Why Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Outshines the Original

Article Key Points

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a more faithful adaptation of the manga, providing a story that fans of the original source material were looking for.

The tone of Brotherhood is more lighthearted and accessible, in line with the original manga. Additionally, it boasts improved pacing compared to the original anime, condensing the storyline into fewer episodes and enhancing viewer engagement.

Fullmetal Alchemist has solidified its status as one of the most iconic and revered franchises in the world of anime. Its captivating narrative, memorable characters, unique universe, and iconic power system have garnered high praise and continue to captivate a global audience. The immense success and fan adoration for this franchise led to the release of two distinct adaptations.

The first adaptation, simply titled Fullmetal Alchemist, premiered in April of 2003. It was an anime that was developed while the manga was still ongoing, which resulted in several deviations from the original source material that were met with criticism from fans. This is where Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, released in 2009, steps in. Brotherhood adheres more closely to the original manga's story while retaining all the strengths of its predecessor, making it the ideal anime adaptation for manga enthusiasts. Let's delve into the reasons why Brotherhood surpasses the original anime as an adaptation.

True to the Manga

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a faithful adaptation of the manga, aligning closely with its intended storyline. This alignment holds great significance as the manga itself is the primary reason for viewers' interest in the series. Unfortunately, the deviation from the original story left many fans feeling disappointed.

The impact of this discrepancy extends beyond the storyline to the characters' development and progression. Although the characters in Fullmetal Alchemist are not inherently flawed, their character arcs differ from those portrayed in the manga. Additionally, the Brotherhood adaptation is favored due to its ability to capture the essence of the original story's world.

Overall Tone

Although not the primary reason why Brotherhood is considered the superior adaptation, the change in overall tone is often cited by fans as a key factor in capturing the true essence of the original story. In comparison to its 2009 counterpart, the Fullmetal Alchemist anime generally possesses a much darker tone. While the 2009 adaptation does not shy away from mature and somber themes, the atmosphere of the original anime tends to cultivate a more sinister ambiance.

The inclusion of this point on the list is simply due to the fact that Brotherhood's tone makes it a more accessible and enjoyable show, especially considering that it aligns with the tone of the original story. While some may find the darker themes of the original anime more captivating, Brotherhood remains faithful to the lighthearted and playful atmosphere of the manga.

Better Pacing

When discussing the original anime, one of the most common criticisms from fans is its slow pacing. Fullmetal Alchemist takes its time in narrating the story of the Elric brothers, which can be off-putting as the significant moments can feel few and far between. As a result, the series can sometimes feel like a tedious journey.

In comparison, Brotherhood manages to convey in 5 episodes what the original anime would take 10 episodes to cover. However, this doesn't necessarily imply a negative aspect, as the extra time in the original anime allows viewers to spend more time with the beloved character Maes Hughes, someone they have always desired to see more of. Though this can be considered the only advantage of the protracted series.

The Inconsistencies

Characters in both anime adaptations are known for their significant character development. However, in Fullmetal Alchemist, some characters, particularly the main characters Ed and Al, experience moments that seem inconsistent with their overall development. A notable example is their repeated involvement in human transmutation throughout the series. This decision is particularly shocking considering the initial consequences of their failed attempt, which resulted in Ed losing two limbs and Alphonse losing his entire body. These events set the foundation for their character arcs from the start of the show.

The Ending

While both anime adaptations have memorable endings, fans widely consider the route taken by the original series to be abrupt and unsatisfying. Although this ending aligns with the dark tone usually associated with the original series, many fans view it as a missed opportunity for a more fulfilling conclusion, akin to what Brotherhood achieved.

In Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward manages to restore his younger brother's body. However, in doing so, he is transported to the real world during World War 1 without his alchemy powers, after passing through the door of truth. The conditions leading to this outcome are the primary reason why many fans dislike this ending. Instead of willingly sacrificing everything to redeem himself and save his brother, Edward chooses to aid soldiers on the other side of the door of truth, only to be deceived and trapped without his powers, while leaving Alphonse isolated on the other side.

In Brotherhood, Edward confronts Truth again, leading him to make a momentous decision. He chooses to relinquish his alchemy skills in order to restore his brother's body, bringing the narrative full circle. Alphonse initially lost his body due to alchemy, yet it is the sacrifice of alchemy itself that ultimately brings it back. Additionally, Edward comes to the realization that although he holds a deep passion for alchemy, there are more significant reasons to live for. Consequently, the brothers are united in the end.

While Brotherhood generally receives greater preference, both series hold their own as timeless classics within the anime realm. Despite sharing the same world and characters, each series presents distinct narratives and tones, both of which are highly recommended for viewing.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood can be streamed on Hulu and Prime Video.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have watched both Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and I have to say that I agree with the points made in this article. Brotherhood is a more faithful adaptation of the manga, providing a story that fans of the original source material were looking for. The tone of Brotherhood is also more lighthearted and accessible, in line with the original manga. Additionally, it boasts improved pacing compared to the original anime, condensing the storyline into fewer episodes and enhancing viewer engagement.

Overall, I believe that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the superior anime adaptation and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the series.