*SPOILERS FOR BOTH FMA AND FMA:B*
Hey, This is my first review and i'll be talking a bit about FMA: brotherhood. I decided to watch both FMA and FMA: Brotherhood and I must say, it was a pleasure.
FMA(original) had an unique storyline and ending. The story did not follow the manga towards the later part of the series. I felt the story mainly focused on finding the philosopher stone. Along the way, viewers get to see a stronger connection between Al and Ed. There was also more emphasis on Scar and the Homunculi's life and experiences. They barely touch upon Hohenheim (Ed and Al's dad) which I thought had a large role in the story. I got a bit bored of the story towards the end because it got confusing and didn't seem to flow properly. The ending was unique and good, but it did not satisfy viewers and it was kind of a cliff hanger even if you watched the movie. 8/10
FMA: Brotherhood followed the manga, and it seemed to aim more towards "mainstream" animes. FMA: Brotherhood had several reoccurring voices, like Edward, Winry, and Roy Mustang, but it also lost some old voices such as Alphonse and Scar. It took some time to get over Al, but eventually it was fine. With the award-winning cast and some new additions, they improved from the original a lot. The relationship between Ed and Al was implied, so they focused on their relationship between other characters. They also didn't focus on Edward 100% of the time (IMO, Ed was in like every scene in original). Instead, they gave Alphonse a lot of solo missions (and a bigger role), developed a new character named Greed/Lin, developed many other characters and had LESS EMPHASIS on the philosopher stone. Winry and Ed, Xing and Ling, Mai Chang and Al, Roy and Riza had they're moments, if you know what I mean. Hohenheim(Elric) had a MUCH BIGGER role in this than the original which was definitely nice to see. Given six years and a manga to follow, they cut out a lot of fillers and improved from the original. The ending was very satisfying compared to the original even though it was more cliché. 11/10
Episodes 0-30 Original was better imo. It was more detailed and darker.
Episodes 30-64 Brotherhood no doubt was better. Even though, brotherhood didn't have a great start, it definitely picked it up towards the end. A huge variety of new characters, better character development and a stronger plot to follow.
Characters - Original VS Brotherhood
Ed - Brotherhood. Winry and Ed = GG
Al - Brotherhood. More independent and interesting
Winry - Brotherhood. In a lot more episodes...too bad they didn't kiss
Scar - Brotherhood. Glad he helped. Didn't like him rebellious.
Greed/Ling - Brotherhood. He was Badass.
Roy - Brotherhood. Even more Badass than before.
Riza - Brotherhood. More involved.
Roy's Team - Brotherhood. Sad and Happy things happen.
Hohenheim - Brotherhood. HAD IMPORTANCE IN THE STORY.
Fuhrer Bradley - Brotherhood. ACTUALLY FOUGHT
Pinako - Brotherhood.
Shou Tucker - Brotherhood. Glad hes gone.
Yoki(mustache dude) - Brotherhood. He was like Hercule in DBZ
Lust - Original. I missed her.
Envy - Original. Didn't really like both characters
Gluttony - Original. Showed more emotion, rather than go maniacal.
Louis Armstong - Original. He was annoying, but he got owned in FMA:B
Hughes - Original.
Izumi Curtis - Original. Was a lot darker and sadder.
Marco - Original. I didn't like him. Should've gotten rid of him in FMA:B.
Rose - Original. She was brown.
Bigger roles were played better in Brotherhood.
Viewers should definitely watch both because they are great. I found brotherhood to be alot better because of its stronger plot, improved and vast character development, and definitive ending. FMA offered a darker, more linear sort of story and brotherhood offered colorful and satisfying story.
FMA:Brotherhood is an amazing anime, one of the best i've seen. I highly recommend watching it.
Thanks for reading.
