The Backstory of Fullmetal Alchemist: Date Discrepancies in the 2003 Anime Adaptation

The Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA) series is beloved by many for its rich storyline and deep emotional investments. However, as with any adaptation, there have been discrepancies and changes made between the original sources and the anime versions. This article explores the 2003 anime adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist and the reasons behind why some dates were changed, specifically the burning of the Elric brothers' house on October 3rd, 1910 as opposed to October 10th, 1911 in the manga.

The Setting and Timeline

The 2003 anime diverges slightly from the original manga, with a different narrative structure and a slightly altered timeline. These changes aim to create a more self-contained story while still being faithful to the core elements of the show.

The Burning of the House

The burning of the Elric brothers' house is a pivotal scene in the series, marking a significant event in Edward and Alphonse's lives. In the 2003 anime, the siblings set fire to their home on October 3rd, 1910. This date was chosen for several reasons. First, it aligns with the altered timeline where the Elrics are younger and reach the age for the alchemy exam earlier, around 11 years old rather than 12.

Brotherhood’s Adjustments

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, being a manga adaptation, adheres more closely to the original storyline. Hence, the burning of the house occurs in 1911, when Edward and Alphonse are 12 years old. This version amplifies the importance of their 12th birthday and the subsequent months they spend studying before taking the alchemy exam.

Production Decisions and Narrative Consistency

The date changes reflect the creative decisions made by the producers of the 2003 anime. One of the main reasons for these changes was to shorten the production timeline and narrative structure. By presenting the Elrics as younger and focusing on their immediate story, the adaptation aimed to tell a more concise and engaging tale. This decision also allowed for a more rapid development of the brothers' relationships and character arcs.

The Alchemist Pocket Watch and Date Etching

Interestingly, the date is etched into Edward’s alchemist pocket watch, which is a significant detail. The way the date is written follows the Japanese style of writing yen, which is why it appears in a specific format. This adds a layer of cultural context and enhances the immersion for viewers who are familiar with the Japanese writing system.

Animator Error and Director's Decisions

In the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the discrepancy in the year could be attributed to an animator error or could have been a deliberate artistic choice. Regardless of the reason, this variation in the year emphasizes the diverse approaches taken in different adaptations of the series.

Ultimately, the changes in the 2003 anime reflect the artistic and narrative choices made by the production team to best serve their vision of the Elric brothers' journey. Fans of the series can appreciate these details as they offer valuable insights into the creative processes behind the adaptation of a beloved anime.