The Tale of Fullmetal Alchemist: A Journey Through Two Anime Adaptations

The Birth of Fullmetal Alchemist: A Manga Phenomenon

The captivating journey of Fullmetal Alchemist began in July 2001, as Hiromu Arakawa's manga burst onto the scene, swiftly capturing the hearts of readers and propelling it into the limelight. With its rising popularity, the inevitable call for an anime adaptation reached the ears of the series' creator, leading to a collaboration with the esteemed Studio Bones. The inaugural episode of the first anime aired on October 4, 2003, embarking on a 51-episode odyssey that concluded a year later.

Mustang and Hawkeye in the movie

At the onset of the anime, the manga had only unveiled a fraction of its eventual 108-chapter narrative, leaving the conclusion a distant prospect. It wasn't until June 2010, nine years after its debut, that the manga reached its epic finale. Interestingly, Arakawa, with the conclusion in her sights from the beginning, entrusted the animation studio to craft a unique storyline based on the published material, setting the stage for a distinctive anime adaptation.

Edward and Alphonse Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 anime

The Divergence: A Creator's Vision Unfolds

In a revealing interview with Newtype USA in 2006, Arakawa expressed her belief that a cross-media story loses its allure if every iteration remains identical. Thus, the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist was destined to deviate from the manga, a divergence that intrigued Arakawa, particularly in the realm of the Homunculi and their fateful tales. The anime's resounding success culminated in an original film, The Conqueror of Shamballa, in 2005, further solidifying its impact.

A collage promo poster of the main cast of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Subsequently, the 20th volume of the manga, released in September 2008, heralded the announcement of a second anime, which would come to be known as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Under the careful guidance of Studio Bones, the wide-ranging production boasted the return of much of the original cast, signaling a commitment to a faithful adaptation of the manga, a stark departure from its predecessor.

The Legacy Continues: A Tale of Two Adaptations

Debuting in April 2009 and spanning 64 episodes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood concluded in July 2010, aligning with the manga's recent conclusion. Studio Bones allayed concerns by assuring fans that the series would mirror the manga's finale, cementing its status as a critical and commercial triumph. The fervent reception even spurred the creation of an original anime film, The Sacred Star of Milos, in 2011, underscoring the enduring popularity of the series.

The dual adaptations of Fullmetal Alchemist stand as a testament to its enduring acclaim, from the inception of the original anime to the faithful Brotherhood adaptation. The allure of the manga sparked an early anime rendition, necessitating an original ending, and subsequently paved the way for a second faithful adaptation. It's a testament to the series' lasting appeal, culminating in a live-action adaptation in 2022, underscoring its timeless resonance.