GR Anime Review: Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)

[@REVy_X]

My favorite thing about this version was the quote in the beginning of every episode, and how it changed as the story progresses.

[@ISoloYouRelax]

Humankind can not 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. In those days we really believed that to be the worlds one and only truth. Shit gave me chills growing uo and still does.

[@HaloCanon]

Thank you! Thank for this! It's incredibly hard to find FMA fans that still appreciate the old series, or enjoy both the 2003 and 2009 series for their respective merits.

[@shboo2303]

+Halo Canon Why do I find you everywhere? Let me rephrase that: HOW do I find you everywhere?

[@HaloCanon]

Shboo If you look for something, it will be found :)

[@renosonozaki1260]

+Halo Canon I was not expecting to see you here...also I was wondering. what would you say If i asked you about being in a few lets plays with me?

[@HaloCanon]

Reno Sonozaki I'd certainly be open to it. It would just be a matter of scheduling.

[@renosonozaki1260]

true. you got Skype? my gmail is [e-mail]. when you are ready contact me. :)

[@laurahenriques7029]

I started with the 2003 version, and I don't regret it. It was amazing.

[@Flapjack-vh6yc]

You look amazing .

[@radias2589]

Fma 2003 for life

[@БогданКрименюк]

It's BREATHTAKING

[@allensnea9335]

The anime is so amazing, it’s ending is so bittersweet yet so captivating.

[@102xxScorpionxx102]

Watching 2003 then Brotherhood is definitely the way to go. Get the happiest ending but get to still experience both storylines. I appreciate the 2003 series for the turn it took when there wasn't any content to work with. It's a really interesting concept to say the least. I especially liked seeing what happened with Al in that one

[@crimsonwolf8174]

Razuu now, I haven't seen 2003 in a long time, but doesn't it end with Ed and his father stuck in the middle of WWII and Alphonse with his body back but no memories of the years adventuring after his mother's death after them repeatedly reviving each other and killing themselves so the other exists even though this version of the anime has the law "a life for a life is never enough" ?

[@adammarin1418]

Joseph Drouin It really ends after the movie where (spoiler) Ed and Al are together in our world trying to close the gate on our side. Al has his memories too I think by passing thru the gate going to our world. Tbh rose still knows how to send people beyond the gate....

[@aaronlandry3934]

Razuu Yeah, it was so much more interesting to have Al physically become the one philosopher’s stone than it was to just have his soul reject the body (even though it was a perfect blood seal). Also, having Al become the only stone held a lot more weight than it did in Brotherhood, because there’s just a stone for every other person in that version.

[@tengun]

Actually, Edward lost a leg when trying to resurrect his mother. He sacrificed his arm as material to bind his brother's soul into the armor. That was beautiful.

[@GlassReflection]

Happy Fullmetal Alchemist Day everyone! The Brotherhood review is next week before you ask.

[@Nyalpha]

yay :3

[@distortioncharizardalive]

+Glass Reflection UNDER 301 CLUB! Kidding

[@nekobentochaaan5295]

Woop woop, let's ready the hype train everyone^^

[@MohammedDoesGamez]

ayyyy(btw i didnt watch the 2003 series i only watched brotherhood)

[@Prinnycute]

Thanks for reviewing it!

[@BloggersMisintention]

The development of Maes Hughes in FMA 2003 felt much more better and had more time devoted to it, making his death more tragic

[@robertonome2448]

Yeah, and he being part of the military sounded much more believable in 2003, since he actually got some serious scenes (and being cannier on them overall), asides from his humorous ones.

[@Gyovanny7080]

Connor Smith Exactly

[@Mentiac]

I feel you tackled this review wonderfully. You kept an objective stance about the show without breaking away from your bias towards the show. Just because an anime has flaws doesn't mean it's imperfect if that anime is able to make you feel something. Fullmetal Alchemist is definitely one of those shows that makes you sit back when it's over and just think. You think about the journey, about the ending, about the darker themes the series touched on and you just feel... satisfied, so incredibly satisfied. FMA was my gateway anime before I was really sure what anime was (of course I watched DBZ, Sailor Moon, etc while just thinking they were fancy cartoons). Your point about it being a show that shows what anime is capable of is also very spot on. This show and Death Note are my go-to shows whenever someone says that anime (cartoons) shows are for children then I watch their mouths drop open at some of the ideas they tackle. I've been a fairly long time sub Mr. Arkada, and as much as I absolutely WISH I could support you more, I am sadly a broke college student. But I will do what I can to share word of your work because I feel like it's one of the highest quality anime reviews you see online these days. Keep it up, and I'm looking forward to the review week of awesome!

[@MandoEmmm]

When people say anime is for children I point them to Psycho Pass and Death Note. Shogo motherfucking Makishima.

[@evandugas7888]

+MandoEmmm when people say anime is for kids i think wow is the only anime u ever heard of Pokemon

[@MandoEmmm]

Evan Dugas seriously hahaha

[@Arexion5293]

+Lawrence Salcido Analytical, not objective. This isn't a subject where you can have an objective stance, but you can strive to get close to such by being analytical.

[@Mentiac]

Arexion5293​ That's a good point. My mistake. I didn't want to use objective but I couldn't think of another word at the time, thanks!

[@matteste]

One thing I think that 2003 really aced where the Manga and Brotherhood failed was the Philosophers Stone. What I mean is that in the end of the Manga and Brotherhood, the stone seems to be thrown around left and right like some sort of cheap toy and the supposed sacrifice it needed was just nameless faces without meaning. In 2003 on the other hand, not only is it treated as the very important object the brothers where after, but the sacrifice associated with it is treated with weight as well. Not only does Ed nearly dirty his hands to create it (seriously, he was basically a hairs width away from turning some prisoners into the stone) but when it is finally created, both we the viewer and the brothers get to see the full effects of it front and center. While it is still made up of nameless masses, it still had a much more important impact.

[@Harrinsain]

the whole point of the stone in the manga/broho was that the brother's search for it was closed minded, and so were thoughts on it's use throughout early parts of the story. As we learnt more about the deeper parts of the plot, the stone itself became less important in favor of how/why and who made it. The wider exploration of idea surrounding the stone itself lines up perfectly with the brother's exploring more of the world and coming to a much more full understanding of it, and in that regard it only makes sense for the stone to fall out of the spot light. Of course it wasn't the main focus by the end, it was made by human hands. everything surrounding the stone was what built the backbone of the rest of the story, the stone was merely a catalyst on which that building could begin. Not saying the way 03 handled it was bad, because it went in a completely different direction, both thematically and literally, but to speak less of one because you favor one is a bit closed minded (just like the focus on the stone)

[@Harrinsain]

side note: in fact i love how 03 ended as well, because it being bittersweet as an ending was much more reflective of the reprocussions of an unwillingness to compromise, which was one of it's themes which worked greatly to it's advantage

[@oliviersama2150]

The ending of 2003 was just beautiful. The beauty of it is the imperfection. I really like how they made the connection of the Al world to our world.

[@LAARRRRRYYY]

No I cried😭 I wanted them to get home so badly after all they been through

[@typortrey7665]

I loved that connection too.but it bothered me they never got back al or ed

[@tripleO16]

it wasn't satisfying but it was beautiful

[@lssjgaming1599]

I like both endings

[@_sashitheedreamangel24_]

Henry Sama I thought the ending was beautiful to

[@SourRobo8364]

What I love most about '03 over Brotherhood, are the consequences of the characters actions. By the end of '03 everyone feels like they suffered one way or another for what they've done. Meanwhile, by the end of Brotherhood, everything feels too happy and have barely suffered.

[@firozemuhammadzahidurrahma4892]

To be fair, they did deserve the happy ending heh.

[@slashine1071]

They definitely suffered. A lot. That being said they didn’t keep suffering

[@jakubgodyn7413]

I think the best way to illustrate the difference between the themes of these two stories is the city of Liore (and by that also the character of Rose)and what happened to it after the Elric Brothers/Cornello confrontation. In Brotherhood and manga the city, while it suffered a lot, started to rebuild and the people are overall happy with what the Elrics did for them. In the 2003 series, the city is in ruin and Rose... well, we all know what happened to her. And this is why these seizures are so interesting. They are starting pretty much the same but diverge because Arakawa and Aikawa were trying to convey two completely different messages. I personally prefer a cpositive take of Arakawa but I understand the fans of Aikawa's darker and pessimistic view.

[@DarkEclipse23]

I think the only grievances for me in Brotherhood was just the method. Hohenheim I think in 03 had a death that came full circle. He abandoned his son and wife and was ultimate killed in front of Ed by Envy. However. Envy too was sacrificed in order to activate the transmutation circle. Ironically this is how Wrath dies too. He sacrifices himself and Gluttony to allow Al to find his brother and in turn was reunited with his mother in death. The point I’m saying is. I wish Hohenhem in brotherhood had that ending. It would’ve been the one thing he did for his children like. Ever. But it felt like Ed only did it because well. The series forgot about him after they first met Father. It’s also like how bumming it is that Mustang keeps everything and just uses the stone to fix his eyes and Havoc’s body. And it was a little hypocritical. Al sacrificed himself for Ed. Why could Hohenheim do the same for Al? He just. Idk. Dies outta nowhere. Somehow. :/

[@jakubgodyn7413]

@DarkEclipse23 I cannot agree. Heinheim ending in Brotherhood was great. He protected his sons while using up most of his stone. And while his goal in the entire series was to die when the time comes he feels like he wants to keep on living since he finally could have good relationship with his children. Both Hoenheims got the endings they deserved. 2003 Hoenheim was a much worse person than the one in Brotherhood so his ending was less happy.

[@cannondebris]

Not gonna lie, this is my favorite anime ever.

[@KidSnivy69]

Good choice.

[@VHabbReturns]

+Tristan Cannon Same with me man. Legendary anime.

[@avishekacharya6267]

True man especially because it was the second anime I finish.

[@SumsarH]

You mean brotherhood or this one?

[@cannondebris]

Darkness Serpent This one. Brotherhood actually was my favorite for awhile.

[@headtrips1]

I went from Brotherhood in 2020, not watching any anime since 2003 DBZ, and then watched FMA03, and I’ll say I like 03 more. The writing is more ambitious and the anime is deeper. However, the story overall of brotherhood is cleaner and more coherent. Both are incredible, though.

[@manofwisdom000]

You just contradicted yourself

[@haosmagnaingram6992]

@@manofwisdom000where is the contradiction? Before getting back into anime with fmab they hadn’t watched any anime since 2003 back when they watched dbz. They preferred 03 due to its more ambitious decisions and greater depth. Still they acknowledge brotherhood as having some appealing qualities over 03 in the cleanness and coherence of its story. I don’t see how these are contradictory statements. It’s possible to acknowledge the strengths of brotherhood while still preferring 03 for its own strengths, and the statement regarding op’s timeline of watching the show doesn’t have contradictions either.

[@pizzashark7067]

I've literally waited two years for this. As always, I was not disappointed.

[@rafaelnahafahik7781]

+Pizza Shark same here, was looking for it for hours between his videos when I first subscribed to him, then I realized he didn't have it

[@arouraskeatch5903]

YESSS. The 2003 is beautiful and I love it. I'm barely a quarter way through brotherhood and already noticed the differences in pacing and characters. I can't give a verdict on which is better but I don't think it really matters. The 2003 still made me cry and cheer in places and has some sceans that touched me deeply, including the ending.

[@seelin435]

Cow goes moo Cat goes meow Dog goes "Ed-ward"

[@matthewmullis6035]

Burn

[@BertDDavis]

+Your Mom Your grounded but then again... So is Hughes

[@seelin435]

Wow I didn't see that coming. But neither did Mustang.

[@pizzashark7067]

+Your Mom This is the most savage thing I've seen in my life.

[@countunicorn7233]

SCREW YOU!

[@scottmagz]

I honestly brush off a lot of people who review anime due to lack of professionalism and being overly biased. I can honestly say that you are the first anime reviewer that I think is doing a fantastic job. I don't normally comment on things like this, but I just want you to know that you are doing a good job and keep up the good work. You got a sub from me.

[@Saracenar]

I actually watched Brotherhood first, as one of my first anime, and the 2003 version more than two years later. I am the only person I know of who prefers the original. I liked the darker tone and the more personal feel, but I felt the ending was a little lacking, even with the film. With that said, both adaptations are great, among my highest rated shows.

[@ravesilly]

+Saracenar You're not alone, I also prefer the original.

[@Saracenar]

+ravesilly Excellent! It's just everyone I've met in person who watches anime and has seen both series that think that way. Admittedly that's only like three people...

[@apoptosisduellinks109]

I prefer the original a lot more

[@Lilibella23]

I love the original so much!

[@aut_caesar_aut_nihil667]

Brotherhood doesn't have that dark atmosfere and ''feels'' as the 2003 version. Also, Lust is in 2003 much more layered character, with emotions and inner conflicts, and her tragic story and connection with Scar fits much better. The whole concept of homonculi is also better in 2003 version. Brotherhood indeed has overall better storyline and visually looks great but that's it.

[@echoghost6250]

I tried watching Brotherhood (having grown up on the '03 version) and I had to quit it. Brotherhood ruined the Tucker and Nina arc. The '03 delivery of it hit much harder than Brotherhood's version.

[@echoghost6250]

+yatagarasuable it was a build up of things that I didn't like about it. By the time I got to the Nina part, I was already on edge about whether I liked it or not. Having that scene effed up was the (giant) nail in the coffin.

[@echoghost6250]

+yatagarasuable I didn't start at the beginning. By the time I started from the beginning, The Hughes death scene was ruined in brotherhood, I still couldn't tell if Alphonse was a boy or girl (prepubescence is a poor excuse for that), it felt as if Hoenheim came a bit too early (which was a big wtf for me), the first initial meeting between Scar & Winry didn't hold as much gravity, and a bunch of other things that I don't even remember.

[@Poodlekisses]

I honestly hated how the did the homunculi in the 03 version. I mean, the major fault in that story is naming them for the seven deadly sins. Many skilled alchemists exist in that universe, and I'm certain that some of them would lose someone they love and try to get them back. Eventually, if this system had been allowed to continue, more than 7 would be created. At least in fmab, they were from one source and were limited, as Father could only make homunculi from the sins he contained in his body. Also, fmab Wrath is the best Wrath (the only 03 homunculi I actually liked better than 09 was Lust. It'd probably be the one thing I'd change about the 09 series, but of course, when you look at where she was derived, I guess it makes sense).

[@rebelpoxy]

+Lelouch vi Serbia I agree that I felt the darker atmosphere and some characters have more depth in 2003, but the second half of it doesn't make any sense, especially Dante ending up as a villain without any foreshadowing or whatsoever.

[@daemonblackfyre8180]

FMA original is so damn amazing, and overall underrated. It's almost as good as Brotherhood. That's really high praise. Brotherhood is my second favorite anime ever, and the original my third. It's that good.

[@bluebotlivingston6016]

Daemon Blackfyre 1st?

[@nrg.primal4310]

And what is your first???

[@Icarus975]

I thought it was not Christmas yet Arkada..... You awesome bastard

[@Icarus975]

+KidSnivy69 yeah lol

[@philosophyinart8013]

+Icarus975 Early Christmas is best Christmas.

[@djhavocxd2733]

+Jignerd Saw indeed

[@whollyhandgrenade13]

What about Alchemist Christmas?

[@ibewither5051]

Yeah, thanks for doing this Arkada. It's very nice of you to finally get around to reviewing these fantastic anime.

[@AndyMcKeeFanForLife]

Two phrases for why I loved the 2003 version more: Episode 3 "Mother" and Lust's development. The fact that Brotherhood, due to the fact that they knew a vast majority of the fanbase had already seen it, rushed the Elric's backstory and put into one episode what took three/four to tell was a bad decision.If I had to pick a single episode of any show to show to someone on why I love anime, Mother would most likely be my go-to decision. It not only perfectly helped introduce the world and the characters, but as the key point in the plot, you knew what the show was going to be about. And the emotional impact was so well done. The sparring scene between Ed and Al at the end, as well as the burning of their home, really made me sympathetic towards these two brothers.

[@AndyMcKeeFanForLife]

+AndyMcKeeFanForLife Then, we have Lust. As far as development goes from "being the villian" to "sort of, but not really, an anti-hero", Lust was a great example. As she slowly started piecing together who she was and why she wanted to become human, I couldn't help but cheer for her. I wanted her to have those things. Her dying was probably more upsetting for me than Sloth's death. And none of this in counting her absolutely killer character design and absolutely seductive voice actress.

[@ThatCynicalPoet]

+AndyMcKeeFanForLife As someone who prefers Brotherhood over the 2003 version, I've definitely got to agree with you that the Elric's backstories shouldn't have been as rushed as it was. If they had given another episode or two for breathing room, that would have made Brotherhood's beginning much more strong - in my opinion, anyways. As for Lust's development, I'm pretty neutral to the whole things. I feel like Lust's development worked in the original due to the lack of lore behind the creation of a homunculus, which I feel is pretty confusing and seems like sheer coincidence that all homunculi seem to try and work together in the original. I can respect that the homunculi in the original are seemingly lost and without purpose other than to serve Dante (which is where I feel their stories are kind of forced into being antagonists), but I never really bought the whole "Homunculi are the result of failed human transmutation" aspect - especially since they're named after sins (Does that mean there can only be 7 homunculi alive at once? What determines their name? Questions like these sort of make the original anime's homunculi fall apart backstory-wise). In the manga and Brotherhood the homunculi make more sense to work together as they were created to fulfill a certain task. I definitely could cheer for Lust in the original anime, but I can't really wrap my head around the loopholes that surround the original homunculi's backstories. Both the original and Brotherhood definitely give and take from each other in certain respects, and I can appreciate the story that the original gave us.

[@Ericdaman12345]

"Mother" is my favorite episode of FMA

[@simpersamper961]

I fell in love with lust when I watched the 2003 version and became furious how they portrayed her in the newest one :(

[@Edelweiss1102]

You totally nailed it, Arkada. Probably the most accurate and least biased review about FMA 2003 I have seen so far, i take my (inexistent) hat off, great job ;) And before anybody asks, I don't pick one FMA other another. Bouth 2003 and Brotherhood are amaizing shows and have their pros and cons and to me, the ultimate FMA would me a mixture of the two.

[@laurenr394]

I remember watching the original on netflix maybe like 4 years ago (this was like the 3rd anime I had ever watched) and being in shock after I finished it. Sadly, when I looked in the comments section, almost everybody was saying that it was horrible and that brotherhood was better.

[@halloweenfriday]

+Terezi Bantams They're trolls.

[@robertonome2448]

People in general can't handle bittersweet endings... Not without going over the internet and spreading hate just because their dear fictional character didn't get to live "happily ever after" (even thought in a series which its core philosophy revolves around "equivalent exchange")

[@ThaThree]

Am I the only one who looks both anime just as much as each other. They're both phenomenal in their own ways!

[@kaivaz3072]

Meaningfull character development ? Yeah I kinda miss that these days

[@Icarus975]

Sadly most anime today don't have stuff like that and just have meaning less fanservice which can lead to lots of turn downs and so on and so forth

[@kaivaz3072]

***** That's the sad part. Since fanservice and action always sell well in the anime branch, many production companys don't wanna risk a lot of money on a big, long running show with indepp character development since, if it doesn't work out, the studio might suffer huge loses. Therefor Fansecrvise it is.

[@Pookie2112]

+Teron Watch ushio and tora its being streamed right now its a manga from the 90s so a lot of kickass characters and action

[@zachmontminy]

Yeah...Literally all anime nowadays is made for the sole purpose of making money. There's almost no heart and soul put into them anymore. Developing a character is almost a lost art. Yuasa did it in Ping-Pong, and that's the only recent one I can think of. I miss the old days when writing mattered...

[@j.zednan2873]

+Teron Painfully true. I can't get into a lot of new anime because of the emphasis on fanservice, high school and general japanese fetish culture like how I watched two new shows only to notice they all had a mc in high school with a far too touchy feely sister character trying way too hard barely overstepping the line into incest. Its just too weird to watch sometimes :/

[@Miscq309]

ed-ward......

[@GlassReflection]

+BassMasterVIDS Get out.

[@JoaqMan]

Fuck you's

[@Icarus975]

+Glass Reflection I don't get it

[@drshalini1]

+Icarus975 Go watch the show and you'll start cursing BassMasterVIDS

[@Amin-ig6nc]

+BassMasterVIDS GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE YOU MONSTER

[@p.stanchev4466]

I just finished FMA(2003) and I have to say that I was fascinated. Sure the ending wasn’t what I expected but in my opinion and I believe in others too this ending is very thoughtful and fitting to the whole storyline and idea of the original show. Ps: ur video is very nicely composed,way to go.

[@AMAZIAH]

Yes I love this original I realized the same thing. People dislike the original just because it doesn't follow the manga. When this adaptation does a good job with it's themes and concepts. Homunculus being failed human transmutations, brilliant. The idea of the gate leading to our world but also being a border, brilliant. The characters arcs are more fleshed out and that goes beyond shao tucker. I feel the manga and brotherhood is more brilliant in the use of it's characters and overall storytelling. But definitely the world building is better here.

[@moonleafteaofthemonth]

4:43 You know a series hits you hard and will stay with you for the rest of your life when a line like "TINY MINI-SKIRTS!" makes you laugh and cry at the same time from pure nostalgia.

[@TheJuanTrueKaiser]

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) was indeed what truly got me into the medium of anime. The honesty in your description of the show in the beginning was much welcomed. And now I can't wait for Brotherhood next week!

[@KaNoMikoProductions]

Hey. Hey Arkada. Hey. _Brotherhood._

[@DarkLink1996.]

+Queen Bitch KaNoMiko Brotherhood is next, calm down.

[@KaNoMikoProductions]

+DarkLink1996 My joke was in reference to what he said directly after saying Brotherhood was next week. He said "We're not talking about Brotherhood. Is that clear? We're not talking about Brotherhood!" (paraphrased) The joke ------------------- Your head

[@gavinbowen1308]

+Queen Bitch KaNoMiko i see what you did there with both jokes ;)

[@jazy921]

+Queen Bitch KaNoMiko ...of Mutants

[@hrvojehedzet8317]

I never would have guessed this was 19 minutes long without checking the time before watching the video. It was over in no time. I love your reviews, spoiler free, very enjoyable and easy to watch, as well as filled with useful information. Great job and I can't wait for the Brotherhood review! Also gotta hear what you think about its openings and endings. Again and Uso are impossible to hate, right? Right? ;_; P.S. 'Bratja' pronunciation was great for someone not versed in Slavic languages. (y)

[@altoroark4233]

"Again" is a very overrated song IMHO.

[@sunshinensmiles2178]

+AltoRoark99 while I agree with ya, and trust me. I do. it's still a very good opening, but opening 4 and 5 of brotherhood were better to me

[@SeanDish]

Did you upload this on the third of October on purpose?

[@destinyduran6095]

OH SHIT

[@adorkthatreads]

i'm a bajilion percent sure that he did

[@2cutemadhatter189]

O_O Oh my gawd...

[@greendottedtoad2.018]

TicciSean i just noticed that (mindblown)

[@ShubhamGupta-ir2gn]

*joseph voice* OHHHH MYYYY GOOODDDDD!!!!

[@amavikairo]

Oh man, this show gets me so emotional. Both FMA and Brotherhood do, they're both amazing in their own ways. But what stands between the two and it's something that I appreciate most about the series, is the undying love between the two brothers. They would (and do) do anything to keep each other safe and to protect each other. It's a beautiful, action-filled and depressing story about siblings and how friends can become family. FMA and Brotherhood are both just so beautifully written.

[@Tahmitron697]

It's seems our prayers are being heard... Thank you

[@derpmaster4094]

Hype is I can say

[@reginaldgoudeau7337]

I wonder if noble likes this show too

[@Tahmitron697]

+Reginald Goudeau He does.

[@sourpls4489]

Satisfying

[@reginaldgoudeau7337]

+Tahmitron697 gud

[@smokierings]

I still go back to this every so often. Your opinion mirrors mine, and this year I've introduced someone new to FMA and we just finished 2003.

[@alvi9463]

If you think about it 2003 is like an official fanfic it takes the chracter from an already existing story and puts them in a diffrent story or situation

[@tenoreyequetis]

best fanfic I ever read

[@barbllm]

having watched FMAB first, I look at FMA as taking place in an alternate universe.

[@MetalCaffeine56]

From what I understand the 03 anime was always meant to be an original story. It just used the manga as more like a framework.

[@adairbock83]

FMA 2003 has a superb soundtrack and handless serious situations better when compared to brotherhood. Also, characters get way better development here.

[@AleksKwisatz]

I don't think the anime diverged because it caught up with the manga. I think it was always envisioned to be something different from the very start. You can clearly see that many arcs that were adapted from the manga already showed minor but relevant differences from its source material since early on that would be further expanded upon in the anime. One thing that comes to my mind was Nina and Shou Tucker's deaths, which happened under very different circumstances in both manga and anime, and also the inclusion of Lyra in Yoki's gang.

[@julia.24]

you’re correct! it’s a popular myth that the plot to this adaptation was done on the fly after running out of source material. it was always intended to be a loose adaptation of the manga and sets up its own plot from the beginning, even in the episodes it shares with the manga. it’s frustrating that it does not get more credit for this, as the reason people prefer its version of the events is that it adds to them!

[@haosmagnaingram6992]

Yep, before preproduction Arakawa (the mangaka) requested they do a loose adaptation with an original ending because she thought that would be more interesting and so as to not spoil ideas later in the manga

[@cdscissor]

​@@julia.24I'm very suspicious that the myth is being spread INTENTIONALLY for malicious intent.

[@Lilibella23]

I've seen both versions, I started with Brotherhood dropped it, watched 2003 instead loved it! Finished Brotherhood didn't rally like it, then researched 2003 loved it even more. Its my favorite anime, like everything is abt it is incredible.

[@k.theartist3940]

If the ending leaves you wanting more, isn't that a good thing?

[@0riginalpr0ject6]

I wanna say the score that you opened this review with was beautiful. The soundtrack for fma {2003} was wonderful.

[@T8-TR]

SPOILER While I loved both FMA and Brotherhood, I've always liked the original FMA's (2003) better than Brotherhood's. It was, as GR said, very bittersweet. But it makes sense, right? Equivalent exchange was always a theme in the story; you take something, you give something of equal value back. Well, the Elrics got their bodies back, and they were finally together again, but on the flip side, they were trapped in this foreign world, where everything was familiar but alien to them. It just fit the theme a lot better than Brotherhood's (very enjoyable) ending, where everything sorta fixed itself. Mustang got his eyes back, Winry marries Ed, Al's alive and whole, etc, etc. It felt really good, don't get me wrong, but I felt like it didn't fit the show's overarching theme as well as the 2003 version's did.

[@wolfJack-qp6si]

I just finished full metal 2013 should I which brother hood because with the dark and true ending with absolute sadness I don't think I can watch happier because it would feel unrealized. please help.

[@JBHATERWOOT]

Brotherhoods ending is no way purely happy. I personally prefer the ending of FMA (2003) because it suits the show better, but Brotherhood suit me better in every other way. You should absolutely watch Brotherhood, if not for the ending, then for the characters. The characters in the original are built completely differently from the characters in Brotherhood (personally I like them more in Brotherhood but they are different not better or worse). I'm hoping you've already decided to watch it by the time I wrote this but you should absolutely watch it.

[@T8-TR]

Killtheman I've already watched both, and I prefer the original's over Brotherhood's simply because I felt like Brotherhood's wrapped everything up in a nice, tidy bow a little too well. I didn't see any tragedy in it, other than things that can't really be helped (Hughes).

[@JBHATERWOOT]

Lol. Thats funny, I never considered Hughes death to be in any way tragic. He was basically worthless in both shows and his death progressed the development of Mustang. On the other hand, the chinese characters in Brotherhood were awesome, and the death of Greed(in Brotherhood, the 2nd one) hit me harder than I could have imagined. I do see what you mean about the ending but I dont think that Brotherhoods was TOO light and happy. Guess it's just personal preference. I also prefer the characterization of the army in Brotherhood a lot more.

[@pauljohnson3925]

FMA Brotherhood had a happy ending, but not without sacrifice. Al got his body back, but Ed is still missing his leg and can no longer use alchemy. Father and the Homunculi were defeated, but it required Hohenheim to sacrifice a life with his family so that he could stop Father. Also, the people who died aren't coming back. Overall, the ending of Brotherhood was happy but had a message of not being able to undo the past or regain everything you have lost.

[@GreenSoap]

I recently rewatched these two shows, with their respective movies, and even to this day, I still think the 2003 adaptation is superior. I did watch Brotherhood before I saw this one, and much like how I think HxH1999 is superior to HxH2011, it's because they created a more gritty, tense and creepy atmosphere to accomodate the great suspenseful story. Not by much though, as Arkada said, both shows have their sets of pros and cons.

[@luisahstin226]

nawww...u just like old anime xD

[@googlesaurusrex]

+Luis Ahstin What is he not allowed to have an opinion now you cretin?

[@GreenSoap]

Luis Ahstin Not particularly. I don't find old anime inherently better than new simply because it's old. That's stupid.

[@luisahstin226]

+Google are you fucking kidding me why would you let me pick such a retarded username fuck off..did I say that u troll

[@luisahstin226]

its not stupid..I was just sayin -.-

[@CJCroen1393]

My thoughts on the animation: On the one hand, you can look at it and say "Well, someone drew that." But on the other hand, it has a LOT of moments where you find yourself saying "Oh my God, SOMEONE _DREW_ THAT!?"

[@abraham3673]

i love brotherhood so much, but the 03 series is perfect to me. i just felt more empathetic to all the character's suffering, even the antagonists. the pacing is slower, but to me, its a good thing, because it allowed me to get to know the characters better and connect to them more tightly than in brotherhood.

[@jesusandfriends]

Full Metal Alchemist is the first Anime I completed, and I'm so glad it's my first Anime :3

[@hidi__]

I saw 2003 as a kid, and I loved it to death. Though watching it as a kid there were many parts that really disturbed me, there was one episode I remember gave me an existential crisis for a while. The episode where Alphonse questions whether he is real or not. 2003 was also one of my first big introductions to anime and it sucked me in. I was really confused finding out later that people hated 2003 when I got older and started watching more anime.

[@fadlmustafa5302]

2003 anime = 2009 anime (ps. it means it's equally good in it's own ways)

[@KidSnivy69]

Exactly

[@SniperRed0092]

+fadl mustafa I feel 2003 was darker, but they are both masterpiece shows.

[@fadlmustafa5302]

^yes, the 2009 version was lighter and softer, but it's explanation of alchemy was also indepth as the 2003 version, and i think Van Hoenheim was a better version of Hoenheim than Hoenheim of light

[@SniperRed0092]

fadl mustafa His blond beard made him look more like he could be Ed's father XD Also how do you feel about 2003's human homonculus origins?

[@fadlmustafa5302]

very intriguing, and 2009's homonculus origins are also intriguing, with them being the manifestation of the seven desires of father, and also, poor father, he just wanted to be smart

[@HeyImDeborah]

He was trying so hard not to say that Brotherhood is the better of the two XD

[@williancruz9657]

+0BiYA It came later and up to nearly the end it's the same plot (for the 1st one at least) so how could it not be better

[@KidSnivy69]

He never said that, quit trying to start a flame war.

[@DragonBladeX94]

+Willian Gabriel Same plot =/= better

[@KatsuragiNamika]

+0BiYA I didn't sense it to be honest. Plus, brotherhood isn't better, it's different.

[@Edelweiss1102]

+0BiYA I would be careful with such assumptions. Arkada din't say anything in that direction. If you find Brotherhood to be better, then that's your opionion and fine, but don't try to set it up as fact. The 2003 version is still an amazing and outstanding piece of work.

[@dancingphycisisthabibi8575]

This is something I have been expecting for a long, long time. My personal take is that the 2009 version surfs with the "F*** Yeah" Feelings, moments of awesome that gives you this adrenaline rush. They were awesome in manga and they continued to be awesome in anime. I also loved the ending and there was an excellent take on war with the episode everyone talked about Ishbala. 2003 version, it has been far too long since I saw it. But it was more like... Tone was different. Victories didn't feel accomplishments (Greed, Sloth, Pride), and there weren't "Victories". Just struggling from fight to fight to bad situation to another. Characters took these blows much harder, and you really cherished those moments of joy (Armstrong vs. The brothers is some of the best scenes I can think). I personally loved both of them, for different reasons. I still return to Brotherhood for those Awesome moments and to 2003 for the melancholy. And there's a reason I taught myself "Bratja" with piano and play it every once a while. And for the whole debate which one is better, there's a Russian proverb I like to cite: There are no friends in tastes and colors.

[@TamenishDragon]

What a great review Arkada! You were able to verbalise much of what I have been trying to tell people - 2003 is definitely worth watching, even if the story is a bit different! The entirety of Fullmetal Alchemist would have to be my personal favourite anime. Good recommendation for Soul Eater too - I wanted more of the same short-running shonen after watching the original Fullmetal, so I watched Soul Eater before continuing on to Brotherhood. I was not disappointed!

[@xderyck41]

If you watch the two endings side by side I reckon you can definitely say the writers understood the source material incredibly well for how early in production it was, 03 is darker but tackle a lot of the same point and it was what got me into anime, I feel like the characters take the development in 03 and brotherhood takes the story to develop, I like it both

[@JoaqMan]

Man I admit this show is better than Cory in The House

[@altoroark4233]

That's just impossible.

[@InquisitorThomas]

Hersey!

[@Matticus1229]

+J Wizard Phoenix An original comment that mentioned Cory in the House that is funny. Kudos.

[@KidSnivy69]

Oh for fraks sake!

[@93vincentvalentine]

why does everyone keep comparing Cory in the house to everything xD

[@LightflashZ]

First, Arkada's review of FMA(2003) comes out, then Blood Blockade Battlefront's last episode FINALLY comes out, and Parasyte airs on Toonami! Today is a good day!

[@KadeKalka]

+LightflashZ So hyped for Parasyte though!! I hope the dub is good!!

[@LightflashZ]

VGMusic Covers Did you see the clip they released on their Toonami Pre-Flight stream?

[@houndnobleman876]

+LightflashZ Plus Kizumonogatari gets a release date and One Punch Man begins airing (I think).

[@Pookie2112]

+VGMusic Covers its not

[@KadeKalka]

Eh, who cares, I just want an excuse to watch it again. Plus I like most dubs, even if they are bad. :P

[@sugarapplesweet]

I love both of them, and I watched both from beginning to end, plus the first's OVA. The 2003 version is especially dear to me because it is still, to this day, the ONLY anime my dad ever watched with me. My dad also being my best friend. Part of that reason is because, and I never hear even United States reviewers discuss this, the 2003 FMA came out while our country was in the heart of its conflict/war with Iraq. It was a timely anime, and it was these similarities that drew my dad into watching those Saturday nights. He went so far as to recommend the show to my uncle, who was a sergeant at the time, and the two will occasionally bring up FMA to one another now that my uncle has retired from the military. So yes, the 2003 adaptation has its problems, but I am very proud to have it in my meager collection of anime DVDs.

[@MyNameBeAdrian]

"More Fullmetal Alchemist is a good thing"... truer words have never been spoken! I watched Brotherhood first and then 03 and you are completely right both amazing for different reasons... I just wish the fans could set their biases aside and just be happy we got two amazing masterpieces of animation... oh btw I'm looking forward to your Brotherhood review keep up the good work:)

[@joshmartin4914]

I saw this after Brotherhood and, between the two, I have to say that I liked this one more. The darker storyline really kept me engaged, and the character development (right up to the film) was a treat to watch. To say nothing of the music.

[@artemissharp1227]

BLESS YOU IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MY WHOLE LIFE I CANT WATCH IT RIGHT NOW BUT IM GONNA CRY WHEN I DO THANK YOU ARK I LOVE YOU

[@drshalini1]

EXACTLY HOW I FEEL

[@artemissharp1227]

+drshalini1 Like SERIOUSLY IM CRYING CRYINGGGGGG HES TALKING ABOIT FMA MY FAV SHOW OF ALL YIME I CBAT AJKEIEIEOEODOID

[@artemissharp1227]

I AM SO HAPPY THIS IS FUCKING BEAUTIFUL I'M SO EXCITED FOR NEXT WEEEEEKKKKK

[@violenciarivas7797]

I can't express in words how much i love this series. Especially how much I liked Alphonse as a character :'u

[@tegelstenen4178]

As someone who watched Brotherhood before the 2003 adaption I can say that I very much, despite having some things spoiled, enjoy the 2003 version. Even though I knew everything that was going to happen the first so or so 28 episodes I thought of it to be at least equally as great as Brotherhood. So if you've already watched Brotherhood but not the 2003 version, don't fret. It's perfectly good to watch afterwards too

[@cpierre7777]

Dude i really miss these type of reviews youve done. Idk, different type of energy you had, twas really really refreshing. I'm binging your old reviews. Not sure if anyone else does that but i missed these

[@kuramasgirl96]

Ark you don't understand i actually want to cry because i have been waiting for this review for so long. Ive watched your videos for 5 years now and have just been waiting for your opinion on my favorites. Thank you so much.

[@KB-vd8wq]

The first time I watched FMA 2003 and Brotherhood back-to-back I thought Brotherhood was better, but now that I’ve watched both versions multiple times now it is clear to me that I prefer 2003 overall. In terms of storytelling/presentation, mood, concept, context, blending of comedy and drama, subtleties etc. 2003 is vastly superior. I think Brotherhood at times reached greater emotional heights than 2003, but the overall quality was way less consistent.

[@astemirabazekhov9005]

This is the first time I've seen a brotherhood fan change his mind in this way.

[@KB-vd8wq]

Astemir Abazekhov we exist, but we’re pretty rare.

[@aaryncooper5322]

I love both versions of FMA, However I love the way the 2003 version handled the homonculi

[@chriswinkler284]

I always loved Scar's character...Thanks for the upload.

[@NezumiVA]

Overall I think the main difference for me between 2003 and Broho tends to be the philosophical outlook it ends up conveying. I like both series' a lot (though I'll admit I prefer Brotherhood) but it's clear both have vastly different outlooks. 2003 for example is much more sardonic and even somewhat quick to tear down religious sways. The comparisons between Dante of "Inferno" fame and Dante the show's villain really drives that deeper. Brotherhood on the other hand, you could argue has a more "cliche" villain with Father, but in reality, Father's very nature reflects heavily on Broho's philosophy - as not only does it seem to be more openly accepting of belief systems or a lack thereof, but Father's ultimate flaw and cause of his downfall was the desire to be "perfect" which FMAB argues isn't something a human can be, that being human is to be imperfect but to always strive for growth. 2003 posits a darker view where, while still having somewhat of a uplifting outlook by the end, still takes a lot more nihilistic views to get there. It's interesting.

[@astemirabazekhov9005]

I like that in FMA, you can highlight the common theme. The idea of entropy, the increasing chaos, exposing at first glance immutable truths of nature and the attempt to resist this decline rhymes with story of growing up, breaking the perfect ideas about the world and shaping a new outlook on life.

[@KarenaTheFreak]

I watched this review when it was first released and now that I finally watched FMA (2003) completely for the first time I thought I should watch it again. I enjoyed the show, and I tried not to think about the stuff I know from FMA:B and tried to think of it as a series where the original author gave it over to others with just the barest ideas of how it was meant to end. And it was still pretty good. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I'll be watching FMA:B in a little while. Gonna give my mind time to digest his series first and try to go in without thinking of the 2003 anime.

[@Prinnycute]

Totally didn't expect this to be posted!

[@Prinnycute]

Errr I am serious though ...not sarcastic ! *^*

[@KylesBestvideos]

+Prinnycute neither did I. In those days, we truly believed that to be the worlds one and only truth.

[@KidSnivy69]

He hinted at it in his top 30 background music video.

[@Prinnycute]

+KidSnivy69 Really? I wonder how I missed the hint

[@KidSnivy69]

It was at the very end of the video

[@Sneha0103]

Thank god i watched fullmetal alchemist before brotherhood!

[@deaj8450]

I actually thought the ending of 03 was one of the best things about it. It's not meant to be a happy ending that wraps much of anything up, it is meant to be more grounded and realistic. It shows that you can't erase every mistake you've made, but you can live with them and move past them to become a better version of yourself. It shows that you can have hope and happiness despite despair, loss, and outcomes you never wanted. 03 is a much more mature show with many more valuable life lessons and better character development. Brotherhood is just an extremely well executed shounen.

[@thefox1901]

That was a beautiful review. I can't tell you how happy I was to hear someone talk about the effect FMA had on anime newcomers such as myself, as well as the powerful storytelling and characterization that it continues to deliver.

[@leliagolden7894]

I am so glad you did a review on fma. Everyone forgets or ignores it and it's frustrating. One of my favorite animes of my teenhood.

[@CornishCreamtea07]

I saw the 03 version first, and this was after Brotherhood had come out. Do I get some kind of medal or price, and if not, WHY?

[@Graffitidog]

Because i did the same and haven't received one either

[@JJsims5504]

+Lelouch Vi Britannia +CornishCreamtea07 I'm still waiting on mine too, guys

[@Graffitidog]

+Janaki Butterworth The struggle is real...

[@winstonvontoast6163]

I didn't start watching anime before 2012 and I would like all the medals I've been promised but never gotten. I would also like that the people who promised me eternal glory and a platinum medal for watching Boku no Pico to please return my soul.

[@JJsims5504]

+ToastChickens you poor soul. I shall award you with all the prizes I have never received...

[@doodlemunchkin2222]

The more I look at it, I’m not even sure if I pin FMA 03 under the shounen genre anymore. It doesn’t have the typical bombastic, flashy, grand plot kind of story that shounen usually represents. It’s a little too heavy and quiet with its drama and leans on physiological and philosophical themes as the center of its interest, more than flashy fight scenes and epic final boss battles. The story feels a little more small and intimate with a lot of character study vibes. It almost feels like it falls into the drama genre more than it does shounen.

[@haluloo.123]

I love both Fullmetal Alchemist adaptations equally but the 2003 version's openings and endings just hit harder

[@vantedante3638]

Just finished FMA saw your detailed review and now moving on to FMA Brotherhood! Love your reviews!

[@cbeaird52]

So, several years later and we are going to try the forbidden process and my Fiance, who has watched Brotherhood, is going to start watching the original FMA, which is my favorite, but I digress.

[@halloweenfriday]

This is a message to all the FMAB fans: Just because Brotherhood stayed close to the manga doesn't mean it's better.

[@drekiskrek5008]

Connor Morley You're right. But because it's better written and coherent to it's own established ideas, it is.

[@InFiiLtRaTor]

I've never read the manga but have seen both series. I still think Brotherhood is better.

[@sulpherbratigh7936]

2003 is just a filler horseshit boooooooooooooo

[@21stCenturyNabokov]

Facts.The homunculuses were way more interesting

[@Gyovanny7080]

What if they never read the manga?

[@fireaza]

I was lucky enough to catch the very first episode of the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series as it aired for the first time when I went on exchange to Japan. It looked really cool (from what I could understand, though I thought Alphonse was a robot!) so I started downloading it when I went back home. It became one of my all-time favorite series. Many years later, I moved to Japan. On a whim, I started channel surfing until I saw a very familiar anime... It was Fullmetal Alchemist! Not the 2009 remake, but the original series! It all came back full (transmutation) circle!

[@fireaza]

+GentlemanNietzsche Bag?! You son of a bitch!

[@stonebutch]

i love love LOOOVE how you didn't compare brotherhood and 03 that much in this!!!! they're both amazing in their own ways and i totally agree with the fact that you should watch 03 before brotherhood, it really adds to the hype and quality of brotherhood if you watch the original first!

[@WIZA327]

My god, Arkada, the motivational epicness in that first segment starting at 1:00 and goin to 1:55... The music choice there was PERFECTION.

[@Keasy91]

The ending in 2003 had such a deep meaning its just amazing

[@Webbyneon89]

14:51 Well consider me the odd one then because even though I had watched Brotherhood first I was still able to thoroughly enjoy myself while watching the 2003 FMA version.Hell I watch the original far more now than I do Brotherhood because of how amazingly it conveys the bittersweet atmosphere that is reality.Not to say I don't find them as equals though of course in quality writing for their own morals they portray. Without going into spoilers I much prefer how the Homunculi were handled in the 2003 version compared to Brotherhood's execution as a prime example of what the original did better in my eyes.

[@robertonome2448]

Yeah, watched Brotherhood first as well. Lust turned from an unlikable generic villain into one of my favorite characters from FMA, after seeing the 2003's version. I'd say that alone is hell of an improvement already... Not even mentioning the rest of the cast (specially the "bad" guys overall).

[@robertonome2448]

I'd say overall Brotherhood's plot and animation are a lot more polished, but FMA is just a brute gem... And that's why IMO its much better, as the emotional moments hit mucher harder on this series. Not to mention that the "villains" in general are given much more attention to, and more meaning. Not being as black and white as in FMAB

[@SKULLKR3W]

read the manga its way more nuanced than brotherhood 03 was shit tho

[@shikitohno1756]

I read the manga as it was coming out, and I never watched brotherhood. And I still thought the villains weren't that nuanced.

[@TheMaestroMizerous]

Why does Father want to become God? He's a dick? He is a jerk? Sure Dante is not better however she does have a reason to really hate Hohenheim.

[@_Dinops]

I watched brotherhood first, but I ended up liking the 2003 series even more. Which is saying alot since brotherhood was really good

[@cptbeto]

Watched both, loved both. Absolutely worth every minute invested in it. The sheer quality of character development is baffling compared to nowdays anime, it's just so good that it makes you care a lot about them characters (and I mean a lot). 2003 bittersweet ending was beautiful in its own way and I regard it highly; what makes it even better is that 2009 adaptation compensates all the bitternes from 2003 with one of the most hearwarming endings I've experienced. Nice review. Could've gone more into detail with music (specially the chapter in which Ed arrives into the world war paralel dimention), but hey, time is limited.

[@emiyakk]

I love your reviews, you touch everything from settings, to characters, to plot and behind the scenes... i couldn't ask for a better review! plus, you're in canada !

[@JasmineRobotnik]

Im a new fan never seen the show. Started with 2003 continuing with Brotherhood. Man i haven't been hooked with a show in ages. Im glad i gave it a try.

[@skullarchives-x1m]

Watched 2003 FMA. just got down with the movie and didn't regret anything. I'm excited to watch the adaptation next. But I'm still sad of how emotionally invested I was on the first season. Oh well

[@thtwasntverigospelovu854]

I'm glad someone likes the first FMA opening!!! I thought I was the only one. My opinion on the openings are exactly the same as well. The animation is beautiful as it goes on. The songs get worse though.

[@anotherperson6146]

And Dark can't be described as dark. The Music, and the Arakawa-Production, and I agree this is the best anime original ending and the not so happy ending. I love this show and Brotherhood.

[@Giogiogio4]

I enjoyed the fact that they didnt make all the villains "13 generals". Each of them had a deep connection to the other characters and story. Brotherhood kinda went down the typical evil bad guy route. I liked the fact that the villain wasnt all powerful. They were just a small part of a larger world and simply was consumed by their own vices. A real reflection of the current world and the time period it kinda took place in. A Ruling secret class that in the ends own greed were their undoing. We arent connected to them, dont know too much of them other than their humanity took over them. And our connections are what's really important.

[@miriam4972]

Just watch both! And when you do, watch 2003 first. FMA is the kind of anime best enjoyed knowing as little about it as possible. And if you watch 2003 first, you will enjoy brotherhood so much more. I really feel like watching both enhanced my love of each of the adaptations

[@isakigoboom]

Agreed with everything said. Love this series. And yes; Brotherhood leaves you with a lack of appreciation if you were to watch it first I would think.

[@SourRobo8364]

I watched the first 6 episodes of Brotherhood, I didn't enjoy it as much, but I started the 2003 and thought it was great.

[@SKULLKR3W]

so youre saying youre not actually a fan of the story just like the world thats pretty dumb cause the actual story is amazing

[@SourRobo8364]

hddd the story is amazing, but the first 6 episodes of Brotherhood did a bad job getting me invested or caring about it.

[@Vitz_atelier]

Excellent video. You are one of the few people that actualy gave the credit to that adaptation where it is due. Just because of that the review is amazing. There are other qualities, but that one was the most important for me.

[@Isa-tm6ls]

Going back to this video, I laughed when you said that FMA was 40 dollars. I looked online, my BluRay set came out to about 85 (I just bought it because I enjoyed FMA when it was on Netflix), including taxes. What a world we live in.