Fullmetal Alchemist: A Monumental Review

[@Kurogane72]

Too bad you couldn't have dropped this yesterday. Father's day would have been a hilarious day to drop an FMA video. The entire spectrum of fathers exist in this show.

[@croweycroweycroweycr]

has plenty of daddys too

[@thatdudeghostyxd]

Roy Mustang 😩😩😩​@@croweycroweycroweycr

[@70Lu07]

From "fun and meaningful father figure" to "thank God he did not raise me"

[@Shovelchicken]

Izumi wanted her child back, so she lost the ability to have one. Mustang had a vision of a better world, so he lost the ability to see it. Alphonse wanted to feel his mothers warmth, so he lost the ability to feel anything. Edward wanted to stand on his own two feet and protect his family with his own two hands, so he loses an arm and a leg. Hohenheim wants his freedom, and becomes a prison for thousands of others. or something. The point is, each character that sees the gate/performs human transmutation loses something related to their desire.

[@AlmightyChastor]

The Ed and Al ones are abit of a reach

[@stitchesbunny8496]

@@AlmightyChastor Ed's maybe, but not by much. Hohenheim's is working backwards to make it's point.

[@lianajay04]

​@@AlmightyChastor it does sound like it but they're Pride's own words (at least on fmab. i don't remember fma '03 and i haven't read it yet)

[@Dewkage]

In the manga hohenheim never did human transmutation himself

[@Murammassa]

​@@Dewkage neither did mustang yet he still had the consequences

[@lucyharfillia6200]

Hearing Roy be called Ron Mustang sends me every time

[@DIYisntDead]

Is it a meme or joke I'm unaware of? I hate it so much, why wouldn't he fix it for the reupload 😂

[@reaperreaper3071]

Literally triggering. 😂

[@paoloconti1999]

​@@DIYisntDead during the first part it was a mistake, then it was for fun and memes

[@qpSubZeroqp]

It almost sounds like a porn star name 😂😂

[@evilovesperry]

Riiiight it's nails on a chalkboard. He has to know

[@auraemerald8434]

To me, FullMetal Alchemist is the closest any show has ever gotten to a perfect narrative. Great pacing, great characters, great story, great mystery, great action, great payoffs. Of course, everything is subjective and it isn’t quite my favorite show ever for reasons, but the stumbles it makes are so small and the story resonated with me in such a special way that I will never forget it.

[@paulscott2037]

The themes involved are handled so perfect and they just get stacked so heavily on top of each other. If you just watch it without really delving on that side of things then it is just a well told, action packed, manga/anime. But if you start analysing it even a little bit then you detect so much depth and nuance and the more you do the more you'll see. And some people will say, 'yeah but all fiction is like that.' Which is fair, but in FMA's case it is all so intentional and well thought out.

[@awkwardsquirtle]

And both versions are amazing and it's even better view them back to back

[@samninjago8216]

fmab has really bad pacing not sure if u mean fma or fmab but just saying

[@redhatpat]

​@@samninjago8216 FMA:B definitely has fast pacing in the earlier seasons but bad pacing??? What do you mean by bad pacing? If anything it's a miracle that it's as well paced as it is at all, despite being a relatively short shonen with only 64 episodes to juggle and conclude all of its relevant plot points.

[@NoNameNoWhere]

​@samninjago8216 Not really. It had bad pacing compared to 03 because you notice what was skipped. Watching it fresh or years after 03, the pacing isn't that bad. With only 2 exceptions - the train heist and mine scandal. The pacing is, for the most part, quite good.

[@XenithflareGaming]

I said it on the original review, but I'll say it again: I prefer Brotherhood's slow-burn that is Hoenheim. They basically introduced everything around him without providing any actual answers about him directly. His mysterious travels, his hints about a long life, the wild confusion Father brought along... It wasn't until the Dwarf in the Flask backstory in Xerxes that we got any answers and it. Was. Incredible. The build up that eventually culminated in the answers to everything was perfect storytelling; even the pacing of the backstory itself was impressive because even while it was unfolding it still held things back until the very end. Who is this homunculus? Who is the slave? What story is it even telling? OH ONLY THE ENTIRE STORY OF FMA

[@theassortedhobbyist]

It's preciously because of the execution of the mystery and structure of the narrative why Hohenheim is my favorite character in the manga and Brotherhood. We are introduced to him as this absent father that left his family when the boys were still young and because we primarily follow Ed and Al's perspective, we are getting a glimpse into two unreliable sources as to who their father is as a character. Edward, in particular, is far more resentful of even the mere mention of Hohenheim's existence because as far as he knew, his father abandoned them. It's easier for him to justify his anger and hurt towards Hohenheim if he was the flaky person Ed thought he was (which he unfortunately kind of is in the 2003 anime), but when the two reunite in chapter 85 (episode 47 of FMA Brotherhood) and Ed finally learns about Hohenheim's past with Father and tells him Trisha's final message, he's off-put by Hohenheim's reaction and backstory because it's clear to him that Hohenheim genuinely loved his wife and children, wanting to spend his life with them and to be able to live as a true mortal instead of outliving his wife and sons. With all of this new information about Hohenheim, I can only imagine the confusingly mixed emotions Ed has after finding out that the parent that left him and his family behind is a decent person who did it to end his curse and then later on try to stop Father and keep his family safe from harm.

[@manofwisdom000]

@@theassortedhobbyist Hohenheim in the manga and Brotherhood is a male version of a Mary Sue. Point blank.

[@Java.Fox17]

I wholeheartedly agree. The Xerxes episodes were actually so well done. Not just that but the build up to it and just like you said, the information or the strategic lack thereof was so so intelligently done. It conjured so many emotions and half built answers that made me just want to keep watching and analyzing.

[@LampourgeR2]

Fullmetal Alchemist is a perfect story. Not genre-redefining like Star Wars or Dragon Ball, but the way it is executed is so utterly perfect from start to finish. It has gripping and relatable characters the audience truly feels connected to, it's plot is rich with mystery and the twists and turns keep the audience engaged and eager throughout, and (most importantly) it pays off everything it sets up so satisfyingly. Most of all the happy ending feels earned without becoming too saccharin. The characters that die stay dead, and Ed can't use alchemy anymore as the cost of stopping Father. It is very happy and uplifting, but the cost of the adventure is still there. People say that Avatar TLA is the peak of modern fiction, that it is the standard-bearer for a perfectly told story. I think FMA deserves to be in that conversation too as an equal. FMA doesn't "deserve more love" (the actions its fans have taken on myanimelist show it has enough), but I think the manga deserves to be re-evaluated for just how good it actually is. Arakawa created a piece of art that did what so few other pieces of art fail to do (definitively at least): tell a story perfectly.

[@tyschirmer6127]

These type of full review videos are so terrific because half way through you have done such a good job convincing me this story is awesome that I turn it off to go watch the actual thing and I will come and watch this review when I’m done!

[@Marion_MyAnh]

Hope you are enjoying it!

[@Keebler_]

Commenting to remind you to update us!!

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Life is too short, spend it doing things you guys enjoy :(

[@solidskullz5736]

Full metal alchemist was one of the first mangas that I ever read and it captivated me from start to finish. The characters, the story, the themes, the intrigue, it’s all very well written. I’m glad that I picked it up all those years ago when I was a high school sophomore

[@valadez601]

I've already seen this, I don't need to watch it again. (Watches it again anyway)

[@santiagocosta7408]

Same here 🎉

[@lordseppenstein2559]

@@santiagocosta7408 same^^

[@eliezeracostagonzalez7741]

Jajajajajajaja saaaaame 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SamuelMason-mb9wj]

Literally here again because I've watched all of his other videos. At least twice...

[@Beefstachio]

Me rn lol

[@RidKain]

The og FMA anime was what turned me from someone who happened to watch a few anime into someone who loves anime

[@Boooozle]

I still think it did some things better than Brotherhood

[@joelschittenhelm5571]

@@Boooozle I acctually think 2003 is the better anime. Its my favourite anime of all time

[@someguyy194_2]

@@joelschittenhelm5571I feel the same way, like I wouldn’t argue it’s “objectively” better but I personally like 2003 way more

[@GrapeTesting101]

@@Boooozle Nice opinion bro.

[@GrapeTesting101]

@@joelschittenhelm5571 Nice opinion bro.

[@trise2033]

Fun fact: As far as i can tell, the word "fullmetal" is used in exactly one other context: "fullmetal jacket" ammunition. Basically, this is a bullet design that allows faster muzzle velocity, minimal barrel transfer, and effective armor piercing. This is relevant here, because Ed constantly barrels forward, punching through whatever resistance he meets, leaving as little of himself behind as possible.

[@Claudia-nw5ic]

Apparently, Arakawa specifically chose this as the English translation rather than the more direct "Alchemist of Steel" for this connotation

[@anothervagabond]

This is a misconception actually. The Japanese name for the series is "Hagane no Renkinjutsushi", which just means "Alchemist of Steel", and Ed's title more accurately translates to "steel alchemist" (or possibly "solid steel alchemist"), because Bradley notes during his examination that Ed has "nerves of steel" so he's making a sort of joke based on that as well as Ed's automail, an intentional double meaning. They just chose "Fullmetal" in the translations because I guess somebody decided it sounds cooler than "solid steel". Also "fullmetal" isn't a word, it's "full metal jacket" not "fullmetal jacket". It literally just means the bullet's core is encased in metal.

[@JoKad17]

No, they chose it bc is the name of the trilogy: Fullmetal Alchemist, Fullmetal Jacket and Fullmetal Panic! I like each part but I kinda don't get where they were going.

[@Its_Sprite_]

I just finished fmab last week, easily the best piece of media I’ve ever seen in my entire life

[@mangodango1733]

That was kinda my thoughts when I was younger I mean not as fancy but when I hear full metal I think bullet and Edward is compact and mighty like a bullet

[@Pir-o]

I always liked that every single homunculus dies from a reason related to their deadly sins. Gluttony gets eaten, Sloth dies from exhaustion etc. Very clever.

[@Ash_Wen-li]

And Lust dies cause Mustang is sexy?

[@ousou78]

​@@Ash_Wen-li seems right

[@juanmp9645]

@@Ash_Wen-li Lust dies because she got too hot. Literally.

[@Pir-o]

@@Ash_Wen-li Why do you think we call people "hot"? Lust if often associated with fire. "fiery passion", "flames of passion" etc.

[@timmyman9677]

Pride dies asking for help and being ignored by his Father, Wrath stalemates a man just as vengeful as he is, but he does get to die happy. Envy kills itself out of shame, and 1st Greed gets melted down to his most vital component and GreedLing makes a selfless sacrifice in an ironic twist.

[@kamalkaze]

I’ve only seen a few of your reviews so far, but I want you to know that your beautiful descriptions, takeaways, and general sense of wonder when reviewing the different series you’ve cover have really inspired a new love of literature in me. There were so many things I was watching at face value without a real appreciation for the depths of the story being told beneath the visuals. Thank you for making the content you make.

[@yourcollegedebt8384]

I like to imagine that, when Sloth finishes the country wide circle, the following exchange happens: "Hey, I'm just checking in if I can go and die now" *Cheerfully* "Nope! Get back to work slave!" "Okay..."

[@evilovesperry]

If by dead you mean start digging 2 countries over

[@WhiskerDooz]

Such a pain

[@nake770]

Such a drag😒

[@amccall88]

I may personally prefer Brotherhood, but I love the fact that you gave both series their flowers. If I didn't love 2003 I wouldn't have bothered to read the manga or watch Brotherhood

[@extraaccountnh8883]

i said the same in my own comment!! 2003 and the goofy movie that followed are still works to be admired in their own ways. my biggest pettiest gripe was watching FMAB on youtube back in the olden days before youtube cracked down on that shit and having random 2003 episodes mixed in and my dumb child self not knowing how to differentiate the two or why they both existed 😭

[@hannahquinn8046]

FMA has been my absolute all time favourite anime for over a decade. I think Mark did such a good job articulating all the reasons I love it that I had trouble putting into words myself. The video even makes me think about some things with a new and exciting perspective. I stumbled upon this review by chance and could not have enjoyed it more. Very very well done! Thank you so much for your hard work!

[@Nikonii1]

1:53:00-1:53:53 There is 2 Chapters you Missed!!! We DO see how Edd Heals himself and its actually really cool!!

[@Cackman]

1:25:49 Hughes was in the room when Wrath does his big speech about human life being next to worthless. It's not unreasonable to assume he told Mustang about this (in fact Brotherhood directly implies that he does) and then Mustang told Hawkeye.

[@kkimberling]

Fullmetal Alchemist. ... Fullmetal Alchemist.

[@Rhyainn]

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST

[@Ozpawn]

⁠@@Rhyainnfullmetal alchemist

[@zaidalvi-r2l]

@@Ozpawn fullmetal alchemist

[@lucypedersen6846]

​@@zaidalvi-r2lFullmetal Alchemist

[@anaionescu8913]

*fullmetalalchemist* . . . _F U L L M E T A L A L C H E M I S T_

[@machodgdon]

Bro casually dropped a movie

[@srensen9948sander]

He shouldn't

[@kristopherwillis8075]

YESSIR he did 🥤😁🍿

[@nickjones9867]

He dropped a god damn snider cut

[@beecees410]

Damn, what movies do you watch? Mine dont last longer than 90 minutes 😂

[@jamess359]

Casually? Nah

[@BlueMaroonAnimations]

I already watched all these when they originally came out, but I couldn't help but watch the whole thing again to hear your enthusiasm and discussion of one of the anime's I hold so dear. Its always good to revisit this anime, even if its in the form of watching others talk about it or watch it for the first time.

[@macrobertson25]

"Greed...for lack of a better word, is good"

[@mookiestewart3776]

That asshole Reagan strikes again

[@skullyinc.]

Damn right he was.

[@LouPoletti1]

Just wanted to say your video made my week. I’m always glad to see another of your insightful video essays in my feed. So many feels and so many damn good points. The love you have for these series is clear and infectious. You’re doing a phenomenal job and deserve be proud of yourself 💪

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

It's funny how the story continuously says Bradley is only human and only has advantage from the superior perception of his eye, but he is the most superhuman of all homunculi and also has a magical sword that can cut anything.

[@ReloKai]

Thanks Mark for this wonderful video. You and your team put a lot of effort into it, and I teared up at several parts as well. Remember not only to work hard like Edward did, but pace your self, like Al did.

[@leonst.7471]

Oh I havent watched this review of yours in a while good that your editor is making these supercuts for future viewings like today send him a cookie mark he deserves it.

[@yourcollegedebt8384]

The editing at 2:26:42 is phenomenal, and I wanted to acknowledge that in writing

[@redpanda666]

Bless you for appreciating the music of the '03 production. I really don't get the 'argument' of which series is better (they are both so so good) but since folks put down the first production I feel like it's nice to recognize the elements that made it great and worthy of praise :) yes I love all the FMA

[@mariokarter13]

What sets Fullmetal Alchemist apart from most other series is just how seamlessly it can shift tone. It can ping-pong between comedy, action, drama, even romance, and every time it feels perfectly natural.

[@Elizabethcantsing]

I absolutely LOVE how much time you devote to praising the animators for each adaption. Thank you for giving names to the artists who helped bring the story to motion!!

[@numenthehuman]

Desert Punk next man. As someone who has watched Fullmetal 100 times it is fun seeing you go through the motions of reading it for the first time.

[@Nomadic_Gaming]

desert punk and sandland are amazing

[@Espio90]

You made my day Sir, even if i watched Full Metal Alchemist, and FMA: Brotherhood long time ago, still it was so good to watch ur point of view at this subcject. Good Job, as always. Greetings from Poland :)

[@adhmitch2743]

So glad you decided to finally cover FMA:Brotherhood. It’s the greatest of all time and still loving your content Mark

[@MrJTH1999]

Didn’t he cover it already?

[@Jerga27]

​@MrJTH1999 yes, this is a compilation of those review videos

[@manofwisdom000]

"It's the greatest of all time" Lmao bye. You need to get out more.

[@adhmitch2743]

@ I would like to know why a virgin is replying to me from a comment 6 months ago lmao

[@manofwisdom000]

@@adhmitch2743 You’re on a social media platform, kiddo. 😂🤣😭

[@hbkjose1]

Just finished rewatching the Og FMA and Brotherhood and now this. I’m beyond excited😊

[@jon9828]

Where did you watch it/them? Been looking to rewatch FMAb but don't know where to buy or stream it.

[@SadBirbHours]

@@jon9828You can’t watch the original anywhere legally. Hard copies of it are crazy expensive as well

[@mookiestewart3776]

@@jon9828fmab is available on Crunchyroll if I recall , 2003 is a bit more difficult to find unfortunately, truly an underrated series

[@mistingwolf]

@@jon9828 FMAB is on Crunchyroll. Can't help on FMA 03 though.

[@unclezorbak]

@@jon9828 FMAB is on Crunchyroll. The OG FMA isn't

[@cdscissor]

That thumbnail goes SO HARD that it makes me sort of sad this is a manga deep dive and not a 2003 one. But no matter what, both stories are rock solid. Fullmetal, even.

[@nightcrefx3606]

thank you for making this for the fans. I have always loved hearing others opinions on stories, manga, and anime!

[@Animesaga376]

This anime is exact example of masterpiece

[@pressurealign811]

That were 3 hours i thankfully watched over 3 days without regret. FMA been a while ago for me but i thank you for this wonderful review. Its been a pleasure to revisit it with you and see beautiful details of this story i couldnt have thought of without you. Thank you!

[@MrHailstorm00]

Love the video! Too bad you didn't include the train station scene at the end, when Ed proposes to Winry. It is, to me, the true ending of the whole saga, as Winry easily throws the "equivalent exchange" principle out the window. Considering how the cold and calculating principle of "equivalent exchange" has revealed to us nothing but all kinds of dark corners in our own humanity, the way WInry brushes the idea off reminds us of a heart-warming yet simple fact, one we probably know all along: there's something in this world that doesn't require equivalent exchange, and that is what life is truly worth living for.

[@HektorMD]

Just finished the 3rd watch at this masterpiece. Amazing work from you Mark and your team. FMA is my favourite anime all of time, and your analysis did justice to every single page/episode. Thanks a lot, and cheers! Regards from Mexico.

[@mrrd4444]

Btw: 2003 also does the Nina story much better. Traumatizingly so. Now that you've watched Brotherhood I encourage you to revisit it.

[@bananaspliitz9136]

I almost enjoy watching videos like these more than the og content. Almost. But it’s just so much fun in a different way to see and b, even tangentially, along for the ride of someone else’s discovery of something I love. It’s just a pleasure to essentially sit and listen to someone 3h info dump and just nod along agreeing and getting excited about the epic moments all over again. I hope u never lose that fun💜💜

[@INS1cells]

Thanks a lot Mark.....Now I have to watch FMA again for the 101th time

[@evilovesperry]

You can't just remember it ? It's imprinted to my memory

[@amanenixen6540]

I have never ever watched a review that I enjoyed as much as this 😢 This is the epitome of why i really look up to content creators You give your reviews, but you also write your heart out... and i dont know how to describe how much it resonates with me. I really love FMA, but after this review, i learned to love it even more. Your enthusiasm rubs off that way. Keep it up!

[@soopakoopa6461]

I dunno if Mark reads the comments on here or not, but if he hasn't already, he needs to watch the bloopers from the Brotherhood dub. Pretty sure they're on youtube, and they're a riot.

[@bradleymartin6254]

Gonna have to go check out your other videos, thanks for doing justice to this one! Also, the ending of brotherhood is why I loved it more, Arikawas vision for the story is so much more fulfilling that the original animes ending.

[@Stark610]

Mark has inspired me to from now on call Father, “He Who Lays Pipe”

[@HazukiInu]

I had your video on in the background and hearing you mention Shaman King totally caught me off guard! I love your videos and the way you dig into these series. I would love to see you cover Shaman King someday, it's a truly underrated series! Especially since you focus on the manga, which is by far where it shines

[@kb470]

I've spent the last few days watching this on and off. I'm so happy to watch someone watch this show for the first time.

[@lo4750]

hard work really is not such a bad thing after all - after all, i truly loved your review. i think this might be my favourite piece of analysis on full metal alchemist, and i am so thankful that you've written it. thank you!

[@amiraameera8302]

This series, including FMA (2003), is a perfect story as a whole. It's a love story between brothers about the value of community. Foils everywhere, world building doesn't stop until the finale, and the duality in the closure each one offered. I wish I could go back to when it was new and watch all over again.

[@katelawyer3689]

It’s nice to see someone who enjoys all three major versions of FMA.

[@AndyG94]

It is so fantastic to watch this as someone who read the manga and watched the anime a while ago, seeing the theories **chef kiss**

[@TeamSoraPresents]

Ready steady, can't hold me back Ready steady, give me good luck Ready steady, never look back LET'S GET STARTED, READY STEADY GO!!! For real, this is still one of the best anime I've ever seen, not my first but one of the first that really informed me of what anime was truly capable of, and to this day Ed is one of my all-time favorite characters. Such a shame that the 2003 series has been completely deleted from the internet and Ed's English VA got himself blacklisted.

[@apple-cv2xj]

I just started the video, what happened to Ed's va? And what do you mean the 2003 version was wiped, that people only talk about brotherhood?

[@TeamSoraPresents]

@@apple-cv2xj First: Vic Mignogna, Edward Elric's English VA (among many other roles he's done), turned out to be a predator and a bastard, so everyone he _was_ working with fired him. He then tried to sue Funimation, Monica Rial, and Jamie Marchi, for defamation and he lost that case and every appeal. Speaking of Funimation: when Sony bought them and folded them into Crunchyroll, they failed to renew a number of licenses for Funi's older catalog. And since other streaming platforms, like Netflix, did the same, FMA 2003 is now almost impossible to find online. Strangely, I'm looking at CR right now: the FMA movie "Conqueror of Shamballa" is still up for some reason.

[@amiraameera8302]

The music alone in this show got me into J-Pop and eventually led me to Creepy Nuts. Google them and thank me later 😁

[@theassortedhobbyist]

@@apple-cv2xj In 2019, Vic Mignogna (voice of Edward Elric) was the center of numerous sexual harassment allegations against fans at cons and some co-workers, resulting in him being fired from the projects he was working on like RWBY, the Persona series, and the Dragon Ball series. As for the 2003 FMA series, it has become a show that is extremely difficult to watch through legal options since it is not available on streaming sites like Crunchyroll or Netflix or Hulu and the DVDs/blu-ray release of the show are out of print.

[@ArcanoSilverwind]

​@@apple-cv2xj Google it

[@SunGawdRa]

Truly one of the low key greatest anime contenders. Definitely enjoyed your reviews the first time around, and will probably enjoy rewatching it now!

[@themuffinprincesa21]

@51:30 when you talk about the little detail about the fat in the air being uncomfortable & not needed, it shows (sorry if you do get to this, I'm writing in real time, will update if you call this out) a hint towards mustang KNOWING torched bodies since he was used as a weapon during the war. This is the first true hint of what the government made him do that became the catalyst to his ideology

[@themuffinprincesa21]

Following up you do get to the part of mustang but didn't seem to connect the scene to the intentional odd words used chapters prior. No one can blame you in this & I think very few caught it their first time watching. This is a great example of why the series is so good. Knowing everything that will happen actually brings great insight to choices that seemed a bit odd without the. Being obvious foreshadowing such as Mustang knowing the concentration of fat falling on his lip after bruning a body.

[@TheCorgieQueen]

Great job on breaking down the story, animators, and characters. Its my favorite anime, and came at a time I thought I was not going to literally survive. Heartbreaking and inspirational, like what Japan has survived in history.

[@TryForce]

funny how I just started rewatching this series for comfort and then this video drops. STOP EATING MY COOKIES!

[@epli72]

To me personally, Full Metal Alchemist is one of the best stories out there. I doubt I'll ever find an anime I love as much as FMA Brotherhood. So, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CREATING AND POSTING THIS! ❤

[@The13thKnight]

Bahahaha that careless whisper joke was *brilliant* in my head I was already like ‘Ya’ll should make out’

[@senseker1]

I’ve rewatched Brotherhood 4 times. Listening to this amazing review was akin to rewatching it all over again in my head. That was amazing man. Great job.

[@DomyTheMad420]

i saw the thumbnail, the uploader and the LENGTH of this video and i exclaimed 2 words: "F*CK YES."

[@bristowski]

Thank you for this. You reminded me what a beautiful story this really was and inspired me to take the story I'm writing in a new direction with your analysis.

[@TifffanyTaylor]

(Not) Mark's hype over mustang vs lust makes me feel so vindicated. Hail yes

[@protomundi]

For someone joining your channel this year. I happy to see this masterpiece in its full lenght. It's so many years age I watched brotherhood and to this day one of my most favourite Anime.

[@finnyfinn27]

I have also viewed a TON of anime and Manga in my time. it's been an obsession for decades since watching DBZ on my big CRT TV back in the day. I've enjoyed some anime more than FMAB, for sure, but it is THE example of a perfect show. no pacing issues, concise power system, compelling villains and heroes, good humor, appalling horrifying moments, it has no flaws. and most importantly, when it ended, it ended. the story was over, we didn't get a half-baked sequel strung out for money. the story was done, so the Manga ended. perfect.

[@alexloyola6762]

1:17:26 is my absolute favorite scene from any anime/manga - ever. The look in Edward's eyes is unforgettable and the meaning of the scene as it relates to the goal he and Al set from the start - so, so powerful. He knew it was attainable; it stopped being impossible. I'm legitimately getting emotional just writing this. I'm really considering getting this as a tattoo.

[@WinspearUltima]

Loved watching FMAB one of my favourite anime period. Hope to check out the manga soon and collect it aswell.

[@SkyTowerKurogane]

Great video, great analysis, great presentation. Really enjoyed watching all of it. I like how you state your predictions and how they eventually turn out. I like how you jump between manga anime, the animation the production. Stellar content.

[@qpSubZeroqp]

Amazing review! You missed the movies though! The follow-up movie to the first anime is amazing!

[@alphakowaclips]

He covered the manga, not animes

[@qpSubZeroqp]

@@alphakowaclips I thought he covered both the first anime run and brotherhood too. The first anime run's final movie is the ending to that story

[@lakoneko]

Having been so long since reading the manga and watching the anime while it came out in America (even recording 2003 episodes on VHS tapes), it's awesome to see someone get to experience the story for the first time. I appreciated the theorizing since having read and seen everything, the route of the story feels so obvious now, which really speaks to the quality of the story and the writing. I still hold this as one of the most influential stories in my personal life and I'm glad it continues to impact people even now.

[@julianuga]

Alchemy is the hardest, most well developed magic system in all fiction. Clearly defined limits, clearly defined variations, and all while leaving plenty of room for creativity within the rules. All exceptions to the rules come at great cost, so it's not truly an exception. (Edit): OMG I just realized that fma philosopher stones work the same way soul gems do in skyrim 😮😮😮

[@chesterstevens8870]

Come on, *_ALL_* fiction? Educate yourself and go read a book, there's more systems of magic out there than FMA, Harry Potter and DnD.

[@saltyk9869]

Avatar's bending system is also a very good one in my opinion.

[@averlinbc5680]

@@chesterstevens8870 okay? I’ll give you DND but Harry Potter it’s not a hard magic system with clearly defined rules. It’s very much a soft magic system. Things are used more conveniently then consistently especially story wise.

[@KP-mf1zk]

Powersystem from Magi the Labyrinth of magic is good too

[@Fooacta]

​@@averlinbc5680No, they're implying OP has consumed a very limited amount of media, to the point where FMA, HP and DnD are the only magic systems that OP knows.

[@rahulnarayanan374]

I love you Mark for articulating so well why this is my favorite anime

[@TheCheat420]

Babe wake up! There's a new Totally Not Mark compilation to fall asleep to!

[@GRIM_DROWNED]

i love your theories it reminds me of when i was theorizing when i was watching the anime, thanks for this literally my fav anime.

[@Odel964]

Full metal alchemist brotherhood is the best and most complete anime of all time

[@lucasbayer9254]

🧢

[@heethanthen]

Monster would like a word with you

[@MiesterDX595]

​@lucasbayer9254 Don't start, you got the worst pfp to be coming out here with that too.

[@shaneos2727]

@@MiesterDX595yeah fma just doesn’t feel whole and not as well balanced as brotherhood

[@bearerofbadnews1375]

I like brotherhood for having a happier ending. The 2003 FMA I appreciate the darker elements, even if it did go off the rails with its original ending.

[@buttonasas]

Wonderful cut! I really loved your predictions and very glad you kept those in, despite them being partly ruined as you keep getting wind of hidden truths out just as it's revealed.

[@SeRiOuS1675]

just memories of this show brings me joy and wish there was more ✨️

[@alitaki2037]

As you enjoyed every chapter you read, I enjoyed every minute I listened and watched. Thank you and a ‘monumental’ well done.

[@pepeepupoo]

The 4th opening in the 2003 FMA is my favorite opening of all time

[@Grapefruit_cosplay]

51:48 that moment particularly tickles me in the English dub since Laura Baliey ( Lust's VA) and Travis Willingham (Mustang) ended up getting married a few years later 😂

[@ivancaldrer8587]

I just finished Brotherhood and I’ve never watched anything like it. I’m giving it a solid 10/10 😁 the pacing was good and I didn’t feel the urge to skip to the next chapter. The 2 main characters very well thought out. I’d definitely recommend this 64-episode-journey

[@manofwisdom000]

@@ivancaldrer8587 You need to get out more then.

[@katelawyer3689]

@man, don’t be a cruel douche

[@kenroc546]

Yo, ive watched FMA multiple times and it feels great to hear you disciver it for the first time. Great video.

[@PeterOHanrahaHanrahan]

The original anime adaptation is certainly worth a watch if you loved the manga; after around episode twenty it takes an entirely different - and well-written - route, with much darker and ambiguous tone. To name a contrast with out trying to spoil, the way that homunculi are created and destroyed in this adaptation varies drastically from the original manga, all the while being perfectly tied in to what the manga had from the point that it diverged from. In this adaptation, they also show how Edward became a state alchemist and the exam process, which is a really nice detail. And Nina gets more development.

[@domihase8148]

Thank you for the chance to relive this awesome story through the eyes of someone else. I loved the story very much and I felt this emptyness in my heart maybe like Greed did after finishing the Brotherhood anime. It's so well written and has a perfect length to conclude it very neatly.

[@Substantial-hf1rm]

I thought this was a review of the full original 2003 anime :( Hopefully he covers it one day, it have a lot of interesting themes that he'd love.

[@Johnmerlin20]

Agreed lol - I love both FMA 2003 and Brotherhood and I always recommend people watch both if theyre interested in FMA

[@theCommentDevil]

I will always love fma 2003 more than brotherhood

[@bearerofbadnews1375]

2003 had an interesting spin of the Homunculi. Also I liked 2003 Sloth more than Brotherhood Sloth.

[@Rubymagicalgirl88]

I mean technically he covers the manga but uses footage from both. I don't remember if he talks about the 03 version but he talks about the live action films.

[@Johnmerlin20]

@@bearerofbadnews1375 yeah there were a few Homunculi I liked more in 2003 than brotherhood. Sloth, Gluttony and Lust I liked more in 2003. But I liked pride and wrath a lot more in brotherhood. Greed and Envy I liked in both equally

[@AceTM407]

I'm fairly sure this is my third time watching your review of this series and it hits everytime

[@KyoMobius]

In the "Nina" episode the ending slightly changes and Edward is crying in the last scene

[@TheMightyWobb]

I didn't really need a reason to rewatch FMAB again, but i appreciate being given one. Wonderful review Mark.

[@danieldorvil7683]

My goat gets a vid, yessssss

[@Kiko_8242]

30:45 “it can’t be Hughes, he’s too dead.” 😭

[@rocketleax5]

Finished BH a couple weeks back and all I have to say is I'm gay for Envy. Absolutely obssesed. The pale skin, purple eyes, psychotic smile, palm tree hair, crop topb, fingerless gloves, the man skirt, ITS PERFECT. I don't see enough people talking about how pretty they are. Oh yeah the show is pretty good too ig

[@SIMPforVIRUX]

I just love the use of DBZA jokes through the video!!! Also amazing analysis, you managed to convince my wife to watch FMA with me :D domo arigato

[@Zand3rsson]

My favorite thing about the 2003 adaptation is the Brothers theme

[@lauriec-e9i]

THIS IS FCKN AMAZING OH MY GOD IM ON A TRAIN, USING UP MY PHONE DATA, GRINNING TO MYSELF AT HOW AWESOME IT IS TO SEE SOMEONE ACTUALLY, INTELLIGENTLY, AND PASSIONATELY GO THROUGH MY FAVOURITE THING EVER OMG

[@half8n191]

whenever I hear "FULL METAL ALCHEMIST" I think of that dog meme xD

[@Kikidium]

Damn it, now I'm crying! This was really well done and I'm glad I watched it, even if it is almost 3 hours lol. Well done Mark and editors(sorry I don't know your names I'm new to the channel)! Greedling is my favourite character too.

[@roidadadou5456]

What I was waiting for to consume such a large series ❤ Long live FMAB.

[@chrisblanc663]

I love these huge full reviews.

[@DazRomance]

Probably not the only one here that sees your long and in depth first time read analysis as a way to re-experience these stories we loved as if for the first time. Just putting out there, but I feel like you would get a kick out of Beastars 👀

[@GIRTHMCGRAW]

I have Al's bloodseal tattooed on the top of my left hand, and the servant cross tattooed on my face in front of my ear. This manga/anime is the most perfect piece of entertainment that has ever existed, directly next to starwars and Dragon ball and marvel comics

[@davidkrivanka]

14:15 "It looks like its beginning to rain" is one of the most impactful scenes in anime I've ever seen and it makes me sad to this day.