Choosing Between FMA and Brotherhood: Which Alchemy Adventure to Watch?

The world of Full Metal Alchemist (FMA) and its adaptation Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMA: B) have captivated fans with their intricate plot, complex characters, and deep themes. Both these works tell the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric's journey to restore what they lost, yet they offer different experiences. In this article, we will explore the key differences between FMA and Brotherhood to help you decide which one to watch.

Understanding FMA: The Original Anime

First, let's take a look at the original anime series, Full Metal Alchemist. This 2003 series faithfully adapts the original manga by Hiromu Araki. It covers the main events of the Elric brothers' quest, including the creation of the Philosopher's Stone, the powerful Daya corporation, and the interactions with various characters along the way.

Exploring Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The 2009 series, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is the official manga adaptation. It delves deeper into some of the elements that were not fully explored in the original anime. The series has a stronger focus on the characters, their emotions, and the background of the world they inhabit. Brotherhood introduces new scenes, dialogues, and plot developments that expand on the original storyline, making it a more extensive and detailed version.

Why Brotherhood Adds Value

One of the primary reasons to watch Brotherhood is that it stands as a more authentic manga adaptation. The studio Sunrise, in collaboration with Hasse Hidenori, made extensive efforts to ensure the series adhered closely to the original manga. Therefore, it captures the mood, tone, and artistic style of the manga more accurately. This detail is particularly noticeable in the animation, which is said to be superior to the original anime.

What You Won't Miss

Brotherhood includes a few extra bits and pieces that were not present in the original anime. This is because the manga was not fully completed when the original anime was made. Brotherhood fills in these gaps, ensuring that the plot and character arcs are more fully developed. Therefore, watching Brotherhood will give you a richer experience and a better understanding of the story.

Animation and Visual Style

Another significant advantage of Brotherhood is the better animation quality. The visual aspects, such as character designs, backgrounds, and overall fluidity, are significantly improved. This is crucial for viewers who enjoy the artistic and visual elements of the show. Additionally, Brotherhood has been praised for its attention to detail, making it a more immersive viewing experience.

Your Personal Choice

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Both FMA and Brotherhood offer unique and compelling viewing experiences. If you are a die-hard fan of the original manga, Brotherhood will provide a more comprehensive and faithful adaptation. For those who prefer the original anime, FMA offers a great starting point and a solid, if condensed, version of the story.

Personally, I have a profound appreciation for Brotherhood. It is really fucking awesome. The series is well-paced, emotionally engaging, and technically superior. I have watched it three times, and each time, I find new layers to appreciate. If you haven't watched it yet, I urge you to give it a try. It's worth the time.

Conclusion

No matter which one you choose, both FMA and Brotherhood offer captivating stories and memorable characters. If you are using subtitles (sub), make sure to use a high-quality, accurate one to fully enjoy the experience. Dubbed versions can sometimes detract from the authenticity of the story and the performances, so I recommend watching Brotherhood with subs.

If you are Full Metal Alchemist or FMA fans looking to dive into the Elric brothers' story, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the way to go. It's thorough, visually stunning, and a testament to the original manga's legacy.