As a remake of the original TV series (although this was the original manga series) this anime completely destroys the image of the initial series FMA (although that was damn good too) and makes you burn all 64 episodes into your memory (pun with Mustang's flame alchemy here ;) )
The most amazing character of Japanese animation, Roy Mustang appears here, with the most devastating series of villains I have ever seen after Kenshin. The entire storyline is so beautifully molded with elements of ancient ideals and state-of-the-art technology that its not only a visual treat, but delectable to the gray cells too. Character development is awesome and so is power level maintenance (what I mean by this is that each character gradually grows stronger or weaker, not suddenly and no one hogs power level e.g. Vegeta and Goku in DBZ.. everyone is similarly powerful and even non-alchemists are effective in most situations)
The storyline is one of the best and most innovative and reminds me of Haruki Murakami's writing in its fluidity and abstractness.. but none of the knots are tied in an illogical manner - everything has a clear basis (well except for maybe where the villain becomes God.. i didnt like that concept very much). Very original storyline.. really loved it as it unraveled slowly. Villains actually die here permanently instead of continuously haunting us after near death situations coming back ever stronger e.g CELL!!! (who else?? Buu too) Even though the villains are almost immortal, they've done a good job of actually bringing out each one's individual sin as a sign of mortality..loved it.
For guys/girls just about to set off on this grand 64 eps adventure I'm very jealous since I dont have time to re-watch this just now although I'd love to. Enjoy!! Definitely the best anime of the second half of this decade along with Shippuuden.
