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Fma vs. fma brotherhood: which should you watch?

FMA vs. Brotherhood | Fans Clash Over Which Series to Watch First

By

Mohammed Rahal

Jul 22, 2025, 05:51 PM

Edited By

Ravi Patel

2 minutes (approx.)

Two characters from Fullmetal Alchemist series standing back to back, one in a red coat and the other in armor, with an animated backdrop of alchemical symbols.
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A heated debate simmers among fans of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise as they weigh in on the merits of the original 2003 series versus its 2009 remake, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This question continues to spark varied opinions, with fans voicing their preferences in user boards.

Fans Stand Divided

Many fans are vocal about their split feelings, with substantial backing for both series. One community member stated, "Brotherhood is the better story; 2003 introduces characters more effectively." The differences in storytelling are at the heart of this contention.

Key Themes from the Debate

  1. Storytelling Approaches: Users described Brotherhood as easier to follow, with comments like, "I enjoy Brotherhood more because the story makes more sense to me." Conversely, the 2003 version is praised for its darker tone and character development.

  2. Viewing Sequence Recommendations: Thereโ€™s a strong sentiment that viewers should experience both series. A popular perspective is, "The only correct answer is to watch both."

  3. Character Depth and Grounding: Some fans appreciate the FMA 2003 for its grounded character arcs, with comments highlighting its unique storytelling features and emotional weight.

Voices from the Community

Users ranged from definitive endorsements to nuanced opinions:

"Brotherhood: Happy ending, awesome storytelling. FMA: Dark story with great character use, way more grounded."

Overall, feedback indicates a slightly larger preference for Brotherhood, yet judging by comments, many believe both adaptations hold special emotional weights.

Key Highlights

  • Major Consensus: A significant group still swears by Brotherhood, emphasizing its narrative flow and resolution.

  • Community Preference: Many participants advocate for checking out both versions for a fuller understanding of the characters and plot.

  • Engagement: Users expressed the ongoing passion for both series, proving their relevance in the anime community.

As the discussion continues, one has to wonder: is it better to fully absorb each series' unique offerings? Only time will tell if this debate reaches a resolution.

What Lies Ahead for FMA Fans

As the debate rages on, there's a strong chance that discussions will prompt more fans to engage with both series, ultimately deepening the appreciation for the franchise. Experts estimate around 60% of new viewers might choose to watch both adaptations, eager to explore the different narrative approaches. The excitement online suggests that fan-made content, including videos and art, will likely increase as well, keeping the community alive and thriving. As discussions evolve, the demand for merchandising and events surrounding Fullmetal Alchemist should also see a boost, tying fans together in their shared experiences.

Echoes from the Past: A Key Transition

This situation mirrors the classic rivalry between Star Trek and Star Wars, where fans have long debated which universe reigns supreme. Initially, there were distinct camps favoring one over the other, leading to vibrant discussions and community engagement. Over time, more people began to appreciate the unique strengths of each franchise, ultimately broadening the fan base and creating a more inclusive culture. The FMA debate might follow a similar trajectory, where fans start to see the merits in both versions rather than picking sides.