The Meaning of Fullmetal Alchemist - An Edward Elric Character Analysis | FMA VS Brotherhood FINAL

It's the final part of my Fullmetal Alchemist VS Brotherhood series. That's right. It only took me four years.
Twitch channel: / thelowart
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00:00:00 - INTRODUCTION
00:00:51 - PART 1: CONFESSION
00:13:47 - PART 2: ELUCIDATION
00:21:13 - PART 3: EDUCATION
00:43:34 - PART 4: TRANSFORMATION
BACKGROUND MUSIC
INTRODUCTION
- Laws of Alchemy (from Brotherhood)
PART 1: CONFESSION
- Fanfare of the Brave (from Brotherhood)
- Desolation (from Brotherhood)
- One is All, All is One (from Brotherhood)
- Avenue (from 2003)
- Kyoudai (from 2003)
- Pathetic (from 2003)
- The Fullmetal Alchemist - Legato (from Brotherhood)
- The Atonement (from 2003)
- Way Home (from 2003)
- Ominous Clouds (from 2003)
- Beaming Sunlight (from 2003)
PART 2 - ELUCIDATION
- Lapis Philosophorum - Piano Solo (from Brotherhood)
- Anticipation (from Brotherhood)
- Consonance (from Brotherhood)
- Homunculus (from 2003)
PART 3 - EDUCATION
- Violoncello's Lament (from Brotherhood)
- Eternity (from 2003)
- Greed (from 2003)
- Aishou (from 2003)
- Mount Briggs - Undulation (from Brotherhood)
- A Soldier's Honor (from Brotherhood)
- Crisis in the North (from Brotherhood)
- A Soldier's Honor cont'd (from Brotherhood)
- Immortality (from 2003)
- Indignation (from 2003)
- Far East Suite (from Brotherhood)
- Thread of Life (from 2003)
- Instigation (from 2003)
- Sorrowful Stone (from Brotherhood)
PART 4 - TRANSFORMATION
- Heroic Bolero (from Brotherhood)
- Philosophorum Omega (from Brotherhood)
- Racing (from 2003)
- Transient Life (from 2003)
- Spiral of Truth (from Brotherhood)
- Fate (from 2003)
- Vestige (from 2003)
- Crime and Punishment (from Brotherhood)
- Main Theme ~The Alchemist (from Brotherhood)
- Epilogue ~A New Journey (from Brotherhood)
- Parting (from 2003)
- Warning (from 2003)
- Wakare no Kyoku - Piano Version (from 2003)
- Road to Manhood (from 2003)
- Brothers (from 2003)
TOMFOOLERY RELATED TO SLOTH
All right, so, on the Wikipedia page for the seven deadly sins, there's the following claim: "Acēdia is negative form of the Greek term κηδεία ('Kēdeia'), which has a more restricted usage. 'Kēdeia' refers specifically to spousal love and respect for the dead. The positive term 'kēdeia' thus indicates love for one's family, even through death." When I read this, I thought it was really cool - after all, if this is true, then Sloth would also be related to Ed and Al trying to bring their mom back to life, as that could be seen as a lack of respect for the dead. But, alas, I followed the sources cited on Wikipedia and I couldn't find something talking about this. I then followed up with one of my Patrons, Conrad, who I thought might be able to help me with this, and he reached out to a PhD friend of his who he thought might know something about these terms. Unfortunately, the PhD wasn't certain, and I'd already spent too much time trying to confirm this, so I had to stop looking. Even so, it was cool enough that I wanted to at least mention it in the video, but I also didn't want to give the sense that this is definitely true. As such, I decided to leave it in as a little throw-away, kinda joke section, and to put text leading you here, to this very paragraph your eyes glide over now. Anyway, thank you to the one person who cared to read this. Bless ya.

[@Lowart]

A big thank you to everyone who has watched these videos! I loved making them. Though this is the end of the 2003 VS Brotherhood series, I'm sure I'll still make more FMA content in the future. It just won't be part of this series. Either way though, thanks again, and I hope you enjoy this last one :)

[@DrDolan2000]

Thank YOU for making these videos. Interesting and entertaining to watch

[@MrNotaComedian]

THANK YOU LOWART . We love you

[@karinakamichi4557]

You should make one of Alphonse in 03 and Brotherhood

[@nickjones9867]

GOOD JOB. I LIKE WHAT YOU GOT.

[@m0nke13]

Pls do steins gate analysis of themes and characters

[@matthewirving4877]

Edward is one of the best shounen protagonists of all time

[@KingRumar]

He isn't the dumb, overpowered protagonist with a bottomless stomach who loves to fight like the other big names.

[@nomenbeb5747]

he's great but not the best one, I would suggest you to watch Ashita no Joe, I think Joe Yabuki is much better

[@user-ek2xg3ps5s]

@@thedamntrain Here we go again...

[@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244]

@@user-ek2xg3ps5s fr

[@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244]

@@thedamntrain you're literally showing off the toxicity of the 2003 fanbase

[@OneEyedOwl__]

The scene in 2003 where Ed is looking out at the town underneath Central is insane to me and then Ed’s realization that an entire society was destroyed and forgotten for the stone .

[@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244]

Do you know the episode ?

[@OneEyedOwl__]

@@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244 I wanna say episode 47 or 48 not sure but I remember it’s in the last couple of episodes

[@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244]

@@OneEyedOwl__ thanks

[@OneEyedOwl__]

@@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244 actually episode 49 just looked it up lol

[@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244]

@@OneEyedOwl__ oh thanks

[@ollipantsukka7211]

The thing with father is that he is not intelligent he is just extremely knowledgeable and has a lot of power to control and manipulate circumstances. Even if he succeeded in the final battle and had the whole universe as his playground, he would soon realize it is just another container, his view on freedom is something that can never be accomplished.

[@stinkypitz0005]

A sort of Intelligence vs. Wisdom debate. Father is intelligent and and his cunning nearly pulls off his plan, and yet he would see the universe as another container. He is intelligent, he is not wise. Or at least not compassionate. While hoenheim is the wiser of the two.

[@ollipantsukka7211]

@@stinkypitz0005 That may be, I would see it more as knowledge vs intellect. Father is born with everything he knows and will know, like truth told him, he never grew or learned something new which is what intellect is for so im not sure he is even intelligent, let alone wise.

[@Human_traain]

@@ollipantsukka7211 ok0ool0lplokok

[@PotionsMaster007]

Knowledge is a facet of intelligence, it’s called called crystallised intelligence, improving with age as we attain more of it. Fluid intelligence is the other side, it’s the flexibility to adapt to your environment, that gets worse as you age. There are more areas but they’re the main ones

[@ollipantsukka7211]

@@PotionsMaster007 Knowledge is the end result of intellect applied correctly not intellect itself. Your metaphor of crystallized intelligence is a good one (especially for father because of the philosopher's stone situation) if intellect is the process and knowledge is the result. We all remember that kid from class who wasn't intelligent but got good marks because of cramming. Father is sort of that dude except he is just born with everything and he won't forget it as it is downloaded to his "soul" permanently, sort of like a memory chip.

[@gilles4prezudent650]

My favorite scene in the whole franchise is in the old show, right after they discover that the stone is made from humans. In the middle of the night, Ed and Al have a conversation where they're just allowed to reflect on themselves for a bit.

[@Lowart]

Yeah I love that scene too. Beautiful show

[@Horsed_Beef]

For me, my favorite scene is after surviving Barry the chopper, and Ed is lamenting the reality that he is so insignificant and "can't even save a little girl" as he breaks down crying. Reaaaaaally made me feel bad for him there. Rough day for the Elrics. Second favorite is probably Izumi embracing them after beating the living crap out of them for their transgressions against her teachings. In 2003. That scene actually is less good in brotherhood.

[@lampad4549]

@@Horsed_Beef how is that scene less good in brotherhood?

[@kalypso4133]

@@lampad4549 In Brotherhood, it's not driven home. It's treated more like comic relief than a serious moment.

[@fkjl4717]

​@@kalypso4133 i assure you, it is not.

[@DowntownTasty]

I think most people miss the meaning of “sloth” in 03. She says it herself. She doesn’t have the energy to assume the role and emotions of being their mother. And that’s why she must kill them. She feels it’s an awful burden that’s been placed on her. Think of how some people with severe depression or addiction are. They begin to neglect their kids and pets. And this itself causes them more pain and guilt and it becomes a cycle.

[@ShadowSkyX]

It's also represented in al too, who remains largely unchanged even this far in. He becomes almost grating because of how little he evolved as a character and the traits that used to be admirable no longer have a place when facing the humonguli. his naivette and trying too hard to do the right thing lands him in a lot of trouble.

[@crazy13alex]

​​​@@ShadowSkyX I would say that a large factor in Al's choices is the fact that the conception of Homunculi in 03 is very different to Brotherhood. In the former, Sloth was the living image of Trisha Elric; mockery of their mother and walking reminder of what they threw away. in the latter, Sloth was a strange creature that they had no responsibility over. If 03 Homunculi were the original concept, Brotherhood Ed and Al would have made some of the same mistakes.

[@matteste]

That is what I like more about 03's Homunculus. It actually takes a more nuanced approach to their sins, closer to what they actually mean rather than the manga and Brotherhood that more follows them at face value.

[@kimzee59]

So I watched 03 after I had watched Brotherhood. And there was always something I noticed in the early episodes of 03 and that was how childlike and weak they showed Ed. In Brotherhood, while he does have setback in the early episodes, it seems like he works through them and pushes on. With 03 I found myself being constant reminded that Ed was just a child. He wasn't grown up and I could feel a sense of innocent naivete from him. If that makes any sense.

[@ngpdreamteam2k4]

Makes a lot of sense. That’s what made it so sad and depressing. I say 03 is better. Which one would you say?

[@kimzee59]

@@ngpdreamteam2k4 I would say that I personally like Brotherhood more than 03. Not that 03 is bad in any way, shape or form. I think I just liked the direction that the story took in Brotherhood more than 03. I'm thinking about doing a rewatch of 03 as I've watched Brotherhood more times that 03, so who knows. Maybe my opinion will change.

[@ephemereaux]

I only finished watching both series like 6 months ago but I’m rewatching 2003 now and it makes me even more emotional to know everything that happens to Ed. 2003’s characterization of him was INCREDIBLE, especially the beginning episodes truly hammering it into viewer’s heads that “this is literally a traumatized 12 year old kid.” I think I prefer 2003 because of how much care they put into emotional aspects of the series. Many of my favorite moments with Ed happen in 2003, especially the small ones like when Mustang is still unfamiliar to Ed so he speaks to him very nervously and rigidly/overly-politely on the phone; later after trying to revive Nina when Ed cries out and flinches away from Mustang when he marches toward him to grab his arm; even in the filler episode with the nurse when Ed throws a fit about having to get a shot! I LOVE these scenes, it makes the fact that he’s a CHILD SOLDIER so much more real and sad to think about.

[@Kickinthescience]

@@kimzee59 I think 03 would’ve impacted you more if you watched it first instead if Brotherhood. The tucker and Major Hughes storylines were told better and had more emotion in the 03 version

[@joeholtz5395]

Exactly! I think that's why the anime was so successful

[@mechajay3358]

Ed's character, whether it be 2003 or Brotherhood/Manga, is a lot more complex than people give him credit for.

[@justtheguywiththewavecheck6244]

Big facts here

[@RubyofBlue]

Damn dude... it's not till watching this video that I realized just how similar, thematically, the two shows' messages are by their end. They just go about conveying it very differently. Mangahood shows us even after Ed and Al get pretty much everything they've wanted; their bodies back, keeping each other safe, and a loving home to come back to, that doesn't mean they should stop; they continue to confront their ignorance, and gain knowledge from other people in the hopes of continuing to make the world a better place. 2003 is the inverse of that. The world has beaten Ed and Al down, even tried to forever separate them, simply for their ignorance as children, even when trying to rectify that mistake, they only made it worse. But by the end of their journey, even if they've lost their home and family, they'll continue to acknowledge the truth about their world and their place in it, in hopes to make it a better place. In both cases, "don't turn a blind eye to the truth of the world and your potential impact on it" comes to mind. 2003 focuses on acknowledging the negative consequences your actions may have, while Mangahood focuses on the good that can come from encouraging positive actions.

[@-UnknownHero]

Interesting conclusion. I also liked that in 03 homunculi are created by the actions of alchemists, among others, the protagonists. This extends the aspect of consequences tje actions have

[@validark]

7:10 Ive honestly always liked the scene where Ed has a ptsd flashback to their failed transmission and passes out at the crime scene Cause like, hes 12 hes a kid. Seeing something like that would be traumatic for any kid but add on a previous trauma and well I also like how Hughes (? Its been awhile since ive watched but im sure its hughes) is worried about ed and then gets him to safety while eds out of it

[@Hydraclone]

Hughes in 03 is just a top tier character. Having the time period be based before his child is born gave us the extra time we needed to really fall in love with him. Brotherhood and the manga don't give us that.

[@catsinwonderland7473]

and if I remember correctly someone (I forgot who) said that ed kept muttering to his mom he was sorry while he was asleep, that’s so messed up like sheeeeesh

[@NitroIndigo]

I always had the impression that the theme of 2003 was that Ed insisted he had to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders alone, resulting in him pushing other people away and making everything worse for himself.

[@ShadowSkyX]

The last part of the show was a slow spiral into the dark for him. Over time there are less and less people around him; subtle red flags are raised in the last conversations he has that he isn't going to come out of this like all the other times. He's changed so much and al has refused to. Ed had been forced to grow up and forced to acknowledge he can't maintain the childish mindset; something has to give, else he'll break down sooner rather than later. Al however shows what happens when you refuse to take initive or change. his unchanging sentimental naivette is no longer a good thing or good for him to desperately cling to. Equivalent exchange--the foundation of who they were--was the only constant that hadn't warped into a lie. By the time ed visits dante under the church, its the only belief left that hasn't been contested seriously. Beyond the gate makes ed realize their no kill rule didn't matter - every alchemist unknowingly kills those residing on the other side. ed just never fully considered the energy as part of the greater equation and certainly not how much was constantly being converted just to do even the more basic feats. Thing is, neither ed or dante are inherently wrong; the world encompasses both equivalent exchanges _and_ chaos. Ed succeeds in getting Al's real body back because of time. In all other cases too much time had passed before trying to bring someone back to life. Ed's life is exchanged for Al's soul, al's memories as a suit of armor were exchanged for his body.

[@SpiderWinry79]

It is another of the things that I really like about both adaptations. In 2003, Edward avoids people so he doesn't hurt them, he literally cuts Winry out of his life for years just so he doesn't hurt her, and he doesn't trust anyone. While in Brotherhood, Ed's final lesson and what he had to understand was quite the opposite: that he was not alone, and that there was nothing more valuable than the people around him.

[@trickyagent127]

I think what I love about Manga/hood and Brotherhood is that the whole of the story feels like a love letter to humanity and human life. The each plot point, characters, themes, and conclusions return back to that idea. And through the story, the characters show what humanity is. Without disregarding the dark and bad parts of humanity, despite them, people struggle, and what brings the homunculi to an end, the supposedly next phase of life, the ultimate being, all meet their ends because of their rejection, or reveling in, their humanity

[@ulysseh4598]

That's very cool. 2003 is more my cup of tea but I appreciate your perspective as well

[@DragoEpyon]

That constant praise of humanity honestly started getting on my nerves. 'We're humans we can do anything we want' is overdone tripe, the result of a narcissistic monkey thinking it's oh so cool. Humanism is the most idiotic thing we've ever come up with.

[@samlerf]

Father becomes a much better villain when you realize that all the homunculus are parts of his personality. When you think of all of them as one being rather than eight separate ones. I always said that the most interesting thing about the Dwarf in the Flask was that he wasn't emotionless and that there were tinges of humanity in him. For one thing, I think he genuinely cared about Hohenheim way back when he was a slave. Yes, he was always manipulating the situation in his favor, but at the end, he still called Hohenheim "brother" and he still gave him all those souls for a damn near eternal life. Also, later on, when he finds out Hohenheim has children, he's briefly very affectionate to Edward. The way he pats him on the head and smiles seems very genuine. At least in that small moment.

[@In-The-Zone]

Its also worth mentioning that the moment in which he meets Ed that he now has Greed back inside him. The Homunculus who when it boils down to it was all about making a surrogate family.

[@georgepanicker61916]

Dude no, that's not how it fucking works and is a copout for subpar writing. Father was as bad as Dante and was a sucky villain

[@DSan-kl2yc]

I think he did care about him..as you said, he left him alive. I think if they had stayed together, maybe he wouldn't be so evil. But it's understandable why they didn't after witnesses such a mass genocide.

[@thegreatgonzales6813]

@@georgepanicker61916 At least explain yourself if you're gonna so brazenly state such a bad take.

[@josephgonzalez8138]

​@@georgepanicker61916 dude can you at least give a reason why it's the case?

[@wanderlustwarrior]

In short, the difference between 2003 and Mangahood isn't the difference between "idealistic vs cynical", it's between "hard fought idealistic vs earned bittersweet".

[@SKOT_3]

Ed is a great main character, but his iteration from 2003 is by far my favorite, the added scenes and character moments make me sympathize with him more, and seeing his growth and constant lost while holding on to his belief is just masterful.

[@networknomad5600]

The FMA iteration in 2003 pays way more attention to the characters and their development, as well as their sorrow. Brotherhood is a series rushing to the end. Brotherhood is only palatable if you’ve read the manga or watched the 2003 version.

[@jase276]

FMA 03 was just so much more grittier and real. When Ed kills Greed, it was his first kill and they really showed the guilt and trauma that came with it perfectly. That being said, some plot points were a bit dragged and convoluted. Like Dante and Rose.

[@amuroray9115]

@@jase276 yeah. Some plotpoints with Dante didn’t make much sense to me. Like how she was opening the gate with Rose’s baby just by holding it up…..or how Ed switched bodies with his other counterpart, killed him, and then he crossed over with his normal body? Did Hohenheim switch bodies with his WW2 counterpart?

[@junglejuice4761]

@@amuroray9115 I feel they should've went a different direction for the gate than another world beyond the gate

[@Gatopardo95599]

​@@junglejuice4761 o quizás planearlo de mejor manera sin que queden agujeros en la trama. Los mundos o universos paralelos pueden ser buenos si se sabe como utilizarlos, en 03 pasa que se quedaron a medias y por eso se siente como incompleto porque en verdad lo está. Es una lástima que en el final de la serie se hayan acelerado dejan muchos cabos sueltos y cosas metidas un tanto a la fuerza. Imagina como hubiera sido el final si lo hubieran desarrollado bien, porque si a pesar de lo apresurado e incompleto que fue el final que dieron salió algo medianamente aceptable, con un mejor desarrollo hubiera sido un grandioso final para una serie tan buena como lo fue 03.

[@starcrystal2580]

You want me to watch a one-hour long video about Edward's character and mentality on the 2003 version? *sure,* *lemme* *get* *some* *popcorn* *and* *let's* *start*

[@thearomanticshipper4468]

Ha! I can watch videos at 2x speed like it's nothing! Be gone fodder!

[@lainiwakura1776]

@@thearomanticshipper4468 That's amateur hour. Lowart doesn't even talk slow.

[@anthonyp3113]

@@lainiwakura1776 eh I sometimes do vids on 1.25x because of a commute or work. But, I agree he doesn't talk slow..plus how do you retain anything at 1.5x or higher?

[@SullivanDLuffy]

I love the Ending on Brotherhood Better and I did Watch Both Shows

[@deVillefort63]

As I saw it, what Edward gained at the end of the 2003 series was wisdom; the wisdom of recognizing that he is fallible, that he doesn't have all the answers immediately the way he thought he did, and that he can't save the world on his own- but that's okay. The fact that he became a wiser, more mature person is its own reward. To be fair, Lowart, you implicitly highlight a lot of this in your analysis. But your final summation, about the message of the show being "its worth trying to do the right thing anyway despite not knowing" or something to that effect...I mean, sure, that message is in the 2003 show, but to sum it up as merely that...well, I think that's a much more shallow and superficial summation of the core themes than your *own* analysis warrants. I also noticed you didn't really delve all that much into 2003's anti-scientism angle with Edward's arc. One thing that always struck me as interesting about FMA 2003 is that, for a show that starts with its protagonist denigrating primitive superstition and praising science, it sure spends a *lot* of time and effort implicitly highlighting how he's basically made a "religion" of sorts, out of what he believes about alchemy, one centered around [but not limited to] his beliefs about equivalent exchange. Edward's beliefs about alchemy are juxtaposed with the religious fanaticism of different characters- directly with that of Cornello's followers, and of Scar and certain other Ishballans, and indirectly with that of his own country's leader, who views himself "as one of God's guardian angels." On top of this, some of the most hostile statements in the entire show about religious people are placed in the mouth of Dante herself, who is implicitly coded as someone who doesn't believe in any sort of higher power or deity. Still further, though it's much less focused on than Edward's own beliefs, its all but stated that at the Amestrian government's core philosophy in the 2003 show is influenced in part by a belief that they are bringing progress to backwards peoples. From all of the above, I think its pretty obvious that we the viewer are being challenged to ask ourselves whether being atheistic, secular, a "believer in science", etc. is really sufficient in and of itself to save one from the sort of rigid dogmatism and inflexibility that under-girds religious extremism. And I think its safe to say that the show's answer is a resounding *no* . But does that mean FMA 2003 is advocating for belief in a higher power? No, I don't think it is. It certainly doesn't give any sort of blanket sympathy to religion per se, considering how it highlights and condemns religious extremism at multiple points. However, the fact that it spends just as much, if not more, effort condemning fanaticism in matters other than religion leads me to believe that the message is more about condemning extremism and the rigid thinking that gives rise to it in *all* its forms, not just the ones already disliked by a specific group of people. Whether or not there is a God in the universe of FMA 2003 is not stated, because it's besides the point; the point is that one should never be a fanatic, period.

[@pelucheCR7]

I dont think wisdom is something you can fully gain when you are young. But you could say he gain a little bit of wisdom or say the start of concious person whose wise and will become even more wise over time.

[@ofgreyhairwaifu4089]

You forgot to mention that after a life of seeming faith denial, after learning that there is no A+B=get_my_brother's_body_back, Ed makes a... leap of faith, just to grasp at the chance of getting something.

[@ndalum75]

You could view it as a closetly (that should be a word) pro-religious show. If anything, it's communicating the old talking point, which is more obvious today, that man cannot live without religion. Those who are "secular" make religions out of new things, out of their love of Science TM, or their love of human "progress", with little care for the on the ground effects of "progress", or if people even like their version of "progress". Ed of course has adopted the former belief, and the military the latter. The former belief is depicted as merely childish and harmful, too arrogant by half, but the latter is depicted as covertly genocidal, echoing early progressive eugenicists and their beliefs, which would be taken to the ultimate extreme under the Nazis, themselves great believers in "progress". This isn't to denigrate anyone who's ever used that label, but it is likely set up to challenge those certain in their own ideas of "progress".

[@deVillefort63]

@@pelucheCR7 That's a good way of putting it.

[@deVillefort63]

@@ndalum75 Good thoughts. Like I said, I don't think the show is actively trying to take a position one way or the other as to whether God exists. Its simply condemning arrogant rigidity and fanaticism in any form. With that said, if we apply Tolkien's concept of applicability in storytelling, the reading you describe is certainly plausible. However, one thing makes me wonder if such a reading is not just plausible, but intended. Its worth remembering what some of the prevailing philosophical and sociopolitical movements were at the time the show came out. In this case, I'm thinking of Neoconservatism and the New Atheist movement. As I've always understood it, Neoconservatism includes a belief that a desire for freedom, progress, etc. as defined by western liberal-democratic regimes, is something that all peoples throughout the world either consciously or unconsciously carry within them, and foreign intervention can sometimes be necessary in order to either awaken that desire within them, or else to facilitate it if/when it has already been awakened. As for the New Atheists, as I understood their arguments back when I first encountered them, they were asserting not so much people *can* be morally upright without believing in a higher power [although they do believe that] as that people *automatically will* be *more* virtuous if they are atheistic than if they are religious. As the phrase goes, "art doesn't exist in a vacuum." I have to wonder if FMA 2003's story was crafted in part as a critique of Neoconservatism and New Atheism.

[@doodlemunchkin2222]

I always related Sloth’s name being pinned to her because of HER actions and mentality. With not wanting to be bothered by the complex thoughts and painful feelings her past memories bring up, so she wants to simply get rid of the source instead of facing it and working through it, so she can have an easier, more immediate path to supposed peace and freedom for herself… But I didn’t even THINK about how the same could be applied to Ed and Al’s actions and mentality toward her too. Wohe…Nice. :0

[@monfernova]

All of the Homunculi; their "sins" are the sins of their creators, it's a throughline of 03

[@doodlemunchkin2222]

@@monfernova true! I was aware of that but for some reason hadn’t made that connection with Sloth yet lol

[@doodlemunchkin2222]

@@monfernova true! I was aware of that but for some reason hadn’t made that connection with Sloth yet lol

[@AspieMediaBobby]

@@monfernova Wrong, Dante and the Elrics say their "sins" and memories are simply imprints from the creators(Just like they say the Homunculi have no individual souls to call their own) but that`s because they initially underestimate the Homunculi`s autonomy and humanity!

[@doodlemunchkin2222]

@@AspieMediaBobby i think they just mean the sins they’re named after are the sins of their creators.

[@madestmadhatter]

Having Mustang be shown manipulating the two also helps justify Ed's antagonistic relationship with him.

[@RobertsonIsland]

To me the only real justification needed is that Mustang clearly fills a fatherly role and Ed is furious with his father so it translates to this other alchemist watching over him

[@yukarilolz]

​@@RobertsonIslandso the only justification Ed needs to dislike Roy is daddy issues?? Lmao

[@RobertsonIsland]

@@yukarilolz yeah, he’s a 14 year old lmao how much emotional maturity do you expect from him?

[@yukarilolz]

@@RobertsonIsland i don't. I was just resaying what you said in a more funny way but my tone didn't come across

[@squishgod9094]

My biggest complaint with Shamballa is still Ed and Al both being stuck on our side of the gate. I think if Ed had told Al to stay on their side of the gate to protect it like Ed will protect ours, itd be a great way to show them still being together while apart and it leaves Winry less shafted and alone at the end

[@ComputerJunkie00]

Well, Ed *did* tell Al to destroy it on their world's side of the gate. Al just decided to tag along with him anyway. Without that, the movie ends just as it began, with the two brothers separated forever. In a way, having them end up in our world helps accomplish what Ed wanted to do at the end of the series. He wanted to destroy any and all traces of the Stone from memory so no one would ever pursue it again. Having them no longer exist in their world removes another link in that memory of the Stone.

[@Edax_Royeaux]

Frankly I like that Shamballa left the door open for more stories, even if we never got any. I can imagine Ed and Al on a train headed to some new adventure.

[@ephemereaux]

@@Edax_Royeaux yes! I think keeping them together at the end would have been the only satisfying end to the story. They’ve been through so much, sometimes 2003 seems like it’s just set on bullying Ed as much as possible (and some people even complain that it’s too pessimistic), so having all of their pain and struggles and experiences pay off by accomplishing what had always been their main goal-to get Al’s body back and be together again (Ed didn’t get his limbs back, but he didn’t seem to care about that)-is what really ties it all up for me. Yes, it’s still tragic because they had to leave everything and everyone else behind, but in 2003 they were so attached at the hip, all they’d ever wanted was just to get through this life together. Ed was already attached to our world and couldn’t stand to leave it behind when he knew something terrible was out there that he might have the chance to stop, and Al’s entire mission was to see and be with Ed again. It’s bittersweet, and I feel like we got closure, even with Winry when she accepts that she’ll never see Ed again. She resolves to move on, knowing he’s alive and that the brothers are where they’re supposed to be, by each other’s side.

[@catspaw3092]

@@ComputerJunkie00 True, Ed wanted Al to stay in their world while he remains in our world I cried when Ed was able to restore Al's body while losing his arm again. But they were separated hoping one day to reunite again & they were only this time Al wasn't going to be left behind he wants to be by his brother's side again & they are together again.

[@panther7584]

@@ephemereaux I bet had Al not tagged with Ed, he would had missed out on Scar and Sloth as a lovely dovely couple XD

[@NoahMonroe_]

40:55 HOLY SHIT I never put that together! That's... man, could you imagine if Ed ever learned the whole truth about that scenario?

[@Lowart]

I know. It's such an awesome way of building upon the idea that Ed's actions keep having unpredictable consequences.

[@ephemereaux]

Same I went pikachu meme, every analysis and rewatch of all FMAs have something new to contribute! It’s just such a rich series

[@yuewingman456]

One thing I also love in Brotherhood is the difference in how Truth treated Father and Ed in the ending. Father viewed Truth/god/world as sth negative, that's why Truth ended up giving him despair. Ed viewed the world as sth positive, he sees hope in the world, that's why Truth gave him hope in the ending.

[@meobachan5028]

Many people think it too harsh and somewhat negative/tragic when the 2003 anime repeatedly pushed Ed into a situation that later revealed more brutal results, but this is the element that makes me love FMA in the first place. Put it in the anime-style context of the 2000s, in its chaotic order of a war that ended a few years ago but still leaves social consequences up to the present, the rottenness of the political system, the anime becomes extremely meaningful, especially in the effort of giving us the understanding human's sorrow and forgiveness. It is actually more impactful if the viewer was born and raised in a land where wars are present, or have just passed but in some ways still affecting the present. I am the second generation born in peacetime and the wars have completely ended over 30 years in my country. However, the imprints that more than 1500 years of wars have left in my people's history of preserving the nation-freedom and peace-seeking make the story in FMA 2003 have a much stronger impact on me than on other audiences from the western world. the loss of thousands and millions of lives, the loss of wrong decisions, and the belief of ordinary people despite whether they can see the whole picture or not, after all, still remains a hope of a better future when everyone dares to take the plunge on the adventure of believing in their ideals. The world order in FMA 2003 is chaotic and might be imperfect, but it's beautiful in its own way, not less well-structured in the storytelling in comparison with the whole system of mangahood than people think it was.

[@beancheesedip8337]

Something that I find interesting about 2003, at least from my perspective, is how all the wavering on his ideals that Ed does, its all *before* the time skip, when we're still learning about his past and what led up to the events in Liore. After the skip, Ed becomes far more resolute and the show starts demanding how far his ideals will take him before he has to start making compromises. In a way, you could almost see it as pre-time skip, or post-jump back, depending on how you look at it, Ed is experiencing the world for the first time and how it impacts him. The show never explicitly has him betray his ideals. It introduces all these ideas to us and asks, "How does Ed feel?" We're never explicitly told Ed views the humunculi as humans, so Ed taking their life isn't an explicit breaking of his code. However, he never feels good about it. We see that with every humunculus that Ed kills, he loses part of himself, so maybe he is betraying himself. He starts the show spunky and irritable and ends it somber and almost defeated. In my view, Ed changes his perspective, not his ideals. To put it in a somewhat reductive way, he changes his worldview from deontological, that every action, no matter the consequences, has a morality in and of itself, to consequentialist, that the morality of an action is judged by the consequences of that action. The show questions the morality of each action, but never condemns anyone, and the way it does so is by taking control from the characters and questioning what they should do in those situations. Did they make the right choices? Maybe. Sure, they don't necessarily win in the end, but they don't necessarily lose, either, and the series had been attacking their "equivalent exchange" belief since the beginning. They could've made all the right choices throughout the entire series and still got the raw end of the deal, like Izumi's child and, almost, Rose's baby. Or alternatively, maybe all their choices, right or wrong, contributed to the end. Thats what the show was doing, in my opinion. It wasn't telling us what was right or wrong, it wasn't telling us that Ed and Al sticking to or betraying their ideals is good or bad. It presents all of it to us and asks, "What now?" Thats why I love the series.

[@rafaelcomph4627]

what episode timeskip

[@beancheesedip8337]

@@rafaelcomph4627 what do you mean? Are you asking what episode is the skip forward or backward?

[@cww2490]

I personally feel that Ed does see the homunculus as humans or at least have the same worth, but has to tell himself otherwise till the point that he can barely pretend. Otherwise he wouldn't be able to keep going. Though this is just my opinion.

[@beancheesedip8337]

@@cww2490 Obviously, killing Greed affected him, but after, I think he did everything he could to avoid thinking about it. I think if Ed allowed himself a moment to reflect on it, he'd come to the decision that they, at the very least, have the same worth as a human, as he did with the bound souls on the armor in lab 5, but knew if he wanted to stop Dante, he'd have to face the homunculi, and considering they can't be knocked out or become too injured to fight, killing them was the only option he had, which meant he didn't allow himself to consider their life.

[@igweofart]

Damn 2003 Ed just can’t catch a break

[@stolenshoeeeees]

These videos just reinforce why I think it’s so important to engage with BOTH the stories

[@fullskapunkalchemist3471]

Exactly. The two complete one another

[@classydoctor5864]

It feels surreal for this series to be finally over, melancholy to an extent, even. However, I don't think it could have happened in a better way, as this analysis has done a wonderfully beautiful job at reminding me why I love every version of Fullmetal Alchemist and also giving me further appreciation for it, as well as you as a content creator. I know it may sound cheesy, but truly, thank you for making this series and I'll stick around to see what else you have in store for us.

[@Lowart]

I'm happy you enjoyed it :) Thank you for sticking with it for so long

[@BruhBruh-ej4cd]

@@Lowart hey lowart which version of fmab do u prefer? manga 2003 or brotherhood?

[@Lowart]

@@BruhBruh-ej4cd 2003 is my favourite

[@vogonp4287]

In 2003, Ed confronts Hoenhiem. In the manga/Brotherhood, Hoenhiem confronts Ed.

[@hugogamboas.5550]

I think in the end both series deduce that equivalent exchange isn’t a thing. 2003 deduces that you will always lose more. Mangahood deduces you can always win more.

[@blurrycryptid]

If I recall Al says (Manga) that they’re working on a theory where you do the equivalent exchange and then add something of yourself. I took that to mean something like “you can suffer a lot when you extend mercy and love to others and you don’t always get what you deserve for putting that out there. But instead of putting it out there and then waiting for an equal return, just throw out some more. It certainly can’t hurt.” Aggressively care about your world and about other people even if it’s painful, essentially. I feel it lines up with Ed’s closing monologue pretty well.

[@chriswedemann8599]

To consume the whole, you need to experience both, as the two function as dark reflections of the other. The truth of the matter exists somewhere betwixt, I think.

[@claireaquos6532]

Personnaly, my theory is the reel law of equivalent echange is balance (in 2003)! Remember when Dante used death as an exemple to show equivalent echange doesn't exist? We can also ask ourselves the opposite: When a baby is born, what does it loose? For me, that means we are born with everything and are meant to loose everything. To give it back to the all. Also, the reel flaw behind Ed's belief is thinking the thing we gain=something you want. Again with Dante, she assume that succeed the exam should be what is gain. Howerver, what you really gain from studying is knowledge you can use later. Succeed in exam is just a bonus! Also, Ed may think he lost everything from the time he tried to revive his mother, but he did gain: the ability to do alchemy without a circle and a better understanding to why you shouldn't do human transmutation but also regrets and trauma. The last 2 are defenetly not things he wanted but we can't denie he gain it. Also, with that logic, Wrath having Ed's arm and leg doesn't contredict the equivalent exchange theory because there's no law saying that you can't use what you gain for sonething else...

[@meobachan5028]

@@claireaquos6532 Agreed. This is why, after accompanying the characters through 51 episodes (well, the movie also, but I prefer the gate is left opened, then), experienced all events that question their (and my) beliefs of "equivalent exchange" that was intentionally repeated at the beginning of each episode - the principle of the law roughly remains in my deep knowledge with upgraded understanding. Until the end of the story, my belief about "equivalent exchange" remained unchanged and it became the quote that I hold in my heart for the longest of time (I would say, it turned out to be one of the biggest mottos of my life). "People cannot gain something without sacrificing something. You must present something of equal value to gain something." The change switched from the physical path of alchemy to the emotional path of the experiences that everyone gets through the journey to find the final goal.

[@Kujakuseki01]

The amount of nuance in 2003 and lack of any simple, good choices and outcomes is why it was such a hit. Brotherhood would never have been made, and the manga would’ve never achieved the popularity it did. It’s also one of the big reasons for the huge growth in popularity of anime in the mainstream in the western world The other world twist shocked me back when the series first came out.

[@spinceiling7442]

I agree. Even as someone who ultimately prefers mangahood, the impact of the 03 series can’t be understated. It was one of the most talked about anime in the west during the 2000s and really widened my view on what kind of stories and themes could be tackled in anime

[@trika91]

What I liked about the 03 anime was their take on the homunculi. Failed human transmutations who have evolved into their own nonhuman being, and adopting the appearance (and even memories) of the person they were supposed to resurrect as. I thought it was so clever that the failed human transmutation that cost Al’s body and Ed’s leg ended becoming a homunculus used against them, having their mother’s face. The way of defeating them was also smart, as their major weakness is the remains of the human they’re suppose to be physically representing; attacking them until their philosophers stone grows weak or destroyed didn’t feel as creative. Plus (my personal bias), I liked the art style and character design in the 03 anime better. Characters looked more… mature? Not as soft? Sharper?🤔

[@lampad4549]

@@trika91 you can say that that you prefer the designs in 2003 over brotherhood, sure, it would be pedantic but you could say that. But to say they look more mature is stupid, they are practically the same. And to say that you prefer the designs just because one has sharper edges than the other is also stupid, just say that out loud and listen to that absurdly nit picky reason.

[@lampad4549]

No its not at all a big reason in the growth of anime in the west, that goes to one piece, bleach and naruto. FMA had barely any traction besides a niche audience, its hardly been noted to be a gate away series. As for lack of any simple good choices, what are on about? Most of the choices presented by the elric brothers is viewed as good. The ending is the only thing about the series that you can call bittersweet but even that got a happy resolution.

[@trika91]

@@lampad4549 I did say it was “my personal bias”…😑 Good for you going around telling other people *their opinions* are wrong.

[@limit1770]

I've heard a bunch of people call mangahood as a "Stock shonen anime", usually in order to unfavorably compare it to the 03 version, as if idealism and a happy ending somehow made it "lesser". To me, that feels the same as calling 03 a "pointless grimdark angst-fest". Both are incorrect. There's nothing inherently wrong with mangahood focusing on action and ideals (with plenty of character development), just as there's nothing wrong with 03 focusing on characters and different ideals (with plenty of action). They're both amazing stories in their own right, and in the end, which you think is better just boils down to a matter of what kind of story you prefer. This was an amazing analysis series, and thank you so much for doing both shows justice. Your speech and visual timing was excellent, and this was a wonderful series that I can definitely see myself coming back to. I wish you the best in the future.

[@joplys2697]

Yea both mangahood and 03 are good

[@rutger5000]

I actually think mangahoods happy ending makes it a better story. It's not a meaningless happy ending either, it's as clear as it can be a defeat of the will-to-power philosophy that Armestis represents. I really like it when someone dares to give an answer to philosophy and stand by their answer. I haven't watched 2003 in a long time, and I can't recall what questions it asked and what answers it gave. I really dislike that about 2003. After everything I still can't grog (to grog something is to fully understand it) the motivation of Dante. People have explained to me that's she's insane and is driven purely by survival, and I understand that. But I can't grog how that matches with all she needs to be to rule a nation from the shadows.

[@masterDarts4188]

I wouldn’t say it makes it lesser. But it is a bit too perfect. I actually appreciated how in 03 things don’t wrap up in a neat bow. Sometimes that’s just life, not everything has a good resolution and you just have to move on,

[@rutger5000]

@@masterDarts4188 I don't need stories to tell me about life. I already live life. I need stories to tell me about ideas and adventures. Those need proper conclusions.

[@masterDarts4188]

@@rutger5000 Hey man do you. I'm just saying for me personally I appreciated the change of pace for story telling.

[@TheAngryYumm]

I love the 03 version because you are constantly reminded that Ed is just a kid still. That AL is still a child. And you watch as these kids are ripped into and rebuilt by tragedy. Brotherhood also does a semi decent job in this sometimes but it always felt a bit... off. I recently rewatched brotherhood and the 03 version, still prefer the 03 version.

[@MysteriousTomJenkins]

With how different their paths go and how different their worlds end up becoming, I am curious how 03 Ed and Brotherhood Ed would fair in the other's world. Obviously they'd have to have the lessons they gained at the end of their series because I imagine at the start they'd be about the same but I am curious how each version would handle a different take on their lives, learning where their Alchemy comes from, different origins for Humoculis and of course the different results their actions would take. Would Brotherhood Ed still be able to keep his no kill rule when faced with a reality where HIS actions created a dangerous threat instead of Father? How would 03 Ed feel about a world that is a little more brighter than his own, where his actions do actually leave a positive impact instead of it seeming to matter little? Its just interesting to imagine how these two different takes on Ed would handle eachother's journey with the knowledge the acquire from their own journeys.

[@claireaquos6532]

Agree

[@vogonp4287]

That would make an interesting fan fiction.

[@Dunge0n]

I can't stand "no kill" characters any longer. It's beyond self-deception, beyond cowardice, beyond infantile. It's Bruce Wayne screaming at death in an alley, while Joker just laughs and kills another Robin. Writers need to stop trying to teach kids survival at any cost is shameful. That the (possible) trauma of killing their would-be killer makes the murder itself sinful, in any way shape or form.

[@pamelaguerra3768]

@@Dunge0nwritters don't "need" to do shit. If you don't want no kill characters there's plenty of stories where the hero isn't that and if you feel like that's not the case, go write your own story. Although then again, if you think that's the point that even brotherhood, let alone other fma vertions, are trying to make you're clearly not qualified to. There's other characters that don't share ed and al's idealism that are still "good guys" in the story. Even in brotherhood ost of the villains end up dead, even ed does that, what ed and al are saying is that they don't want to kill people to fix their bodies when they did that to themseves, not that you can't kill anyone for any reason. but go off ig

[@Dunge0n]

@@pamelaguerra3768 Promoting it as 'idealistic' is hopelessly naïve in the first place. Like the laughable 'war' at the end of Brotherhood. No, sorry, you can't sidestep the issue of bullets like that. Guns don't care about kung fu or plot armor. Once the economy finally bites the big one, people might finally understand what "kill or be killed" really looks like.

[@CharlesGouraudgaming]

I want you to go over the differences in Scar next, how he went from "I have a lot of complicated feelings" bishie to "I eat mountain lions for breakfast."

[@PeterRedhill]

I'm very happy you brought up the veteran in episode 16 of 03. He's such a fantastic version of a character who lost so much and gained something you wouldn't expect. The reflection it affords him is completely alien to Edward until the old man explains it to him. Edward needed that dose of reality. That episode is one of my favorites in the entire show. Episode 16 title "That which is lost." If you're curious. Fantastic episode in it's own right, but the ending with Ed and the old man is just a perfect example of the kind of tone you get with 03.

[@lampad4549]

How is that tone different from brotherhood?

[@PeterRedhill]

@@lampad4549 it's a lot more optimistic and hopeful. To me it's just a different beast all together from 03. Which isn't a bad thing. I think you can find something of value from both. I just happen to like 03 a lot more than Brotherhood.

[@IntelligentBiscuit]

FMA was my first anime and still remains my favourite to this day, and everytime I see video essays about it, I just fall deeper in love with this series. I always find time to rewatch both the 2003 version and Botherhood at some points because it was that good. It's honestly astonding to me how it long it has stuck with me which is aound maybe 10+ years?? for me. This is the anime I recommend to people and I'll always say, watch both series because there is so much to love about it. Does it have flaws? of course, but the good outweights the bad

[@TheoVorster]

I can’t remember if you already mentioned this in your Homonculus video, and simply didn’t mention it here because the focus was on Edward, but 2003 Sloth’s name also is symbolic in her character motivations, how she is actively trying to deny/avoid the work of having to confront her identity issues and memories, in direct contrast with Lust who is embracing her memories and past “self” (as part of her lust for life and humanity/identity), Sloth is running away from that challenge and as well as the role (of “mother”) those memories she feels traps her in.

[@n.jsukitte9999]

Thanks to Fullmetal Alchemist I've came to enjoy series with various different versions. I can't describe how magical that is.

[@frickinfrick8488]

I really like how 03 questions Ed and Al’s conviction to not killing anyone. With how morally grey the fma story is I was sorta surprised at how much the story of the manga and brotherhood supported their choice rather unquestioningly. If you let terrorists and war criminals live, odds are they’re going to kill more people so complete pacifism isn’t always the best option. I just really like the moral questions in 03, just because you’re not directly hurting people doesn’t mean your actions won’t lead to further harm and I love the breakdown of Ed’s idea that the world is fair and equivalent exchange holds when there is obvious unjust suffering in the world. These kinds of ideas are held by a lot of people so it’s cool to see them explored

[@NEETKitten]

This is why I like Greed in '03 better than Mangahood. He didn't have as much of a character in the former, but in my opinion, 03 Greed made a much bigger impact on Ed by forcing him to realize what it means to willingly kill someone. He drags Ed kicking and screaming and throws him in front of the realization that he can't accomplish any of his current goals without dirtying his hands.

[@edwardelric2905]

That’s why I see 2003 as more of a character study. More questioning of the characters morals. I prefer Mangahood’s version of Edward Elric because, although the world that surrounds him is dark, it also has it’s good sides. He gets punished for his mercy in both. Maybe he doesn’t get dealt as dirty in Mangahood as he does in 2003 but it still happens. For example, when he decided not to kill Kimblee. If he killed Kimblee he wouldn’t be in that situation in the first place. However, his mercy allowed him to get saved and have new allies. He fails in some instances and he succeeds in others. I like him succeeding more than just failure after failure, with a couple times of getting rewarded by the plot. There 2003 ending also made zero sense to me. How the hell did he end up in Nazi Germany? I get how it’s just that their world had no correlation to each other.

[@frickinfrick8488]

@@edwardelric2905 I can agree with that. As much as I enjoy the character study aspect of 03 it is a huge bummer to watch a character you’re attached to just get beaten down time after time until he becomes this shell of himself lost in a world he doesn’t understand. I’m certainly partial to happy endings so I prefer mangahood overall. It’s a weird turn for sure but I think it sorta makes sense. Amestris in general is hinted to be this sort of parallel to Central/West Europe in the early 1900’s, iirc the date is explicitly stated to be somewhere around then and all the surrounding regions are not so subtly similar to real areas like Russia or the Middle East. so I don’t think it’s a huge stretch to say it would be vaguely where Germany is around roughly the same time period as WW2 but in a world where alchemy exists. I don’t particularly like that they connected it to the real world in the first place though so I can’t say I like the inclusion of the nazi shit it’s just kinda unnecessary, I at least agree with you there.

[@edwardelric2905]

​@@frickinfrick8488 Yes. I do enjoy the character study of 03 but, it’s just frustrating to see a character you root for, getting relentlessly and mercilessly beaten down again and again, to the point where it’s predictable that he’s going to fail because plot wants him to. And in some ways, I think it’s bad writing. There still needs to be happiness. Where he gets rewarded or punished for his actions. And in some ways, Mangahood just made more sense to me. I don’t really like the mindset that if a series is darker, that makes it better. There’s still darkness. But Mangahood doesn’t feel nearly as gloomy.

[@starsparklemonkey3390]

@@edwardelric2905 That was a confirmation of the anti racism anti fascism message of the anime. Lbr Amestrians were fantastical Nazis pretty much.

[@the0black0bullet]

Something that i thought about when you talked about ed and father's stories is that, Ed saw the ants. That's how he figured all is one and one is all. When father says he looks (or doesn't look) at humans as ants. He thinks of the all completely the opposite of Ed.

[@TheAnomaly00]

Bro, you legit just blew my mind.

[@bf5250]

Something about 2003 Kimblee that I really like is that he calls back to something you might've forgotten by this point in the story - Ed condescending to Rose about how humans are reducible to mere components. Kimblee takes that perspective to its most logical extreme, and bases his entire philosophy around it. If humans are nothing but chemicals, minerals, and so forth, then the only value that they have is in what can be derived from them. Kimblee finds beauty in the turning of people into explosives. As humans, they may have lived boring lives and never truly meant anything to the rest of the world, but as bombs, it's undeniable that they made an impact and that their existence was justified.

[@sagemulcahy1902]

Man everytime I think I can’t love FMA more you post another video breaking it down again. Keep up the good work

[@WhoTookPlockrock]

In my personal opinion, the greatest scene in either show is in Brotherhood, when Ed and Pinako dig up what Ed believes is his mother's corpse. It's this grueling, dirty scene where they're in the pouring rain, cold and covered in mud as they go through this grisly task. But then Ed sees the hair, and his reaction isn't disgust, or anger, or sadness. It's RELIEF. He sees the hair and realizes that whatever he and Al had made, it wasn't their mother. It was this moment of peace, and the lifting of a burden he'd been carrying for years. Ed had always feared, more than violating the taboo of human transmutation, that he and Al had forced their mother to suffer and die all over again. But it wasn't her. For all their mother had gone through, and for all of his and Al's pain, at the very least they hadn't forced her to suffer that pain a second time. You can just FEEL the relief, and all the stress washing off him in the rain, and in Brotherhood it's one of Ed's most defining moments where the viewer sees just what exactly is always going on in Ed's mind. He's constantly thinking of his family, of his mother and his brother, and their pain, and his responsibility for it, always looking for a means to assuage it even if just a little. For all his outward griping, he's never really cared a second for what HE'S lost, or the pain HE feels - it's all about them to him. And this bratty, irritable boy we've been following is so angry, so bitter, because he's weighed down by the ceaseless stress of trying to atone for the pain he's caused to others.

[@dylanbuchanan6511]

This is essentially why I like FMA 2003 more. It’s so much more morally ambiguous, philosophically complex and infinitely darker. I read the manga first and loved it before completing 2003. It’s haunted me in a way no other series has and wish one would again. It’s totally replaced the manga in my memories, so...i exchanged the manga for the 2003 version...one I found MORE than equivocal.

[@aber1812]

I don't think it is that much more complex, simply more Grey, while one cherish the meaning of humanity and the bounds of human knowledge, the other focuses on the questioning of one beliefs. I used to prefer 2003 but after some years i've found myself feeling more attached to Mangahood scenes, i think that whatever you prefer one or another it all comes down to personal experiences since they are both masterfully crafted stories

[@KeyThrast]

I do love Brotherhood, but the 2003 anime is just the one I love more is really stands out to me in a special way and I appreciate that you get the beauty of it and don’t make me feel guilty for liking it

[@nathanchildress5596]

You’re not alone, 2003 is a masterpiece.

[@thatitalianlameguy2235]

The promised neverland video popping up when you said Edward would not allow scar to kill anyone in 2003 killed me. Emma's talk no jutsu would've come in handy in 03hood...

[@Lowart]

That was unintentional but I'm definitely leaving it now lol

[@guywholovesmath]

Wait you're not gonna have a contrast between Mangahood Scar and 2003 Scar? I'd love that!...

[@Lowart]

I ultimately decided not to do that. The only stuff I have to say about Scar relates to how 2003 is relatively morally complex when compared with Brotherhood (which I already discussed here and using other characters previously), and I said all I had to say about Mangahood's Scar in my Cycle of Hatred video. Either way, I hope you enjoyed this video though!

[@guywholovesmath]

@@Lowart I did, I just really like 2003 Scar and how the show really makes you think about the moral implications of what he does in Lior, and whether it's right or wrong. What I absolutely love is it doesn't come to a conclusion. You did go over that in this video, but it's just a shame in my mind that we won't have a more in depth analysis of his character and the differences with Mangahood. Still great series.

[@haosmagnaingram6992]

@@Lowart what about a mustang video?

[@mitchelthinks]

this series took so long I came out the other side with a whole degree

[@avalle4493]

I like 03 concept of homunculi being the result of human sins. It build on the idea of atonement for your sins alot more. Also 03 has Ed mature in a darker and more complex way. The scene were he killed Greed is the best in the whole franchise.

[@ryudameron4179]

True , like I agree! In 03 the homuculi they feel more fleshed out while in the manga/brother they feel more like simple baddies!

[@rahn45]

I think the problem with 2003 Edward is that he constantly takes on more responsibility that he can handle, and he never really learns the lesson that he really should ask for help; and that there's no shame in asking for it or having others help him carry responsibility. How many times does he fight on his own and completely alone? Far too often, and far too often he comes to conclusions on his own instead of getting another person's perspective on the matter. A lot of his moral dilemmas and problems in general is ultimately a result of him living his life as an island, and being selfish with his own desires even if they're ultimately altruistic and selfless. Brotherhood's Edward is the complete opposite in regards to how he handles responsibility, he actually learns the lesson that he needs the help of others; and that whatever his interests and goals are, that there will people who will align with him and willingly provide that help. Whenever he fights alone he often ends up in a rough spot, often needing someone else to provide assistance. Even when he's fighting Pride he ended up winning because he wasn't alone, ironically due to Kimblee's interference. This all serves the larger message of Brotherhood: That we're just human beings, and as such it's okay to rely on others; and not get drunk on your own power and arrogance. As such we get such a stark difference in endings: We have one Edward who is completely alone, and another Edward who is surrounded by his friends, family, companions, and allies.

[@claireaquos6532]

Then again, I can't really blame 2003 Ed for not really learning that lesson. With the milatary corrupted, Mustang who keeps treating Ed like a child and just everyone who keeps telling him that equivalent exchange doesn't exist, no wonder he feels he can't trust anyone. Not to mention that his actions no matter good they were has hurt people

[@existingdark]

So, this is my first time stepping into this retrospective series and I've got to say my eyes are opened up wide. I watched 03 from start to finish way back in high school, even borrowing the movie from a friend at the time to top it off. Years later when Brotherhood was a thing, people were putting down 03 as bad because it diverted so far from the manga and wasn't canon. So I kind of just shrugged and figured they had some validity in saying that. Now to learn that both series are sort of a yin and yang, showing the darker and lighter sides of these characters and story... I'm honestly amazed. I don't think one should exist without another, and I'm glad for having watched through both. While the existence of both in this fashion may be accidental, in my opinion Fullmetal Alchemist is as good as it is because it can bring both this yin and yang together to really form a more realistic and conclusive story where failure and success are often hand in hand. Where fairness an equivalent exchange are just honeyed words to a reality that can be just as dark or as light as it wants to be, and you just have to deal with that as best you can.

[@KillerStar565]

I love 2003 Edward

[@lemisho8186]

Imo Edward is the best mc i've ever seen, but im biased since fma is my fav franchise. Edward, Lelouch, Light, Naruto and Walter White (kinda random to throw Walter in there but...) are my fav characters of all time.

[@starcrystal2580]

I sacrificed my sleep to watch this and in turn I get a very nice detailed explanation about Edward's character. What an equivalent exchange and it's well worth it. At this point, I can't say which version is my favorite and this video cemented that. I feel like Ed in both version are different characters all together. They both experienced hardships but overcome it in separate ways. But in the end, they got the lessons they needed to move forward with their life. Edward is such a complex character that you managed to put on a surprising one-hour long video. Great job, man. Keep it up!

[@YalkYalk_]

Been following this series of analysis videos for 2 years now, awesome to see it end with another great video! Loved this analysis and really reminded me of how much I love Fullmetal Alchemist, especially 2003. The 2003 version of Edward is probably one of the most interesting protagonists I've seen in a show. Amazing job as always, can't wait to see what you do next!

[@Lowart]

Thank you :)

[@Sylenced1]

I don't tend to comment on anything but this hit me in the feels and was rock solid as a video. I grew up on Adult Swim and the original FMA was all I knew until I discovered the manga many years later, followed by the well made anime series. But as you've portrayed, there is a distinct difference between the original and the manga adaptation. I love them both, partly siding with the manga version for it's comedy but ability to still portray most of what the original did in its own unique way. Alas, it would've been criminal for any FMA fan to not watch both series, and I absolutely loved the way you condensed it in such a loving format. Thank you for this awesome video. To any Full Metal Lover out there, don't skip over the original. This video portrays quite well why you shouldn't.

[@EMG725]

What a great end to your series about our favorite series. Brotherhood has been my favorite but watching this has made me appreciate 03 more. Also will read the manga soon because of you. Thanks for this series Lowart.

[@APinchofBazel]

@@thecod2345 “trauma, especially at a young age, gives a sense of focus and hardens someone’s will” I’ma blow your mind here but shounen anime and Hollywood movies are not, in fact, always reflective of real life. Please tell me you don’t perceive trauma that way about actual people.

[@APinchofBazel]

@@thecod2345 Cool. But that’s not how trauma works for most people. At all. So I’d think twice before projecting that anecdote onto everyone else.

[@francisjomergallardo4593]

@@thecod2345 People handle trauma differently, some people get hardened, some people get stuck. We can see stories of rape victims for instance who have stood up against their trauma and become a beacon of inspiration for others. We can also see stories of people who don't and pass on that trauma to others because they cope with the pain by inflicting it on others.

[@Q269]

If you need two arms to connect the circle, but one arm can being metal it would mean that the intent of the connection is the key component. As such, slapping your knee could achieve the same results. The more you know!

[@ofgreyhairwaifu4089]

I mean Wrath does alchemy by clapping his hand and foot, and Lust's boytoy (for 1 episode) doesn't even touch the circle, he just holds his hands like in a prayer. So, I guess you deduced something that the show clearly stated?

[@Q269]

@@ofgreyhairwaifu4089 oh hey, look at that, someone being an asshole by choice.

[@Nixus237]

So in brotherhood mustang wouldn’t even need to clap to do his alchemy he could just have his ignition gloves and snap with the intent to do his alchemy

[@Q269]

@@Nixus237 Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. The snap generates a syncing point for the brain to enact the alchemists desires. The circle acts as the instructions for what will happen in that instant; meanwhile the brothers don't need circles because that understanding is in their brain, but they still need to create a syncing point where the reaction begins.

[@haosmagnaingram6992]

@@ofgreyhairwaifu4089 well in all 3 versions Al’s radio transmutation in Liore doesn’t have him touch the circle

[@SanaTT]

as an Arab person, the way they handled the lore and ishval war was immaculate in 2003 version. we know the destruction of war, we know how good intentions can lead to terrible consequences, we know how fragil and fleeting human life is, we know how chaotic and hopeless it can get, we know that there's no clear cut line. for that 2003 version will always be my favorite version

[@annieyesiam2758]

im so glad you're still doing essays about fma. these literally make my day :) i love the series and your videos fill the void i feel after finishing rewatching it every so often

[@sv8729]

A little late, but my favourite scene is not really a scene, but a sequence. It's that of the philosopher's stone creation in 2003. Scar going through with creating the stone, not for his own motives anymore, but to save Al from becoming a bomb, Lust realizing where her true feelings stem from, and Scar's final line of "A man who inflicts suffering can’t rest, his guilty mind won’t allow it. But today, I can finally close my eyes to the living nightmare and lay down, knowing that I won’t wake again." Right before closing the circle in Liore with his own body will always give me goosebumps. I also love that in 2003, Ed stops wearing his red coat after Izumi stops being him and Al's teacher.

[@Toxin__0]

As someone who knew nothing about the 2003 version, this was fascinating on so many levels

[@mr.l3938]

As u should my G 😤🔥🤝🔥

[@kamakazines4901]

FMA 03 is one of the only stories ever where the main character, or primary protagonist, is also my favorite character of the story. 03 Ed is also one of my favorite characters of all time. I know that the plot and world are more epic in the manga/brotherhood, but I will always prefer 03, specifically because of Ed.

[@mangageekgirl3457]

You stated just exactly why Edward Elric and the Fullmetal Alchemist universe is my all time favorite. Loved this analysis!

[@Asis415]

Im doing a tribute presentation on Ed for a class, and god fucking damn, I didn't realize how much this character inspired me.

[@KrisKrisKrisKrisKris]

"'I've made a lot of videos on Full Metal Alchemist" subscribed

[@rollflasher89]

When a character has so much going for them that you can make an hour long video breaking down their characterization, and when someone is willing to make a video of that length doing so, you know a story did it's job right.

[@Geckoh2o]

I absolutely loved being a part of this journey with you exploring Fullmetal Alchemist. I can't express how much this series has meant to me growing up. And to hear all these different perspectives of the show only served to deepen the love I have for it. So for that, I thank you and I can't wait to see what you decide to cover next! If you decide to do another Anime I have to recommend Code Geass.

[@ShenSorein]

You're the exact kind of FMA fan to do this video series justice, and I love them, and I appreciate you for them. So so SO many times I have seen fans who go back and forth, one way or the other, on which is the better anime, and stick staunchly to those convictions, which can be admirable, but often it comes at being reductive to the other property. Which ruins the point of EITHER interpretation of the story, if I am being perfectly honest. In so doing, these fans miss the point of 'one is all and all is one,' ironically. Both stories have their points, their merits, their detriments, and it is completely open to interpretation, but it is completely possible to have one's favorite and being able to view one series as more favorable than the other without being reductive or unfair. It is possible to live in a world with both anime existing and to get something different out of either one, as that is what I believe was the intention. There are more positive things each has over the other, and more negative things back and forth as well. And this is why I appreciate your video series, because you don't mince words or have an obvious bias. You appreciate some things about each version of the story (manga, 2003, brotherhood) over the other properties and know the faults and pitfalls each one has as well. You give each their fair due, from the perspective of both a fan and an analyst combined, not separating one from the other. All three versions of the story are interconnected. All three versions exist in this world. And all three versions have a point, a story to tell, a lesson to learn, and a memory to be shared. I appreciate you, sir, and look forward to more~

[@iisajudge5671]

After watching this whole KZbin series I now appreciate the show more

[@Phelestat]

I always felt that FMA 03 always adheres to the rules of equivalent exchange better than Brotherhood did. The whole happy ending of Brotherhood felt hollow and more like a Fan service than a actual ending. Basically in my opinion is that Brotherhood gave the ending fans wanted, but FMA 03 gave us the one we deserved.

[@skyrogue1977]

FMA 2003, brought to you by Gen Urobuchi.

[@taylorslade8080]

I think it would be a lot more angsty if Urobuchi directed 2003

[@spinceiling7442]

Nah it’s far better than any of the Urobuchi anime I’ve seen

[@Omnipotentmonkey]

for me one of the fundamental differences in the series, and Ed's character comes in 2003's battle with Greed. Mangahood's Ed makes a strong declaration that he won't kill, despite being a member of the military. and he sticks to it, even at personal cost to himself in his fight with Kimblee. he's resolute, and relatively unyielding. 2003's Ed ends up killing Greed in the heat of battle, he has similar qualms about killing, and no intent to do so, but sometimes life doesn't work out that way. later he finds himself resolving to kill Scar if needed, having already broken his internal resolution and being faced with far direr consequences potentially if he doesn't. 2003 challenges Ed more, and he buckles to more of those challenges, some of his character changes aren't necessarily all positive, in some places his growth heads in less savoury directions. and I'm not gonna lie, this is the main reason I prefer 2003. that grounded sense of the world not playing by your rules and forcing you into positions where your resolve and your ethics make it far more natural, realistic and in some regards, mature.

[@mr.l3938]

Facts right here don't let anyone discourage that G 🔥🤝🔥

[@23iloveanime]

The message I take from 2003 is, the world may not be fair, your past efforts may have been in vain, but as long as you decide to continue living, everything will be fine.

[@mr.l3938]

@@23iloveanime I actually do agree with you there as well I also have the same message but slightly tweaked but don't worry you're not alone here G🤝

[@vogonp4287]

Ed said he wouldn't use the philosopher's stone because human lives were used to create it. Therefore, the fact that alchemy is powered by the dead of our world is even more shocking to him.

[@wiffleboroughspaticus4390]

Thank you for reminding me why I love 2003 more, its dark af

[@n543576]

I've watched EVERY SINGLE ONE of these FMA analysis videos more than once and I got to say going in I thought it was going to be a simple slam dunk answer, but watching these videos I realize that each different iteration brings something different. Theres like a slight ideological change from "Mangahood" and 2003, I believe both are telling similar stories but with somewhat different objectives and when you broke down these differences I can appreciate the whole "manga is different from the anime" differences were more than just a creative difference but it was meant to say something different as well.

[@randomthings3823]

I watched the 2003 version and then brotherhood later, I didn’t even know brotherhood was a thing until a year later after watching 03. I remember feeling somehow empty after finishing 03 or at least really sad lol. I hated seeing my favorite character try so hard and still fail, I hated seeing him and his brother end up like this.... so when I watched brotherhood I just loved it so much more because instead of focusing on the negative it focused on the positive. It displayed Ed’s ability to overcome his weaknesses and show his strengths. I told myself that I didn’t like the 03 one, but I never really disliked it, I actually quite enjoyed the show but it was the fact that it made me wanna cry, it made me feel so fucking bad for Ed and Al. I was thinking “hey brotherhood doesn’t make me feel depressed” and made it the one I liked better. In the end I really do enjoy both versions and I think it’s fascinating that both had the same scenarios but it took opposite directions, one in a positive and the other a negative, this video made me realize that. Side note: while watching this (since it’s been so long since I’ve watch 03 and brotherhood) I had totally forgot how fucking depressing 03 is lol and made me remember why I didn’t end up liking this one as much as brotherhood. I also wanna say I’m not saying 03 is bad and that you shouldn’t like it better then brotherhood, I think both versions did a great job. The only thing I’m saying is that for the direction brotherhood took I enjoy it better... it’s prob because I just don’t want to see the characters I fell in love with get hurt heh.

[@jasonborne238]

I definitely see your point, I think one of the main reasons I liked 03 better was because it was more realistic darker and showed that ed and al didn't always have the answers I mean they're children

[@rinesserin]

​@@jasonborne238 I love both, but I also prefer Brotherhood and I don't necessarily agree that 03 is more realistic. Ed and Al work crazy hard in both versions, and in one version, their hard work pays off for them more than the other. Just like in life. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you don't. In Brotherhood, they win. In 03, they don't. I don't think either is more realistic than the other, they're just different.

[@deniz4333]

This was such a great video i didn't even realize it was 1 hour long untill i finish it

[@ComputerJunkie00]

>new Lowart video >over an hour long >all about Edward Elric in both versions of the anime Lowart, you son of a bitch, I'm in.

[@wesleytarr6302]

Outstanding! Now I feel tempted to watch 2003 again.

[@shawyo5]

Yes!!! More FMA content. I don’t think you realize how much I love the FMA content you produce. It’s so good and honestly bro you have actually taught me some life lessons irl because of how you explained the story and how deep it really goes. But the life lessons you can learn from this show with someone as intelligent as you explaining how the cause and effect happens and how little details can mean everything and the consequences of your own actions that it has on you, the people around you, and then the world. I know you weren’t trying to, but honestly bro. THANK YOU! I literally can’t explain to you how much you have helped me overcome my real life trauma because of your analysis of this show. So seriously thank you! I know it can’t, but I truly wish this series continues forever. I’ve watched every one of your FMA videos at least 5 times. Seriously. You may not be trying to do so, but during your analysis I kept seeing moments in my life that related back to this show from so many different perspectives on so many different subjects and how it relates back to the mistakes I’ve made and how it’s effected people. The harm I’ve caused, the good I’ve done.. so many moments of both horror and greatness. Your analysis has made me take huge look at my life and to change. I guess I just needed someone to logically explain things to me in a way to where I could get it, but I couldn’t until you made your videos and gave me something relate my own real life with back to see my flaws. So one last time. Thank you bro! You have helped me in ways I can’t explain. Keep up the great content! I can’t wait for the next video.

[@Lowart]

Thank you so much for your kind words :) I'm happy these videos connected with you so deeply

[@volrosku.6075]

The comparison series was an amazing journey. And one thing 03 08 and the Manga though often compared and contrasted and search for the wholeistic the best version is a search in vain all three interpretations are great and no one surpasses the other largely as they each tell their own story even if it has the same root. Do not disservice the other versions over your preferred one but understand each one told their own great story and some of the best characters in all of modern media

[@notthis9586]

Brotherhood is my favorite, but damn 2003 has most of my favorite scenes/favorite versions of scenes. Might be nostalgia bias though.

[@jeffhough7460]

Fma 2003 was and is my favorite anime for presenting the best food for thought

[@shadowwarrior3444]

You know, the best way I believe to go through life, is to take both themes from the 2003 and Mangahood and live life like this: "Don't pursue your goals selfishly and in ignorance, be humble, be open to other perspectives, and ensure that you work to help others, not simply yourself. Try to keep an open mind, and more than anything, always seek the truth. Don't ignore or run away from it, even if it hurts or makes it hard, because if you do, then you've already lost. Be humble, be dedicated, improve yourself, and help others, and who knows how you'll help the world." "But when you do so... don't expect to be rewarded, don't expect what you believe in to always work, and don't believe yourself infallible, or that if you act in a certain manner, you will get an equivalent response. You may be able to lie, and get away with it. You can tell the truth, and no one may believe. You can work as hard as you can, learn as much as possible, do everything right... and you may still fail." "The world is chaotic, as much as we view it as governed by laws, no one is safe from bad luck, misfortune, or just a foolish decision made by people who didn't know any better, and can't be blamed for it in some cases. The truth you may seek may not be nice, it may not just hurt you, it could destroy you, make you question everything you believed in, you may not know what to trust anymore. You may fail, and you possibly will... but don't give up." "Don't give in because the struggle is so hard. Yes, it's hard, and it may not work out, it may not give you what you want, but if you do nothing, what do you get anyway? If that were the case, mankind would never have evolved. You may not get what you want, what you deserve, and it may hurt, but you have to keep going. You cannot just quit, learn he truth, even if it hurts, and keep going. You may not be able to reach the perfect ending you want, but you may be able to help the world at large, you can still contribute. Do what you have to do, don't let despair overtake you, and go for it. And who knows, you may just surprise yourself."

[@Kujakuseki01]

I've said it many times before, but Kimbley is by far the most interesting antagonist in Brotherhood. Brotherhood's biggest weakness is that its only good villains are Envy, Kimbley and Bradley. Kimbley is just so damn fascinating to watch, and I hate that he's killed by Pride for...no reason? And then for some reason is on Ed's side later when Ed is destroying Pride? Pride is a pretty lame villain beyond the shock of his reveal, but I was so sad to see Kimbley go.

[@Lowart]

Code Geass is definitely on my radar! One of the anime I most want to rewatch at the moment. And thank you :) I'm really happy you enjoyed the videos

[@ofgreyhairwaifu4089]

@@Lowart I think you missed a reply?

[@spinceiling7442]

Really downplaying Father as a villain here tbh

[@kaly_ths_291]

Keidia (κηδεία) also means funeral, in modern Greek. So, in a sense, it's connected to taking proper care of and honouring your departed loved ones, as a final goodbye with wishes for a better afterlife.

[@idagergely6235]

Brotherhood is wholeheartedly a shounen anime full with hope and compassion and acceptance in a very harsh world, and 2003 is a seinen anime full with desperation struggle and failures in an even darker world, with only a few moments of happiness... If you wanna be happy watch the first, and if you wanna be depressed af watch the second :)

[@PoupouLeBambou]

This video has hit me like a train, wow I remember watching 2003 back when I was 12 or 13, and I loved it I used to be very sensible and scared of blood so when I watched it I was both repulsed and fascinated by the violence, and I think that's because the violence never was free The most depressing episode for me at the time was the one with the weird rock illness in the village. I don't remember every details that much, just the incredibly cruel ending of the episode but damn that one left me sleepless for some nights After watching Brotherhood maaaany years later and thinking again about 2003, it seemed to me that 2003 was just the "what if everything goes wrong and the writers just decided that the viewers should not feel happy" kind of version of FMA, but watching your video made me think again about so much points and I almost had tears in the eyes seeing how much honor you have made to the very underrated 2003 version In any version, I feel like FMA is very good at being extremely relatable for the viewers, the world may be fictionnal but they just feel the same sometimes ; and I like that even though one is quite darker than the other, neither of them is blindy optimistic or straight out nihilistic ; because that's how the real world is. Good things are out there too, and sometimes it can be easier to just label humans as inherently bad and violent so that it feels less bad to see people suffering all other the world. And sometimes it's also easier to think that things will eventually sort out on their own because humans are inherenlty good rather than actually dirtying our hands to make things better on our side. FMA is a great manga/anime to start with. It only gets better when you let the show get older with you. When I was 12, I didn't need to think about the deepness of the show to enjoy it. Its intent still managed to get to me, unconsciously. But now, I just feel like FMA has always been somewhere in the back of my head, influencing my thinking, my imagination, to the point were ten years later I can watch this video with the vivid memory of everything I have felt when watching this show and an ache in my heart. Thank you and sorry for the random life sharing post

[@kotasake]

This channel is so damn good

[@Civilian08]

I loved this series. This video in particular really cut to the core of why I love 2003's Fullmetal Alchemist so much, and why I prefer it over Brotherhood, in spite of its flaws.

[@Literally-Brian]

I’ve watched this KZbin series for about 3 years now. Before you started the whole series over because you weren’t happy with the editing and writing in your earlier FMA videos. And I’m happy to say that you’ve come so incredibly far with your videos and I’m glad to see this series finally come to an end. Really looking forward to what you’re gonna explore in the future!

[@Lowart]

Thank you :) I'm happy you enjoyed it (and that you stuck with the series for so long haha)

[@gonzaloNMF]

Still to this day, FMA 2003's ending is the most magnificent closure I've ever watched in anime, closely followed by Trigun's ending (another idealist character tackling the world)

[@mr.l3938]

FACTSS

[@mochiboni2560]

God I love yer FMA analysis videos they always give such amazing insights into the series and the fact it's still talked to till this day truly says a lot about how great of a series it truly is, the characters, the writing, the scenes and music and such, I also always liked how neutral you are about both versions of FMA not leaning towards any of them but instead find beauty and lessons within each of them no matter how dark or bleak things may get Truly your videos are ones I am most happy to look forward to during my days as a content creator

[@hiabuddyoldpal]

I'm very glad you made this series. You got pretty much all the reasons why I love and respect 2003 so much and you've even made me want to read the manga of it. I will always be yearning for more, but I'm glad it ended on this note. Thank you for making these. Best of luck to the new projects you'll make next, I'll stick along and see where it goes :3 Side note, I was always curious why the Trisha homunculus was Sloth in 2003. I'm glad you put that into context while explaining stuff about the sins I never knew

[@Kujakuseki01]

This video is tremendous. It really took me back to return me to many of the feels from 2003 that I haven't felt because I haven't rewatched it in a long time. Amazing.

[@jordanspencer2157]

i always knew these shows were better than my smooth child brain could understand

[@BleachShippu5678]

Idk about you guys, but I think he might like Fullmetal Alchemist.

[@dylanbuchanan6511]

At 38:38 is another reason why FMA 2003 is so much darker and morally complex. In both series they let their enemies live…while in Brotherhood it only reinforces the “Defeat Equals Friendship” cliche Shonen is known for while in FMA Al lets a mass murderer kill plenty of innocent civilians. Sho Aikawa was a lot better than Hiromu Arakawa with bringing out the real animal and darker implications from the story, making it vastly superior in layered story telling and adult writing.

[@kimzee59]

So you're telling me. On the day of my 23rd birthday I get an hour long video about one of my favourite animes from Lowart. This has now become a 10/10 day

[@iwannabethekid34xc]

Man I love it when that happens, happened to me on my 23rd last yr . happy birthday btw