"To obtain, you have to give up something of equal value. People say Ed’s a prodigy, but that’s just because he paid with enough effort.” - Alphonse Elric
FMA Brotherhood is an action, adventure, comedy, magic, fantasy, and shounen anime. It was originally released in October 2004 as Fullmetal Alchemist, but later re-released in April 2009 to follow closer to the manga, and provide a better ending. The anime is made by Bones with 64 episodes. It does not have any continuing series but does have a movie and two specials.
General Rating: 9.2/10
My Rating: 10/10
In order for something to be obtained, something of equal value must be lost. Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the greatest anime franchises I have ever seen. Almost all the entire anime community seems to agree with this. FMA was an anime that sat atop my favorite list for years, only recently falling just out of my top 10. This is an extraordinary anime that was just the beginning of my otaku awakening in early 2014. This is a very complex anime with dark and heavy themes that I love. On top of this, FMA is one of the greatest action comedy animes I have yet to see. It has mastered this formula quite brilliantly. Also, I have always been interested in alchemy, but FMA really brought out it's dark side.
Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood are quite the same for the most part, with only minor differences throughout. The main differences between the animes is in their endings. In this way, I prefer Brotherhood's ending. The original Fullmetal Alchemist was made before the manga was complete so the ending did not turn out the way Arakawa had intended, and thus the remake in Brotherhood that follows the manga directly.
In FMA, alchemy is bound by this Law of Equivalent Exchange - something young brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric only realize after attempting the most forbidden act in alchemy: human transmutation. For this taboo, they pay the price for their transgression as Ed loses his left leg and Al his entire body. In a desperate sacrifice, Ed transmutes Al's soul into a suit of armor nearby in exchange for his right arm. Ed obtains metal "automail" limbs from his childhood friend, Winry, and becomes the state alchemist known as Fullmetal Alchemist in order for he and his brother to Ed begin their quest to return to their original bodies. The brothers seek the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical relic that allows an alchemist to overcome the Law of Equivalent Exchange.
As Ed and Al soon become close with their military allies Colonel Roy Mustang, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes on their side, the brothers find themselves caught up in a nationwide conspiracy that will ultimately lead them to the true nature of the elusive Philosopher's Stone and their country's murky history. Edward and Alphonse must discover if what they are doing will truly make them human again or if it will take away their humanity instead.
Story: FMA Brotherhood is one of the greatest stories in all of anime history. Some might call it overrated, but it is truly one of the greatest animes. Brotherhood's story fully encompasses the world around it. FMA Brotherhood is full of unexpected political conspiracies, a criminal organization full of mysterious beasts, and all the wonders of limitless alchemy depending on what the user chooses to sacrifice in its exchange. Nothing of this world is to be trusted and seems to be changing at ever corner. This anime's story has it all: amazing backstory and a fully fleshed out present world.
Characters: The characters in FMA might just be some of the greatest to ever grace the anime world. The brothers, the military personnel, the faction of the seven deadly sins, and more characters throughout make this anime what it is. FMA uses its characters to tell its story. How each deals with Alchemy is entirely different from the next, and it is quite a charactral masterpiece.
Soundtrack: The openings to FMA are usually my favorite part of its OST collection, however, the soundtrack for this anime is outstanding as well, especially for its battle scenes and even in the mundane. The voice acting is incredible, in both the dubbed and subbed version of this anime. I have seen and enjoyed both version of the anime.
Art: I adore the unique FMA art style. It's dark but upbeat at the same time, which is a unique style to master. FMA catches up both the worlds in this sense. The light and the dark. The character designs are also quite enjoyable. Ed and Al are iconic to the anime community, not only as characters, but in their appearances.
FMA Brotherhood is one of the most highly acclaimed animes among fans. Fans of animes like the Attack on Titan, Seven Deadly Sins, Hunter x Hunter, Code Geass, Magi, Baccano, Darker Than Black, Inuyasha, Noragami, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, A Certain Magical Index, Akatsuki no Yona, Tsubasa Chronicle, Fairy Tail, Yuu Yuu Hakusho, or the Fate franchise will especially love this anime and I completely recommend to give it a watch!
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