. The Brotherhood, on the other hand, is quite disoriented in terms of characters and you can see some new faces on the line, but once you’re used to it, then it’s just as lovable as ever.
Antagonist
– The main antagonists in both series are very different. The central antagonist of the original FMA 2003 anime series is a furious woman named Dante, who controls seven homunculi that are named after the seven deadly sins. She plans to play God by extending her life forever with the help of Philosopher’s Stones. Father, originally goes by Homunculus, is the central antagonist in the second adaptation of the manga series called the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Father is also power-hungry who wants immortality over everything else, just like Dante but unlike Dante, he craves knowledge.
Ending
– Despite being based on the manga with the same basic storyline, the two anime series end up quite differently. The original FMA ends up in the movie Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shambala. Edward and his brother Alphonse leave “their world” and stuck in “our world” and there’s no way for them to get back as they have already sealed the “Gate of Truth” to prevent anyone from getting in or going out. The Brotherhood, on the other hand, sticks with the storyline of the manga, which ends up with Edward sacrificing his ability to use alchemy in exchange for the body of Alphonse.
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