Transitioning from Fullmetal Alchemist to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

When you're ready to explore the full narrative depth and integrity of the Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA) world, it's important to know which episodes to watch in order to smoothly transition to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMAB). The recommended cutoff point for moving over is after episode 51 of the original series. Here's a comprehensive guide to make your transition as seamless as possible.

Why Episode 51?

Fullmetal Alchemist, often abbreviated as FMA, laid the groundwork for the main storyline and characters. However, it diverges significantly from the manga, and its ending is not faithful to the original source material. By stopping at episode 51, you ensure that you have experienced the most comprehensive version of the early story, up to the point where the manga and anime begin to diverge.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, or FMAB, picks up where FMA leaves off, offering a more faithful adaptation of the manga. It continues the story beyond the point where the anime and manga diverge, providing a more complete and accurate representation of the series. This makes FMAB the logical choice for a deep dive into the full lore and narrative of FMA.

Rationale for Watching FMAB

FMAB starts with a more faithful adaptation of the manga, which means it maintains more consistency with the original source material. This is particularly beneficial if you're a fan of the manga or prefer a more direct portrayal of the characters and their adventures.

Additionally, FMAB offers an extended storyline that fans of the original series will find satisfying. It continues the Elric brothers' journey, expanding on the themes of the original series while providing a more detailed exploration of the world they inhabit. This makes it a natural progression for viewers who want to immerse themselves further into the FMA universe.

Comparison between FMA and FMAB

While both Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are a part of the same series, they are distinctly different shows. The first few episodes have some overlap, but FMA was produced before the manga was completed, leading to significant differences in the storyline. The original FMA series diverges significantly from the manga, whereas FMAB follows the manga closely, providing a more faithful adaptation.

Additionally, the latter part of FMA focuses on alternative storylines and parallel universes, making it feel disconnected from the main narrative. This is in contrast to FMAB, which continues the main storyline of the Elric brothers and their journey against the military.

When to Transition

The exact timing of your transition to FMAB is subjective, but it is generally recommended to move over as soon as possible, preferably right after episode 51. This allows you to experience the most cohesive and engaging story before diving into the broader narrative of FMAB.

However, some viewers might prefer to wait until a bit later in the storyline, such as after the Elric brothers encounter the 'imposters' of themselves. This choice depends on personal preference and how much you want to experience the original storyline before diving into the more faithful adaptation.

Conclusion

Whether you're a fan of FMA or the manga, transitioning to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the best way to get the full narrative experience. Stopping at episode 51 of FMA ensures a smooth transition, while FMAB provides a more detailed and accurate continuation of the story.

By following this guide, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and experience the rich lore and engaging narrative of the Fullmetal Alchemist series.