Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Season 1 Episode 1 Review

Introduction

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is an anime adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga series, renowned for its captivating storyline, deep characters, and philosophical themes. Season 1 Episode 1, titled “Fullmetal Alchemist,” sets the stage for an epic journey, introducing us to the Elric brothers and their tragic backstory, while also showcasing the world of alchemy in a brilliantly engaging way.

Episode Summary

The episode begins with a high-stakes confrontation between the Elric brothers and Isaac McDougal, an ex-State Alchemist with a vendetta against the military. Isaac, also known as the “Freezing Alchemist,” is wreaking havoc in Central City using his alchemic abilities to control ice and water. The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, are dispatched to stop him.

Edward Elric, known as the “Fullmetal Alchemist,” and his brother Alphonse demonstrate their exceptional alchemic skills in a thrilling battle against Isaac. Amidst the action, we get glimpses of their past—a tragic alchemical experiment gone wrong. The brothers attempted to use alchemy to bring their mother back to life, violating the fundamental law of equivalent exchange. The result was catastrophic: Edward lost his left leg, and Alphonse lost his entire body. In a desperate bid to save his brother’s soul, Edward sacrificed his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor.

Their personal tragedy is central to their quest. They seek the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful alchemical artifact rumored to amplify one’s abilities, which they hope will restore their bodies. The episode effectively sets up this quest while also introducing key characters like Colonel Roy Mustang, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and Major Alex Louis Armstrong, who will play significant roles in the series.

Key Themes and Analysis

Equivalent Exchange: The principle of equivalent exchange is at the heart of alchemy in this series. The Elric brothers’ story is a poignant illustration of this law—they paid a heavy price for their attempt to defy nature. This theme is not only a cornerstone of the plot but also offers a philosophical reflection on the consequences of human actions and the limits of scientific pursuits.

Brotherhood and Sacrifice: The bond between Edward and Alphonse is a central theme. Their unwavering commitment to each other, despite the physical and emotional scars they carry, is both touching and inspirational. The sacrifices they make for each other underscore the depth of their brotherhood.

The Nature of Power: Isaac McDougal’s vendetta against the State Military hints at the darker undercurrents within the governing powers of the world. This introduces a recurring theme in the series—questioning authority and the moral implications of power.

Visuals and Animation

The animation in “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is top-notch, with fluid action sequences and detailed character designs. The alchemical effects are particularly impressive, adding a sense of wonder and excitement to the battles. The color palette and art style effectively convey the mood, from the bleakness of the brothers’ past to the dynamic energy of their present battles.

Conclusion

Season 1 Episode 1 of “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is a compelling introduction to a richly layered narrative. It balances action, emotional depth, and philosophical questions, hooking the audience from the very start. The episode lays a strong foundation for what promises to be an unforgettable journey with the Elric brothers as they seek redemption and the secrets of alchemy.

For both newcomers and returning fans, this episode is a reminder of why “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is hailed as one of the greatest anime series of all time. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the world of alchemy and the adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric.

My Thoughts:

Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood is an interesting anime for me to start. I feel from funkos I’ve sold I have a grasp or Elric and some of the other characters but really excited to see what this one has to offer.

The main character reminds me a little of Denki from My Hero Academia. Edward Elric is quite the hero; an alchemist that also has a big little brother. In fact his younger brother is a tower robot like figure that dwarfs the older Edward.

He very quickly makes it known he is in fact the older brother regardless of his smaller frame and shorter stature.

His parents are also concerned about him being essentially state/ military property as a state alchemist and that he is essentially being used as a pawn or as they describe it, the dogs of the military.

It also becomes apparent that Edward is partially machine while his younger brother is fully machine but still has his human soul as he longs to get “their real bodies back”

We then go from cuddly home vibes to instant fighting and non stop action. The Elric brothers find themselves fighting a very powerful villain that possesses the philosophers stone an incredibly strong artifact.

During fighting we find out that the brothers may have done the one unforgivable thing in alchemy; cross body mutation. Somehow it appears Edward has the majority of his human form but no armor, while his brother has his soul bound to the armor with no actual human body. This is getting very interesting and looking forward to how this develops further.