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toalordsothe Not a Dong from Hell, Michigan Since: Oct, 2009
Not a Dong
#26: Mar 4th 2011 at 4:41:51 PM

If I can be perfectly honest...I'd suggest both.

CAUSE EVERY GIRL IS CRAZY 'BOUT A SHARP DRESSED MAN
ungelic Since: Mar, 2011
#27: Mar 4th 2011 at 4:42:10 PM

@OP

I hope you enjoy. If however you find yourself really not clicking with it, I recommend you give Brotherhood a shot. :)

@Signed

Anime. I didn't dislike the ending of The Movie, and I downright adored some parts of the movie as a whole. Like when Alfons and Ed have that confrontation on the stairs. Such a subtle, emotionally-charged scene. But it definitely left something to be desired.

edited 4th Mar '11 4:44:34 PM by ungelic

Apocali Yep, My Brain Stopped from The End of Time Since: Jan, 2011
Yep, My Brain Stopped
#28: Mar 4th 2011 at 4:43:26 PM

^^^ The anime's. I can see where people have problems with the movie.

Thenamelesssamurai from Atlanta, Georgia Since: Nov, 2010
#29: Mar 4th 2011 at 5:27:02 PM

"Honestly though both are good with the exception of a few WTF moments in the first and those annoying ass eye catches from Brotherhood"

<_< Am I the only one who enjoyed the eye cacthes from Brotherhood?

As for my personal vote, I highly recommend reading the manga. As to choosing between the the two animes I'd recommend brotherhood, but you really shouldn't trust my opinion on this topic .

edited 4th Mar '11 5:27:17 PM by Thenamelesssamurai

Imagine Rakan applying Calling Your Attacks to doing paperwork.~Anarchy Rakan for the hell of it COMMISSION THIS BRIDGE!~EHK
Sporkaganza I'm glasses. Since: May, 2009
I'm glasses.
#30: Mar 4th 2011 at 5:39:42 PM

@Furiko: In anime, the pictures move, the characters have voices, and there's music and sound. That's honestly what it boils down to for me.

And since I have no money, when I do read manga it's scanlated. Anime fansubs tend to have at least passable dialogue, but scanlations tend to be just plain old shitty. They're train wrecks at worst and subpar at best.

Personally, I think you should watch the first anime then watch Brotherhood. They're both good on their own merits but in different ways, and I honestly think which one you like more depends entirely upon personal preference.

Don't watch Brotherhood before you watch the first anime, though. The beginning of Brotherhood zooms through ground they spent more time and care covering in the original anime. Understandable, since there's loads of new ground to cover, but a bit of a shame nonetheless.

edited 6th Mar '11 8:23:31 AM by Sporkaganza

Always, somewhere, someone is fighting for you. As long as you remember them, you are not alone.
EricDVH Since: Jan, 2001
#31: Mar 6th 2011 at 6:09:56 AM

toalordsothe: I'd say watch the first anime up until the Fifth Lab Arc and then pick up Brotherhood from the same point.
Sporkaganza: Don't watch Brotherhood before you watch the first anime, though. The beginning of Brotherhood zooms through ground they spent more time and care covering in the original anime. Understandable, since there's loads of new ground to cover, but a bit of a shame nonetheless.
Agreed, watch the first anime, then Brotherhood.

Brotherhood rushed through its first 12 or so episodes far too fast to do it justice, while the same material as covered in the first 28 episodes of the first anime is superb, Better Than The Manga overall, IMHO. Meanwhile, the first anime's plot basically fell to pieces in its final 4 episodes (and the less said about The Movie, the better,) but Brotherhood's later episodes, like the manga on which it's based, are pure perfection. Especially the finale (imagine something over the top like TTGL's finale, but somehow managing NOT to be absurd in the least bit, it's that good.)

Though some parts of Brotherhood's early episodes have nice touches, and the first anime's later episodes before the finale are excellent too (even the finale has some awesome moments mixed in with the Wall Bangers,) the first part of the first anime and the second part of Brotherhood are collectively a triumph for the medium, and absolute masterpiece in general.

Eric,

edited 6th Mar '11 6:20:31 AM by EricDVH

LordFenric Would-Be World Ruler from New Hampshire Since: Aug, 2010
Would-Be World Ruler
#32: Mar 6th 2011 at 7:31:49 AM

I became an anime fan almost a year ago, and Fullmetal Alchemist was one of the first things I watched. I'd just finished Cowboy Bebop, needed something new, someone suggested I watch Brotherhood (had no idea there were two seperate anime, the manga, the overall plot, whatever, went into it cold). Had to say, I loved it immensely and it made me want to watch a ton of others-and then I've gone back and re-watched the series at least two more times (plus the Adult Swim showings every Saturday). At some point, I decided to watch the original anime and while I did like it very much I still rate it as under Brotherhood.

First anime does have some things in favor of it-Flame vs. Fullmetal is one of my favorite episodes of either series (the miniskirts and the I love dogs scenes are, of course, hilarious, as is the actual fight), I like the Other Elric Brothers, I think Lust is a better character here, and the bit with the zeppelins is amusing (though not how alchemy is powered in this version of the series-that was a WTF? moment). I didn't like how they handled Hohenheim in the first anime as he's one of my favorites and he just doesn't seem really well written here. The angst in this series is played up a bit more than Brotherhood/the manga-whether that's a good thing or not is up to you, of course, personally I felt it went a little too far with it but it didn't bug me. The animation is still good, though weaker than Brotherhood's, IMO, and the music, while quite good, is nothing compared to the great soundtrack that Brotherhood has (my wife and I love listening to the OST on Youtube) 3 of the O Ps are quite good but the original one-Melissa, I believe its called-does not fit with FMA, IMO.

I do agree that Brotherhood rushed the first 12 episodes (I don't mind them skipping the Youswell stuff as it made fior a nice silent movie style trailer later on), but then more than made up for it by ensuring the rest of the series came out really, really well-once it gets to the Xingese characters showing up, the story really starts to pick up some steam. The Briggs Arc is one of my favorite parts of the story, and the Promised Day is just overall awesome in general. Their are more characters than the first anime-better ones, too, IMO. The story's far more epic, the humor sharper and funnier. The ending's great, too, though it would;ve been nice to get a bit more of a concrete resolution for some characters.

So, in conclusion, um...yeah. Watch it however you feel you should. I'm kind of glad I watched Brotherhood first, than the first anime as it meant I didn't have any pre-conceived notions of how they should have been followed by the actual story a few years later-only to get all angry over things the way some fans seem to be.

Brotherhood=10/10, Original=9/10. I enjoy both and would re-watch both of them again-even Conquerer of Shamballa (I enjoyed it even if it was a bit...odd.)Sorry about the Wallof Text, BTW...

edited 6th Mar '11 8:03:50 AM by LordFenric

Lord Fenric-Searching for a decent signature since 2010...
SpookyMask Since: Jan, 2011
#33: Mar 6th 2011 at 7:51:32 AM

First anime is worse in my opinion than the second one because it pulls the "angst, oh my sadness"(I don't really have sympathy for Oscar Bait/other True Art Is Angst things) card after it reaches the point where it doesn't follow manga at all, it is good (even the anime original episodes at beginning, I just don't like the fact that after one point it became all gloomy) though if you never read the manga or watch the anime, but second anime has worse beginning since it expects that you have read manga or watched the first series.(its first arc is mainly going over events from first anime/manga in short detail/with little changes until it reaches the point where original one diverged from manga)

edited 6th Mar '11 7:54:33 AM by SpookyMask

CDRW Since: May, 2016
#34: Mar 6th 2011 at 11:47:42 AM

I really dislike all the badmouthing of the first anime. It is a superb example of the art of good storytelling, and one of the few shows I feel actually needed the full fifty episodes to tell the story.

Signed Always Right Since: Dec, 2009
Always Right
#35: Mar 6th 2011 at 12:34:36 PM

Well nearly all badmouthing did give credit where it's due...the first half of the first anime handled that particular part of the manga much better than Brotherhood did. Brotherhood rushed through that first bit already covered by the first anime as though it expected most of the audience have already watched it  *

....Justified in my opinion, because who would want to rewatch the same thing but slightly different all over again?

But beyond that segment of the story both anime covered, the second anime was definately superior...whereas the first anime veered off from the story and it's quality just plummeted.

And like I said, the Brotherhood had much better fights. The first anime just have a better Lust.

edited 6th Mar '11 12:35:48 PM by Signed

"Every opinion that isn't mine is subjected to Your Mileage May Vary."
AXavierB Since: Jan, 2001
#36: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:03:10 PM

This is a subject I can and will talk you to death about.

First off, I believe Brotherhood is the better show. Not objectively better; I just prefer it. I also believe the manga is superior to both shows for reasons I'll explain later.

That said, I am annoyed by the fanbase's constant criticism of the first anime. Very annoyed. Giving criticism where criticism is due is one thing, but it seems like everywhere I go, all I see are snide, smart remarks about the first series' shortcomings and what a disaster it was. No one said any such thing before Brotherhood was created—Or rather, those who did weren't very vocal about it—and I find it hard to believe that all the people who call the first anime crap were singing that same tune when they first watched it. Before Brotherhood was made, the first anime was probably the first thing people thought of when they heard the name Fullmetal Alchemist. And I'd be willing to bet that most of the franchise's fans were introduced to it via the first anime.

The first anime has shortcomings just like anything else made by a human being. It isn't perfect and it shouldn't be expected to be. My main gripe with people who hate the first anime is their criticism that it's "emo". But, how is it emo? Emo is unjustified melodrama. But Fullmetal Alchemist is set in a Nazi Germany allegory full of racism, war and military corruption. The characters have all suffered in ways that would give any person serious mental and emotional issues. Take Ed and Al for instance; how can anyone call them wangsty or emo? They were traumatized and mutilated at the ages of around 11 and 10, respectively. Emo? If any of the people calling them emo went through what they did, they'd probably be institutionalized.

Anyway, I'm going off on a tangent. Back on topic. Another criticism is that the first anime veers off from the manga, and somehow this automatically makes it a bad show. People forget that the author of the manga requested that the anime be different. And being different isn't necessarily bad.

As for Brotherhood, I prefer it because I believe it has a better story and more interesting characters. It's a matter of taste. The first anime is a coming-of-age story about the personal growth of the main characters, whereas the manga's (and by extension, Brotherhood's) plot is grander in scope; an adventure story about saving the world. It's just something that entertains me more, and that doesn't mean the first anime is bad. There are areas in which the first anime is superior. For example, given its more introspective nature, it further explores the characters' emotions.

Brotherhood is often criticized for "butchering" the first few arcs. And while it does skip through the early manga material a bit too fast, let's be honest... if it went over every early arc in detail like the first anime did, how many people would still want to watch it? People would complain that it was nothing more than a retread, and no doubt there would be those criticizing it for not handling the material as well as the first anime. It was inevitable that the adaptation of the first few volumes would be rushed because of the first anime's very existence. I guess you could technically say that Brotherhood would have been better if the first anime never existed, but since I like the first anime too, I'm glad we got two versions of the story. I'm perfectly fine with how Brotherhood handled the first few arcs because it was justified and I've already read most of the manga and watched the original anime anyway. So Brotherhood's initial pacing issues should really only be a problem for people who are new to the series. As such, I recommend that a person just starting out should watch the first anime or read the manga before trying Brotherhood.

Another criticism geared toward Brotherhood is its misplaced humor. Now, this is a criticism I agree with. Brotherhood has an unpleasant tendency to insert slapstick and lame jokes in scenes where they just don't fit, spoiling the mood a lot of the time. This humor works in comic format, so it isn't bad in the manga, but it just has a different effect in animation. But thankfully, BONES got the picture around halfway through and the cheap comedy slowly but surely vanishes. It keeps its humor and lightheartedness, but it handles it much more appropriately as the series progresses.

As for why I prefer the manga to both anime, it's simply because the manga has more content. Whereas the first anime diverges halfway through and Brotherhood compresses the manga's 108-chapter plot into 64 episodes, the manga's length allows for excellent pacing. It makes the series feel more in-depth and deep, and yet it doesn't just drag on and on and on like some other manga. The Fullmetal Alchemist manga is one large, fleshed-out story and that handles worldbuilding better than either anime adaptation. That said, though, there are things Brotherhood does better than the manga just as there are things the manga does better than Brotherhood. Therefore, while I think the manga is better overall, I think you should read it and watch Brotherhood to get the complete experience. The adaptation completes the source material.

So... yeah. My advice is to either read the manga or watch the first anime before getting to Brotherhood. That way, you'll be able to enjoy Brotherhood much more. On the other hand, though, Brotherhood is the best option if you want to get the manga's story without trudging through 108 chapters.

And sorry for the rant. I'm just obsessed with Fullmetal Alchemist. ^_^;

edited 6th Mar '11 3:08:12 PM by AXavierB

Galeros Slay foes with bow and arrow Since: Jan, 2001
Slay foes with bow and arrow
#37: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:26:22 PM

I like the Homunculi's origins better in the first anime.-_-

edited 6th Mar '11 2:26:32 PM by Galeros

Sporkaganza I'm glasses. Since: May, 2009
I'm glasses.
#38: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:31:54 PM

I like the origin better in Brotherhood myself. The origin of the homunculi in the first anime is definitely spot-on thematically; it's just that if you stop and think about it it doesn't quite make in-universe sense. In Brotherhood, the creation of the homunculi makes perfect sense based on what we already know.

Always, somewhere, someone is fighting for you. As long as you remember them, you are not alone.
Galeros Slay foes with bow and arrow Since: Jan, 2001
Slay foes with bow and arrow
#39: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:33:34 PM

[up]I agree, I just like the idea of a botched resurrection attempt creating a monster.

Jordan Azor Ahai from Westeros Since: Jan, 2001
Azor Ahai
#40: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:34:20 PM

I think that is a really clever idea, although it does lead to fridge logic issues.

Something I've noted in the past is that I have some concerns about ideological subtext of the first anime. While all of the series kind of want you to sympathize with ex-war criminals, in the manga/Brotherhood, there's also an emphasis on their victims and their attempts to pull their lives back together.

That's missing in the first anime and as a result, I didn't feel a lot of sympathy for Mustang and co. in that version.

Hodor
Sporkaganza I'm glasses. Since: May, 2009
I'm glasses.
#41: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:36:41 PM

I suppose you make a point, Jordan, although I'd argue that Scar's origin story in the first anime does serve the purpose of making you feel for the victims.

Always, somewhere, someone is fighting for you. As long as you remember them, you are not alone.
Jordan Azor Ahai from Westeros Since: Jan, 2001
Azor Ahai
#42: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:45:16 PM

I do kind of like Scar's first anime origin better, in which he was sort of a Non-Action Guy to start with before his country got wiped out (as opposed to him starting as a Warrior Monk in the manga/Brotherhood). However, it does seem a notable difference that anime!Scar dies in a pretty horrible way without having achieved anything, whereas manga/Brotherhood!Scar gets Redemption Earns Life.

Granted, that difference has a lot to do with the different tones of the series, but I think it also shows that the manga and Brotherhood treat Scar as being a lot more justified (even if in some ways he's worse than the Scar of the first anime).

Hodor
Sporkaganza I'm glasses. Since: May, 2009
I'm glasses.
#43: Mar 6th 2011 at 2:57:42 PM

I'd disagree that Scar died without accomplishing anything in the first anime, but I think I do like his character arc in Brotherhood better - of course, he's kind of a different character to begin with in Brotherhood anyway.

Always, somewhere, someone is fighting for you. As long as you remember them, you are not alone.
AXavierB Since: Jan, 2001
#44: Mar 6th 2011 at 3:16:10 PM

The thing I like about the first anime's homunculi is that they aren't just in it for the evil—Except Envy, at least, but even he has a reason for being the way he is. They follow Dante because she strung them along with false promises of turning them human; they feel like monsters and abominations and want to become human so that they can feel like they belong in the world. This makes them easier to empathize with. Conversely, the manga's homunculi mostly seem to just be amoral and sadistic. It's justified in the context of the story, given that they are fragments of Father's soul and contain his "sins", but I still find it less compelling than the more human homunculi of the first anime.

silver2195 Since: Jan, 2001
#45: Mar 6th 2011 at 6:44:40 PM

I agree that the first anime's Homunculi are more interesting characters (especially Lust).

The first anime has some issues with the setting, though (like red-eyed people existing on an alternate Earth).

I will say that the first anime has some messages that I didn't agree with (it's clearly against religion and the creators have stated that it's also intended as a criticism of US foreign policy), but it wasn't overdone (I wouldn't have noticed that latter message if it weren't for the Word of God) and I don't really expect writers of fiction to agree with me about everything.

Currently taking a break from the site. See my user page for more information.
AXavierB Since: Jan, 2001
#46: Mar 6th 2011 at 10:50:46 PM

Selim is infinitely better in the manga/Brotherhood though. :V

Drakyndra Her with the hat from Somewhere Since: Jan, 2001
Her with the hat
#47: Mar 7th 2011 at 1:15:57 AM

I must say, I'm surprised at how non-flamey this topic has been so far.

...That probably says some depressing things about my experiences with fandom, in retrospect.

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AXavierB Since: Jan, 2001
#48: Mar 7th 2011 at 1:49:52 AM

Indeed. It seems like a touchy subject.

Personally it saddens me how rarely I see fans who enjoy both anime. Seems like everywhere I go it's this "us VS them" mentality.

SpookyMask Since: Jan, 2011
#49: Mar 7th 2011 at 2:33:01 AM

Eh, like I said, I liked the first one better before I read the manga =P After that I got annoyed by people who considered it better because of the sad parts.(and even before the manga, I found episodes after that one point "odd") So yeah, I'm more or less biased here ^^; Sorry for that.

HamburgerTime The Merry Monarch of Darkness from Dark World, where we do sincerely have cookies Since: Apr, 2010 Relationship Status: I know
The Merry Monarch of Darkness
#50: Mar 7th 2011 at 7:13:58 AM

Just a comment unrelated to this discussion: I find it almost bizarre how FMA makes you sympathize with characters who would almost certainly be treated as near-Complete Monsters in other anime. I could easily see another writer making out Mustang, for instance, to be a totally unsympathetic character. Heck, even Bradley had sympathetic qualities.

The pig of Hufflepuff pulsed like a large bullfrog. Dumbledore smiled at it, and placed his hand on its head: "You are Hagrid now."

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