Anime Fullmetal Alchemist

[Dagger]

Last night's episode featured one of the coolest (not to mention most laughable) expendable character deaths I've seen in quite a while. Perhaps my reaction was a bit tasteless, but I couldn't help cracking up when [spoiler]that Majawhatsis guy got aerially impaled with his own darn sword. Pwned by an eleven-year-old kid--what an embarrassing way to go![/spoiler]

Isn't this the first time Ed has [spoiler]killed[/spoiler] another person? If that's the case, then I must confess to being pleasantly surprised that he and Al didn't agonize over it more. After Vash and Kenshin, the last thing I want to deal with is another set of bleeding-heart shounen heroes. I was also pleased that the script didn't outright explain why [spoiler]the girl started cross-dressing.[/spoiler] The answer had been provided--it just required a wee bit of thinking. I'm tired of action anime which over-explain things.

~Dagger~

[MoonlitStairway]

[COLOR=Navy][SIZE=2][FONT=Times New Roman]When it comes to Full Metal Alchemist, I personally enjoy the show.

But on a side note, please don't interpret all of Full Metal Alchemist of what Alchemy is all about; some of its studies are totally contrasting in comparison to FMA.

o.o;; now I'm not dissing FMA, for as I said, I enjoy the show, but I've seen friends who instantly associate Alchemical studies with FMA, and I hope to have some avoid this.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[jedite]

I watched a few wekks ago on [as], it was ok, it wasn't all that great, which some people think it is. I watched the first episode of it, but, I just didn't get into it, like some people did. I dunno I think it's just overrated personally. But, there's a lot overrated anime that I don't like, Evangelion, Ghost In The Shell. But, that's just me.

[Colonel Mustang]

I love Full Metal Alchemist.. It's well.. my 2nd fav anime(peacemaker kurogane comes 1st).
I read a couple of chapters of the manga just the other day and I also watch the anime on Adult Swim. I'm planing to get the game for PS2, comes out in early 2005 :D ,
I love all the character designs and the plot. my favorite character is Mustang.
I just don't enjoy the whole "bring your mother back from the dead "kinda thing, that there really freaked me out. I couldn't get to sleep for a whole 3DAYS :eek:
other than that it's really great to watch...I'd give it 16 I mean 2 thumbs up ;)

[Monkey_Orange]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]Hey guys! A friend of mine posted this in another board, but i thought that I'd share it with ya'll : [URL=http://211.1.160.10/1101/nintendo/DS-demo.wmv]A Nintendo DS Orchestra playing "Melissa" the 1st OP theme to FMA.[/URL].[/COLOR]

[Dagger]

[quote name='Colonel Mustang']I love Full Metal Alchemist.. It's well.. my 2nd fav anime(peacemaker kurogane comes 1st).[/quote]

Hey, another PMK fan! [/off-topic] Anyway, Mustang seems rather cool. He's pretty high up there on my "potential favorite characters" list, despite not yet having received much screen time.

[quote name='Monkey_Orange][COLOR=DarkOrange]Hey guys! A friend of mine posted this in another board, but i thought that I'd share it with ya'll : [URL=http://211.1.160.10/1101/nintendo/DS-demo.wmv]A Nintendo DS Orchestra playing "Melissa" the 1st OP theme to FMA.[/URL'].[/COLOR][/quote]

How fascinating! I've never heard of (much less seen) that kind of orchestra before, heh. Because Adult Swim is going to play "Ready Steady Go" for all fifty-two episodes, it's been a long time since I last heard Melissa. Still, from what I can tell, they did a great job.

I finally got around to watching my tape of episode 5. Good stuff. Every time I see another episode of this show, I start to feel all warm and fuzzy about FUNimation. I only wish I could watch it with DVD-quality video and sound right now, but oh well. I decided to wait for the DVD release of Wolf's Rain; after being spoiled many times over, I realized that was a horrible mistake. I'll follow FMA on Adult Swim if it kills me. :p

The violence is creeping in little by little--yay! I could do without the surfeit of motion lines, but at least they've been using the thick, white kind as opposed to the narrow black ones that would in an ideal world be restricted solely to manga. There were some great shots in this episode: the general [spoiler]losing a small chunk of his ear, the cool-character-whose-name-I-forget sending a throwing knife straight through someone's hand, Roy Mustang roasting this week's lame villain.[/spoiler] It always makes me happy to see Adult Swim earning its name.

~Dagger~

[Guest Mr.magoo]

[quote name='Grifstar']I've seen FMA, and it's one of my top favorites right now. I'm still rather new to it tho.. I've only seen up to episode 6 but I'm going to continue with it soon.. after I'm done with Matantei Loki Ragnarok, which I'm very close to finshing up[/quote]
Yea well there being to makeing mad i want to see what happing next.I hope the play the next one tonite

[color=navy][size=1]Mr.magoo, this is spam. Please be sure read the forum rules and put more effort into writing clear, coherent posts; as things stand, I can't even tell what you're trying to say. Unless your post quality improves dramatically, further replies will be deleted. You can private message me or one of the other moderators if you have any questions. Thanks!

~Dagger~[/size][/color]

[AzureWolf]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Well, when crying myself to sleep after reading so much Anal. didn't work, I turned on the old box and decided to see what was on. Last week was indeed a surprise treat for me. I won't mention those people who made me biased against watching FMA because "if they are the type of people who like it, I probably wouldn't," but I was quite impressed.

I saw the train episode that aired last week. While the comedy seemed dry, there were a lot of interesting things about FMA. I particularly appreciated the use of alchemy's "bi-products" in the search for gold. That was clever of the creator. In addition, the family aspect looks intriguing: the "gentle giant" and "hot head." The roles are even reversed: the younger brother is the former and the older is the latter. I guess you would call that an ironic juxtaposition, haha.

I'm wondering what the big psychological development in the story will be. Is it going to be about the little brother, or about man and machine? While I am worried about that aspect of the story, the show was rather unique in its design. We've got alchemists, people! Speaking of which, how could you have different types of alchemists, such as "the Alchemist of Fire?" O_o

Also, after previewing this and a few other episodes of random anime action shows, I'm more adamant about Bleach being the biggest knock-off of Naruto I've ever seen. But that's for another thread...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[lupin_is_4ever]

Hi. From the first time I saw the first episode of FMA, I liked it right away. I've seen episodes 1-5, with episode 6 airing tonight! My favorite episodes are "Mother" and the one where they go into that town and dismantle the religious nut. My favorite character is definitely Ed. I love it so far, esp. the character designs, and I'm looking foward to seeing new episodes and buying the DVD in January.

Lucy.

[James P. Galvatron]

I love the show I have not been able to find these online episodes you all have been talking about, but I love the premisise of this show it has given me something to watch to replace Trigun and Cowboy Beebop since they are now nothing but reruns.

[color=navy][size=1]In the future, [i]please[/i] be sure to watch your post quality. I know we've discussed this many times before.

~Dagger~[/size][/color]

[Dagger]

Regarding last night's episode: I was surprised that [spoiler]of the two brothers, only Al finished the written exam. It was a nice development, and I was really touched and saddened when Al later realized he couldn't go on without revealing what they had gone through in the past.[/spoiler]

However, I don't understand [i]why[/i] it would be so horrible for other people to find out that Ed and Al tried bringing their mother back to life. After all, at the time they had both been very young--surely it's acceptable for children to make mistakes, right? Is there just an incredibly huge stigma attached to human transmutation, one which might plague them for the rest of their lives? I guess that would make some sort of sense--in the first two episodes, Ed showed a great deal of reluctance about telling Rose what had happened to him and Al.

Oh, and the sudden onslaught of pregnancy jokes was flat-out creepy. I mean, I'll admit I let out the occasional nervous giggle, but only because that woman's shrieking was all too obviously the low point of an otherwise great dub.

[quote name='AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Also, after previewing this and a few other episodes of random anime action shows, I'm more adamant about Bleach being the biggest knock-off of Naruto I've ever seen. But that's for another thread...[/COLOR][/SIZE'][/FONT][/quote]

Well, I'm all for discussing this. Would you prefer to talk about it in the Bleach thread, or in a new "biggest knock-offs" topic?

~Dagger~

[AzureWolf]

[quote name='Dagger IX1]However, I don't understand [i]why[/i'] it would be so horrible for other people to find out that Ed and Al tried bringing their mother back to life. After all, at the time they had both been very young--surely it's acceptable for children to make mistakes, right? Is there just an incredibly huge stigma attached to human transmutation, one which might plague them for the rest of their lives? I guess that would make some sort of sense--in the first two episodes, Ed showed a great deal of reluctance about telling Rose what had happened to him and Al.[/quote][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]This entire statement shocks me, to be honest. I guess with future generations being more "liberal" (if that's the word for it), this concept doesn't seem like a big deal. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to forgive them too, but that's not something to just brush aside because they were kids.

I even applaud the two for feeling bad about it, meaning that old ways aren't completely dead. Even for kids, there are taboos, ones that distinguish the mentally unstable from the stable, or just plain evil from the innocent. "Black Arts" falls into that category. Call it psychology if you want, but there's a limit to how much you can get away with, even with ignorance/innocence.[QUOTE=Dagger IX1]Well, I'm all for discussing this. Would you prefer to talk about it in the Bleach thread, or in a new "biggest knock-offs" topic?

~Dagger~[/QUOTE]Oooo, Dagger be callin' me OUT. Seriously, why are you so confrontational lately? O_o

Anyway, I'd be more than happy to discuss it after this Wednesday. I think it would be better to do it outside the Bleach thread, because I don't want to sour any discussion there.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Dagger]

[quote name='AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]This entire statement shocks me, to be honest. I guess with future generations being more "liberal" (if that's the word for it), this concept doesn't seem like a big deal. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to forgive them too, but that's not something to just brush aside because they were kids.[/COLOR][/SIZE'][/FONT][/quote]

I guess part of my confusion stems from the fact that in earlier episodes, when Ed and Al were preparing to try and resurrect their mom, Al's main objection to the concept of human transmutation seemed to be that no one had ever done it successfully before.

On the one hand, they lived in a pretty small, secluded place--on the other hand, they were fairly well-read for little kids. Did they know about the dangers (physical, moral and otherwise) involved, and if so, were they still too blinded by grief to understand what they were getting into? Thinking about it, I guess they must have known, particularly since they were doing research on human transmutation. I don't like the idea of that, though--it reflects really badly on Ed, even though he obviously learned his lesson. I guess I prefer to think of human transmuation as something that ( in their society) is so taboo that it simply isn't discussed.

It didn't exactly help that Colonel Mustang reacted so calmly (relatively speaking, of course) when he found out what they had done. At first, I figured that his feelings on the matter would be representative of what alchemists in general might think of it--but after reading your post, I've changed my mind. I wonder what that says about him...

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Oooo, Dagger be callin' me OUT. Seriously, why are you so confrontational lately? O_o

Anyway, I'd be more than happy to discuss it after this Wednesday. I think it would be better to do it outside the Bleach thread, because I don't want to sour any discussion there.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Hahaha, can I put that first sentence in my sig? XD

Do I seem confrontational? Maybe I should have added a funny smilie or something. Trying to keep up with the whole Media Factory debate must have done a number on my Internet social skills. No hard feelings, right? :(

~Dagger~

[Dan Rugh]

I've been keeping up with FMA on Adult Swim since I never watched it when it was being aired in Japan. From all the hype it had been getting, I figured it was really really good. So far, I haven't really seen anything that's wowed me and convinced me that this anime was a must-watch. It's kinda boring and all those colonels and whatever are boring characters, also. Will it get better than this?

[AzureWolf]

[quote name='Dan Rugh']So far, I haven't really seen anything that's wowed me and convinced me that this anime was a must-watch. It's kinda boring and all those colonels and whatever are boring characters, also. Will it get better than this?[/quote][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]It would be really helpful if you provided more details about what you dislike about the show. That way, it'd be easier to explain or discuss. Is it the characters? You don't think they are colorful enough? Maybe not the supporting characters (but I haven't seen enough to determine that), but the two main characters are quite the pair.

Is it the premise? What is it?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

EDIT: Oh, right. Don't worry Dagger, if I needed to hate you, you'd need to do much more than something so unoffensive. And Media Factory letters = too much worry over too little spilt milk. :p

[eleanor]

[color=darkslateblue]

Like, omg! I love this anime enough to say, 'like, omg.'

Yes...51 great episodes. Mostly because I think Edward and Hughes are...the coolest anime people [i]ever[/i], lol. (Well, in all seriousness it really is because I love Edward and Hughes. And Roy, that snarky bast***. ^_~)

So...*fiddles with fingers*

[b]Anyone here seen the last episode?[/b] I'd feel sort of dumb ranting about it if no one here has seen it. >_> So yes...please post soon. :)[/color]

[xmystic_silverx]

I first heard about FMA on Deviantart.com. There were so many people drawing the characters and I asked what series it was from and some of them told me and said that I should see it. In an Animerica magazine I read that Funimation was doing the voice overs and, being a fan of anime dubbed my Funimation, I had to check it out.

I love the fact that it's based on Alchemy. I don't think it has ever been tried before in an anime and that's what makes it different from all the others. Ever since I started watching in on Adult Swim I've been interested in Alchemy and been reading up on it.

The characters are wonderfully developed. It's a lot more "dark" than some anime.

The only complaints that I've heard were from those who have seen the japanese original and said the voices didn't fit too well.

Other than that it's a pretty good anime. I'd recommend it ^_~

[AzureWolf]

[QUOTE]I love the fact that it's based on Alchemy. I don't think it has ever been tried before in an anime and that's what makes it different from all the others. Ever since I started watching in on Adult Swim I've been interested in Alchemy and been reading up on it.[/QUOTE][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]The alchemy angle is a little vague, IMO. Alchemy was the study of creating gold from other elements. While I have noticed that the characters tend to rely on the side-products of this search (such as the flexible manipulation of various compounds and fundamental structures), I'm beginning to wonder if the whole thing was just by chance. Again I ask, how can one be an alchemist of fire? O_o[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[xmystic_silverx]

[quote name='AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]The alchemy angle is a little vague, IMO. Alchemy was the study of creating gold from other elements. While I have noticed that the characters tend to rely on the side-products of this search (such as the flexible manipulation of various compounds and fundamental structures), I'm beginning to wonder if the whole thing was just by chance. Again I ask, how can one be an alchemist of fire? O_o[/COLOR][/SIZE'][/FONT][/quote]

It is, and the alchemy that they do on FMA is a little more "flashy" than real alchemy. (Duh, I'm pointing out the obvious.)

I've read that alchemists did try to make gold out of lead but they never succeeded. They just discovered some new elements and how to organize them better.

One can be any kind of alchemist if they're in anime XD

[Monkey_Orange]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]Alchemy was also known as the 'Divine Art'. The basis of alchemy started out from a spiritual and religous background -- the purification of one's soul in order to achieve the highest state...the state of the Heavens. Alchemy became very popular in Europe during the Renaissance era -- and started to fuse into both sience and art.

On a side note, you guys you check out Northern Renaissance art. Paintings and printings of this era are great example of how Alchemy was a fusion of religion, science, and art. Very interesting.

Back to point...

The three goals of Alchemy are: to obtain the Philosopher's Stone, to discover the Univeral Solvent, and to create the Elixir of Life. All three of those goals heavily involve both purification and transmutation *^_^*

Hmm...why am saying this?

Ah yes, the topic of Alchemist 'Specialists', right? I see your point in that its kind of strange. Perhaps they specialize in that 'area' [or given the specific] title because they've mastered the transmutation and purification of that particular substance/meterial/element.

I think i'm looking too much into this.

FMA is a good show. To be honest, I only started watching it because it dealt with alchemy -- which I studied a bit of when I was in college ^^;; And now that's it's winter break, I'm gonna try to see if I can finish up this series before I head back to school. Good suff.

The US version is okay. I...don't really like Ed's voice. ^^;; Aside from that, I still watch it...if I'm still awake, that is. ^^;;[/COLOR]

[Guest kashirahimura 2]

[FONT=Century Gothic]undefined[/FONT][FONT=Arial Black][FONT=Arial Black]xxx[/FONT][/FONT]
FMA what to say about it? i'm new here...so i'm not sure my oppinion will matter that much :D but i love FMA (even though iv'e only seen a few eps.) it's got wonderful animation and so far...(as much as i've seen) the story-line is really well thought out. some may think it a little strange,but i highly reccomend this series! ;) especially if you are into alchemy. i don't know much about it myself,but i'm learning more and more each day! Ed and Al are very talented for their age, i'm sure of that... if your just starting out watching anime(that is a big IF) i recomend you see this one first! :wigout: ;)

[2010DigitalBoy]

Did anyone else see tonights episode? If you did Im sure you will agree with me that that [spoiler]guy who fused his daughter with his dog is VERY SICK. I cant wait to see what further relevence the tatoo guy has toward the series.[/spoiler]

[color=navy][size=1]In the future, PLEASE use spoiler tags! All you have to do is type [spoiler*]text[/spoiler], minus the asterisk. This is especially important for a show like FMA--not everyone will be able to keep up with Adult Swim, and what about people who are introduced to the series later? When in doubt, ALWAYS use spoiler tags. Thanks.

~Dagger~[/size][/color]

[Dagger]

Holy crap. After watching "Night of the Chimera's Cry," my expectations for Fullmetal Alchemist have changed radically. This episode played out like something from Requiem from the Darkness or Kino's Journey. I'm almost in shock, because I just hadn't expected the series to become so dark so quickly--but at the same time, I am extraordinarily impressed.

[spoiler]I figured something bad was going to happen, yet was not successful in predicting how everything would turn out. I had suspected that Tucker was either the serial killer, or that Nina was actually some kind of chimera, or both. Of course I was dead wrong on every point. In retrospect, it almost makes me shiver to think of Ed and Al peacefully staying in the same house as Tucker--eating with him, playing with his daughter, etc. Watching Tucker's pleasant, harmless facade slowly crack under the Brigadier General's pressure was an incredibly creepy experience.

Also, Ed's final confrontation with him was masterfully well directed. I could practically feel the raw emotion crackling through the air; when Ed started beating the **** out of him, I was on the edge of my seat. The whole situation was so sad and deeply disturbing that I can't stop thinking about it. The worst (or, rather, best) part was how Tucker explained his reasoning, and Ed's reaction to that.

It seems as though the new character (the guy with the tattoos) is the serial killer, but I could be wrong on that.[/spoiler] I was extremely surprised that [spoiler]the Nina/Alexander chimera's destruction[/spoiler] was shown uncut. To be fair, I don't know for sure if it was uncensored, but I'd be a little worried if that scene contained something even more graphic than what appeared on TV. It actually reminded me of a similar scene which takes place early on in Tsukihime.

Jeez, now I'm really sad that I'll have to wait two weeks for a new episode.

~Dagger~

[Noside]

Yes the latest Adult Swim episode was indeed a hard turn toward the "Dark". Just like Dagger I had the same assumptions about Tucker and Nina. This episode was a really big surprise with what happened. It makes me believe this anime is capable of almost anything now. From the glimpses seen in the opener, I thought the tatoo'd guy was the father or something, but now we know it's the latter.

Anyone else notice that every villain Edward encounters tells Edward he's like them?

[AzureWolf]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]While the voice acting never bothered me before, the quality was very obvious in this episode. You know, it was pretty good, up until they had to show emotion. It was very fitting when, at the end of the episode, the words FUNimation showed up as [SPOILER]Ed was crying in a very phony fashion[/SPOILER].

Not to say I wasn't moved by the episode. Certainly, things have been brought into light that weren't before. Indeed, it's interesting that the circle of Alchemists have [SPOILER]those who toy with lives for the sake of knowledge. You'd think these types of people would be outcast, but instead, they are just placed underground by others[/SPOILER]. Here's another angle that FMA will have address, haha.

I personally would have hated the episode if it ended any other way. I mean, it would have been fine if [SPOILER]the hybrid just ran away or just was taken away[/SPOILER], but if [SPOILER]Ed was somehow able to do the impossible[/SPOILER], I would have immediately become repulsed by the show. There are the exceptional, and then there are the unbelievable. While Ed is certainly the former, having anything like the latter really destroys a show that has a set fundamental rules for its reality/universe.

Monkey_Orange, are you sure that Alchemy was first a religious attempt to purify one's soul? I really find that hard to believe, because how could it move to the search for creating gold? O_o [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]