If you’re someone who’s always been intrigued by anime but have never watched any and have no idea where to start, this article is for you. Anime can be intimidating to jump into, especially considering that some of them have an overwhelming number of episodes (looking at you, One Piece). Additionally, there are so many of them that, as a newcomer, might be difficult to navigate through to find ones that could be up your alley. But today I’m here to tell you—Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the perfect beginner anime in every way.
I should first mention that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is different from Fullmetal Alchemist. There are, of course, similarities between the two, but Brotherhood is a remake of the original that corrects everything that was wrong with it. While I don't hate the original per se, I could hardly sing its praises.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s plot is not so complex that you’re going to get lost, but it isn’t so simple that you’ll become bored. The story is centered around two alchemist brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are on a journey to restore their bodies after a terrible alchemy accident that happened after they tried to revive a loved one in their youth. The anime is rich with complex and lovable characters, and it tackles some grand scheme philosophical ideas while remaining entertaining throughout.
Furthermore, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood excludes many of the cliché anime features that some people find too… anime-y. For example, I’ve heard time and time again that people have given anime a try, only to find that they couldn’t stand characters constantly shouting the name of every attack they used throughout the show. Additionally, fan service (often including large breasts that are given extra focus, for example) has been another turnoff for people who’ve wanted to give anime a chance. I’ve also heard people complain about the amount of repetition often included. To be honest, despite being extremely into anime myself, I’m not the hugest fan of these types of tropes myself. I recently watched an episode of Naruto that showed the same flashback of Naruto and Sasuke when they were younger for about the hundredth time, and I almost turned it off.
What’s nice about Fullmetal: Alchemist Brotherhood is that it doesn’t need any of these elements to be an outstanding show, so it simply doesn’t include them. It relies instead on brilliantly written dialogue, a phenomenal soundtrack, and unique ideas. If you’re looking for a show that isn’t too dark, can make you laugh while simultaneously making you think, and one that’s going to leave a lasting impression—this is the anime for you.
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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood also has the perfect blend of action and story or relationship building. You’re not going to sit down and watch 25+ episodes in a row of pure battling like you would during Yu Yu Hakusho’s Dark Tournament, but you also won’t be going too many episodes without some invigorating action either. These elements are woven together perfectly to make this anime appealing for a wide audience.
The worst criticism I could possibly make about the show is with its ending. Without including spoilers, the ending has gotten mixed reception from people, though is generally deemed positive overall. And even though there are a few factors that I would change about it, I’d still consider it to be decent.
To top it all off, Fullmetal: Alchemist Brotherhood is only 64 episodes as opposed to others, such as Naruto, which contains 720 episodes total between the original show and its continuation known as Shippuden. There are shorter anime out there that you could try instead of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, but I haven’t come across any that are as wholesome.