Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood The Difference Between Them

Fullmetal Alchemist is a beloved manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try to resurrect their mother but end up losing parts of their own bodies in the process. The brothers set out on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, which they believe will help them regain their bodies.

The manga was adapted into two different anime series: Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009). While both series are based on the same source material, they differ significantly in terms of story, characters, and overall tone.

The 2003 anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist, was produced by Studio Bones and aired from 2003 to 2004. It was directed by Seiji Mizushima and featured a screenplay by Shou Aikawa. The anime is known for taking liberties with the source material and deviating significantly from the manga's storyline, particularly in its second half. While the first half of the anime is relatively faithful to the manga, the second half features new characters, events, and an entirely different ending.

In contrast, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was produced by Studio Bones and aired from 2009 to 2010. It was directed by Yasuhiro Irie and featured a screenplay by Hiroshi Ohnogi. Unlike the 2003 anime, Brotherhood closely follows the storyline of the manga, making it a much more faithful adaptation of the source material.

The most significant difference between the two anime adaptations is the plot. While the first half of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime follows the manga closely, the second half veers off in a different direction, creating an entirely new storyline. In contrast, Brotherhood follows the manga's storyline more closely and includes characters, events, and plot points that were omitted from the 2003 anime.

Another difference between the two anime adaptations is the way they handle the theme of alchemy. While both anime series focus on the concept of alchemy, the way they approach it is quite different. The 2003 anime treats alchemy as a more mysterious and mystical force, while Brotherhood presents it as a more scientific process.

Characterization is another area where the two anime adaptations differ. The 2003 anime places more emphasis on character development and relationships, particularly between the Elric brothers. In contrast, Brotherhood prioritizes action and plot progression over character development, resulting in a faster-paced story that is less emotionally driven.

The overall tone of the two anime adaptations also differs significantly. The 2003 anime is known for its darker, more somber tone, while Brotherhood is more upbeat and action-packed.

So, which anime adaptation is better? This is a matter of personal opinion, as both series have their strengths and weaknesses. Some fans prefer the 2003 anime for its unique storyline and character development, while others prefer Brotherhood for its faithful adaptation of the manga's storyline and epic action scenes.

Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood are two anime adaptations of the same manga series. While they share the same characters and basic plot, they differ significantly in terms of story, characters, and overall tone. Both anime adaptations have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one is better depends on personal preference.

Is Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood the same?

While Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood share the same characters and basic plot, there are significant differences between the two. The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime deviates from the manga's story and has its own ending, while Brotherhood follows the manga's story more closely.

In the 2003 anime, the homunculi are created through alchemy experiments, while in the manga and Brotherhood, they are created by Father using alchemy and human sacrifices. Additionally, some characters and events are different in the two anime adaptations.

Which is better between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood?

Both Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood are excellent anime adaptations and have their own merits. The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime has a more emotional and character-driven story, while Brotherhood has a more action-packed and plot-driven story.

Some fans prefer the 2003 anime's more character-driven story and darker tone, while others prefer Brotherhood's more faithful adaptation of the manga's story and epic action scenes. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Should I watch Fullmetal Alchemist or Brotherhood first?

If you're new to Fullmetal Alchemist, it's recommended to watch Brotherhood first. Brotherhood follows the manga's story more closely and provides a more complete and satisfying experience.

If you've already seen the 2003 anime, you can watch Brotherhood for a more faithful adaptation of the manga's story. However, it's important to note that Brotherhood assumes viewers have some knowledge of the 2003 anime, so some events may be briefly touched upon or not fully explained.

Can I skip Fullmetal Alchemist and watch Brotherhood first?

While it's possible to watch Brotherhood without watching the 2003 anime or reading the manga, it's not recommended. The 2003 anime provides a more emotional and character-driven story that is worth experiencing, and some events in Brotherhood may not make as much sense without knowledge of the 2003 anime.

Overall, Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood are both excellent anime adaptations with their own merits. It's up to personal preference which one is better, but it's recommended to watch Brotherhood first if you're new to Fullmetal Alchemist.