Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a 2009–2010 Japanese anime television series based on Hiromu Arakawa’s acclaimed manga Fullmetal Alchemist. Produced by Studio Bones and directed by Yasuhiro Irie, this adaptation was created to more faithfully follow the manga’s complete storyline, in contrast to the original 2003 anime which diverged significantly midway through its run. With a compelling narrative, deep philosophical questions, and unforgettable characters, Brotherhood is widely regarded as one of the best anime series ever made.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Official Trailer
What Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood About?
At its core, Brotherhood tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who commit the ultimate taboo in alchemy—human transmutation—in a desperate attempt to bring their mother back from the dead. The attempt fails catastrophically, costing Edward an arm and a leg and Alphonse his entire body. Edward binds Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor and sets off on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone in hopes of restoring their bodies.
Their journey soon reveals a deep national conspiracy, tied to the military, the mysterious homunculi, ancient myths, and even their estranged father. As they seek truth and redemption, the brothers are drawn into battles not just of alchemy, but of ideology, power, and sacrifice.
Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Worth Watching?
Yes, Brotherhood is considered required viewing for any anime fan and an ideal introduction to the medium for newcomers. Here’s why:
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- Faithful Adaptation: Unlike the 2003 version, Brotherhood adapts the entire manga to its intended conclusion.
- Philosophical Depth: It explores themes of sacrifice, morality, war, nationalism, and what it means to be human.
- Memorable Characters: Every major and supporting character is richly developed.
- Strong Emotional Core: The relationship between the Elric brothers is the emotional center of the story.
- Tight Storytelling: With 64 episodes, Brotherhood maintains a focused pace with little filler.
- Epic Worldbuilding: Amestris feels like a living, breathing country, influenced by real-world geopolitics and mythology.
Whether you’re in it for the action, the emotion, or the philosophical subtext, Brotherhood offers a complete and rewarding narrative experience.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood vs. 2003 Series
| Feature | 2003 Anime | Brotherhood |
|---|---|---|
| Storyline | Diverges halfway, original ending | Faithfully adapts the manga |
| Tone | More melancholic and abstract | Balanced tone with action, emotion, and resolution |
| Ending | Anime-original, divisive | Universally praised, narratively complete |
| Length | 51 episodes | 64 episodes |
| Recommended for | Fans of darker, alternate interpretations | Manga fans and first-time viewers |
Production and Background
Following the success of the manga and the popularity of the 2003 anime, Brotherhood was announced in 2008 and premiered in 2009. Studio Bones ensured that this adaptation would follow Arakawa’s manga closely, adapting everything from the brothers’ early tragedy to the climactic final battle.
Yasuhiro Irie directed the series with scripts by Hiroshi Ōnogi and a powerful score composed by Akira Senju. The animation quality remains consistently high, with fluid combat scenes and detailed character expressions.
The voice cast includes Romi Park and Rie Kugimiya reprising their roles as Edward and Alphonse Elric in Japanese, and Vic Mignogna and Maxey Whitehead in the English dub. Supporting cast like Roy Mustang, Winry Rockbell, and the homunculi all receive top-tier performances.
Where Can You Watch Brotherhood?
Brotherhood is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Funimation (as of the latest license arrangements). The full series has also been released on Blu-ray and DVD, including box sets and collector’s editions.
FAQ – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Q: Do I need to watch the 2003 version first?
No. Brotherhood is a complete retelling and stands entirely on its own. However, the 2003 version offers an alternate take if you’re curious after finishing Brotherhood.
Q: How many episodes does it have?
The series has 64 episodes in total.
Q: Is the ending satisfying?
Yes. Brotherhood delivers one of the most emotionally satisfying and narratively complete endings in anime.
Q: Is it appropriate for younger audiences?
While not overly graphic, the show deals with serious themes such as war, death, and existential philosophy. It is recommended for teens and up.
Q: Is there a sequel or continuation?
The story concludes in episode 64, but there is a spin-off movie (The Sacred Star of Milos) that takes place mid-series, though it is not essential viewing.
Conclusion – An Anime That Achieves Alchemical Perfection
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterclass in storytelling. It combines philosophical depth with sharp action and heartfelt emotion, all wrapped in a beautifully animated package. The characters grow, the stakes escalate, and the payoff is nothing short of breathtaking.
It’s not just a great anime—it’s one of the greatest stories ever told in animated form. Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, Brotherhood remains a gold standard in anime for a reason.
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