I mean... I personally kinda feel "meh" about how FMAB ended, and yet at the same time I agree that it was the right ending. I don't actively dislike the ending or anything, just there are things that didn't end up the way i wanted but BOO HOO who cares, it's not my story, y'know? I mean, since when do things ever turn out exactly the way you expect them to anyway? Life isn't always like stories, much as we may want it to be, so while I would have preferred a different ending I still appreciate the one we got, LOL. It's such a weird feeling because I like it, but wish it were different at the same time. I just consider it to be a sort of unintentional metaphor for life. :P
@Unremarkable Truth be told I prefer FMAB's definitive ending to FMA's opened ending. But I can understand if some fans were bothered by the execution of FMAB's ending...
FMAB's ending is a completely cliche shonen ending. It is, along the pitiful humour, the worst of the series. It is a low quality ending, which is a shame, as the series was generally good.
John-Arthur Grabham “couple goals” not “life long mistakes”. Idk or care if its sarcasm cause its just a dumbass thing to say in response to op either way.
Fma with the strong beginning and lackluster end, and Brotherhood with the shaky start and near perfect finish. If that isn't equivalent exchange then i dont know what is.
FmaB beginning is ok. It's pretty much the same as the original which if you've already seen would be a bit sucky but if you watch it first it's great.
For sure, find a lul in the anime season? just rewatch brotherhood and 03, especially since their dubs are near perfect and you can just put them on in the background
I got my friend in love with Fma and now we binge watch it on October 3rd (because October 3rd is an important date in Fma it’s the day the Elric brothers burned down their home and is the date on Ed’s state Alchemist picket watch)
As someone who enjoys both 03 and BH i have to say youre absolutely right. theyre both different sides of the same coin 03 is looking at the glass half empty while Brotherhood is looking at it half full
03 tries to be deeper & more personal, & overall has the definitive experience of certain chapters, such as with the first 3 Episodes. Brotherhood kind of ruins the "ending much like it started" feel that was present in both the Manga & 2003 anime. Lines delivered early on & memorable were restated & resolved at the end. Even the 1st Music used in the 2003 series is the last music used in the Final Episode: Laws & Promises. That final episode came to the conclusion that the law of Equivalent Exchange is incomplete, which makes the incomplete feeling ending much more artistic. That end being incomplete was an excellent reference to how the manga was incomplete. The Unknown aspects of what happened between Dante & Greed in the elevator was part of that incompleteness. The feeling there has to be more comes from how often we want things resolved, however there are some questions we'll never know the answer to & this ending reflects that. An ending that is complicated much like alchemy is & real life can often be was what we were given. Both Elric Brothers are shown sacrificing themselves for eachother in the final episode in a way that was beautifully done. Jacob Votava clearly isn't the type to appreciate more artistic complexity. Like the food example that was given, the 2003 series is probably better to be enjoyed as finer beverage with a slight aftertaste to it, although a very rich delicious flavor to make up for that. Or perhaps many people just can't cut through the thick steak used in the video to appreciate it? I mean to be fair I'm not all that much a fan of steaks, although I am someone willing to try new foods. It doesn't make sense that people can't just accept that both series are equally good for different reasons these days. Childishly fighting over which series is better only serves to insult both of them. Have any of you guys ever heard of the Sonic Fanbase? It's well known for constantly warring over what games are better & the entire series is essentially viewed negatively these days even though supposedly it was once within the gaming industry's top 5 series. Just be careful not to let a series as high quality as Full Metal Alchemist war against itself.
@@WaterKirby1994 To be blunt you are mostly correct. The 03 vs BH debate is honestly very mundane. i personally believe if you want The Full FMA experience you gotta watch both series and the Manga. (Personal recommended order: BH, Manga, 03) I love fma and having more content is great and i mean not every series has its own canon alternate universe. BH has the flaw of cutting the fat in the beginning like cutting out the Youswell arc (honestly making for a funny scene later on when Yoki comes in and im glad they adressed that with the elrics basically going "who are you?" and Yoki being "You two ruined my life how could you forget!!!") because it kind of assumes youve watched 03 or read the manga . but really it doesnt hurt your perception of the story and i know this because i watched Brotherhood blind and still understood and enjoyed everything. in 03 the scene where Ed and Al sacrifice themselves for each ither is really great when compared to BHverse in a character sense because its shows the Lack of Growth in the elric brothers in 03, and this isnt me calling 03 Elrics bad. In BHverse Ed and Al actually get closure with Trisha, they never killed her again as it was alphonse's soul who was in the mangled corpse they created. And from that they grow and BH!Ed gets asked the question "If you could get alphonse back by sacrificing yourself, would you?" and He says "No, i would never do that to him" That being leaving alphonse all alone because they only have each other. And in 03 the Brothers never get that, as Sloth is the loving embodiment of their failure, so in the end they sacrifice themselves for each other. 03s Elrics dont truly grow in a broad sense like BHverse elrics and to be honest its not that bad. Truly both series are great. But Brotherhoods Biggest flaw, in my opinion, is the fact they don't have the post ending scene from the manga with Trisha and Hohenheim's spirits by the ruins of the elrics home. They have a chat about their boys and evrything and they look so happy. Hihenheim has this big goofy smile on his face as he talks about how ed and al got their bodys back and OOF the scene ends with Trisha and Hohenheim holding Hands looking over the contry side. Gives the two the closure and development the greatly deserved. Like How dare BroHo do this to me and not give me this animated. >:( But Really I love comparing the two but what it really comes down to is taste. I personally like BHverse more because i prefer more optimistic and grand sort of storytelling. 03s more bluntly honest and "Darker" story appeals to others as well. Theres really no reason to have the debate of which is better because they tell similar storys with different outcomes and it just comes down to preferences.
Fullmetal is the perfect story told. One of the best ever in the genre. The characters are all great, have different motivations that make them complex and the plot it dangerously close to perfection. I always say Fullmetal is one of the examples I show people when they say anime is for children. Yes it can be but most of the themes brought up are very mature and make it amazing. Thank you for this video. Just want to rewatch it again to be honest.
I still struggle to believe this was her first long form story at it was so fantastically complex and nuanced appealing to such a broad audience despite seeming so niche. That's some witchcraft.
@@SobrietyandSolace If you find Arakawa's work mind-blowing, then I'm curious how you would react reading Pandora Hearts. The author, Mochizuki Jun, only had a single oneshot manga under her belt, and then she wrote PH - an insanely tightly-written story that flips its Alice in Wonderland influences on its head and delivers some astounding twists and turns. It really is impressive just how well she managed to make such an ambitious story work with so little prior experience.
Well, I do remember I saw FA for the first time when I was a kid or something, and I do remember feeling pretty sad for All, I totally understood why his bro would do whatever to bring his body back or why would they try to revive their mom; I'm the youngest of three brothers and I'm the only woman, so back then there was something that resonated with me for obvious reasons. Also, the part of the little girl and the doctor hit me really hard back then as well, and in general, the whole story, how some characters were worried about them, trying to protect them, to teach them something once in a while, to give them love. More than everything I was captivated by the humans' relationships of the story. I saw it by myself because everyone in my family saw it before (1st my big brothers and then my papa) but no one invited me to do so, so I just did it for myself because why not, lol. I remember I got a nightmare in the day I saw the chapter with the girl and the doctor so I had to take a little break from the series, but even at that time, I was already thinking about death, life, family, despair, love, and so many other mature emotions and situations, it felt great because it really opened my eyes to understood that people won't be forever with u, and sometimes people can do whatever they have to in order to save someone they love and that family is the most essential thing for some people, but for others is just meaningless and they'll do dirty sh*t if they have a convenient situation to do so; so at the end, nothing is just black or white. Would it have been better for me to saw it with an adult at that time? Who knows, but the story resonated with me as a child, and with me as an adult now, is awesome. :")
@@amy_ambrosio I mean I personally believe that if a specific person is able to watch some type of content and take lessons from it at a young age, while also having a network of parents, sibblings etc that are older and can discuss rather pertinent and difficult questions, then yes, of course it would be great to watch it as a kid! I myself feel like it would have been better to watch it at a younger age! However, I do not feel like every single kid will have the same view point or be affected the same by this story, and since it deals with a lot of hard topics I would advise some caution. I am so glad you loved it, though! 😊
I think the fact that there are some more lighthearted and "happy" scenes actually makes the show feel a bit more realistic, since even in the real world things arent grim 100% of the time. I also feel like it makes the darker and more emotional parts of the series have a much bigger impact in comparison, especially when one of these rather cheerful characters actually ends up dying.
Some parts of the 2003 version feel a bit melodramatic. That the characters are making a really big deal out of things that any normal person who just brush off. Like when Ed get's frustrated by the slow progress with the research of Marco. In the 2003 version it's made into a long and sentimental scene while in the 2009 version he just let's out a cry of exasperation and continues working.
@Generic128 Username67 Yeah, but even their world isnt 100% grim, as we've seen multiple times throughout the story. When you make a world that's just completely dark and gritty your viewers/readers will eventually start to become desensitized to it and it just wont have a proper impact anymore. That's something you want to avoid as a writer. As for the humor, I really never felt like it was too much out of place. Maybe a little bit but never so much that it would actually annoy me. But hey, perhaps that's just me.
@@floppydisksareop LMAO not even close. That part made Brotherhood so much BETTER every time it appeared. It was a nice cutaway translation. Not even close to being "worse".
Me: "You can't make an anime retrospective." Foxcade: Fullmetal Alchemist Retrospective. My PS4: "Devil May Cry 5- Trophy unlocked! 'Well, I'll be damned!'."
A very underrated thing from Brotherhood is the irony that surrounded much of the Homunculi deaths such as Gluttony dying by getting devoured or Greed dying with a sense of fulfillment after reflecting on what he did gain being with Ling.
God First watching FMA 03 & BH First thing I’d always say Damn Hawkeye is WiFu material I did read the manga first yearrrrrrs ago before hand but let’s face it Hawkeye 😤😤😤
Yeah it's hard to believe the character who narrates the end of the original series ended up getting completely forgotten in the manga & brotherhood. Sheska didn't deserve the fate of being completely forgotten as the plot heated up just before the 1st Meeting between The Elric Brothers & Father. I think her last appearance was in the episode where the Elric Brothers learn about Hughes Death & Maria Ross got blamed for it.
@@mariokuschel00 She wasn't all that important to begin with though. She helped a lot with them finding out how the stones were created but that is about it...Her being hired by Hugh was probably supposted to be the end of her story line to begin with...I mean what else were there to build with? Her mom had gotten the help she needed thanks to Ed's help with the money problem and she got a job where she could be really useful...that is about all there was to do with her..since she never really talked about other problems nor especially cared about what was going on around her. ..Also..Mustang and Hawkeye had an amazing ending in my book...Just being really great friends and a great team while working together. Never really got a romantic side to them but just the two of them caring deeply about eachother in a friendly almost brother/sister kind of way. They didn't need to end up dating. (This last part wasn't specifically to you MK. I just wanted to throw my 2 cents out at that argument as well but dont want to make several comments.)
One interesting thing i rarely hear people bring up is father never really could get rid of hin sins completely, think about he sloths around all day, devoured souls with no end in sight like gluttony, wants power like greed,and looks down on everybody like pride. It makes since you can't want or do anything without those sins Edit 368 like amazing didn't expect it to get that much attention
@@shayscruggs7829 If Father didn't really get rid of his sins, and the Homunculus are just representative of him removing his sins, then what's point? Sure the Homunculus die in ironic ways tied to their "sin" but they aren't really his removed sins since Father didn't really remove his sins.
@@Edax_Royeaux they still have a purpose in that they oppose the main characters and represent no matter how hard a person trys you can never really be sinless
@@Edax_Royeaux He attempted to in order to improve himself. It doesn't fully work, and Truth even mocks him for it before he is taken into the gate. If you paid attention you would understand lol
I do not get the stigma of "serious anime must have serious/sad ending." Why? Why can't our protagonists who we grow to love have a happy ending every once in a while? Are people really so negative that when they see a happy ending in an anime, or any show for that matter, that they immediately call it bad? I will never understand it.
I think the idea is that with some stories, a happy ending just seems disingenuous. Like the characters have gone through so much the that idea of them going back to normal just seems wrong. That they've gone too far from home to make it back in one piece. However, I'd argue that FMA doesn't do that. There are elements of comedy. It's not a totally serious anime. It's a dramatic well done story with characters that more than earn their happy ending with the appropriate sacrifices needed.
@@kayleighbrown459 I can agree to some extent. I do think there needs to be some sort of loss, whether it be small or big, in a story to at least make the ending compelling and genuine. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for sunshine and rainbows in every ending of every story but I hate that some people just think that a somewhat happy ending is automatically a bad ending because it didn't subvert expectations or whatever.
Whenever I hear the “it shouldn’t have been so cheerful” thing, I always turn to the “heart made fullmetal” quote. The point is to “walk away from it” and come out stronger, not to dwell in it.
I prefer the ending to 2003 because I found the conversation/small scale fight between Dante and Edward to be more interesting than a massive punching fest that was brotherhood. I also found that Dante's reasoning made more sense and was more relatable, she is terrified of death, whereas Father (while a good villain) wanting to become God is a little bit too much. For me Brotherhood had a shakey start an okay finale and an excellent middle whereas I found FMA to have an excellent start an okay middle and a good ending. Though the happy ending with Ed settling down with Winry and Al studying alchemy was very cathartic/satisfying after finding out in 2003 equivalent exchange doesn't exist because entropy is a thing and then watching Ed get trapped in pre-WWII Germany with Winry and Al left behind.
I think there's a way to string the first part of the first anime that keeps with the books and all but the first few episodes of the second and you can watch a faithful adaptation of the manga.
The Manga is better. I'm not a purist or anything, but FMA is one of the few manga's I've actually bothered to read all the way through and hits all the right notes for me.
@@genesisdawn6672 i think the experiences of both are incredibly complementary, but attempts to combine the two will always fail, because they are both tonally different from the start. some people struggle to admit that the original anime could bring anything good to the table, which baffles me, but in all honesty, its additions are part of what made the beginning arc of the series so compelling. jumping from one to the other robs someone of the unique and harrowing emotional experience of the first anime and leaves a big disconnect in tone when brotherhood is lighter, broader in focus, and more comedic. and while i'm glad there is an anime version which tells the full events of the manga, i dislike how that as seen as the ultimate trump card as to which anime is better. they are both adaptations in their own right and make for good television, and i think they should be compared primarily on that basis, not which replicates which panel exactly. i would hate to live in a world where fma 2003 didn't exist, and such a world likely would never have produced brotherhood in the first place.
@@julia.24 What I meant was to get an anime version of the complete manga, you can take the first bit of the first anime and I think episode 2 on from the second. I know they are different. But the second anime is meant to be a faithful adaptation of the manga and the first clearly isn't. There reason why there are two is because of the massive following of the manga and it's impact is due to the story in it. The fans wanted and loved Arakawa's story. It resonated deeply readers.
It's interesting how you say comparing OG FMA and FMA Brotherhood is like comparing a steak to a cheesecake, since both mainly come from a cow, just like FMA does considering its author's avatar.
Brotherhood will forever live on as my favorite anime of all time. It’s just so incredible in so many ways and it’s never been topped in my eyes. The themes, the characters, the story, all of it was just so well done and so incredible that no matter how hard I try to get into new shows, nothing has ever even come close to brotherhood
Story aside, the one thing I really loved about brotherhood was the scale of the world. It felt real, it felt lived in. Compared to 03 which in retrospect feels like a bunch of random rooms, locations and hallways. My favorite example is when after the incident where Ed and Ling get swallowed by gluttony and everybody splits up. You know where they all went in relation to everybody else thanks to that beautiful wide angle shot of Al looking toward central in the distance. And it's so satisfying to see all those trajectories come back together for the conclusion of the arc
Fullmetal Alchemist is in my opinion, a masterpiece. No other series brought me as much joy as FMA, and watching this video was really enjoyable to me. Great Job as always.
@@ultimateknight4667 I have a controversial opinion on the original. I think the ending was so incredibly stupid, it made the whole show worse for me. The whole thing was asinine. That being said, Brotherhood, and the manga, are the best manga and anime series I've enjoyed.
@@SkyTowerKurogane yea the original does shine in alot of great places but the ending and the follow up movie was just God awful and made you question how they came up with such an awful way to end that series on.
@@SkyTowerKurogane This is not a controversial opinion. Everybody just shit on the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist. Even though the first anime was a huge success and the movie won every award of best animation of that year.
It's always nice to see people who understand both adaptations are great, but are great in their own ways. 2003's focus on the Ishvalan War, and the PTSD that most of its participants suffered from, is what I loved about it. I particularly enjoyed Mustang and Scar in 2003 as I felt their respective arcs were more thematically fitting and emotionally impactful than Brotherhood's. That isn't to say that I didn't enjoy their arcs in Brotherhood, however. Mustang and Scar have some of the best looking fights in the entirety of Brotherhood. And while I think Scar facing off against Bradley isn't all that fitting for his character arc, Mustang fighting Lust and Envy was a perfect way to further his development. And, like you said, both adaptations are made with different goals in mind. 2003 is a deep, psychological character study about the affects of tragedy on the human mind, and Brotherhood is an action packed joyride about the philosophical and metaphysical concepts of science, religion, and God.
Yeah, Scar vs Wrath works incredibly well when you remember that he is one of the main reasons the Ishvalan wars continued when the Ishvalans requested a cease fire, and it call comes back around when "god" finally strikes him down
The fight between Scar & Bradley also went to show how far Scar went as a character. He developed to where he had learned to accept alchemy, something he despised for so long because of how it also was the main tool used for slaughter of his people beyond simply being a practice that went against the religious beliefs he was born into.
The last line you said gave me goosebumps. Honestly! The Fullmetal universe is so important to me and helped shape me and my value systems. I couldn't thank Arakawa sensei enough for these endearing characters and this incredible world that she created!! Really felt good listening to this retrospective!
FMA 03 ending had Edward do an isekai and separate with his brother even though they don't want to be separated. The subsequent movie had Alphonse isekai with Edward and then choose to travel around the world together. Meanwhile FMAB's ending had Ed and Al grow up and choose to travel separately because they have their own separate journeys in mind. I like that both endings parallel each other.
I watched 2003 a little bit before Brotherhood was announced, so after getting so invested in 03 and being so soured on the ending, Brotherhood was a breath of fresh air and I was vehemently opposed to 03 after. But as time went on I realized the merit of 03 in the pacing of the first few episodes, the deeper characterization of the sins, and the more somber yet cohesive theme. So when people come down on 03 I tend to defend it. I love the way you phrased their comparison in the end, in that they are meant to complement each other. Awesome vid as always, and I'm pumped for your DMC5 review!
@@lonewolf3314 I took that into account and in my opinion it's still dissatisfying, and supposedly incomplete as there were sequels for the movie planned for by the director.
R W after watching the anime i was disatisfayed but after watching the movie few months or maybe a year later i quite liked the ending it was something unexpected for me to see, unexpected in other endings in anime or a movie it was quite bold if you ask me.
@@lonewolf3314 As I said before, I've come around a lot more to the 03 production, and I agree with you that the movie made some really bold and interesting choices. But strictly speaking in terms of endings, I prefer Brotherhood's, mostly because after getting so invested in the characters, they get a positive ending, while the ending in both TV and movie 03 are dark and incomplete. Brotherhood is rushed, somewhat shallow, and sacrine. And 03 has some weird filler episodes, is bleaker, and incomplete. But I'm happy we have both!
@@rw8160 I know there are those like yourself that enjoy both series and others like 03 more, but while I do not think FMA 03 is by any means a bad series, there are a number of things about it that makes it not enjoyable for me. These things range from the ending and Ed's final actions, in both the series and movie, to its alchemic inconsistencies to its idea of no real equivalent exchange to the somewhat hollow feeling of the dark tones of the story, of which I think Rose is probably the best example I can think of. That or the Johnny Yong Bosch episode. Personally I have felt that overall the big differences between the 2 series is that while both have a number of great characters, 03 seems more driven by telling a compelling story with a darker tone, while the manga/FMAB is more focused on world building, an established set of rules(mainly the alchemy) to follow, and using those to tell a compelling story. But again, that's just my 2 cents, and I feel neither series is objectively better/worse than the other, I personally just find the manga/FMAB more enjoyable.
Fullmetal Alchemist did really cement me as an anime fan. I watched Brotherhood version before watching the 2003 one. I can't really say which one is my overall favorite though. Both versions have aspects that I like, and vise versa. I think everyone can constantly rewatch FMA and come out of each viewing with a different perspective of the show than what they had when they first watched it, and not many other anime series have that rewatchability. FMA Brotherhood is also the first anime series I brought as well, which is something I tend not to do with anime (buying physical DVD's of them) unless they're full feature length films. Considering FMA and one of Studio Bone's older works, Wolf's Rain (which was the first anime series I ever watched), I have to give a lot of thanks to Studio Bones to introducing me to anime.
When I first watched the 2003 anime, close to its release, it was my favorite anime. Then, I watched Brotherhood during its release, and that became my favorite anime. As my understanding of the 2003 anime has grown, though, it feels more and more like a rebuttal of all of Brotherhood's core themes. Brotherhood has a concrete philosophical lens, and almost everything that happens in it fits neatly into that framework. 2003 leaves many questions open-ended because it seems to view those questions as valuable and difficult to answer. Brotherhood has trouble burdening its characters with meaningful flaws, and creates gaps in intentionality that make its moral framework more squishy and convenient. 2003 creates a cast of characters who have huge flaws, some of which they only partially overcome. In 2003, bad actions are intentional, not the product of happenstance or grand manipulations of fate.
FMA 2003 Was the first anime I ever watched after mistakenly choosing it over brotherhood when they were both still on Netflix. I would not trade that experience for anything. Being a 16yo at the time and seeing cartoons that have such depth and emotion was something completely new and no other series has ever been able to scratch that itch for me since. I only wish I could watch it for the first time again... I saw brotherhood a few years later after a recommendation from a friend and was disappointed because many of the very emotional moments and adult themes were nowhere to be seen. The ending of 2003 is amazing in my opinion because it perfectly encapsulates the sacrifice Edward was willing to go through to get Als body back and Ironically goes back to the theme of equivalent exchange when he gets sent into our world. (P.S. We don't need to mention Conqueror of Shambhala)
FMAB is one of the greatest anime’s I've ever seen. The characters are all great, the comedy doesn’t miss, it has great and hard hitting emotional moments that everyone can appreciate, doesn’t overly sexualize the characters like most animes do. 10/10 tbh
I kinda hopped on the train late when it comes to Fullmetal Alchemist. I only watched it because a friend of mine was obsessed with all things Fullmetal and _finally_ wore me down enough to watch it. I finished the series just before she died, and it was the last thing we talked about. it will always hold a special place in my heart.
What I love most about this series as a whole is that every character drives the plot in some way and their gender has nothing to do with it. It's refreshing and wholesome to not have the female cast used as a shitty trope.
Thats the thing, they dont exist to exist to tick a box, they exist to be characters. It has nothing to do with what the character is, and everything to do with who the character is. There is no hidden agenda behind any of them. They have experiences that shaped them and we know why they are the way they are. Some act feminine and motherly because thats what their role calls for, while on the other end of that we have Olivier Mira Armstrong. It works because it doesnt feel forced, because it wasnt forced. It came from passion, not politics.
Both anime are certainly two of the best in the shonan genre. Why choose one over the other when you can get two amazing experiences out of It? Great video fox, looking forward to the DMC5 analysis.
with both on netflix, everyone should watch both. although, if i was hypothetically a new watcher, which would you tell me to watch first? (i personally saw BH first, and against the original recommender's wishes, watched the OG one later on)
@@quinnmarchese6313 OG is sometimes better and sometimes worse. It has really good scenes but isn't very consistent, though I'd still recommend the 03 version first. Then watch Brotherhood later on. 03 is easier to marathon, imo.
@@quinnmarchese6313 Another youtube analysis made the valid point that Brotherhood plays out under the assumption the viewer has already seen the 2003 adaption, and jumps right in to the action; whereas 2003 is a slower build that takes more time to introduce newcomers to the world. I always recommend those considering the series watch them in order of release. I love both (03 a bit more).
I can't possibly begin to explain how much I love Fullmetal Alchemist. All throughout elementary school, I was that really shy kid that wouldn't talk to anyone, so I never really felt emotion from anything. Near the end of my 6th grade year, I moved to a new school and I started hating myself for not being able to make any friends and for being so emotionless and eventually led me to thinking that the only way to get out was suicide. Somebody in that new school started talking to me and eventually became my first friend. We started hanging out after school, he inroduced me to lots of other things I would have not known if it were not for him. One of those things was anime. The first anime he recimmended to me was Fullmetal Alchemist and I thought it was amazing but I had to stop watching it (for some reason I don't remember) and in my 7th grade year, he had to move away and I was alone again. I had went back into depression and had a hard time talking to people. I believe it was my 8th or 9th grade year when I remembered Fullmetal Alchemist and rewatched the whole series (2003 and brotherhood) and having FMA to watch helped my cope with my depression. I found other anime to watch and eventually made more friends so I am very thankful for Fullmetal Alchemist and if it wasn't for Fullmetal Alchemist and my friend who had introduced me to it, I would have possibly killed myself and wouldn't be here now. And yes, I am a full-on weeb now TL;DR: I was suicidal and friend introduced me to fma and now I'm happy
1:12 You highlight the reason why I don't get people, who say "I hate anime". This is like saying "I hate western series". There's so much different genre, there must be something for you if you don't mind or like animated stuff. Especially animes like Cowboy Bebop have strong western influences, which may be more appealing for some.. And other more adult oriented animes, Now, Don't ask me for one. I don't watch anime that often.. I.. guess.. Monster? Beserk? Oh and don't forget movies.. Grave of the Fireflies is very .. grounded, realistic and .. heartbreaking... It bothers me. Those people close themselves off from a very much enjoyable expierences. It is like learning a new language. A whole new world opens up. A new expierence you would never had if you stick to one language (and especially with language, reaching the point where you don't have to translate in your head, just read and immediatly understand like it is your native language is a pleasure of itselfs. Kinda hart to explain, you know the meaning, like you would know the meaning in your native language. Learning a new language can be very rewarding. anyways, I digress.).
I think the reason both the version of full metal alchemist are highly regarded is because of the groundworks hiromi arakawa made for the actual story. The concept, the power system, the characters,the different idealogies- that of science, that of religion, that of military, that of of God and so much more. She herself created a perfect story and the 2003 version which diverges from her original story, still manages to keep the quality of storytelling because it roots itself in the basics that the author laid out.
How did no not mention the "Brothers" theme when talking about the 03 soundtrack??? Its like... Its incomparable. It is perfect. And it should have been in Brotherhood. Fight me.
Original's opening narration was SO good... Hearing Al narrate that opening then at the very last, hearing Ed narrate with a different dialog. Plus, the song Bratja is soooo good. Plus I think original was overall much darker in tone.
My man really said "It's okay to be wrong" *twice!* Gah Damn, you weren't pulling any punches 😂💀 This was such an incredible analysis of both versions of FMA. Admittedly, I haven't actually watched the 2003 version yet, but this has definitely convinced me and I'm going watch it now.
My major gripe with brotherhood, which is also it's biggest strength, is everything was resolved nicely in the end for everyone. It was the perfect "happy ending" that all us fans wanted, which makes me appreciate the original 2003 version more because not everything was resolved, answered, or given closer. This felt much more realistic and grounded because despite Ed's skills and intelligence, there was so much more about alchemy that even his 400 year old father is barely figuring out. I was more emotionally attached to the original because of it's grim nature that it made the happy moments all the more special. To me, the 2003 version is the personification of bitter sweet.
Both FMA and FMA:Brotherhood are both great in their own way and having a own definition of the theme of both series like the understanding of Christian and boundary of using Alchemist through man's desire in FMA while FMA:Brotherhood tackles the military and the hierarchy of each government and also understanding the benefit of the Western and Eastern Alchemist. It also gives the understanding of *being a human* and surpassing difficulties and trial in life even if you stand up and fight
If you want a richer experience when watching Brotherhood, I would suggest watching the 03 anime first. Even if all you watch it for is the in depth character introductions and story points that Brotherhood kinda smeared over. When fist getting into Fma I thought that 03 was the starting series and Brotherhood was the sequal, boy was my surprise when I learned that I was never going to get all my questions left over from 03 answered on Brotherhood. But watching Brotherhood with the knowledge of the 03 in my mind, helped me appreciate all the new characters, plot lines, villains, and writing. I never felt the lackluster opening because of Brotherhood, because I already had been introduced to these characters, and was already deeply attached and invested in and to them. This also got me attached to the newer cast because in my mind the Nina arc had 2 episodes instead of 1, and I had seen Ed and Al go through a more detailed leore arc. In conclusion, watch 03 to better appreciate Brotherhood. Trust me.
Thank you so much for appreciating and mentioning the music in FMAO3, no anime score has impacted me so deeply nor expressed the mood of the characters so well. I rarely see people appreciate it. Thank you for your hard work in this video.
I like how Brotherhood starts off by thinking you saw the 03 FMA already with some of the characters they didn’t spend to much time on when talking about them to begin with.
A lot of people don't realize it, but the 03 ending was not the final episode, it was the film conqueror of shambala. The ending of the film is a much more concise and compact end to the series. With ed, alphonse and their father choosing to live in the real world rather than return to their own.
Father and Dante are very similar characters in certain ways. 1. They both seek to use the philosopher's stone at the cost of countless lives to become more than what they are. 2. They both take advantage of the homunculi and never think of the possibility that their motives and emotions will conflict with the plan. This ultimately leads to their downfall when they are destroyed by a homunculus. 3. They both have a certain pride in themselves (despite one trying to remove it) and think that they are above humans. They see life as a resource. 4. They both create a philosopher's stone with Hoenhiem. 5. The both take a form that isn't their own.
FMA03 was one of my first anime ever. In fact, other than Dragonball which one of my friends nagged me into binging, I'm pretty sure it was my first. I watched it, loved it. watched Brotherhood, loved it even more. Then I bought the box set of the manga and loved that more than both anime. Overall, i think the manga is a much better constructed piece than either of its adaptations, but the cultural impact of all 3 versions of this story really can't be understated. Glad this was my gateway
This is honestly the best analysis I've ever seen of the two series side-by side. I've been obsessed with this series sine I was twelve and have since bought the entire manga series (in Japanese no less), attended an art exhibition with a collection of the original manga pages, and watched the premiere of the live-action movie in Tokyo. You brought up so many genuine points, and now I'm itching to rewatch the 2003 series and try to appreciate it more for what it is and not what I wish it could've been. There were many things you mentioned about the history and production of the series that I was entirely unaware of, such as the original intent for it to be a one shot, as well as the existence of the prototype chapter. This made me laugh a lot as well, from the "bad science experiment" ( 16:00 ) to the comparison between 2003 and Brotherhood's separate depictions of Sloth. I know this probably reads more like some thorough review than a comment, but I was super excited to find this video, clicked on it right away, and was not disappointed in the least. Thank you for taking the time to research and create this wonderful video.
I don't see how Al losing his memories and Ed getting trapped on the other side of the portal is "bad" or in any way worse than Ed just giving up his alchemy at the end of Brotherhood? In either case something intangible is being lost. In 03 the idea is that the hardships they faced along the journey were the price for bringing Al back, along with Ed getting transported. This is a selfless act of Ed, where he is removing himself from everything he's ever known for the sake of his brother. I think that's a great ending. Ed giving up his alchemy seems to be too small a price if anything (especially since he loses his alchemy in the other version as well, since it doesn't work on the other side of the gate) on top of everything else. I often see people say that they think 03 handles this part of the story "badly" but I never see anyone give a reason why, and conversely, I have yet to see a strong defense of Brotherhood's handling of the same story beat, despite the fact that people insist it's "objectively" better
One of my problems with the '03 ending, I guess, is that in the manga and Brotherhood, the brothers, ironically, love and respect each other too much to give up on their life to save the other. Even Al's sacrifice at the end is with the understanding that he can be brought back and Ed will find a way that won't involve erasing himself. If memory serves me right, in '03, they both sacrifice themselves to bring back the other in quick succession and Ed is the one who makes the final sacrifice. Combined with Al's state of arrested development (an interesting deviation from the manga), it's also a stark reminder that they are not the equals that they are in the manga : Al is the naive, innocent one who must be protected by his brother, whatever the cost.
Because it’s too mcuh depression, Ed being permanently seperated from winry among other things, the original ending is so depressing for the sake of being depressing, when a story is that dark it needs to balance the scales somehow, Ed gave up his alchemy but gained his life back as a result, his brother had a body again, he went back home and got engaged to the girl he loved, but most of all, Ed in brotherhood finally learned his lesson, that he’s only human, he was able to give god the correct answer
Honestly I’m fine with the overall message and theme that 2003 has with its ending. It’s extremely powerful and I feel like compliments the manga and Brotherhood really well (which is why I encourage watching both series). Though I didn’t particularly like the whole... parallel worlds thing. It brought up so many questions and how it connected to alchemy just felt extremely convoluted. Though that’s just a personal thing. I wasn’t that big of a fan of Alphonse losing his memories either, because it felt like his growth didn’t really mean anything in the long run. So yeah personally I enjoy the themes and messages, but didn’t really enjoy the plot points that led to it. If that makes any sense at all.
This is incredibly well-made dude. Such a large endeavour, real passion and dedication are needed to pull off something like this. Keep it up brother, I really enjoyed this!
Personally i love both versions of this masterpiece. I used to strongly prefer Brotherhood but after watching 03 a couple times, i think they both have different but equally great visions that everyone should watch. There's no need to fight over which is better; FMA fans are very fortunate. Not only did we get a beautiful story with a perfect ending, but we got not one, but TWO amazing adaptations of that story.
I relate to the the "watch fmab once every year" also watch it when life is giving me a hard time as it teaches us to never give up and that we all are fullmetal hearts!
I do think the biggest difference between 2003 and Brotherhood is the age of the brothers. In 2003 they are 14 while in Brotherhood they are 18. That is a crucial difference since in 2003 they really don't have the maturity or mental fortitude to handle the events going on around them. While in Brotherhood they can handle those events and the other characters are partners rather than caretakers.
I read a theory that FMA 03 was a timeline that didn't end how Truth liked so they reset everything to the FMAB timeline and then everything went right this time, and that's why the first opening of FMAB is called *Again.* admittedly, I really like it.
The way I see brotherhood is, is that it's a supercut of fma without filler (to the detriment or the betterment of the series as a whole) and added better character development, axed characters when they needed to be axed, and still put a cherry on top with the ending.
I was literally just on your Twitter thinking "Huh, I wonder when Foxcade's gonna upload" and then I get a notification for my favorite weeaboo franchise of all time.
It's amazing that something that already had a huge fan base could come out with a new version, that ends up being even more beloved. That in itself is seriously impressive
Thank you for making such a well done, well rounded video on both sides. It must have been hell getting all that material together and cutting an hour long video! Anyway, I'm most grateful for what you set out with this video, and the message you bring across. I've been saying this for years now... but this ridiculous decade long argument of which is better is pointless. Both exist, and each deserve to be called one of the best series of all time, and for different reasons. Fighting over which is best will only serve to bring them both down, and why can't people just be happy that both exist? FMA is truly a unique series in that its adaptations complement each other, and serve to enlarge and compound your entire experience with the world and it's characters. No other franchise with a sequel/adaptation can say the same thing, and it's impossible to say one is objectively better than the other. Just like an arm can't be said to have objectively more value than a leg. Each has their purpose, and are needed but for different things. In terms of FMA, both have flaws, and both have greatness. But whatever the other one lacks, IMO, the other more than makes up for it. Of course it's great to have a preference (mine happens to be FMAB), but neither is better than the other. Without the 03 version, Brotherhood would not have had the impact it did. And without Brotherhood, fans wouldn't get to experience such a well deserved satisfying ending after 10 years of waiting. Pretty much all your points about Brotherhood and the 2003 I agree with. Spectacular work!
All of my friends who watch anime refuse to watch FMA, they said it looked stupid. I guess it's just to difficult to understand for them, he can't even understand one punch man.
Finally got to watching this video after it being in my recommended for so long, glad I finally did. Personally, I love 03 and Brotherhood equally, and loved hearing new perspectives on each I hadn't thought of before. Great video!
34:50. Thats where one of the best songs starts. Man i didnt remember that song until i heard it again, but i did recognise it and it gave me the feels. Great video over all
While I do enjoy Brotherhood, I'm one of the few people who prefers the 2003 series. For me personally, it mostly has to do with the fact that it's the one I grew up watching and it left a bigger impact on me. When I watched the first episode on Animax, that opening scene where Ed and Al perform human transmutation scared the crap out of me, especially since I was only 8 years old, at the time. I began watching the series every episode and I was always hooked on it. It was the very first mature and dark anime I've seen, that dealt with issues and themes that I haven't seen yet, up until that point. I also prefer it's more dark, dramatic, and emotional story over Brotherhood's. I sympathized with the characters a lot more and I think they were better depicted here. Edward actually acts like how a kid at his age would act if they were in his situation, which makes him more relatable and interesting character. Plus, this series' depiction of the Humonculi is so much more interesting, because unlike the ones in the manga/Brotherhood, they're the results of human transmutation and when our heroes confront them, they're confronting both a mistake that they have to correct, as well as beings who have the appearance and memories of their loved ones, which results in more drama and intense moments. I also really like their version of: Lust, Sloth, Wrath,Greed and Envy. While I like the large cast of characters who appeared in the manga/Brotherhood, I like stories that have a smaller cast of characters who are more developed. Dante was also a much more developed and fascinating villain than Father, especially since she didn't commit any of those evils acts because she had grand plans, but to simply preserve her miserable life. Not to mention, her speech about how Equivalent Exchange being a lie is so well done because of how much truth it has. Also, the soundtrack of this series is one of the best OST's I've ever heard from any anime. This series is much more meaningful to me, because of its message. That even though life is harsh, cruel and unfair at times, that doesn't mean we should give up fighting against it. Just like Ed said to Rose, we have two strong legs. Even if life gives you lemons, you should use those two strong legs of yours to move forward and create your own future. You won't always get what you hoped for, but you can always make the best out of what you have. Which to me, is always something I will never forget. Nothing against the manga or Brotherhood, but this series does mean a lot to me, so it's the one I prefer.
Well done. I like how you analyzed and communicated your observations and thoughts. Fullmetal Alchemist, in many ways, has been and continues to be a model example of amazing storytelling for me. I appreciate how you ended this video, especially that it's not a battle between which versions of the story are better, but that they're all their own separate story and each one makes up Fullmetal Alchemist. Awesome work - can't wait to listen to your other videos.
Amazing video. You've just earned a sub. For me, FMA is the gold standard I use whenever I compare fantasy series/ anime. It is a masterpiece( a term I do not use lightly) and Hiromu Arakawa's passion, time and care are on full display. As for both adaptations, I generally love them both and can easily see why one would prefer one to another. Personally, I side with Brotherhood. While its start is sluggish, its characters and moments for me really resonate. And it has a great ending. 2003 objectively has a better start, keeps to a more consistent, darker tone. And handles some of the Homculi well, but I find myself let down by its last episodes and ending.I am fine with bittersweet endings, but FMA's ending is so dependent on a movie that I loathe. FMA brotherhood's ending, while not as ambitious, wraps things up a lot neater. It is well earned, given that it does not diminish the suffering Ed and Al and all the characters have gone through. And requires no movie. Let me be clear; while I prefer Brotherhood; I still respect and love 2003. I will always love FMA and its fans, regardless of which take someone prefers.
2003 Scar is probably one of my favorite characters in all of fiction. I'm reminded of magneto or MCU Killmonger (albeit slightly more sympathetic than the latter).
Came on to your video after having rewatched the whole Brotherhood in parallel to the manga at the same time after a deacade since last (and my first) time. Truly a modern masterpiece that will mark the ages of visual storytelling, and you conveyed it really well. Holy cow, nearly an hour of discussion about it ! I can't imagine the hours and weeks spent on the editing ! Kudos to you, man, you've done both series justice !
There’s two things from FMA that I really like that didn’t make it into FMAB (tbh these things being taken almost ruined brotherhood for me) - Hughes... In FMA is just great he has development and is actually I character you would hate to see die In FMAB all of this is taken out he’s quite literally just an extra (I can’t tell my friends to watch FMAB without telling them to get to this death in FMA first) - Lust idk what it was but seeing Lust die so early in Brotherhood really really really rubbed me the wrong way (I didn’t read the manga) I honestly just felt like after her whole deal in FMA she was just so interesting so when I went on to FMAB I thought wow I can’t wait to see Lust do her thing be Edwards and kick the bad guys ass... then Mustang happened and I just dropped the anime for a little
I showed one friend FMAB first, and it took him a LONG time to understand the intricacies and lore to appreciate it despite it having higher quality writing. I kept waiting for it to click, not realizing that my perspective was warped because had already seen it and read it. He watched 2003 after FMAB, and actually prefers 2003 because it doesn't rely on the viewer having all of this background knowledge. FMAB is for the fans, and 2003 is for casual newcomers. Lowart has a great video with this exact thing.
I don't know why, but 03 Ed always seems more child-like to me than brotherhood Ed. Maybe it's the more round and soft art style, or the fact that he was 12 for most of the earlier episodes. Anyhow, it just _adds_ to the overall messed up nature of the 03 anime. Also Ed and Al had more real sibling moments in 03. They tease each other, argue, make fun of each other, among many other things that made their relationship just _that_ bit more relatable. Sorry, just wanna talk about 03 since I just rewatched it recently.
Holy cow. This video SPED by. It must have been an absolutely incredible undertaking. WELL! DONE! Just as Brotherhood had a perfect conclusion, the conclusion and culinary comparison couldn't of your video have been more perfect. The script must have been a monster to work with. You've changed my outlook on the '03 version for sure! '03 was definitely one of my gateway anime, but Brotherhood ended up being my ultimate fave, and remains the unseated favorite anime of all time. It has impacted my goals for layered storytelling and characters so much. This REMARKABLE video of yours makes me want to watch it all over again! It is truly one of the best shows, of any medium, that I have seen in my entire life.
Thank you so much for this wonderful analysis of FMA as a whole. This work as a whole is super important to me, and is by far my favorite anime, and for many of the reasons you listed. I think you gave a super fair and accurate accounting of the strengths and weaknesses of each, and as a whole. I learned things about the development, LOVED that you agree that both should be watched in order to get a fuller picture of the beautiful stories that are told. I enjoyed this content you created very much. Thank you for encapsulating this thing I love so much.
Good video. People tend to judge stuff on the full package but I can see how one series had amazing character moments and the other had the desired, finished ending. It's actually quite awesome that the author allowed for a different interpreted ending to happen and really let the creative juices flow. Also, that burn on George R.R. Martin was awesome.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
"Izumi's got a man and he's a thousand times better than you'll ever be"
I aint even mad
Im with you... It's true after all
Ok but dude implied izumi ain't top tier waifu material though....
Fire video in all other aspects
She isnt top teir waifu material because she already got the perfect man. She ain't an option.
@@Foxcade I can't even front you got me there I suppose I misunderstood 😂 truly great video though
Izumi be a wife. Not a waifu
"Some don't like how FMAB ended, but it's okay to be wrong"
Well, atleast we're not beating around the bush.
Lol
I mean... I personally kinda feel "meh" about how FMAB ended, and yet at the same time I agree that it was the right ending.
I don't actively dislike the ending or anything, just there are things that didn't end up the way i wanted but BOO HOO who cares, it's not my story, y'know? I mean, since when do things ever turn out exactly the way you expect them to anyway? Life isn't always like stories, much as we may want it to be, so while I would have preferred a different ending I still appreciate the one we got, LOL.
It's such a weird feeling because I like it, but wish it were different at the same time. I just consider it to be a sort of unintentional metaphor for life. :P
@Unremarkable
Truth be told I prefer FMAB's definitive ending to FMA's opened ending.
But I can understand if some fans were bothered by the execution of FMAB's ending...
@@DemonicRemption same thoughts, I think both endings are masterpieces. The "best" just comes to personal preference.
FMAB's ending is a completely cliche shonen ending. It is, along the pitiful humour, the worst of the series. It is a low quality ending, which is a shame, as the series was generally good.
Izumi and her husband are the definition of life goals.
"You dropped your bear"
I wish to have a relationship like theirs
Akin Dunston I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who immediately thought of that
I know I dream to lose my first born child and then have to try and bring them back but instead lose my internal organs.
John-Arthur Grabham “couple goals” not “life long mistakes”. Idk or care if its sarcasm cause its just a dumbass thing to say in response to op either way.
Finally someone who says that it doesn’t matter which version is better
Thank lord for that
Yea… they both compliment each other
There are complete opposites and yet they are both great in there own way
No no me m
Kppp
M ookkkkkpppnkookpoonkppkpkoi
Water_Ann_ StudioVA s
Fma with the strong beginning and lackluster end, and Brotherhood with the shaky start and near perfect finish.
If that isn't equivalent exchange then i dont know what is.
I prefer to make a chimera and watch the beginning of FMA until it departs from FMAB
Fma 2009's ending was kinda rushed in my opinion...
Hmm still satisfying If slightly Rushed
FmaB beginning is ok. It's pretty much the same as the original which if you've already seen would be a bit sucky but if you watch it first it's great.
I hate the ending for Brotherhood
Honestly I feel like everyone can relate to the whole "I've rewatched FMA once every year" I rewatch FMA all the time because it's just so great.
For sure, find a lul in the anime season? just rewatch brotherhood and 03, especially since their dubs are near perfect and you can just put them on in the background
I watched it over 10 times cuz toonami reruns. Still amazed how i voluntarily watched it everytime.
I got my friend in love with Fma and now we binge watch it on October 3rd (because October 3rd is an important date in Fma it’s the day the Elric brothers burned down their home and is the date on Ed’s state Alchemist picket watch)
Yes, I made 500
I rewatched it after about 6 years because I'd forgotten most of it by then, so it felt more fresh 🥰
As someone who enjoys both 03 and BH i have to say youre absolutely right. theyre both different sides of the same coin
03 is looking at the glass half empty while Brotherhood is looking at it half full
@@Uhhhhhyeahuhhhh damn really gottem 😪😪
MasterxKush98 03 is one of the worst shows I’ve ever seen
Grant Bruzgo boohoo brotherhood is so fucking shitty story wise
03 tries to be deeper & more personal, & overall has the definitive experience of certain chapters, such as with the first 3 Episodes. Brotherhood kind of ruins the "ending much like it started" feel that was present in both the Manga & 2003 anime. Lines delivered early on & memorable were restated & resolved at the end. Even the 1st Music used in the 2003 series is the last music used in the Final Episode: Laws & Promises. That final episode came to the conclusion that the law of Equivalent Exchange is incomplete, which makes the incomplete feeling ending much more artistic.
That end being incomplete was an excellent reference to how the manga was incomplete. The Unknown aspects of what happened between Dante & Greed in the elevator was part of that incompleteness. The feeling there has to be more comes from how often we want things resolved, however there are some questions we'll never know the answer to & this ending reflects that. An ending that is complicated much like alchemy is & real life can often be was what we were given.
Both Elric Brothers are shown sacrificing themselves for eachother in the final episode in a way that was beautifully done. Jacob Votava clearly isn't the type to appreciate more artistic complexity. Like the food example that was given, the 2003 series is probably better to be enjoyed as finer beverage with a slight aftertaste to it, although a very rich delicious flavor to make up for that. Or perhaps many people just can't cut through the thick steak used in the video to appreciate it? I mean to be fair I'm not all that much a fan of steaks, although I am someone willing to try new foods.
It doesn't make sense that people can't just accept that both series are equally good for different reasons these days. Childishly fighting over which series is better only serves to insult both of them. Have any of you guys ever heard of the Sonic Fanbase? It's well known for constantly warring over what games are better & the entire series is essentially viewed negatively these days even though supposedly it was once within the gaming industry's top 5 series. Just be careful not to let a series as high quality as Full Metal Alchemist war against itself.
@@WaterKirby1994 To be blunt you are mostly correct. The 03 vs BH debate is honestly very mundane. i personally believe if you want The Full FMA experience you gotta watch both series and the Manga. (Personal recommended order: BH, Manga, 03) I love fma and having more content is great and i mean not every series has its own canon alternate universe.
BH has the flaw of cutting the fat in the beginning like cutting out the Youswell arc (honestly making for a funny scene later on when Yoki comes in and im glad they adressed that with the elrics basically going "who are you?" and Yoki being "You two ruined my life how could you forget!!!") because it kind of assumes youve watched 03 or read the manga . but really it doesnt hurt your perception of the story and i know this because i watched Brotherhood blind and still understood and enjoyed everything.
in 03 the scene where Ed and Al sacrifice themselves for each ither is really great when compared to BHverse in a character sense because its shows the Lack of Growth in the elric brothers in 03, and this isnt me calling 03 Elrics bad. In BHverse Ed and Al actually get closure with Trisha, they never killed her again as it was alphonse's soul who was in the mangled corpse they created. And from that they grow and BH!Ed gets asked the question "If you could get alphonse back by sacrificing yourself, would you?" and He says "No, i would never do that to him" That being leaving alphonse all alone because they only have each other. And in 03 the Brothers never get that, as Sloth is the loving embodiment of their failure, so in the end they sacrifice themselves for each other. 03s Elrics dont truly grow in a broad sense like BHverse elrics and to be honest its not that bad.
Truly both series are great. But Brotherhoods Biggest flaw, in my opinion, is the fact they don't have the post ending scene from the manga with Trisha and Hohenheim's spirits by the ruins of the elrics home. They have a chat about their boys and evrything and they look so happy. Hihenheim has this big goofy smile on his face as he talks about how ed and al got their bodys back and OOF the scene ends with Trisha and Hohenheim holding Hands looking over the contry side. Gives the two the closure and development the greatly deserved. Like How dare BroHo do this to me and not give me this animated. >:(
But Really I love comparing the two but what it really comes down to is taste. I personally like BHverse more because i prefer more optimistic and grand sort of storytelling. 03s more bluntly honest and "Darker" story appeals to others as well. Theres really no reason to have the debate of which is better because they tell similar storys with different outcomes and it just comes down to preferences.
"That's why I gave him that well functioning arm, to kick Homunculus ass!"
arms dont kick
noobslayer135 petition to make capcom give us a winry Rockbell costume for Nico-
Wait, she already does have something similar to that ;o
So this comment has 148 likes. And while I do in fact LIKE the comment. I wanna be the dumb one and dislike it for no other reason than that .
Now that's a awesome comment
@@thedude3065 kick puncher’s do
Yo FMA:B came out almost a decade ago. Damn.
And the original came out 16 years ago......damn
And they are both still one of the greatest anime of all the time
No it's been 10 years for FMAB
April 5th, 2009 is when Brotherhood first aired out to the world.
we are old
Fullmetal is the perfect story told. One of the best ever in the genre. The characters are all great, have different motivations that make them complex and the plot it dangerously close to perfection. I always say Fullmetal is one of the examples I show people when they say anime is for children. Yes it can be but most of the themes brought up are very mature and make it amazing. Thank you for this video. Just want to rewatch it again to be honest.
I still struggle to believe this was her first long form story at it was so fantastically complex and nuanced appealing to such a broad audience despite seeming so niche. That's some witchcraft.
i would use this if my friend would stop screaming "ew weeb" every time I mention anime and the only reason he brings up is "The girls look like men"
@@SobrietyandSolace
If you find Arakawa's work mind-blowing, then I'm curious how you would react reading Pandora Hearts. The author, Mochizuki Jun, only had a single oneshot manga under her belt, and then she wrote PH - an insanely tightly-written story that flips its Alice in Wonderland influences on its head and delivers some astounding twists and turns. It really is impressive just how well she managed to make such an ambitious story work with so little prior experience.
Well, I do remember I saw FA for the first time when I was a kid or something, and I do remember feeling pretty sad for All, I totally understood why his bro would do whatever to bring his body back or why would they try to revive their mom; I'm the youngest of three brothers and I'm the only woman, so back then there was something that resonated with me for obvious reasons. Also, the part of the little girl and the doctor hit me really hard back then as well, and in general, the whole story, how some characters were worried about them, trying to protect them, to teach them something once in a while, to give them love. More than everything I was captivated by the humans' relationships of the story.
I saw it by myself because everyone in my family saw it before (1st my big brothers and then my papa) but no one invited me to do so, so I just did it for myself because why not, lol. I remember I got a nightmare in the day I saw the chapter with the girl and the doctor so I had to take a little break from the series, but even at that time, I was already thinking about death, life, family, despair, love, and so many other mature emotions and situations, it felt great because it really opened my eyes to understood that people won't be forever with u, and sometimes people can do whatever they have to in order to save someone they love and that family is the most essential thing for some people, but for others is just meaningless and they'll do dirty sh*t if they have a convenient situation to do so; so at the end, nothing is just black or white.
Would it have been better for me to saw it with an adult at that time? Who knows, but the story resonated with me as a child, and with me as an adult now, is awesome. :")
@@amy_ambrosio I mean I personally believe that if a specific person is able to watch some type of content and take lessons from it at a young age, while also having a network of parents, sibblings etc that are older and can discuss rather pertinent and difficult questions, then yes, of course it would be great to watch it as a kid! I myself feel like it would have been better to watch it at a younger age! However, I do not feel like every single kid will have the same view point or be affected the same by this story, and since it deals with a lot of hard topics I would advise some caution. I am so glad you loved it, though! 😊
I think the fact that there are some more lighthearted and "happy" scenes actually makes the show feel a bit more realistic, since even in the real world things arent grim 100% of the time. I also feel like it makes the darker and more emotional parts of the series have a much bigger impact in comparison, especially when one of these rather cheerful characters actually ends up dying.
Some parts of the 2003 version feel a bit melodramatic. That the characters are making a really big deal out of things that any normal person who just brush off. Like when Ed get's frustrated by the slow progress with the research of Marco. In the 2003 version it's made into a long and sentimental scene while in the 2009 version he just let's out a cry of exasperation and continues working.
@Generic128 Username67 Yeah, but even their world isnt 100% grim, as we've seen multiple times throughout the story. When you make a world that's just completely dark and gritty your viewers/readers will eventually start to become desensitized to it and it just wont have a proper impact anymore. That's something you want to avoid as a writer. As for the humor, I really never felt like it was too much out of place. Maybe a little bit but never so much that it would actually annoy me. But hey, perhaps that's just me.
2003 wasn't completely devoid of humor, it had a lot of funny moments, even towards the end
Fullmetal Alchemist....
Fullmetal Alchemist!!!
lol i like the fact he actually put an ad right in between
i can hear this comment
heck yeah!! :D
That part made Brotherhood so much worse every time it appeared
@@floppydisksareop LMAO not even close. That part made Brotherhood so much BETTER every time it appeared. It was a nice cutaway translation.
Not even close to being "worse".
Me: "You can't make an anime retrospective." Foxcade: Fullmetal Alchemist Retrospective. My PS4: "Devil May Cry 5- Trophy unlocked! 'Well, I'll be damned!'."
A very underrated thing from Brotherhood is the irony that surrounded much of the Homunculi deaths such as Gluttony dying by getting devoured or Greed dying with a sense of fulfillment after reflecting on what he did gain being with Ling.
"With no plot line or ship left lingering."
Lies! Mustang and Hawkeye
also the girl with glasses and great memory, who got the jobs in library and military, completly disappears in BH
MK-TV
... Sheska, her name is Sheska.
God First watching FMA 03 & BH
First thing I’d always say
Damn Hawkeye is WiFu material
I did read the manga first yearrrrrrs ago before hand but let’s face it Hawkeye 😤😤😤
Yeah it's hard to believe the character who narrates the end of the original series ended up getting completely forgotten in the manga & brotherhood. Sheska didn't deserve the fate of being completely forgotten as the plot heated up just before the 1st Meeting between The Elric Brothers & Father. I think her last appearance was in the episode where the Elric Brothers learn about Hughes Death & Maria Ross got blamed for it.
@@mariokuschel00 She wasn't all that important to begin with though.
She helped a lot with them finding out how the stones were created but that is about it...Her being hired by Hugh was probably supposted to be the end of her story line to begin with...I mean what else were there to build with?
Her mom had gotten the help she needed thanks to Ed's help with the money problem and she got a job where she could be really useful...that is about all there was to do with her..since she never really talked about other problems nor especially cared about what was going on around her.
..Also..Mustang and Hawkeye had an amazing ending in my book...Just being really great friends and a great team while working together.
Never really got a romantic side to them but just the two of them caring deeply about eachother in a friendly almost brother/sister kind of way.
They didn't need to end up dating.
(This last part wasn't specifically to you MK. I just wanted to throw my 2 cents out at that argument as well but dont want to make several comments.)
One interesting thing i rarely hear people bring up is father never really could get rid of hin sins completely, think about he sloths around all day, devoured souls with no end in sight like gluttony, wants power like greed,and looks down on everybody like pride. It makes since you can't want or do anything without those sins
Edit 368 like amazing didn't expect it to get that much attention
Which made the Homunculus seem even more pointless to me.
@@Edax_Royeaux why would they be pointless to you
@@shayscruggs7829 If Father didn't really get rid of his sins, and the Homunculus are just representative of him removing his sins, then what's point? Sure the Homunculus die in ironic ways tied to their "sin" but they aren't really his removed sins since Father didn't really remove his sins.
@@Edax_Royeaux they still have a purpose in that they oppose the main characters and represent no matter how hard a person trys you can never really be sinless
@@Edax_Royeaux He attempted to in order to improve himself. It doesn't fully work, and Truth even mocks him for it before he is taken into the gate. If you paid attention you would understand lol
I do not get the stigma of "serious anime must have serious/sad ending." Why? Why can't our protagonists who we grow to love have a happy ending every once in a while? Are people really so negative that when they see a happy ending in an anime, or any show for that matter, that they immediately call it bad? I will never understand it.
I AGREE. omg yes. I'm finding the exact same issue in the aot fandom. thankfully someone else who agrees.
I think the idea is that with some stories, a happy ending just seems disingenuous. Like the characters have gone through so much the that idea of them going back to normal just seems wrong. That they've gone too far from home to make it back in one piece.
However, I'd argue that FMA doesn't do that. There are elements of comedy. It's not a totally serious anime. It's a dramatic well done story with characters that more than earn their happy ending with the appropriate sacrifices needed.
@@kayleighbrown459 I can agree to some extent. I do think there needs to be some sort of loss, whether it be small or big, in a story to at least make the ending compelling and genuine. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for sunshine and rainbows in every ending of every story but I hate that some people just think that a somewhat happy ending is automatically a bad ending because it didn't subvert expectations or whatever.
Whenever I hear the “it shouldn’t have been so cheerful” thing, I always turn to the “heart made fullmetal” quote. The point is to “walk away from it” and come out stronger, not to dwell in it.
I prefer the ending to 2003 because I found the conversation/small scale fight between Dante and Edward to be more interesting than a massive punching fest that was brotherhood. I also found that Dante's reasoning made more sense and was more relatable, she is terrified of death, whereas Father (while a good villain) wanting to become God is a little bit too much. For me Brotherhood had a shakey start an okay finale and an excellent middle whereas I found FMA to have an excellent start an okay middle and a good ending. Though the happy ending with Ed settling down with Winry and Al studying alchemy was very cathartic/satisfying after finding out in 2003 equivalent exchange doesn't exist because entropy is a thing and then watching Ed get trapped in pre-WWII Germany with Winry and Al left behind.
FMA vs FMAB, which is better? A question I will weigh forever. Ultimately, I guess my answer is “yes”
I think there's a way to string the first part of the first anime that keeps with the books and all but the first few episodes of the second and you can watch a faithful adaptation of the manga.
The Manga is better. I'm not a purist or anything, but FMA is one of the few manga's I've actually bothered to read all the way through and hits all the right notes for me.
@@genesisdawn6672 i think the experiences of both are incredibly complementary, but attempts to combine the two will always fail, because they are both tonally different from the start. some people struggle to admit that the original anime could bring anything good to the table, which baffles me, but in all honesty, its additions are part of what made the beginning arc of the series so compelling. jumping from one to the other robs someone of the unique and harrowing emotional experience of the first anime and leaves a big disconnect in tone when brotherhood is lighter, broader in focus, and more comedic.
and while i'm glad there is an anime version which tells the full events of the manga, i dislike how that as seen as the ultimate trump card as to which anime is better. they are both adaptations in their own right and make for good television, and i think they should be compared primarily on that basis, not which replicates which panel exactly. i would hate to live in a world where fma 2003 didn't exist, and such a world likely would never have produced brotherhood in the first place.
@@julia.24 What I meant was to get an anime version of the complete manga, you can take the first bit of the first anime and I think episode 2 on from the second. I know they are different. But the second anime is meant to be a faithful adaptation of the manga and the first clearly isn't. There reason why there are two is because of the massive following of the manga and it's impact is due to the story in it. The fans wanted and loved Arakawa's story. It resonated deeply readers.
eps 1-25 of 2003 and then watch ep 11 onwards of Brotherhood
It's interesting how you say comparing OG FMA and FMA Brotherhood is like comparing a steak to a cheesecake, since both mainly come from a cow, just like FMA does considering its author's avatar.
Brotherhood will forever live on as my favorite anime of all time. It’s just so incredible in so many ways and it’s never been topped in my eyes. The themes, the characters, the story, all of it was just so well done and so incredible that no matter how hard I try to get into new shows, nothing has ever even come close to brotherhood
Story aside, the one thing I really loved about brotherhood was the scale of the world. It felt real, it felt lived in. Compared to 03 which in retrospect feels like a bunch of random rooms, locations and hallways. My favorite example is when after the incident where Ed and Ling get swallowed by gluttony and everybody splits up. You know where they all went in relation to everybody else thanks to that beautiful wide angle shot of Al looking toward central in the distance. And it's so satisfying to see all those trajectories come back together for the conclusion of the arc
THE WAY THE AD CAME BETWEEN THE FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST CARDS. THAT WAS GENUINELY SO GREAT
FMA/FMAB truly do deserve the praise that they get.
Fullmetal Alchemist is in my opinion, a masterpiece. No other series brought me as much joy as FMA, and watching this video was really enjoyable to me. Great Job as always.
The soundtrack is one of the best out there.
Do you mean the original or brotherhood?
@@ultimateknight4667 I have a controversial opinion on the original. I think the ending was so incredibly stupid, it made the whole show worse for me. The whole thing was asinine. That being said, Brotherhood, and the manga, are the best manga and anime series I've enjoyed.
@@SkyTowerKurogane yea the original does shine in alot of great places but the ending and the follow up movie was just God awful and made you question how they came up with such an awful way to end that series on.
@@SkyTowerKurogane This is not a controversial opinion. Everybody just shit on the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist. Even though the first anime was a huge success and the movie won every award of best animation of that year.
It's always nice to see people who understand both adaptations are great, but are great in their own ways.
2003's focus on the Ishvalan War, and the PTSD that most of its participants suffered from, is what I loved about it. I particularly enjoyed Mustang and Scar in 2003 as I felt their respective arcs were more thematically fitting and emotionally impactful than Brotherhood's. That isn't to say that I didn't enjoy their arcs in Brotherhood, however. Mustang and Scar have some of the best looking fights in the entirety of Brotherhood. And while I think Scar facing off against Bradley isn't all that fitting for his character arc, Mustang fighting Lust and Envy was a perfect way to further his development.
And, like you said, both adaptations are made with different goals in mind. 2003 is a deep, psychological character study about the affects of tragedy on the human mind, and Brotherhood is an action packed joyride about the philosophical and metaphysical concepts of science, religion, and God.
To me, it made sense for Scar to fight Bradley because they were polar opposites.
Yeah, Scar vs Wrath works incredibly well when you remember that he is one of the main reasons the Ishvalan wars continued when the Ishvalans requested a cease fire, and it call comes back around when "god" finally strikes him down
The fight between Scar & Bradley also went to show how far Scar went as a character. He developed to where he had learned to accept alchemy, something he despised for so long because of how it also was the main tool used for slaughter of his people beyond simply being a practice that went against the religious beliefs he was born into.
The last line you said gave me goosebumps. Honestly! The Fullmetal universe is so important to me and helped shape me and my value systems. I couldn't thank Arakawa sensei enough for these endearing characters and this incredible world that she created!! Really felt good listening to this retrospective!
FMA 03 ending had Edward do an isekai and separate with his brother even though they don't want to be separated. The subsequent movie had Alphonse isekai with Edward and then choose to travel around the world together. Meanwhile FMAB's ending had Ed and Al grow up and choose to travel separately because they have their own separate journeys in mind. I like that both endings parallel each other.
I watched 2003 a little bit before Brotherhood was announced, so after getting so invested in 03 and being so soured on the ending, Brotherhood was a breath of fresh air and I was vehemently opposed to 03 after. But as time went on I realized the merit of 03 in the pacing of the first few episodes, the deeper characterization of the sins, and the more somber yet cohesive theme. So when people come down on 03 I tend to defend it. I love the way you phrased their comparison in the end, in that they are meant to complement each other. Awesome vid as always, and I'm pumped for your DMC5 review!
R W the real ending of 03 is not in the tv anime but in the movie anime.
@@lonewolf3314 I took that into account and in my opinion it's still dissatisfying, and supposedly incomplete as there were sequels for the movie planned for by the director.
R W after watching the anime i was disatisfayed but after watching the movie few months or maybe a year later i quite liked the ending it was something unexpected for me to see, unexpected in other endings in anime or a movie it was quite bold if you ask me.
@@lonewolf3314 As I said before, I've come around a lot more to the 03 production, and I agree with you that the movie made some really bold and interesting choices. But strictly speaking in terms of endings, I prefer Brotherhood's, mostly because after getting so invested in the characters, they get a positive ending, while the ending in both TV and movie 03 are dark and incomplete. Brotherhood is rushed, somewhat shallow, and sacrine. And 03 has some weird filler episodes, is bleaker, and incomplete. But I'm happy we have both!
@@rw8160 I know there are those like yourself that enjoy both series and others like 03 more, but while I do not think FMA 03 is by any means a bad series, there are a number of things about it that makes it not enjoyable for me.
These things range from the ending and Ed's final actions, in both the series and movie, to its alchemic inconsistencies to its idea of no real equivalent exchange to the somewhat hollow feeling of the dark tones of the story, of which I think Rose is probably the best example I can think of. That or the Johnny Yong Bosch episode.
Personally I have felt that overall the big differences between the 2 series is that while both have a number of great characters, 03 seems more driven by telling a compelling story with a darker tone, while the manga/FMAB is more focused on world building, an established set of rules(mainly the alchemy) to follow, and using those to tell a compelling story.
But again, that's just my 2 cents, and I feel neither series is objectively better/worse than the other, I personally just find the manga/FMAB more enjoyable.
"It's okay to be wrong." Savage. xD
Full metal Alchemist was certainly MY gateway drug into anime, right alongside Gurren Lagaan, Soul Eater, and Sgt. Frog.
You've seen Sgt. Frog too? I rarely find anyone else who has seen Sgt. Frog!
Of course! I loved that show as a kid, and I still have a soft spot for it to this day.
Awesome! I also loved it in middle school and still remember it fondly today.
We have the EXACT same gateway anime lol I still think Sgt. Frog is hilarious half a decade after I first watched it
Mocker Nick What’re the odds? I need to get back to watching Sgt. Frog sometime.
THAT MID EPISODE COMMERCIAL BREAK BIT WAS GENIUS
Fullmetal Alchemist did really cement me as an anime fan. I watched Brotherhood version before watching the 2003 one. I can't really say which one is my overall favorite though. Both versions have aspects that I like, and vise versa. I think everyone can constantly rewatch FMA and come out of each viewing with a different perspective of the show than what they had when they first watched it, and not many other anime series have that rewatchability. FMA Brotherhood is also the first anime series I brought as well, which is something I tend not to do with anime (buying physical DVD's of them) unless they're full feature length films. Considering FMA and one of Studio Bone's older works, Wolf's Rain (which was the first anime series I ever watched), I have to give a lot of thanks to Studio Bones to introducing me to anime.
Honestly Fullmetal Alchemist is probably just my outright favorite show.
When I first watched the 2003 anime, close to its release, it was my favorite anime. Then, I watched Brotherhood during its release, and that became my favorite anime. As my understanding of the 2003 anime has grown, though, it feels more and more like a rebuttal of all of Brotherhood's core themes. Brotherhood has a concrete philosophical lens, and almost everything that happens in it fits neatly into that framework. 2003 leaves many questions open-ended because it seems to view those questions as valuable and difficult to answer. Brotherhood has trouble burdening its characters with meaningful flaws, and creates gaps in intentionality that make its moral framework more squishy and convenient. 2003 creates a cast of characters who have huge flaws, some of which they only partially overcome. In 2003, bad actions are intentional, not the product of happenstance or grand manipulations of fate.
2003 series or brotherhood, we can all agree that getting Armstrong to keep his shirt on is harder than human transmutation
FMA 2003 Was the first anime I ever watched after mistakenly choosing it over brotherhood when they were both still on Netflix. I would not trade that experience for anything. Being a 16yo at the time and seeing cartoons that have such depth and emotion was something completely new and no other series has ever been able to scratch that itch for me since. I only wish I could watch it for the first time again... I saw brotherhood a few years later after a recommendation from a friend and was disappointed because many of the very emotional moments and adult themes were nowhere to be seen. The ending of 2003 is amazing in my opinion because it perfectly encapsulates the sacrifice Edward was willing to go through to get Als body back and Ironically goes back to the theme of equivalent exchange when he gets sent into our world. (P.S. We don't need to mention Conqueror of Shambhala)
"The DMC 5 video is still coming" luckily we are more than used to waiting. Just dont pull a Capcom and make us wait a decade.
FMAB is one of the greatest anime’s I've ever seen. The characters are all great, the comedy doesn’t miss, it has great and hard hitting emotional moments that everyone can appreciate, doesn’t overly sexualize the characters like most animes do. 10/10 tbh
I kinda hopped on the train late when it comes to Fullmetal Alchemist. I only watched it because a friend of mine was obsessed with all things Fullmetal and _finally_ wore me down enough to watch it. I finished the series just before she died, and it was the last thing we talked about. it will always hold a special place in my heart.
What I love most about this series as a whole is that every character drives the plot in some way and their gender has nothing to do with it. It's refreshing and wholesome to not have the female cast used as a shitty trope.
Thats the thing, they dont exist to exist to tick a box, they exist to be characters. It has nothing to do with what the character is, and everything to do with who the character is. There is no hidden agenda behind any of them. They have experiences that shaped them and we know why they are the way they are. Some act feminine and motherly because thats what their role calls for, while on the other end of that we have Olivier Mira Armstrong. It works because it doesnt feel forced, because it wasnt forced. It came from passion, not politics.
Both anime are certainly two of the best in the shonan genre. Why choose one over the other when you can get two amazing experiences out of It? Great video fox, looking forward to the DMC5 analysis.
with both on netflix, everyone should watch both. although, if i was hypothetically a new watcher, which would you tell me to watch first? (i personally saw BH first, and against the original recommender's wishes, watched the OG one later on)
@@quinnmarchese6313
OG is sometimes better and sometimes worse.
It has really good scenes but isn't very consistent, though I'd still recommend the 03 version first.
Then watch Brotherhood later on. 03 is easier to marathon, imo.
@@quinnmarchese6313 Another youtube analysis made the valid point that Brotherhood plays out under the assumption the viewer has already seen the 2003 adaption, and jumps right in to the action; whereas 2003 is a slower build that takes more time to introduce newcomers to the world.
I always recommend those considering the series watch them in order of release. I love both (03 a bit more).
I can't possibly begin to explain how much I love Fullmetal Alchemist. All throughout elementary school, I was that really shy kid that wouldn't talk to anyone, so I never really felt emotion from anything. Near the end of my 6th grade year, I moved to a new school and I started hating myself for not being able to make any friends and for being so emotionless and eventually led me to thinking that the only way to get out was suicide. Somebody in that new school started talking to me and eventually became my first friend. We started hanging out after school, he inroduced me to lots of other things I would have not known if it were not for him. One of those things was anime. The first anime he recimmended to me was Fullmetal Alchemist and I thought it was amazing but I had to stop watching it (for some reason I don't remember) and in my 7th grade year, he had to move away and I was alone again. I had went back into depression and had a hard time talking to people. I believe it was my 8th or 9th grade year when I remembered Fullmetal Alchemist and rewatched the whole series (2003 and brotherhood) and having FMA to watch helped my cope with my depression. I found other anime to watch and eventually made more friends so I am very thankful for Fullmetal Alchemist and if it wasn't for Fullmetal Alchemist and my friend who had introduced me to it, I would have possibly killed myself and wouldn't be here now.
And yes, I am a full-on weeb now
TL;DR: I was suicidal and friend introduced me to fma and now I'm happy
1:12 You highlight the reason why I don't get people, who say "I hate anime". This is like saying "I hate western series". There's so much different genre, there must be something for you if you don't mind or like animated stuff. Especially animes like Cowboy Bebop have strong western influences, which may be more appealing for some.. And other more adult oriented animes, Now, Don't ask me for one. I don't watch anime that often.. I.. guess.. Monster? Beserk? Oh and don't forget movies.. Grave of the Fireflies is very .. grounded, realistic and .. heartbreaking...
It bothers me. Those people close themselves off from a very much enjoyable expierences. It is like learning a new language. A whole new world opens up. A new expierence you would never had if you stick to one language (and especially with language, reaching the point where you don't have to translate in your head, just read and immediatly understand like it is your native language is a pleasure of itselfs. Kinda hart to explain, you know the meaning, like you would know the meaning in your native language. Learning a new language can be very rewarding. anyways, I digress.).
Well said, simple/close mindedness is a nuisance of a god giving human attribute.
B k
I think the reason both the version of full metal alchemist are highly regarded is because of the groundworks hiromi arakawa made for the actual story. The concept, the power system, the characters,the different idealogies- that of science, that of religion, that of military, that of of God and so much more. She herself created a perfect story and the 2003 version which diverges from her original story, still manages to keep the quality of storytelling because it roots itself in the basics that the author laid out.
How did no not mention the "Brothers" theme when talking about the 03 soundtrack??? Its like... Its incomparable. It is perfect.
And it should have been in Brotherhood.
Fight me.
No need to fight you.
I completely agree.
I agree with this, this fraternal song is e v e r y t h i n g
But at least we have Trisha's lullaby in brotherhood
@@Foodmetal_alchemist
"Trisha's Lullaby"
MY MAN!!!
Bratja is one of those songs you learn on the piano and have to explain to your family members, but keep on playing because DAMN it’s good
Did you know that Britja is a russian song?
43:40 their reasoning behind this was covered when Alphonse was talking to Pride in the dome.
Original's opening narration was SO good... Hearing Al narrate that opening then at the very last, hearing Ed narrate with a different dialog. Plus, the song Bratja is soooo good. Plus I think original was overall much darker in tone.
My man really said "It's okay to be wrong" *twice!* Gah Damn, you weren't pulling any punches 😂💀
This was such an incredible analysis of both versions of FMA. Admittedly, I haven't actually watched the 2003 version yet, but this has definitely convinced me and I'm going watch it now.
My major gripe with brotherhood, which is also it's biggest strength, is everything was resolved nicely in the end for everyone. It was the perfect "happy ending" that all us fans wanted, which makes me appreciate the original 2003 version more because not everything was resolved, answered, or given closer. This felt much more realistic and grounded because despite Ed's skills and intelligence, there was so much more about alchemy that even his 400 year old father is barely figuring out. I was more emotionally attached to the original because of it's grim nature that it made the happy moments all the more special. To me, the 2003 version is the personification of bitter sweet.
Both FMA and FMA:Brotherhood are both great in their own way and having a own definition of the theme of both series like the understanding of Christian and boundary of using Alchemist through man's desire in FMA while FMA:Brotherhood tackles the military and the hierarchy of each government and also understanding the benefit of the Western and Eastern Alchemist. It also gives the understanding of *being a human* and surpassing difficulties and trial in life even if you stand up and fight
Did you ever noticed that the names of God are written on the gate of truth?
@@ajsouza3720 Yes I did
True... but still
FMA:B > FMA03
@@jogymogy3691 Agreed to you 100%
5:28 trying to pretend izumi is the waifu material and not sig? Sig is best girl.
God damn man. You made a 54 minute video and i still felt like it was short by the end of it. Really well paced video, great job.
SHORT!?
If you want a richer experience when watching Brotherhood, I would suggest watching the 03 anime first. Even if all you watch it for is the in depth character introductions and story points that Brotherhood kinda smeared over.
When fist getting into Fma I thought that 03 was the starting series and Brotherhood was the sequal, boy was my surprise when I learned that I was never going to get all my questions left over from 03 answered on Brotherhood. But watching Brotherhood with the knowledge of the 03 in my mind, helped me appreciate all the new characters, plot lines, villains, and writing. I never felt the lackluster opening because of Brotherhood, because I already had been introduced to these characters, and was already deeply attached and invested in and to them. This also got me attached to the newer cast because in my mind the Nina arc had 2 episodes instead of 1, and I had seen Ed and Al go through a more detailed leore arc.
In conclusion, watch 03 to better appreciate Brotherhood. Trust me.
or watch 03 to realize how bad and generic Brotherhood is and weep for you've wasted time.
Ignorant idea
Thank you so much for appreciating and mentioning the music in FMAO3, no anime score has impacted me so deeply nor expressed the mood of the characters so well. I rarely see people appreciate it.
Thank you for your hard work in this video.
I like how Brotherhood starts off by thinking you saw the 03 FMA already with some of the characters they didn’t spend to much time on when talking about them to begin with.
A lot of people don't realize it, but the 03 ending was not the final episode, it was the film conqueror of shambala. The ending of the film is a much more concise and compact end to the series. With ed, alphonse and their father choosing to live in the real world rather than return to their own.
Father and Dante are very similar characters in certain ways.
1. They both seek to use the philosopher's stone at the cost of countless lives to become more than what they are.
2. They both take advantage of the homunculi and never think of the possibility that their motives and emotions will conflict with the plan. This ultimately leads to their downfall when they are destroyed by a homunculus.
3. They both have a certain pride in themselves (despite one trying to remove it) and think that they are above humans. They see life as a resource.
4. They both create a philosopher's stone with Hoenhiem.
5. The both take a form that isn't their own.
Dante technically wants to live a bit more
_"That is how you make a series fullmetal"_ man, i loved that conclusion👏
FMA03 was one of my first anime ever. In fact, other than Dragonball which one of my friends nagged me into binging, I'm pretty sure it was my first. I watched it, loved it. watched Brotherhood, loved it even more. Then I bought the box set of the manga and loved that more than both anime. Overall, i think the manga is a much better constructed piece than either of its adaptations, but the cultural impact of all 3 versions of this story really can't be understated. Glad this was my gateway
Harrinsain!! It’s rare to find someone saying “neither are better, the manga is the best version”
Harrinsain!! The first anime series that I watched besides Brotherhood was either Zatch Bell or DBZ.
This is honestly the best analysis I've ever seen of the two series side-by side. I've been obsessed with this series sine I was twelve and have since bought the entire manga series (in Japanese no less), attended an art exhibition with a collection of the original manga pages, and watched the premiere of the live-action movie in Tokyo. You brought up so many genuine points, and now I'm itching to rewatch the 2003 series and try to appreciate it more for what it is and not what I wish it could've been. There were many things you mentioned about the history and production of the series that I was entirely unaware of, such as the original intent for it to be a one shot, as well as the existence of the prototype chapter. This made me laugh a lot as well, from the "bad science experiment" ( 16:00 ) to the comparison between 2003 and Brotherhood's separate depictions of Sloth. I know this probably reads more like some thorough review than a comment, but I was super excited to find this video, clicked on it right away, and was not disappointed in the least. Thank you for taking the time to research and create this wonderful video.
This perfectly sums up everything I love about both series. All Fullmetal Alchemists ARE valid. Thanks for making this!!
I don't see how Al losing his memories and Ed getting trapped on the other side of the portal is "bad" or in any way worse than Ed just giving up his alchemy at the end of Brotherhood? In either case something intangible is being lost. In 03 the idea is that the hardships they faced along the journey were the price for bringing Al back, along with Ed getting transported. This is a selfless act of Ed, where he is removing himself from everything he's ever known for the sake of his brother. I think that's a great ending. Ed giving up his alchemy seems to be too small a price if anything (especially since he loses his alchemy in the other version as well, since it doesn't work on the other side of the gate) on top of everything else.
I often see people say that they think 03 handles this part of the story "badly" but I never see anyone give a reason why, and conversely, I have yet to see a strong defense of Brotherhood's handling of the same story beat, despite the fact that people insist it's "objectively" better
Yea and Ed goes back trough the gate in the movie so it actually has a happy ending
One of my problems with the '03 ending, I guess, is that in the manga and Brotherhood, the brothers, ironically, love and respect each other too much to give up on their life to save the other. Even Al's sacrifice at the end is with the understanding that he can be brought back and Ed will find a way that won't involve erasing himself.
If memory serves me right, in '03, they both sacrifice themselves to bring back the other in quick succession and Ed is the one who makes the final sacrifice. Combined with Al's state of arrested development (an interesting deviation from the manga), it's also a stark reminder that they are not the equals that they are in the manga : Al is the naive, innocent one who must be protected by his brother, whatever the cost.
Because it’s too mcuh depression, Ed being permanently seperated from winry among other things, the original ending is so depressing for the sake of being depressing, when a story is that dark it needs to balance the scales somehow, Ed gave up his alchemy but gained his life back as a result, his brother had a body again, he went back home and got engaged to the girl he loved, but most of all, Ed in brotherhood finally learned his lesson, that he’s only human, he was able to give god the correct answer
Honestly I’m fine with the overall message and theme that 2003 has with its ending. It’s extremely powerful and I feel like compliments the manga and Brotherhood really well (which is why I encourage watching both series).
Though I didn’t particularly like the whole... parallel worlds thing. It brought up so many questions and how it connected to alchemy just felt extremely convoluted. Though that’s just a personal thing. I wasn’t that big of a fan of Alphonse losing his memories either, because it felt like his growth didn’t really mean anything in the long run.
So yeah personally I enjoy the themes and messages, but didn’t really enjoy the plot points that led to it. If that makes any sense at all.
Just hearing the"Brothers" theme made me almost tear up. I think I prefer Brotherhood, but the 03 anime will always have a special place in my heart
I absolutely love the music of the 03 version.
Fullmetal alchemist brotherhood is the best thing i have ever watched in my life
This is incredibly well-made dude. Such a large endeavour, real passion and dedication are needed to pull off something like this. Keep it up brother, I really enjoyed this!
Personally i love both versions of this masterpiece. I used to strongly prefer Brotherhood but after watching 03 a couple times, i think they both have different but equally great visions that everyone should watch. There's no need to fight over which is better; FMA fans are very fortunate. Not only did we get a beautiful story with a perfect ending, but we got not one, but TWO amazing adaptations of that story.
I relate to the the "watch fmab once every year" also watch it when life is giving me a hard time as it teaches us to never give up and that we all are fullmetal hearts!
I do think the biggest difference between 2003 and Brotherhood is the age of the brothers. In 2003 they are 14 while in Brotherhood they are 18. That is a crucial difference since in 2003 they really don't have the maturity or mental fortitude to handle the events going on around them. While in Brotherhood they can handle those events and the other characters are partners rather than caretakers.
this is a very solid retrospective, that has earned you a new subscriber
I read a theory that FMA 03 was a timeline that didn't end how Truth liked so they reset everything to the FMAB timeline and then everything went right this time, and that's why the first opening of FMAB is called *Again.* admittedly, I really like it.
wow, that's actually cool. Odd Eyes, if have the time you could check out a battle I clipped when Edward fought Scar for Winry.
2003 didn't end for me till you see the epilogue episode of Ed as a grandfather and child versions of Ed, Al, and Winry are going to his place.
The way I see brotherhood is, is that it's a supercut of fma without filler (to the detriment or the betterment of the series as a whole) and added better character development, axed characters when they needed to be axed, and still put a cherry on top with the ending.
agreed, i was even looking back at some moments and uploaded a fighting scene between the brothers and Scar. (if you have the time, sorry)
I was literally just on your Twitter thinking "Huh, I wonder when Foxcade's gonna upload" and then I get a notification for my favorite weeaboo franchise of all time.
Nice
It's amazing that something that already had a huge fan base could come out with a new version, that ends up being even more beloved. That in itself is seriously impressive
I don't even care, I just come to his videos for his voice, so pleasing to hear.
Thank you for making such a well done, well rounded video on both sides. It must have been hell getting all that material together and cutting an hour long video! Anyway, I'm most grateful for what you set out with this video, and the message you bring across. I've been saying this for years now... but this ridiculous decade long argument of which is better is pointless. Both exist, and each deserve to be called one of the best series of all time, and for different reasons. Fighting over which is best will only serve to bring them both down, and why can't people just be happy that both exist? FMA is truly a unique series in that its adaptations complement each other, and serve to enlarge and compound your entire experience with the world and it's characters. No other franchise with a sequel/adaptation can say the same thing, and it's impossible to say one is objectively better than the other. Just like an arm can't be said to have objectively more value than a leg. Each has their purpose, and are needed but for different things.
In terms of FMA, both have flaws, and both have greatness. But whatever the other one lacks, IMO, the other more than makes up for it. Of course it's great to have a preference (mine happens to be FMAB), but neither is better than the other. Without the 03 version, Brotherhood would not have had the impact it did. And without Brotherhood, fans wouldn't get to experience such a well deserved satisfying ending after 10 years of waiting.
Pretty much all your points about Brotherhood and the 2003 I agree with. Spectacular work!
All of my friends who watch anime refuse to watch FMA, they said it looked stupid. I guess it's just to difficult to understand for them, he can't even understand one punch man.
I feel you I try an get my friends to watch fmab but they think it looks boring I understand cause they don’t have big brain like us
your friends are dumb
It’s Ok to be wrong
Finally got to watching this video after it being in my recommended for so long, glad I finally did. Personally, I love 03 and Brotherhood equally, and loved hearing new perspectives on each I hadn't thought of before. Great video!
Dude I can't even get 5 minutes into this video without getting emotional. FMA is something special.
34:50. Thats where one of the best songs starts. Man i didnt remember that song until i heard it again, but i did recognise it and it gave me the feels. Great video over all
While I do enjoy Brotherhood, I'm one of the few people who prefers the 2003 series. For me personally, it mostly has to do with the fact that it's the one I grew up watching and it left a bigger impact on me. When I watched the first episode on Animax, that opening scene where Ed and Al perform human transmutation scared the crap out of me, especially since I was only 8 years old, at the time. I began watching the series every episode and I was always hooked on it. It was the very first mature and dark anime I've seen, that dealt with issues and themes that I haven't seen yet, up until that point.
I also prefer it's more dark, dramatic, and emotional story over Brotherhood's. I sympathized with the characters a lot more and I think they were better depicted here. Edward actually acts like how a kid at his age would act if they were in his situation, which makes him more relatable and interesting character. Plus, this series' depiction of the Humonculi is so much more interesting, because unlike the ones in the manga/Brotherhood, they're the results of human transmutation and when our heroes confront them, they're confronting both a mistake that they have to correct, as well as beings who have the appearance and memories of their loved ones, which results in more drama and intense moments. I also really like their version of: Lust, Sloth, Wrath,Greed and Envy. While I like the large cast of characters who appeared in the manga/Brotherhood, I like stories that have a smaller cast of characters who are more developed. Dante was also a much more developed and fascinating villain than Father, especially since she didn't commit any of those evils acts because she had grand plans, but to simply preserve her miserable life. Not to mention, her speech about how Equivalent Exchange being a lie is so well done because of how much truth it has. Also, the soundtrack of this series is one of the best OST's I've ever heard from any anime.
This series is much more meaningful to me, because of its message. That even though life is harsh, cruel and unfair at times, that doesn't mean we should give up fighting against it. Just like Ed said to Rose, we have two strong legs. Even if life gives you lemons, you should use those two strong legs of yours to move forward and create your own future. You won't always get what you hoped for, but you can always make the best out of what you have. Which to me, is always something I will never forget.
Nothing against the manga or Brotherhood, but this series does mean a lot to me, so it's the one I prefer.
Well done. I like how you analyzed and communicated your observations and thoughts. Fullmetal Alchemist, in many ways, has been and continues to be a model example of amazing storytelling for me. I appreciate how you ended this video, especially that it's not a battle between which versions of the story are better, but that they're all their own separate story and each one makes up Fullmetal Alchemist. Awesome work - can't wait to listen to your other videos.
Both the ending and COS are amazing conclusions.
I am watching this third time this year. Only thing that I found a pleasure at this time.
Actually, it seems to be way more that FMAB is far more liked and superior, and everyone just seems to dump on FMA 03.
I mean, Shambala outright made Hughes a nazi.
Shambala aside, I prefer 03 over Brotherhood
God I couldn't watch through 03 even before brotherhood was made
@@_CNT_ If I had to choose, I'd go 03. But i think both compliment eachother in a certain way.
@@Redblaze27 Yeah... I mean I like 03 more but boy did it really teter off bad towards the end and then shamballa........ yeesh.
Amazing video. You've just earned a sub. For me, FMA is the gold standard I use whenever I compare fantasy series/ anime. It is a masterpiece( a term I do not use lightly) and Hiromu Arakawa's passion, time and care are on full display. As for both adaptations, I generally love them both and can easily see why one would prefer one to another. Personally, I side with Brotherhood. While its start is sluggish, its characters and moments for me really resonate. And it has a great ending. 2003 objectively has a better start, keeps to a more consistent, darker tone. And handles some of the Homculi well, but I find myself let down by its last episodes and ending.I am fine with bittersweet endings, but FMA's ending is so dependent on a movie that I loathe.
FMA brotherhood's ending, while not as ambitious, wraps things up a lot neater. It is well earned, given that it does not diminish the suffering Ed and Al and all the characters have gone through. And requires no movie. Let me be clear; while I prefer Brotherhood; I still respect and love 2003. I will always love FMA and its fans, regardless of which take someone prefers.
2003 Scar is probably one of my favorite characters in all of fiction. I'm reminded of magneto or MCU Killmonger (albeit slightly more sympathetic than the latter).
Came on to your video after having rewatched the whole Brotherhood in parallel to the manga at the same time after a deacade since last (and my first) time.
Truly a modern masterpiece that will mark the ages of visual storytelling, and you conveyed it really well.
Holy cow, nearly an hour of discussion about it ! I can't imagine the hours and weeks spent on the editing !
Kudos to you, man, you've done both series justice !
Favorite anime series, glad to see you talk about it
Watching Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchimist Brotherhood is like seeing an alternate universe's version of your favorite story.
I think what I love about brotherhood is how conclusive it feels. I have no desire to see any more. I feel happy and satisfied with the conclusion
I commend you, sir. This is the most comprehensive analysis of FMA in all three of its incarnations that I've ever watched. Well done.
There’s two things from FMA that I really like that didn’t make it into FMAB (tbh these things being taken almost ruined brotherhood for me)
- Hughes... In FMA is just great he has development and is actually I character you would hate to see die In FMAB all of this is taken out he’s quite literally just an extra (I can’t tell my friends to watch FMAB without telling them to get to this death in FMA first)
- Lust idk what it was but seeing Lust die so early in Brotherhood really really really rubbed me the wrong way (I didn’t read the manga) I honestly just felt like after her whole deal in FMA she was just so interesting so when I went on to FMAB I thought wow I can’t wait to see Lust do her thing be Edwards and kick the bad guys ass... then Mustang happened and I just dropped the anime for a little
I showed one friend FMAB first, and it took him a LONG time to understand the intricacies and lore to appreciate it despite it having higher quality writing. I kept waiting for it to click, not realizing that my perspective was warped because had already seen it and read it. He watched 2003 after FMAB, and actually prefers 2003 because it doesn't rely on the viewer having all of this background knowledge. FMAB is for the fans, and 2003 is for casual newcomers. Lowart has a great video with this exact thing.
I don't know why, but 03 Ed always seems more child-like to me than brotherhood Ed. Maybe it's the more round and soft art style, or the fact that he was 12 for most of the earlier episodes. Anyhow, it just _adds_ to the overall messed up nature of the 03 anime.
Also Ed and Al had more real sibling moments in 03. They tease each other, argue, make fun of each other, among many other things that made their relationship just _that_ bit more relatable.
Sorry, just wanna talk about 03 since I just rewatched it recently.
Holy cow. This video SPED by. It must have been an absolutely incredible undertaking. WELL! DONE! Just as Brotherhood had a perfect conclusion, the conclusion and culinary comparison couldn't of your video have been more perfect. The script must have been a monster to work with. You've changed my outlook on the '03 version for sure! '03 was definitely one of my gateway anime, but Brotherhood ended up being my ultimate fave, and remains the unseated favorite anime of all time. It has impacted my goals for layered storytelling and characters so much. This REMARKABLE video of yours makes me want to watch it all over again! It is truly one of the best shows, of any medium, that I have seen in my entire life.
I miss watching shows like this one. Especially this one. There is practically nothing like it.
Thank you so much for this wonderful analysis of FMA as a whole. This work as a whole is super important to me, and is by far my favorite anime, and for many of the reasons you listed.
I think you gave a super fair and accurate accounting of the strengths and weaknesses of each, and as a whole.
I learned things about the development, LOVED that you agree that both should be watched in order to get a fuller picture of the beautiful stories that are told.
I enjoyed this content you created very much. Thank you for encapsulating this thing I love so much.
I love both the original, and Brotherhood. Both are freaking amazing, even now.
Good video. People tend to judge stuff on the full package but I can see how one series had amazing character moments and the other had the desired, finished ending. It's actually quite awesome that the author allowed for a different interpreted ending to happen and really let the creative juices flow.
Also, that burn on George R.R. Martin was awesome.