There are a bunch of high-quality anime series categorized as fantasy and adventure, and Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師) is one of the most popular dark-fantasy adventure anime watched by lots of fans all over the world.
The original manga series of Fullmetal Alchemist, written by Hiromu Arakawa, was serialized on Monthly Shonen Gangan between 2001 and 2010. The 27-volume story was adapted into two different anime versions: Fullmetal Alchemist in 2003-2004 and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in 2009-2010. Then, which Fullmetal Alchemist anime should you watch?
Today, I’d like to introduce what the difference between Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is, and which is the recommended one for beginners to watch. This spoiler-free information will bring peace of mind to you.
About Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-2004)
At first, Fullmetal Alchemist, the first anime adaption from the same-titled manga series, aired with 51 episodes from 2003 to 2004. A reliable Japanese anime studio Bones was in charge of the production, which was directed by Seiji Mizushima.
The first anime series finishes in an original way, whose great part consists of different stories and climax from those of the manga series since it had not been completed yet. It was followed by its sequel movie Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa (劇場版 鋼の錬金術師 シャンバラを征く者) in 2005.
About Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)
Following the first anime adaptation, the second series titled Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was broadcast between 2009 and 2010. The original manga series came to the end almost at the same time as the newer anime version’s final episode was released. Thai is to say, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, made by Bones and directed by Yasuhiro Irie, is based on the manga story written by Hiromu Arakawa.
In the following year 2011, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (鋼の錬金術師 嘆きの丘（ミロス）の聖なる星) shoed at the theater, which happens in the middle of the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood story (around Episode. 21).
What is the biggest difference between Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
The most important difference is if they are based on the original manga series or not. The 2003 anime series Fullmetal Alchemist is composed of some original stories since only 6 volumes were published when it started airing while the 2009 anime series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is faithfully based on the manga’s story, which results in different climaxes.
They also differ from each other in some main characters’ voice actors including Winry Rockbell and Roy Mustang though the protagonists Edward and Alphonse Elric are acted by the same voice actors.
Which should you watch, Fullmetal Alchemist or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
In conclusion, it’s highly recommended for beginners to start with the 2009 version Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood first. And then, they can enjoy the 2003 series Fullmetal Alchemist in a different manner.
Fullmetal Alchemist Watch Order
Here is the ideal Fullmetal Alchemist watch order:
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (2011)
- Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-2004)
- Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa (2005)
Let’s take a step in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood first!
<<Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on Netflix!>>
<<Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on Crunchyroll!>>
<<Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on Amazon!>>
<<Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on Hulu!>>
If you want to explore Fullmetal Alchemist deeper, complete both two versions of the anime series as well as the manga series!
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