Fullmetal Alchemist is one of my all time favorite manga series (and I’m not just saying that because I work on the English version!), but for some reason, the first anime adapation never clicked for me. The new series, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which launched earlier this month, on the other hand, really nails it. This version isn’t a perfectly faithful adaptation either, as evidenced by the first episode that introduces an all-new character and storyline, but right away it captures the pitch-perfect tone that the manga took many volumes to perfect.
The first three episodes are up at Funimation’s website, so whether you’re a longtime Hagaren fan or new to the series, do yourself a favor and check it out.
Stumble Upon
Del.icio.us
Buzz
When I heard they were going to make a new series, I was confused, because I was like*What? They totally finished it! They can’t continue it* But then I found out it was following the manga an I was like “YAYA!!!”
Oh wow, I didn’t even know the new series was out yet! Guess I’ll have to look into that
I never really got into the FMA manga, but I was a big fan of the anime. Winry’s in the manga too much, and I greatly dislike her character
I never got into the manga either, mostly because there were too many of them. I love Winry! She is so funny, and it was sad when she and Edward parted in the movie T_T.
They didn’t really say their farewells though, it was mostly just her watching the plane go up. What really made me cry was when Ed and Al parted….I love those two so much T_T
Oh, and when the blond kid died, I liked him a lot too =(
Ehhhh?! I am… a teeny… tiny bit…. confused. Are they restarting it or continuing where they left off?
Gobblinize –
The new series is a complete remake, not a continuation, this time keeping it more like the manga. There are some major divergences with the first anime series and the manga, such as Pride, Sloth and Wrath being completely different characters, Dante doesn’t exist in the manga, Hoenheim’s backstory, etc. Plus the manga introduces all new characters and situations like Prince Lin, the Briggs crew and a bunch of other supporting players.
I just watched the three episodes, and they are astounding. To be completely honest, I wasn’t expecting much from the new series seeing as I don’t follow the manga, but this whole other side of the story is really neat and interesting. It seems more energetic and less depressing than the old one, plus I love how they’re using manga style more for their overly-emotional moments. This one makes me laugh more than the other too
There won’t be as much of Rose in this one if they’re following the manga storyline, she was my favorite =( Hopefully Funimation will post all the episodes, youtube most likely won’t have them for a while
Yay! I’ so glad you liked it. Rose isn’t a major player in the manga at all, but she does come back for a few cameos in later volumes.
A remake, huh? I’ll have to go check it out.
Although I’ll probably end up waiting until the first volume or so comes out on Netflix.
I don’t think it’s called Botherhood.
B,
Good eye! Fixed. Fullmetal Alchemist: Botherhood, is the spin-off series starring Yoki.
Now that would be hilarious.
Botherhood: Starring Yoki and his henchmen, Sloth and Wrath (since they couldn’t land parts in the second series save for a very brief cameo of Sloth and maybe a small allusion to Wrath)
I read the parts later in the manga that had Rose in them. Was the whole thing with her holding Ed and Al at gunpoint in the manga? I sure don’t remember it if it is
Wait, ROSE pulls a gun on Ed and Al?! Now I have to watch it! I really liked her in the original anime, but there were several times I nearly screamed at her to get a back-bone. This sounds SOOOOOO much better.
No… Wait… Must be patient and wait for more to come out. Otherwise I’ll watch all three in one setting and then go crazy waiting for more.
Been awhile since I’ve been to the site, so I’m catching up on some older posts. So this is a series that someone with NO familiarity with either the manga or prior anime can watch and get into? I’ve always been interested in FMA, but I couldn’t get into the previous anime and have always found manga too expensive for me. (Ironic since, like you, I used to make my living editing it!)
Tim,
Absolutely, this new series is a perfect jumping on place for people new to FMA. The first episode is very in medias res, so don’t let that throw you — it’s definitely a beginning a continuation.
Also, it’s great to see you back on the site!
-Jake