Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood leaves a lasting impact in the anime universe
To make a long story short, a good friend of mine dragged me into watching Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood during a sleepover. I was hesitant at first, because I did not feel like starting another series after I had finished two others. With a Netflix account and the press of a button, I was immediately engaged in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe.
To clear up confusion, Fullmetal Alchemist is a manga (a japanese style of comic book and graphic novel) created by Hiromu Arakawa, which also received two amination adaptations (Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood). Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is known as the popular and better series due to staying true with the manga and having better writing and animation.
FMAB is about two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are in search for a philosopher's stone after losing their bodies from a transmutation attempt to bring back their dead mother. Edward Elric loses an arm and a leg while Alphonse’s body is fully replaced with a suit of armor. After their failed transmutation, Edward and Alphonse leave behind their home and send off to the State Military to join the State Alchemists. As their journey broadens, the brothers discover the true nature of the philosopher’s stone and a dark secret the government itself is hiding from its people.
My favorite aspect of the show is the concept of destructing societal norms and questioning authorities. For example, after a civil war with the Ishvalans, Edward and Alphonse’s home country has held a prejudice against the entire race of people. Edward and Alphonse go as far as to befriend an Ishvalan who killed state alchemists in a state of revenge. The duo eventually make friends with people of many backgrounds. They also learn the truth of the government’s involvement with alchemy and creating immortal beings known as homunculi.
My favorite character out of the entire anime is Ling Yao who is a future ruler of Shing and is also in search for the philosopher’s stone. He has a very laid back and humorous personality and has a moving story arc involving a homunculus.
The plot from start to finish is a major win for casual viewers and watchers with picky attitudes towards continuity. I have never laughed nor cried the amount I did watching another show like I did watching Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
Besides Ling, nearly every character has a purpose on the show and nobody feels out of place. A few characters took time to warm up to such as Olivier Armstrong, a no-nonsense commander of Fort Briggs.
Morals and characters set aside, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood’s animation is so crisp that Disney is jealous. Important moments, such as the fighting scenes, and delicate details, such as shadows and campfires, are evidently cherished by talented animators.
One downside for me was the very first episode, which did not feel necessary for a first time viewer. It would have made more sense if episode two was the real first episode.
Unfortunately, this wonderful masterpiece has been ruined in the hands of Netflix. Due to the fact that any form of animation cannot exist without a live action counterpart, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood got its own live action movie. At least Netflix released a movie that didn’t have Joey King in it (don’t get me started on The Kissing Booth). Despite the hype, Rotten Tomatoes had a field day and trashed the movie as if the crew that made The Emoji Movie placed their hands on it.
As a devout Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood fan, I heavily recommend this show to anyone who has the free time to watch it. Due to graphic depictions of violence, this show is understandably rated TV-14. I believe any category of viewers can get into the compelling storyline and the wholesome characters.
The show can be viewed on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
