Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood Ep. 1

Whoever watches anime has most likely heard of the Full Metal Alchemist. The tale of two brothers who seek to correct their mistake by seeking for the famed Philosopher Stone. When this show first debuted, it garnered a huge following. By the time the show concluded, it became legendary. All sorts of media have been conceived, thriving on its success.

Now, if you do watch the new Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, I have a piece of advice for you. Watch the series knowing only the characters names and background. Forget the plot, character developments, interactions and pretty much everything about the first season. This is more than a second season but a complete revision of the whole series.

Pretending that we know nothing at all about the series except the characters names, we are thrown right into the action and comedy that Full Metal is all about. Edward Elric is the Full Metal Alchemist; the youngest state alchemist in all of military history. His partner is his younger brother, Alphonse Elric; who is enclosed in full body armor and constantly mistaken to be the Full Metal Alchemist. All the characters from the previous season are back like Roy Mustang, Armstrong and even Maes Hughes. (More time with Hughes! :D)

This first episode has the Elric Brothers chasing down the "Ice Alchemist" and stopping his attempt to bring down the head of the military, Bradley. The episode is packed with over-the-top action, comedy and style by showcasing everyone's talents to stop the rogue alchemist. Whenever Ed is called short, its priceless.


The animation looks great and the character designs look a little different from the first season whether for better or worst. Romi Paku and Rie Kugimiya reprise their roles and are spot on as Ed and Al but I did notice that some of the characters have a different seiyū like Roy Mustang.

The opening is by YUI (Bleach's fifth OP - Rolling Star) appropriated titled "AGAIN" and closer "Uso" by Sid are destined to be popular hits in the near future. I don't know why but I am especially fond of the closing theme. You can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcSwIRNQfYI&feature=related

One thing I will address is the fact that there are spoilers right from the get-go. In the opening, they show that one of the characters is a homunculi and while I have no problem since I watched the first season; new fans of the show will be caught off guard.

Even so, this is a show not to be missed. If you watched the first season, keep in mind its a brand new story with the same characters but if you never watched the first season then enjoy the ride for it's going to be one hell of a good time.

It's time for me to go but don't forget, we all live in a Pokemon world...