Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood is really taking a life of its own – making it more distinct compared to the previous Full Metal Alchemist anime series. I was really excited to watch Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 2. In this episode, we already see major differences. In Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 1, we saw the Elric brothers take on the Ice Alchemist in an epic battle at Central City. For episode 2, we go back a bit and see the real history of Al and Ed. The mood of Episode 2 is much darker, but it becomes light and triumphant at the end. Review and synopsis after the break.
Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 2 Synopsis
If you’re weak at heart, better not watch Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 2 because it’s really set in a more mature and dark tone. Episode 2 is about the journey of the two brothers to becoming Alchemists – especially Edward who takes and passes the State Alchemist Exam. Around 80% of the episode is about the past of the two brothers – and we all know that that part is one of the darkest periods of the anime series. The two brothers loose their mother at an early age. In a desperate attempt to see her again, the brothers refine their alchemy and even learn under a great master. Upon returning to their house after training, the two brothers perform human transmutation in order to revive their dead mother.
Al immediately disappears – taken as toll for the human transmutation. Edward also looses his leg, but is shown the “truth” of human transmutation by a spirit. Edward realizes that Al was taken and does one more transmutation, this time binding the soul of Al into a piece of armor. With this effort, Al looses his arm.
Fast forward a few days later, we already see one of the biggest differences of this series versus the previous one. In this episode, Roy Mustang, together with Riza Hawkeye, actually seeks out the two brothers and convinces them to enlist in the army as alchemists.
Al and Ed begin their training anew, and Winry makes automail for Ed replacing his lost arm and leg. Ed finds out that he can now do alchemy without relying on transmutation circles. After 1 year, he goes on to Central City to take the State Alchemy test and passes with flying colors. In the exam, Fuhrer King Bradley watches him perform and they even have a brief encounter.
The episode ends with the flashback stopping and we see both brothers on board a train nearing Lior.
I loved it how the writers of this episode were able to string so many details into a smooth, coherent, and seamless flow of events. I mean, this episode like summarizes more than 10 episodes in the original anime series. It’s jam-packed with content and the quality still didn’t suffer. Like what I said earlier, it’s like watching a journey – which has conflict and eventually ends in victory. Really good stuff. Can’t wait for Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 3!
So… there’s the review! Strongly suggest you guys watch Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 2 for yourselves. Really good art, story, and character development.
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Braniac 4.29 on April 13, 2009
Hi Mr waukz, that is so cool,can’t wait to watch it on animax this friday.
The Gooseman on April 13, 2009
I see that you didn’t wait for episode 2 to be shown on Animax, same here. I’m too curious about FMA Brotherhood to wait for 6 days before watching it on TV. Episode 2 was brilliant. It set a good background story for the Elric Brothers so new audiences can get to know them while at the same time seamlessly compressing several story arcs together so the episode doesn’t drag along for fans of the manga and first FMA who already have knowledge of Ed and Al’s origins. Definitely a must watch anime.
blob on April 13, 2009
sir wauks Ed is the one that loose his arm not Al. Al don’t have body anymore
Braniac 4.29 on April 13, 2009
LOL!!!…yup, youre right…well said mr gooseman, can’t wait for ep. 3!!!
Akuzihs on April 13, 2009
de ko pa napapanood ahehe
DecemberWind on April 15, 2009
So, is it the continuation?? If it is, then I would definitely watch it!!! The first anime had a not so good ending, even the FMA the movie…. T_T…
macobex on April 17, 2009
Since when this series is available? Really need to watch this. I’m really disappointed on the ending of the first series.
Braniac 4.29 on April 18, 2009
what the hell is Xingese Alkahestry?
darrylz on April 19, 2009
im waiting for the dubbed in english of this one.. i hope it’ll be the same people from the last series.
edward elric on April 25, 2009
this series is confusing to me it doesnt continue off of the last one its just like here its the same thing in a different way. and subbed beats dubbed daryls srry
Zoon van IJs on April 26, 2009
The first season is purused in the movie The conquerors of Shambala. The second season tries to conform more to the events as depicted in the manga.
Mei on April 29, 2009
“Xingese Alkahestry” is something that is just foreshadowed here and it comes in full force later on in the manga. I estimate that the Brotherhood series will probably get to that point somewhere around episode 17-20. Kind of a spoiler but, if something is “foreshadowed”, then obviously it’s going to come back and play a big part in the plot later…along with a lot of new and exciting stuff–I can’t wait!
Dahmer on June 15, 2009
edward elric, if that is indeed your real name, stop being a damn weeaboo. If you like the Japanese language so much, learn it! Then you can watch w/o annoying subtitles blocking everything!
Chaos Alchemist on September 24, 2009
Is this one suppose to follow the manga? cause episodes 1-8 havent very well, would like to talk to someone who is as big a fan as me. im a little confused about the new ones.