Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Review: The Gold Standard of Storytelling in Anime

1. Introduction

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood isn’t just another shonen anime—it’s a masterpiece of storytelling, emotion, and philosophical depth. Adapted faithfully from Hiromu Arakawa’s manga, it follows two brothers bound by tragedy and a quest for redemption. With its intricate world-building, unforgettable characters, and mature themes, FMA: Brotherhood has earned its place as one of the greatest anime of all time.

2. Plot Summary

After a disastrous attempt to bring their mother back to life through human transmutation, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric pay a heavy price: Ed loses his arm and leg, while Al loses his entire body, his soul bound to a suit of armor.

Armed with alchemy and unwavering determination, the two set off to find the Philosopher’s Stone, hoping to restore their bodies. Along the way, they uncover a conspiracy involving the military, dark alchemical secrets, and the mysterious Homunculi—each named after the Seven Deadly Sins.

3. Main Characters

👬 The Elric Brothers:

• Edward Elric – The “Fullmetal Alchemist”; hot-headed, brilliant, and fiercely loyal.

• Alphonse Elric – A gentle soul in a giant suit of armor; compassionate and wise beyond his years.

🛡️ Allies:

• Winry Rockbell – A mechanic and childhood friend; Ed’s emotional anchor.

• Roy Mustang – The “Flame Alchemist”; a cool, calculating colonel with a vision for change.

• Riza Hawkeye – Mustang’s loyal sharpshooter and protector.

• Maes Hughes – A loving family man with a heart of gold.

• Ling Yao – A prince seeking immortality with surprising depth.

🧬 Antagonists:

• Father – The mastermind behind centuries of manipulation.

• Homunculi (Lust, Envy, Gluttony, etc.) – Embodiments of sin created for a dark purpose.

• Scar – An Ishvalan survivor turned vigilante, driven by vengeance.

4. Arcs & Sagas (The Journey of Truth and Redemption)

⚗️ Major Arcs:

• The Elric Brothers’ Backstory – The emotional prologue.

• Military Conspiracy Arc – Trust and treason in the upper ranks.

• Homunculi Battles – Physical and ideological conflicts.

• Briggs Fortress Arc – Introducing new allies and strategies.

• Promised Day Arc – The climactic war against Father and his creations.

5. Powers & Abilities

✋ Alchemy:

• A science based on Equivalent Exchange—to gain something, something of equal value must be lost.

• Ed performs alchemy without a transmutation circle, a rare skill.

• Specializations: Roy’s fire-based alchemy, Mustang’s flame attacks, Scar’s destructive transmutations.

🧪 Philosopher’s Stone:

• A powerful item that bypasses alchemy’s laws—created through horrific means.

6. Top Battles & Moments

🔥 Roy Mustang vs. Envy – Pure rage and justice.

⚔️ Ed & Al vs. Father – The final stand against godlike power.

💥 Ling/Greed vs. Wrath – Strategy meets overwhelming force.

💔 Maes Hughes’ Death – One of anime’s most gut-wrenching scenes.

🌀 Ed sacrifices his alchemy – A powerful moment of growth and resolve.

7. Influence & Legacy

• Consistently ranked among the top anime of all time.

• Set the gold standard for anime reboots.

• Known for perfect pacing, emotional depth, and tight plot resolution.

• Influenced other series like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and The Promised Neverland.

8. Anime & Manga Status

• 📘 Manga: Completed with 27 volumes.

• 📺 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) – 64 episodes, follows the manga 100%.

• 📺 Original 2003 anime – Diverged mid-story with a different ending.

FMA: Brotherhood is the definitive version to watch.

9. Where to Start Watching?

• ✅ Start with FMA: Brotherhood Episode 1.

• 📺 Skip the 2003 anime unless you're curious about alternate takes.

• 📚 Reading the manga also provides a fantastic experience.

10. Manga vs. Anime Differences

• Brotherhood = 1:1 manga adaptation with better pacing and resolution.

• 2003 Anime = Original ending, darker tone, some filler.

• Manga = Offers slightly more detail in certain scenes.

11. Fullmetal Alchemist Movies

🎬 FMA: Conqueror of Shamballa (2003 anime sequel)

🎬 FMA: The Sacred Star of Milos – Filler side story set during Brotherhood timeline

🎬 FMA Live-Action Movie (2017) – Received mixed reviews for condensing the plot

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🧠 What did Ed truly sacrifice at the Gate of Truth?

🪙 Are there more Homunculi beyond the Seven Deadly Sins?

📜 Is alchemy a metaphor for real-world scientific ethics?

13. Final War & Endgame Theories

• The Promised Day was the culmination of every thread.

• Father’s defeat = philosophical closure on what it means to be human.

• Some fans theorize alternate timelines branching from alchemical choices.

14. Live-Action Adaptation

🎥 Netflix’s FMA Trilogy (Japan):

• Faithful character designs, but lacks emotional depth due to runtime.

• Visual effects and pacing received mixed reactions.

• Best for hardcore fans rather than first-time viewers.

15. Ratings & Reviews

⭐ Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

✅ Rating Breakdown:

📖 Story & World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

👥 Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

⚔️ Action & Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.8/10)

💔 Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

🎨 Animation Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10)

🎵 Music & Soundtrack: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.8/10)

🔄 Rewatch Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

16. Recommendations

✅ Love deep storytelling with action, heart, and philosophy? This is your anime.

✅ Fans of Code Geass, Attack on Titan, or Steins;Gate will appreciate the maturity.

✅ Perfect for both anime veterans and newcomers alike.

💬 What moment in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood hit you the hardest? Share your thoughts and theories below! ⚗️👬🔥