I heart FMA: Brotherhood

Just got into re-watching FMA: Brotherhood, and omg, all I can say is I love it just as much as I did the first time I watched it. Can I just say it is the BEST anime/manga ever? The only thing I can think of that could improve the anime is if they didn't rush through the first 1/3 of the storyline, but it was inevitable since they already released the "original" anime series with the same beginning storyline in 2003.

But even so, FMA:B is still so amazing! I would even go so far as to say it's the best series I've ever watched! Okay, I may be a little biased because I am a big animation nerd. You can almost guarantee that I'd go watch any animation movies even if the premise of the plot lies on the mediocre side, but you'd have to literally drag me by the ankles to watch the new blockbusters, like Jurassic World, Star Wars, etc. Blame the artist in me that find fantasy artwork more visually appealing than real things or people. 

The anime is so awesome in a sense that I feel the author/mangaka had a really fleshed out plot and idea, so when it ended, a lot of the "loose ends" during the different conflicts were wrapped up and linked together really well. Unlike a certain other mangaka who just made stuff up as he went to milk as much money as he could out of its popularity and merchandise, and then made more stuff up to cover up the multitude of loop holes *ahem* Kishimoto *ahem* Naruto *ahem*. What made me so mad about Naruto was that the first arc (when they were still 12) was SO GOOD, but then it turned into utter BS in Shippuden. And to think I followed that series for 10 YEARS. 10! That's why I am so mad. Grr.

Anyway, I digress. What I liked about FMA:B was how the mangaka was able to create a reasonably interesting premise to start off the story: two very young brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who upon facing their mother's death after their dad left the home suddenly, decided to perform human transmutation alchemy, which is also the biggest taboo in alchemy, to bring their mom back to life. And in doing so, lost their limbs and body despite failing to resurrect their mom. They then set off on a journey to discover ways to retrieve their bodies. The mangaka was also able to incorporate mini arcs into the brothers' journey to build character development as well as to reveal more of their backgrounds, yet all the while keeping in line with an overarching deeper and more sinister plot. 

Look at his serious frown, the intimidating armor dude in the back, and the dark background. Does that scream sinister or what?

I like how the anime provoked the viewer throughout the series to question the values and morals humans hold onto to make sense out of life. It also discusses topics of immortality, politics, trust, suffering, humility, and hope. I know most shounen animes tend to focus on topics of hope and friendships/trust as well, but the way this anime/manga deals with these topics blows the rest out of the water. Naruto, for example, focuses a lot about hope and faith in others, about giving others a chance, and is filled with lots of gusto/gung-ho moments and fight scenes. While that is all fine and dandy, I do enjoy the darker and more twisted side of FMA:B. They do have some messed up scenes that tug at your heartstrings. I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear or two when I watched it the first time round. (And I am the kind of unfazed person who laughs during horror films.)

Okay lah, maybe I am a little bit sick-minded because I notice that I usually like movies/series that are more tragic. I find them more realistic than the sunshine and unicorns type stories. Probably also because I am a cynic. Even so, the anime has its moments of light-heartedness and humor. All-in-all, I find this anime to have a good balance of drama, sci-fi, fantasy, action, steam-punk, and a tiny bit of comedy (just enough to offset the heavy themes and making the characters more personable). Thus, imho, the best anime ever!

The only downside to the anime is that there is a serious lack of bishies bahahaha! It's most likely why this anime is not as popular these days, since kids these days care so much more about how their characters look, rather than being interested in the depth and complexities of their characters. *cough* Kuroko no Basuke *cough* (tbh, I am also a huge KnB nerd so I have no right to criticized hahaha). But since FMA is such an old manga with an older drawing style, I really can't complain. Besides, all the other qualities make up for the art style. I imagine creating bishie characters would only distract the viewers from the heavy themes, and I don't think it was created for people to fangirl over either hahaha. Also, if I recall correctly, people like steam-punk and mecha stuff more because it was "cool", thus the armor MC I'm assuming. I guess technology nowadays has made every tech device so sleek looking that people are not into bulky and intimidating looking robots anymore.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Kuroko no Basuke (one of the most popular anime today) for comparison. Look at that! Bishies of your choice with the colors of the rainbows to boot!

Look how far anime has come, or should I say deteriorated? LoL. We've run out of ideas that a story about an invisible boy who loves basketball trying to bring down dragon ball Z powered basketball players with rainbow hair is the most interesting thing on the market. (≧∇≦)

But hey, I don't blame the mangaka. If this is what sells then that's what they've gotta do. I mean, even I am a sucker for nicely drawn characters hahahaha. #iheartmidorima

Ahh~ anyway, I just got to the end of the FMA:B and now I feel so empty lol. Is it just me or does it not feel like you've lost a part of something whenever your favorite shows are over? I feel this more so with series, because you invest so much time into it on a daily basis, that once it's over you wonder what you should do to fill that time you devoted to the show by habit. I really wish another awesome anime comes up, but I doubt it'll happen for another decade or so. Oh well, time to go back to being productive I suppose.