Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the greatest animes ever and for good reason. However, here's what bothers me the most. I've seen all of the first anime and I have seen all of Brotherhood. I love both equally but I hate the fact that Brotherhood exist. Meaning I hate the fact that Brotherhood has to overshadow the first anime as the first anime did some things WAAAAAY better than Brotherhood even with everyone on Myanimelist giving Brotherhood high ratings.
Art:
Fullmetal Alchemist is just beautiful. Studio Bones really knows how to make things detailed and distinctive. Every single waking scene is filled with life and color. Even with the grimmest locations like in the middle of a desert, the serious inside of a military, or even at night in the pouring rain, there are so many little details that should be appreciated here. Even better, no one truly is a carbon copy of each other, they are all different and their uniqueness adds to their personality. Truly of work of art as far as animes go and I love every moment. Also, one thing that the first FMA anime has that Brotherhood doesn't have was that in first anime the characters have the absolute most terrifying faces when a shocking situation emoting the fear in their eyes sending chills down the spine.
Sound:
This is what Brotherhood should've at least kept: The excellent score. I remember the score of the first FMA more than I remember the score of the Brotherhood. Granted, I do think the openings and endings are better in Brotherhood, but the score in Brotherhood was not that all memorable. There are times in FMA where the score would have string instruments to show beauty of one scene then switch to a more cheerful piece to signify more comedic relief. It comes in at the right time and knows how to set the mood. The sound design is also great with one of the most memorable sound effects in anime, the sound of Alchemy. On to the voice tracks, if you read my reviews you know that I watch shows dubbed and FMA is no exception in fact to all you weeaboos who think dubs suck should watch FMA's dub. We all know that Vic Mignogna is legendary as Edward Elric. A little criticism for Vic is that while I do love him in every role he does small or big, he probably has the most narrow vocal range because you just know it's him every time. Though as Edward, he fits the role well being serious when he needs to and breaking out into one of his memorable Edward rants. We all know Vic, but there are so many other notable roles here. Laura Bailey, providing her sexiest performance as well Lust, Travis Willingham and Colleen Clinkenbeard as Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye, respectively, Aaron Dimuske, before the voice maturation as Alphonse, Christopher Sabat as the oh so lovable Major Alex Louis Armstrong and even Johnny Yong Bosch makes an appearance in one episode if you could believe it. Got to watch this show dub, it is excellent plus it makes sense being all these characters have english names.
Story and Characters:
Before I get to talking about how this show compares to Brotherhood let me just say something about FMA in general. FMA is one of the most emotional and powerful stories ever. It is a triumphant tale of two brothers, their big mistake, and their journey to return to the way things are. On this journey, they gain and lose friends, overcome obstacles, and make the best out of every situation even if there are disadvantages. The other thing about FMA that even my other top animes don't have: THERE ARE NO CHARACTERS IN FMA THAT I HATE NOR FORGET! Every character large and small is memorable, all of them have personalities, all of them have their moments, and all of them are just the greatest characters. Even Shou Tucker, the character that people hate the most in FMA I don't happen to mind because at least he is interesting because the sick act that he has done. FMA truly is unbelievable and I love it.
We all know why people don't like this first anime that much. It is because halfway through the series, it strays away from the manga to an ending that while not completely ridiculous, is a little out of the blue. Now I am going to say something that you all have to think about: FMA Brotherhood has a better story, but the first anime told it's story better. I'm dead serious. Brotherhood I felt was a story on steroids with things going at a faster pace which is great. Here's what I like about the first FMA. Some characters are around longer and have more significance to the plot which I like a lot better. Brotherhood is dark but the first anime is even darker. I feel the Homunculi are more evil and nihilistic. There were more conflicting and somewhat psychological situations between characters. I think the show conveys more atmosphere and gives the audience much more time to breathe and enjoy the scenario. Unlike Brotherhood which I feel everything is rushed, plot threads gets solved faster, and things are all happening at once. Brotherhood, however, is the much better story and is how the original creator intended but then again she was satisfied with the direction the story of the first anime went and to tell you the truth I really think the first anime is somewhat superior. Yes, the ending the was a little random and the fact that it continued in a movie that while not entirely bad was absolutely pointless. Seriously though the first FMA anime is excellent on it's own and I really wish that people didn't write it off at all.
Enjoyment:
FMA is an emotional roller coaster. It makes you laugh, cry, cheer, and even can get pretty scary at times. After you watch one episode, all you want to do is move on the next one. Even when I go back to revisit an episode I am tempted to watch the whole show again because I forget so many things and remember the reasons why I love this show so much.
Overall:
If you haven't watched this show, or really loved Brotherhood, then get to it. This is one of my top 5 animes of all time and even I who hasn't watched it second time through yet can safely say that you will not forget this anime. I don't care if it doesn't follow the manga. I agree the story of the manga and Brotherhood is way better but the first anime has it's own story and it is presented so much better than Brotherhood. Don't pass this up please. Now If you'll excuse me I have to study my alchemy.
