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What a downgrade: fans react to major changes

Drama in the Anime Community | Fans Clash Over Fullmetal Alchemist Changes

By

Mateo Vargas

Jul 14, 2025, 07:47 PM

Edited By

Priya Gupta

Updated

Jul 15, 2025, 01:40 AM

2 minutes (approx.)

Fans expressing disappointment and humor over recent changes in their favorite series during a lively discussion on a user board.
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Recent discussions among anime fans have sparked intense debate regarding Fullmetal Alchemist. With overwhelming activity on forums, opinions are split on which adaptation holds up better in the eyes of the audience.

The Heart of the Argument

The two adaptationsโ€”2003's Fullmetal Alchemist and 2009's Brotherhoodโ€”continue to be hotspots for disagreement. Their differing approaches to storytelling and character depth ignite varying opinions among the fans.

Fresh Opinions from the Community

Fans have expressed their frustrations and preferences on forums:

  • "Not sure which onebut the back story of Hughes was glossed over in one of themmade me pissed!"

  • "Honestly, FMA does the first 10 eps and worldbuilding so much better than FMAB, who speed ran those eps."

  • โ€œWell, first episode is where all the budget goeshis arm is never that shiny again.โ€

These sentiments highlight a mix of nostalgia for the original series and frustration with the adaptation choices in Brotherhood.

Narrative Depth and Character Focus

  1. Character Arcs vs. Story Fidelity: Some fans argue that Brotherhood neglects deeper character backstories, particularly Hughes' tragic fate, while others feel that it maintains a stronger faithfulness to the manga.

  2. Worldbuilding Quality: Thereโ€™s a consensus that FMA excels in worldbuilding, particularly in its early episodes, providing a more immersive experience compared to the quicker pace of Brotherhood.

  3. Visual Realism: Comments on the aesthetics reveal an intriguing perspective: "If I had a metal arm, I sure wouldnโ€™t have it all shiny all the time.โ€ Many fans appreciate the more realistic presentation in Brotherhood, contrasting it with the more stylized approach of FMA.

"They took his ass! I canโ€™t sht!"* reflects the intensity of fan sentiment towards character portrayals.

Community Response and Sentiments

The overall tone tends to favor Brotherhood, yet ardent fans of the original series advocate for its value. Despite the ongoing rivalry, mutual respect for both adaptations emerges in many discussions.

Insightful Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Brotherhood praised for closer alignment to source material

  • โ–ฝ Original series gets recognition for better character development

  • โšก "Both are worth the watch for sure" - Highlighting the ongoing debate

As discussions escalate, we can expect more fans gravitating towards the detailed storytelling of Brotherhood, while others remain loyal to the emotional depth and dark themes of the 2003 adaptation. This ongoing dialogue not only shapes viewing preferences but also underscores the continuous evolution of anime appreciation among fans.

A Nostalgic Reflection

Art conversations often mirror larger trends. Like the Star Wars franchise, which saw shifts in fan appreciation over time, Fullmetal Alchemist may experience a renaissance for its original series as new fans discover its intricacies and adapt narrative elements to contemporary discussions. The debate isn't just about which version is better; itโ€™s about the rich tapestry of storytelling that both adaptations offer, enriching the community of fans for years to come.