What's The Difference Between Fma And Fmab

Alright anime newbies and seasoned veterans alike, let's tackle a question that's plagued message boards since the dawn of… well, since 2009: What's the deal with Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA) and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMAB)? Are they the same? Are they alternate universes where Al is actually a chihuahua? (Spoiler alert: he's not.)

Fear not, my friends! I'm here to break it down like Ed Elric breaking down… well, anything he can get his hands on. We're going on an adventure to uncover the differences, and trust me, it's less complicated than understanding alchemy itself!

The Tale of Two Fullmetals

Imagine you're making a pizza. FMA is like making a pizza with a recipe that's only half-finished. The crust is amazing, the sauce is decent, but you start adding pineapple because you're not quite sure how to finish it. (Don't @ me, pineapple-on-pizza people!).

That's because the original FMA anime caught up with the manga way before the manga was finished. So, the anime team had to start improvising, creating their own storyline and ending. It’s like they were told to bake a cake, ran out of sugar, and decided to use… pickles. Inventive? Sure. True to the recipe? Not so much.

FMAB, on the other hand, is that same pizza, but this time the entire recipe is complete and the chef (Hiromu Arakawa, the manga creator) is standing right there, making sure you don't even think about adding pineapple. It follows the manga’s storyline much more closely.

So, Which One Should You Watch?

This is the million-dollar question! Well, not really a million dollars, unless you're some kind of Fullmetal Alchemist superfan who's selling limited edition Edward Elric Funko Pops on eBay.

Here's the deal: FMA isn't bad. It has fantastic character development, a darker tone, and a unique ending that, while different, is compelling in its own right. Think of it as a cool, alternate take on the story. It’s like the “what if” episode you never knew you wanted!

But, if you're a purist (like me!), and you want the definitive Fullmetal Alchemist experience, the one that stays true to Arakawa-sensei's vision, then FMAB is the way to go. It’s the complete package: the epic battles, the gut-wrenching plot twists, and the satisfying conclusion.

The Nitty-Gritty Differences (Without Getting Too Technical)

Okay, let's get a little more specific (but still keep it fun, promise!). FMAB rushes through some of the early arcs from the manga that FMA spent more time on. It assumes you already know the basic premise, so it hits the ground running.

Character arcs differ a bit too. Some characters get more development in FMA, while others shine brighter in FMAB. For example, some argue that Scar's backstory is explored more deeply in the original series.

And of course, the ending! The endings are completely different. FMA has a more bittersweet ending, while FMAB goes for a more traditionally happy (but still earned) resolution. Think of it like choosing between dark chocolate and milk chocolate – both delicious, just different flavors!

"One is a detour, while the other is the destination."

Ultimately, the "better" version is entirely subjective. It depends on what you’re looking for in an anime. Do you want a darker, more introspective experience with a unique ending? Go for FMA. Do you want the full, unaltered, action-packed story with a satisfying conclusion? FMAB is your jam.

Why not watch both and decide for yourself? After all, twice the Fullmetal is twice the fun! Just maybe lay off the pineapple pizza while you're at it. Unless you're into that sort of thing.

Now go forth and enjoy the world of alchemy, brotherly love, and the dangers of human transmutation! And remember: Equivalent Exchange!