When it comes to the vast landscape of shonen anime, few titles command as much unanimous respect as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Released in 2009 by Studio Bones, this 64-episode masterpiece isn’t just a brilliant adaptation; it remains the high-water mark for how animated storytelling should be executed.
Whether you’re revisiting the Elric brothers or diving into the military nation of Amestris for the first time, Brotherhood delivers an exhilarating, deeply emotional, and endlessly rewarding ride.
Brotherhood vs The 2003 Original
To truly appreciate Brotherhood, it helps to understand its place alongside the original 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series.
The 2003 Series
Produced while Hiromu Arakawa’s manga was still in its early stages, the 2003 anime eventually caught up to the source material and branched off into an entirely original, darker storyline.
While it holds a nostalgic spot in many hearts for its moody tone and character drama, its conclusion deviated significantly from the creator’s vision. We’ve not seen this version of Fullmetal Alchemist, but it’s intriguing to think that it went rogue.
Brotherhood (2009)
Conceived specifically to deliver a 1:1, faithful adaptation of Arakawa’s complete manga.
Brotherhood assumes a bit of prior knowledge in its opening episodes, speeding through the early chapters that 2003 covered extensively. Before exploding into a vastly bigger world with higher stakes, new continents, and an intricately woven political thriller at its heart.
Brotherhood expands the horizon into a grand, epic adventure filled with incredible energy and boundless momentum.
Suffice it to say that those initial few episodes had us scrambling to Wiki’s to understand what was going on. Not enough to be off-putting, but it was pretty swift at getting to the point.
Characterisation
At the core of the series are Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers bound by a horrific tragic mistake in their youth (attempting Human Transmutation to bring back their deceased mother).
Ed loses an arm and a leg; Al loses his entire physical body, his soul hastily bonded to a towering suit of armour.
What makes Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood shine so favourably is that every single character matters. There are no throwaway sidekicks or empty villains here:
Roy Mustang & Riza Hawkeye
Their quiet loyalty, shared dark history in Ishval, and razor-sharp dynamic provide some of the series’ most compelling drama.
Ling Yao & Greed
The dynamic between the prince of Xing and the rebellious Homunculus creates one of the most entertaining character arcs in all of anime.
Olivier Mira Armstrong
The formidable Northern Wall of Briggs brings pure, unadulterated steel to the late-game narrative.
From the sympathetic tragic figures to the deeply menacing Homunculi, every player on the board is driven by clear motivations, flaws, and genuine heart.
Fluid Animation and Breathtaking Action
Studio Bones spared no expense bringing the alchemy of Amestris to life. The magic system in Fullmetal Alchemist is governed by the Law of Equivalent Exchange (“to obtain, something of equal value must be lost”) which gives every fight a tactile, grounded weight.
Clashes aren’t just shouting matches; they are clever, fast-paced tactical chess games. Sparks of lightning, shattering stone walls, bursting flames, and intricate martial arts combine to produce fight sequences that hold up spectacularly today.
The animation maintains breathtaking consistency throughout all 64 episodes, blending physical combat with alchemy smoothly and fluidly.
A Flawless Conclusion
Perhaps the greatest achievement of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is its ending. So many long-running series struggle to stick the landing under the weight of their own lore, but Brotherhood ties up every single narrative thread with stunning precision.
The final arc is a triumph of pacing and emotional catharsis. Themes of sacrifice, family, military corruption, and humanity come full circle in a finale that leaves no loose ends dangling. It gives every character their deserved moment in the sun, concluding on a note that feels thoroughly earned, uplifting, and deeply satisfying.
The Verdict
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood isn’t merely a great anime; it’s a storytelling triumph. With its incredible cast, magnificent animation, infectious humour, and a story arc that closes with absolute perfection, it thoroughly deserves its place at the top of the medium.
If you’re looking for the ultimate modern epic, this is as good as it gets.
DAM, that’s Excellent.
