Original vs Brotherhood: Which Fullmetal Series Goes First?

Fullmetal Alchemist is a popular anime series that has captured the hearts of fans from all over the world. The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try and bring their deceased mother back to life. In the process, Edward loses an arm and a leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body. Determined to find a way to restore what they have lost, the brothers set out on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone.

If you’re new to the series, you might be wondering how to watch Fullmetal Alchemist in order. There are actually two different series, Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and they have some significant differences.

Fullmetal Alchemist was the first anime adaptation of the manga, and it started airing in 2003. It follows the manga’s story for the first half, but then diverges into its own original story. The series has a darker tone and explores more mature themes than Brotherhood.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, on the oher hand, is a faithful adaptation of the manga. It started airing in 2009, and it follows the manga’s story from beginning to end. It has a lighter tone than the original series and focuses more on action and adventure.

So, which one should you watch first? It’s recommended to watch Fullmetal Alchemist first and then watch Brotherhood. This is because Brotherhood assumes that you have already seen the original series and skips over some of the earlier events that were covered in the original.

However, if you’re short on time and want to get straight to the main story, you could skip the original series and jump straight into Brotherhood. You won’t miss out on any major plot points, but you might miss some of the character development and world-building that was covered in the original.

Fullmetal Alchemist is a must-watch anime series for anyone who loves action, adventure, and a good story. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, it’s recommended to watch the original series first and then watch Brotherhood. But if you’re short on time, you can jump straight into Brotherhood without missing out on any major plot points.

Which ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ Should I Watch First: Original or Brotherhood?

When it comes to deciding which series to watch first, Fullmetal Alchemist or Brotherhood, it can be a bit confusing. Both series are based on the same manga, but they diverge significantly in terms of plot, characters, and themes.

Fullmetal Alchemist, the original anime series, was produced in 2003 and aired for 51 episodes. It follows the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who attempt to use alchemy to bring their deceased mother back to life. When the experiment goes wrong, Edward loses an arm and a leg, wile Alphonse loses his entire body. The series then follows the brothers on their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical object that can restore their bodies.

On the other hand, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is a 64-episode anime series that aired in 2009. It follows the same basic plot as the original series, but it stays more faithful to the manga and features a different antagonist. Brotherhood focuses more on the political and philosophical themes of the story and features a larger cast of characters.

So, which series should you watch first? It ultimately depends on your personal preference. If you want a more concise story that focuses on the Elric brothers, then start with the original Fullmetal Alchemist series. However, if you want a more comprehensive and faithful adaptation of the manga, then start with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

It’s also important to note that watching the original series first may enhance your viewing experience of Brotherhood, as you’ll be able to appreciate the changes and differences between the two series. Additionally, Brotherhood assumes that viewers have already seen the original series, so some plot points may not be fully explained.

Both Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood are excellent anime series with their own strengths and weaknesses. It’s recommended to watch the original series before Brotherhood, but it’s not necessary in order to understand the events of the latter.

how to watch fullmetal alchemist in order
Source: imdb.com

Should I Watch ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ or ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ First?

Many people wonder if they can skip Fullmetal Alchemist and watch Brotherhood first. The answer is yes, you can. However, it’s important to understand the differences between the two shows.

Both Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood start at the same point and follow the same story for a while. However, at some point, the two shows diverge. Fullmetal Alchemist goes off on an anime-original story, while Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood continues to follow the manga.

This means that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered to be the more faithful adaptation of the manga. It also means that the story in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is more complete and has a more satisfying ending.

If you’re short on time or just want to watch the better adaptation, it’s recommended that you skip Fullmetal Alchemist and go straight to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. However, if you’re a fan of the franchise and want to see both versions of the story, it’s worth watching Fullmetal Alchemist as well.

Skipping Fullmetal Alchemist and watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood frst is possible and recommended if you want to see the more complete and faithful adaptation of the manga. However, it’s worth watching both shows if you’re a fan of the franchise.

Difference Between Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are two different anime series, though they share many similarities. Fullmetal Alchemist was released in 2003 and followed the manga series only for the first half of its run. After that, the storyline diverged significantly from the manga, resulting in a different ending.

On the other hand, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was released in 2009 and followed the manga series more closely. It retells the same story as the original series but without the divergence from the manga. The plot of Brotherhood is more faithful to the manga, and it has a different pacing and character development from the original series.

Although both series have a similar premise, the storylines of the two series begin to diverge at around episode 30 of the original series. The differences between the two are significant eough that Brotherhood is not a sequel to the original series, but rather a retelling of the story with a different focus and pacing.

Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are two different anime series that have similarities but also significant differences in terms of plot, pacing, and character development.

Conclusion

Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are both fantastic anime series that offer a unique and engaging story. While they share similarities, they also have significant differences, such as the direction of the plot and the development of certain characters.

If you are looking for a series that stays true to the manga, then Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the way to go. It offers a more complete and satisfying story that is sure to leave you feeling fulfilled. However, if you are interested in seeing an alternate take on the story, then Fullmetal Alchemist is worth a watch as well.

Regardless of which series you choose, Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime that is sure to captivate you with its complex characters, intricate plot, and stunning animation. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the genre and an excellent starting point for thoe who are new to anime.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.