What is the difference between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood ?

Fullmetal Alchemist is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime series ever created, coming remarkably close to achieving the status of a perfect anime. Originally a Japanese manga written by Hiromu Arakawa and serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan, the series quickly skyrocketed to fame and became a global phenomenon, selling over 70 million volumes worldwide. Its popularity led to the creation of a highly acclaimed anime adaptation, also titled Fullmetal Alchemist.

In 2004, Fullmetal Alchemist received the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award, solidifying its status as a masterpiece in the world of manga. This success paved the way for a second adaptation, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which closely follows the events of the original manga. While Brotherhood maintains the essence of the source material, some fans argue that certain aspects of the original manga make it superior to Brotherhood.

Regardless of personal preferences, both iterations of Fullmetal Alchemist offer captivating storytelling, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes that have left a profound impact on audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Fullmetal Alchemist continues to captivate and inspire with its timeless tale of adventure, sacrifice, and redemption.

What is Fullmetal Alchemist?

Fullmetal Alchemist is a renowned Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. It was serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine from 2001 to 2010. The story is set in a fictional world where alchemy is a widely practiced science. The series follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their deceased mother. However, the experiment goes awry, resulting in Edward losing his left leg and Alphonse losing his entire body. In a desperate bid to save his brother, Edward sacrifices his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. The brothers embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical artifact that they believe can restore their bodies. Along the way, they encounter various allies and adversaries, uncover dark secrets, and confront the consequences of their actions. Fullmetal Alchemist explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the nature of humanity, and has been adapted into two highly acclaimed anime series, as well as movies, video games, and other media.

What is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an anime series based on the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa. It serves as a faithful adaptation of the manga, closely following its storyline and characters. The series was produced by Bones studio and directed by Yasuhiro Irie. It aired from April 2009 to July 2010.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is distinct from the earlier Fullmetal Alchemist anime series, which aired in 2003. While the 2003 series diverged from the manga’s storyline midway through its run and featured an original ending, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains true to the manga’s narrative from beginning to end.

The story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the journey of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, as they seek the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. Along the way, they uncover dark secrets, confront powerful adversaries, and grapple with moral dilemmas. The series explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of ambition, all set in a richly detailed world where alchemy is a widely practiced science.

Difference between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood

Story

– Both FMA and FMAB are really good anime series adapted from the manga of the same name written by Hiromu Arakawa. However, the 2009 series Brotherhood is believed to be closer to the manga and follows the original events of the manga apparently. In a way, Brotherhood could be seen as a true FMA story but with less emotional impact. The original FMA is somewhat more dramatic than the Brotherhood and definitely very different from the manga. With 64 episodes, the Brotherhood is longer than the original, which is a 50-episode series.

Animation

– While both the FMA series boast some high-quality art with great choice of colors and vivid backgrounds, the Brotherhood features considerably advanced and better animation than the original. Brotherhood is more alive with details in everything and backgrounds are more dynamic and elaborate. The original FMA, however, lacks the visuals with less intuitive backgrounds; in fact, nothing actually happens in the background. This makes the action scenes look more mediocre than real. The Brotherhood is both visually appealing and spectacularly anime, which makes the action scenes look more real-like. 

Characters

– Every single character in the original 50-episode Fullmetal Alchemist anime series is interesting, considering each one has a backstory that is carefully presented. Each character is unique and lovable, which makes the anime more interesting to watch. You are bound to love each character – be it the brothers, Edward and Alphonse, or the little Nina Tucker or Roy Mustang for that matter. The FMA has an extensive cast of characters and you remember each name as if you play the character. The Brotherhood, on the other hand, is quite disoriented in terms of characters and you can see some new faces on the line, but once you’re used to it, then it’s just as lovable as ever.

Antagonist

– The main antagonist in both the series are very different. The central antagonist of the original FMA 2003 anime series is a furious woman named Dante, who controls seven homunculi that are named after the seven deadly sins. She plans to play God by extending her life forever with the help of Philosopher’s Stones. Father, originally goes by Homunculus, is the central antagonist in the second adaptation of the manga series called the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Father is also power-hungry who wants immortality over everything else, just like Dante but unlike Dante, he craves for knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are adaptations of the same manga source material, they differ in several significant ways. The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime deviates from the manga’s storyline and features an original ending, leading to unique character arcs and plot developments. On the other hand, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood faithfully follows the manga’s narrative from beginning to end, providing a more comprehensive and cohesive adaptation of the source material.

Despite these differences, both series offer compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Whether you prefer the original anime’s nuanced characterizations and exploration of new storylines or the faithful adaptation and epic scope of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, there’s something to appreciate in each iteration of the beloved franchise.

For fans looking to celebrate their love for Fullmetal Alchemist, FullmetalAlchemistMerch.com offers a variety of merchandise and collectibles inspired by both anime series, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the rich world of alchemy and adventure.