#~~hell the problem was discussing how the anime differed from the manga before BH came out~~

[icharchivist]

What is fma?

FMA refers to FullMetal Alchemist, which i would say is one of my favorite manga in existence ahah

Written by Hiromu Arakawa between 2001 and 2010 and receiving two different anime adaptation, FMA follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, two alchemists on their journey to find the Philosophal Stone in order to recover.... something that was lost. I'm leaving it vague for you to see if you decide to check it out. In order to do so, the older brother joins the army and the two gets involved in a complex conspiracy linked to the history of their country. It is set in a fictional alternative world btw. I don't know how else to mention it.

The first anime adaptation, called simply "Fullmetal Alchemist" came out in 2003 before the manga was over, and therefore, quickly branches out into an original story that has very little to do with the manga. It remains a really interesting watch, though i would say it's my least favorite of the FMA stories.

The second anime adaptation, called "Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood" came out in 2009 and follows the manga pretty closely (like 98% close and it's just because i'm a manga purist and nippicker lol). It has been acclaimed as one of the best anime for a long time and with cause.

Though personally i'm someone who only swears by the Manga which is just a blast. The writing is seriously great. No element, no detail goes to waste, everything builds up to a satisfying conclusion and thrilling adventure with heavy themes and incredible characters, all while having a wonderful work with tones, blending humor, action and drama seamlessly in one lasting experience.

honestly it's a HUGE recommandation from me nonny if you ever want to try it out. I prefer the manga, but if you prefer anime i definitely recommend the Brotherhood adaptation for the full story, and the 03 version if you want to see what the alternative story ended up being.

hope it answers the question and i can enter into details if you want, but i truly recommend going into it as blind as possible (i'm already impressed you've never heard of it, better treasure this lack of knowledge for appreciating the story just as new). And I really, really recommend it, if my opinion on anything has any weights.

Leaving you on the first opening of Brotherhood, if it ever ends up making you curious: