Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - A Masterpiece in Alchemy

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Introduction

Hey there, furs and gamers! I'm Kiba Snowpaw, your alpha male Ice Wolf from the frosty world of HowlStrom. With my 37+ years of gaming history, from the NES to the PS5, and having watched over 1000 anime series and movies, I'm here to give you an epic review of one of my absolute favorite anime: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Buckle up, grab your automail, and let's dive into this alchemical adventure that’s as cool as the tundras of my homeland.

Basic Plot Summary

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the harrowing journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who suffer a catastrophic loss when a forbidden alchemy experiment to resurrect their mother goes horribly wrong. Alphonse loses his entire body, and Edward sacrifices his arm to bind Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor, later replacing his own lost limbs with automail prosthetics created by their genius neighbor, Winry Rockbell.

Determined to restore their bodies, the brothers set out in search of the Philosopher's Stone, a powerful alchemical artifact that defies the law of Equivalent Exchange. As Edward earns the title "Fullmetal Alchemist," their quest leads them into a complex web of conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their world.

Analysis/Evaluation

From the moment you start Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, you’re hooked by its rich, immersive world and complex narrative. The story is a seamless blend of fantasy, science, and drama, exploring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the pursuit of knowledge. The pacing is impeccable, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn.

Characters

The characters in this series are nothing short of phenomenal. Edward Elric, the determined and hot-headed protagonist, and his calm, compassionate brother Alphonse form a duo that drives the emotional core of the story. Supporting characters like the fiery Winry Rockbell, the stoic Colonel Mustang, and the enigmatic Scar add depth and dimension, each with their own compelling backstories and motivations.

The antagonists, particularly the Homunculi, are brilliantly crafted, embodying the seven deadly sins in a way that’s both literal and metaphorical. Their interactions with the Elric brothers highlight the moral ambiguities and complexities of the series, making for some truly unforgettable confrontations.

Structure

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is structured in a way that perfectly balances character development, plot progression, and world-building. The series avoids the pitfalls of filler episodes, ensuring that every scene is essential to the overarching narrative. This tight storytelling keeps the momentum high and the audience fully engaged from start to finish.

Impact

The impact of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on the anime community is immense. It has set a high standard for storytelling, character development, and animation quality. Its exploration of philosophical themes and ethical dilemmas resonates deeply with viewers, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience.

Hook and Thesis

The hook of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood lies in its compelling premise: two brothers willing to defy the laws of nature to reunite their family, only to face unimaginable consequences. This central theme of sacrifice and redemption is explored with such depth and nuance that it elevates the series to a level of storytelling excellence rarely seen in anime.

Praise and Critique

Praise:

1. Storytelling: The plot is intricately woven, with each episode revealing new layers of the narrative.

2. Character Development: Every character, from main to minor, is fully realized and contributes meaningfully to the story.

3. Animation: The animation quality is consistently top-notch, bringing the alchemical battles and emotional moments to life.

4. Music: The soundtrack and opening/ending themes are perfectly suited to the tone of the series, enhancing the viewing experience.

Critique:

1. Pacing: The early episodes can feel rushed to those unfamiliar with the manga or original series, though this issue resolves as the series progresses.

2. Exposition: Some viewers might find the repeated exposition on the brothers' backstory a bit redundant.

Evaluation

In MMORPG terms, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is like the ultimate raid boss – challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable. For furry fans and anime enthusiasts alike, it’s a series that demands attention and admiration. The intricate plot, well-developed characters, and stunning animation make it a standout series that earns its place among the greatest anime of all time.

Comparison

When compared to other anime, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood stands out for its complex narrative and philosophical depth. While series like *Naruto* and *Bleach* are known for their action and long-running arcs, *Brotherhood* excels in delivering a concise, impactful story without filler. Its thematic exploration rivals that of *Attack on Titan*, but with a more hopeful and redemptive undertone.

Conclusion

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece that has earned its legendary status. It’s an anime that not only entertains but also challenges viewers to think deeply about the nature of sacrifice, the pursuit of knowledge, and the complexities of human emotion. As Kiba Snowpaw, I wholeheartedly recommend this series to every anime fan out there. Dive into the world of alchemy, and prepare to be spellbound by the Elric brothers' epic journey. Stay frosty, friends, and keep exploring those amazing worlds!

I'm kind of disappointed. Feels like only one character had a life outside the storyline, Maes Hughes, and the rest feels kind of flat and underdeveloped. They have their own skills and such, but outside the brothers, it feels like they either don't have a goal at all, or their goal is "Help Roy achieve his goal". There are exceptions of course, but they are either bad guys or borderline bad guys...

And Roy Mustang is another disappointment cause I remembered it as I liked him, but I just didn't find myself caring one way or another about him. His reasons and explanations and depth came way too late for me. Everyone is supporting him and his goal [spoiler]of becoming the leader[/spoiler], but I never understood why they do, or why I should care, [spoiler]or why I should want him as the leader[/spoiler]...

From around [spoiler]the murder of Maes Hughes[/spoiler] and onwards, I felt like I had to force myself to continue watching.

I do love that they "revisit" places and characters again later on in the series, and talks about characters before they are shown and such. And the story and world itself are so fascinating, making me _want_ to like the anime.

>“Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy’s First Law of Equivalent Exchange.”– ALPHONSE ELRIC

This is how Fullmetal Alchemist starts. At every opening sequence, it keeps reminding us of this and only truth. But our young protagonists are in search of a philosopher stone which will allow them to bypass this law. Why are they so determined to break this one true law and what do they hope to gain out of it? You have to watch a serious, gritty, dark take of Edward and Alphonse Elric.

Fullmetal Alchemist is my second anime. After Death Note, I had not seen one in a while. This was a good refresher and a trip down the memory lane. Like the former, Fullmetal Alchemist is also governed by a set of rules. I guess this is a trademark of anime as a genre. There are a few concrete rules and the characters do all in their power to accomplish goals by skirting past the edges. The robustness such a setting offers is brilliant, for it puts up constraints on the plot, the stories and the audience’s minds. There are no sudden plot devices to help along, and that feels sincere. The attention given to chemistry shows the seriousness of the material.

The characters are strong and well chiselled. You exactly know the motivations and at times some of them are black as they come without any shades of grey. The story doesn’t shy away from the usual self-imposed boundaries of fiction, like not harming children. The characters here will take all the steps to advance their agenda. This results in some darker themes, including what is existence? What are you, your body or your soul? Also the role of military and pros and cons of following orders.

Anime is that branch of the cartoon which takes itself quite seriously. The content and themes are not usual for a very young age, which we usually associate cartoons with. Anime has unlocked the potential of fluid storytelling without the fuss of real actors. The drama can be over the top, and so can be the action.

As a side note, with the advent of things like Death Stranding, making a character truly timeless is now possible and anime has shown that a lot of seriousness can be brought even in the medium of cartoons. But I digress.

Fullmetal Alchemist the original aired in 2003 and I’d recommend it to start your anime journey. With just 51 episodes, it’s much more approachable compared to the likes of Dragonball Z. I’d definitely recommend it for the contents and voice acting. I watched the dubbed version.

Special shoutout to Aaron Dismuke who voiced over Alphonse in English. Aaron was 12 years old when he did the voice over, making it spot on and very relatable.