Series: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Part Two – Episodes 14-26
Release date: 6th December 2010
Certificate: 15
Running time: 304 mins
Director: Yasuhiro Irie
Starring: Rie Kugimiya, Romi Park, Iemasa Kayumi, Megumi Takamoto, Shinichiro Miki
Genre: Anime
Studio: Manga
Format: DVD & Blu-ray
Country: Japan
The original Fullmetal Alchemist series is regularly cited by anime critics as one of the finest examples of the medium, as it not only treated viewers with superb animation, but also an involving narrative which was both ambitious in its themes on parenthood and loss, and original in positing a fictional universe in which alchemy is one of the most significant and advanced scientific techniques in the world. However, it did not stick at all to the source manga, therefore providing the opportunity for another TV series to be produced, which adapted the manga faithfully. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is that series, and this DVD box set covers the second instalment of episodes, from numbers 14-26.
The plot focuses on brothers Ed (Pak) and Al (Kugiyama) Elric, highly regarded as scientists and military figures despite their youth.
After their mother’s death, the duo attempt to resurrect her using taboo human transmutation. During the process, a mysterious dark figure appears and completely destroys Al’s physical form. Using his own blood, Ed bonds Al’s soul to a suit of armour, losing both his arm and leg in the process. However, these actions of bravery and skill impress Colonel Roy Mustang (Miki) who recommends Ed becoming a state alchemist.
Ed qualifies in alchemy, and earns the title Fullmetal Alchemist. Working for the military, Ed and his brother, now trapped in the suit of armour which is keeping him alive, battle various elemental characters known as homunculus, who possess names of deadly sins, such as Gluttony and, most threateningly, Wrath…
The differences between the original anime series and Brotherhood are almost immediately apparent at the start of this run of episodes. Much less emphasis is given to the brother’s relationship, while the episodes as a whole possess a significantly darker tone. However, the episodes do not rely on filler to make up for the time lost by not focusing so heavily on the Elric brothers; instead, the entire institution of the military, and the political machinations that lie within, are examined in intricate detail. It may seem strange for a series that has characters named after biblical sins to focus on such a topic, but it is to Brotherhood’s credit that the events in the military carry as much interest as the conflict of Ed, Al and the homunculus.
As in the original series, a sprawling cast of vividly realised characters inhabit Brotherhood, with the episodes in this box set giving plentiful time to nearly all of them. Fan favourites such as Mustang and Alexander Armstrong are present and correct, and the brothers themselves are almost carbon copy portrayals of how they were in the original incarnation. However, this leads to problems of their own, as Brotherhood struggles to create its own separate identity, even with a different narrative.
Living in the shadow of one of the greatest anime TV series ever to be produced is no shame, though, and there is plenty here to keep fans entertained. The soundtrack is reliably excellent, while the animation is of an equal standard to that of the original. Battle scenes are realised superbly, with episode 25, ‘Gateway To Darkness’, being a particular standout. Unfortunately, the script is not immune from the forced ‘comedy’ elements that plagued other series’, such as Naruto Shippuden, with the writers and directors under the impression that wacky facial drawings and exaggerated exclamations will have the audience roaring with laughter. Thankfully, these elements are scarce on the second set of episodes, as the plot races towards an exciting climax.
There is certainly more adult animation to be found within the second disc, with some scenes certainly meriting the DVD’s 15 certificate. The sound mixing is excellent, giving the gore added drama and weight. The voice actors rise to the challenge, too, with Romi Pak and Rie Kugiyama giving forceful and emotional performances as the lead characters Ed and Al. The cliffhanger ending is a real killer also – if you don’t want to find out how the story continues in the next collection of episodes, then perhaps the story that Brotherhood is attempting to tell isn’t for you.
This package comes with some interesting extras, including commentary on selected episodes and the opportunity to watch the intro and closing animation without text.
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is a valiant attempt to tell a valid and different version of the FMA story. Not every episode in this collection works, but when the creators get it right, the results are spectacular. Fans of the original series will either lap up or be put off by the even more adult themes on display here, but there is no denying that Brotherhood has earned the right to co-exist alongside its older brother. There are signs from this batch of episodes that the series has the potential to get even better, and, at the very least, it will leave you wanting to know where it goes next.
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