Full Metal Alchemist anyone seen it?

[Shadow War]

This is a series that I am enjoying at the moment, anyone seen it? It is on in Japan at the moment but you can get it fabsubbed on the net.

It ia worth checking out.

[SenshiNaka]

Im hoping its going to be good because i started "getting" like 13 of the episodes last night.

[dheu]

I've only seen up to episode 15 or so (what are they at now, 30-something?), but I really got hooked on it. I like the characters, and it has a good mix of comedy, action, and really serious drama. I would have kept going with it, but my computer's on the fritz and I was afraid it would blow up if I used up anymore Gb's.

I'm really looking forward to it coming out on dvd, though, because what I saw looked really good.

One question, for those of you who are still watching it: does it start suffering from the Inuyasha syndrome and get all bogged down with filler in the middle, or does the intensity stay high throughout? A lot of longer series have that problem of losing focus. I'm not asking if there are one or two fillers spread throughout; I'm wondering if the plotline keeps advancing with the same kind of drive. The first 15 episodes were great in that respect, and I'd hate to see the series peter off at all.

[NewGenesis]

I've seen like one episode and I was really into it. I want to see more of it, but I just dont have enough time to download and watch the episodes.

[Ichitaka Seto]

Yea.. I've been watching it, it's up to ep 27 and so far I'm liking it.

As for how the series progress, I think they have a nice pace.. there are some eps you may consider filler, but most of the time they provide some much needed background info on the characters, you just can't have all the action all the time or there wouldn't be a good story now would it? :)

[dheu]

As for how the series progress, I think they have a nice pace.. there are some eps you may consider filler, but most of the time they provide some much needed background info on the characters, you just can't have all the action all the time or there wouldn't be a good story now would it? :)
Exactly. I was just worried that the story might lose its tight focus and start wandering like other 50+ episode shows do. I'm glad to hear that so far it hasn't.

[cryptic soul]

it sounds like it's a pretty good anime, but what is it about?

[eva2000]

This is a series that I am enjoying at the moment, anyone seen it? It is on in Japan at the moment but you can get it fabsubbed on the net.

It ia worth checking out.
Yup awesome series i've watched up to ep 27 as well during AB's downtime heh

[heerogf]

yay!! george loves FMA too!! I'm soo obsessed with these series! everyone should watch it, it's great!

[Shadow War]

It is really popular in Japan at the moment, like there is some videogames and stuff like that. I think the series keeps getting better and it does not get bogged down like Naruto does.

I'm off to watch ep 28.

[smeghead]

I've been watching it as well, seen all 28 eps released so far.

I like it rather a lot, but i feel if it was a little darker, it would be better.

[cloakactive]

I like the fact that with each episode the series seemingly gets progressively more interesting. As said by others, the different elements of comedy, drama, etc is very interesting.

[Hiigaran]

Did anyone else think the events of episodes 7-8 were totally beyond horrifying?

Poor Nina...

[eva2000]

looks like Full Metal Alchemist is being licensed according to E3 report http://ps2.ign.com/articles/513/513178p1.html?fromint=1


May 10, 2004 - Square-Enix today demonstrated one of their recent games now slated for Americanization. Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, having already been released in Japan as a comic, anime, DVD, and videogame, has done quite well for Square. The company now believes it's possible to develop products for multiple mediums under one roof. So, in partnership with Funimation, Square intends to duplicate the same Fullmetal phenomenon found in Japan in the United States.

Funimation will handle distributing the Fullmetal Alchemist cartoon in North America -- a cartoon that has already sold 51 episodes to Cartoon Network for an October air date. Square, of course, is picking up the game end of things, namely the lengthy localization process, which requires trying to Americanize an...interesting...storyline. Expect it Spring of 2005.
The game, anime, comic, and whatever else all tell the tale of two young brothers attempting to resurrect the dead, specifically their dead mother. Unfortunately, there were consequences to their Alchemy use (a kind of magic that's not at all magic, but rather an elaborate science that creates supernatural impossibilities, like transmuting weapons from dirt). After attempting to resurrect their mother and failing, the brothers suffer a rather horrible consequence. Alphonse, younger of the two, loses his entire body, so his soul takes possession of a giant suit of armor. Edward just loses an arm and a leg, which he apparently still has in some sort of robotic or alchemistic form during the game. Now they're on a quest to discover the Philosopher's Stone, an object capable of restoring them to their former glory. "Who are you living for?" My little brother. "Who are you living for, little brother?" My big brother. Yes, it's all very sentimental and magical (and quite good because we've watched all of them so stop sending us ignorant hate mail or I'll kill you). Again, localization is going to push the game to 2005.

Play is a mixture of linear progression, limited exploration, animated cutscenes and conversational pieces, 3D graphics, and downright brawling. Not at all analogous to any Square RPG, Fullmetal revolves around real-time fighting. Control of the more human of the two brothers is offered, but it is possible to utilize the other armored sibling for special attacks and the sort. Action is pretty simplistic, and requires the use of just about one button that creates a whole bunch of combos. But, extras like vehicle and turret control are being implemented.

We've played the Japanese version. Now that the North American package is coming along, it'll be...interesting...to see if anything gets updated, added, fixed, or switched. We suppose we'll find out Spring of 2005.

[smeghead]

2005 though, and from what i hear funimation kinda blow.

maybe it will get a decent release out here though. and maybe i'll even get some money to buy it with.

all it means for now though is the fansubs will get worse, anbu is stopping because of this, and sonchou are a little wonky on some things :( not sure if there are any other noteworthy releases.

[ACE2001]

I am not suprised that it is licensed, I am more suprised on who picked the title up...Funimation!! :confused: Considering the mature and dark content of the anime, it just doesn't seem like a good fit to me. Also, it's going to appear on the Cartoon Network too, which compeletey baffles me. Cartoon Network is going to hack Fullmetal Alchemist to pieces!! It definately won't last on Cartoon Network unless it is shown on Adult Swim, which would seem the most logical move here. Anyone else suprised about the pick up? This seemingly came out of nowhere, but don't get me wrong, it's a good thing. :)

[dheu]

Cartoon Network is going to hack Fullmetal Alchemist to pieces!! It definately won't last on Cartoon Network unless it is shown on Adult Swim, which would seem the most logical move here.
If it's going to be on CN, then it'll have to be on Adult Swim. It's too dark of a series to be on Toonami, especially certain episodes.

Also, I don't think it's a given anymore that Cartoon Network butchers an anime. They've played plenty of good series with little to no editing on Adult Swim, even FLCL which I thought would be too risky of a series for any channel to show. Of course, saying it'd be on Toonami would make that hacking a given.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear it's been licensed, but it's hardly a surprise. Unless I'm mistaken, Funimation has handled long series like Dragonball Z, experience which should stand them in good stead for a long (52 eps, I think?) show like FMA. Also, I think they did Fruits Basket, and that has been one of the best releases I've seen with respect to episode count per dvd. Hopefully they'll do just as good a job on FMA, and not try to screw us over like Viz has been doing with their release of Inuyasha.

[ACE2001]

Yeah, if Funimation treats Fullmetal Alchemist the same way that they treated Fruits Basket, then there aren't any problems from me. :) I'm hoping that Fullmetal Alchemist will be shown in it's rawest form. Unlike FLCL, Fullmetal Alchemist carries a darker tone to each series so Cartoon Network would have to be careful of where they put this. But I have this strange feeling that they will put it on the Toonami line up.

[Fenix]

Yeah I really liked how Funimation did Fruits Basket also. I've seen up to episode 31, and I really like the series so far and the music. It's just getting interesting too!
I went to their site(www.fullmetalalchemist.com) and watched the opening and the voice they used was Hiro's(the sheep boy) from Fruits Basket. Alfonse does that opening bit, right? It doesn't sound like that would be a good voice for Al to me.

[Robotech Master]

I'm pretty sure it will be going to Adult Swim. Toonami is too full right now, and Adult Swim has the midnight slot and 12:30 slot which are now only being filled with shows that they have already shown before.

What will fill those two slots? I'm betting on this and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.

And if its on Adult Swim I wouldn't worry about editing. As long as CN gets to do the Editing themselves it should work fine. The only Anime on Adult Swim to EVER get hacked was Blue Gender, and that wasn't edited by CN, it was edited, IIRC, by people at Funimation who wanted to cover their asses in case problems arose over the sexual content.

[Shadow War]

I am still watching the latest episodes on FMA, since I live in Japan. The series just keeps getting better. Episode 34 is awersome!!

[Shadow War]

*BUMP*

Up to Episode 44 now.

This series is neally finished now, and there is lots of cool things happening at the moment(I live in Japan, so that is how I am watching it)

Anyone still watching?

[Westlo]

I've seen 8-25 in the last week or so, great series and I hear it gets much better after 26

[stdio.h]

I go away from ab for about 5 seconds and there is a 4 month old discussion about one of my favorite anime...

I have seen a little over half of FMA and I got my sister interested in it. Come next semester I will finish FMA.

[ACE2001]

Yep, I am in Japan as well so I am keeping a definate watch here, although I missed it last week do to work!! :mad: :lol: I can't wait for the movie to come out next year which takes place two years after the final episode of FMA. Also, a little tidbit about the manga, I read somewhere that it was supposed to extend itself for at least another 3-4 years perhaps, so it could end it 2007. I'll definately start reading the manga once it's over.

Was anyone sad that "Scar" died after finding out about his past? I knew I was because I always thought that he was the bad guy.

[Shadow War]

It was sad to see scar die, but I am glad we got to know his past and his reasons for what he did.

Now Al is the Phil. stone, that is pretty cool!!

[eva2000]

*BUMP*

Up to Episode 44 now.

This series is neally finished now, and there is lots of cool things happening at the moment(I live in Japan, so that is how I am watching it)

Anyone still watching?
you're lucky to be able to watch it on TV... last ep i watched was #31 :(

[Shadow War]

Those who seek can find what they are looking for...


The series is licenced, so it will be out on DVD sooner or later..(few years time!)

[Westlo]

Damn this series just kept on improving with each ep

Can't wait for episode 46

[Shadow War]

I saw 46, it is another amazing ep!!!

[Westlo]

Yep you were right about that



I knew they were teasing having Lust turn but I didn't expect them to do it and it looks like Envy is much stronger than the others

And why did they have to give away what happens to Sloth in the next ep preview.....

And does anyone else think that Ed's Dad is not really dead it seemed to easy



Can't wait for the next ep now it stops at 51 with a movie coming out next year yeah?

[Shadow War]

That is right, can't wait for the movie...

[Westlo]

I hope the animation in the movie is as good if not better than the fight with Lust near the waterfall during the 4th opening.

Speaking of the opening just for something to talk about what order would you rank the 4 op and eds?

For me it would be

Opening

4th
2nd
3rd
1st

And endings

1st
4th
3rd
2nd

[ACE2001]

Watched episode 46 and I'm surprised that she'd betrayed her own to be human....Also I've gain a new aspiration of her. We get to see her emotional side let out this episode, which was a plus. The only question now is, will Ed actually turn her into a human. Plus the fact that the Philosopher's Stone is erroding, so there's not alot of time left for Al.

Well I am 4 hours away from watching episode 47....Can't wait!!

[stdio.h]

Hymm...I get to see 47 soon.

You know, I really like FMA, but the fact remains that with every passing episode (starting with the first), more questions always arise than are answered. The series is always just getting more and more complicated, good or bad. Right when you think you are beginning to understand the plot, something new happens and you are practically back at square one.

[Darklightz]

You know, I really like FMA, but the fact remains that with every passing episode (starting with the first), more questions always arise than are answered. The series is always just getting more and more complicated, good or bad. Right when you think you are beginning to understand the plot, something new happens and you are practically back at square one.

That's what makes it so interesting!

I was also surprised Lust turned against Wrath.It means that being human is that important to them,although so far only Lust seems really interested in becoming human.even though Dante promised them all they'll be human the other seem to like it fine as humonculus

[Shadow War]

Seen 47 yet? It was awersome!!!

[stdio.h]

Seen 47 yet? It was awersome!!!

I don't think it was awesome but I thought it was good. The episode did not really stand out imho.

[Westlo]

It was a very good episode but falls victim to the high standard it has set for itself throughout the series

Damn why did Lust have to die and by Wrath of all people and Winry appearing at the end was sure a wtf, is it really Winry?

Personally I can't see how they are going to wrap this up in 4 more episodes but I'll wait and see.

[WierdIsraeli]

Hmmmm, since there are 52 episodes to the serie, and we're over 47, there's gonna be hell of a climax pretty soon.

[eva2000]

only 52 eps ? i thought there was alot more ?

[WierdIsraeli]

From what I gathered all over, it is supposed to be 52 episodes, and the way it looks now, it is near the climax.

[Westlo]

51 episodes not 52

And a Movie to be released in 2005 that takes place 2 years after the events of the tv series. There is a picture of an older Edward Elric but his clothing covers his arms and legs so it is unknown if he has regained his body.

[stdio.h]

I watch ~50 episodes of FullMetal Alchemist and I feel like years of material of passed, compared to another anime, like how I am watching Naruto right now, and after 50 episodes it feels like practically nothing has happened yet. I realy like both, even though I recieve such varying experiences from them.

[Westlo]

I know what you mean, it's like they haven't wasted a single episode compared to when you watch Naruto you seen the same thing over and over and then theres the recaps.

Anyway episode 48 was another good episode which sets the scene for the conclusion in the last 3 eps.

I knew that wasn't Winry and too bad they didn't kill Wrath in that ep, forgot all about Archer who's had a major reconstruction

lol @ Anderson saying his body is prof

[stdio.h]

Sigh.....don't read if you don't want to hear about the episode........Since the previous episode I had forgotten that Winry walks up during the end of the episode. When I was reading this thread the other day and was reminded of it, it occured to me that it must not actually be Winry, but Envy. I am amazed that I was actually right, but I was. :lol:

[Darklightz]

Who else thinks the place mentionned in the journal is the location of Dante's house and all the other homonculus?And I wonder,why didn't Edward free Lust?She was on their team now wasn't she?

[Westlo]

yeah it has to be with only 3 episodes to go, surely they don't have the time to throw another major twist/plot event at us with all the stuff that has to be resolved

And as to why he didn't free Lust, simple shes dead Wrath killed her.

The Lockett combined with the alchemy circle as well as Wrath being able to use alchemy made her reject the red stones which supply them with life and Wrath finished her off in episode 47

[stdio.h]

I have seen 49. It has finally started to unveil everything. They are running out of time :lol: And what the hell was up with the way the episode ended? I am very curious.

[Fenix]

Yeah same here...although I've only seen in raw (sorry folks, but I will be getting the dvd's when they come out next year) so I don't know what the heck is going on. But even unsubtitled, that's one hell of a spot to end a episode.

[Westlo]

I'm sure noone saw the ending for ep 49 coming....

Though I'm sure his pops gives him a pep talk and he will be back soon enough.

[Darklightz]

I think it's the other way around.Dante/Lyla/whatever her real name is,wants to teach Edward a lesson,about the price to pay for alchemy she talked about earlier.

[stdio.h]

As of this point, there is no explanation for why she is able to put Edward through this....however, if she is putting him through this there seems to be no reason why she couldn't just kill him. Anyone have any ideas?

[Darklightz]

Remember,she's immortal,so she's got all the time in the world.Also she hates Hohenheim,so imagine how much she would enjoy breaking Edward

[stdio.h]

I think the show has implied that she is not truly immortal...and that her run is starting to come to an end (like the way under her clothing her skin is all messed up). But yeah, she is probably just making the same mistake most bad guys do, trying to enjoy defeating the enemy instead of just doing them in quickly why it is a guaranteed success.

[WierdIsraeli]

I think that dante meant to get rid of Ed in what she did, when she did the same thing to his dad, she later explained to envy (who was eager to kill the hoenaim of light himself) that she seperated the bond between the body to the soul, what that means, I have no idea.
Another thing that interest me, is who was Envy, because he was created by Ed's dad... and got something against both.

[Westlo]

Damn episode 50 was insane can't wait for next tuesday to get the last ep subbed

I seriously can't see them finishing this in one more episode but it should be a killer ending

[ACE2001]

I agree with Westlo. What I find interesting about the last episode is when everyone is talking about the "Law of Conservation." It made me ponder quite a bit about it. So a question to you guys, do you think the Law of Conservation is a farce?

[stdio.h]

They have been building up to it the whole series.....that even though the law of conservation is constantly being reitterated, that it is not true. Hell, in the old openings Al would talk about the law of C and then say something like "that is what we used to believe..." However, it is quite possible that the LOC really will turn out to be true just to surprise us :confused:

[Shadow War]

Episode 50 was great, but there are so many things unresolved. Maybe they will be solved in the movie.

But 51 should be great.

[ACE2001]

Episode 50 was great, but there are so many things unresolved. Maybe they will be solved in the movie.

But 51 should be great.


I don't know about that Shadow War....it seems pretty much everything is being rapped up pretty nicely here, so I look forward to episode 51 determing whether or not the Law Of Conservation will prevail or not.

I hope Ed is still alive....damn, it didn't look pretty though unless he used one hell of an alchemy move from the likes we haven't seen, but I am keeping them fingers crossed!! :D

[Westlo]

Does anyone know if the last episode is just a normal lenght ep or an hour long?

[ACE2001]

Well....here in Japan, the final episode is airing at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, which normally shows at 6:30 p.m. I am assuming since it is airing early that it will be an hour long finale which would make more since that moving it to an earlier time slot, only to show the same length as the later time....or there could be another anime or tv show filling that slot. More than likely it's an hour finale.

[Westlo]

Ah good I was hoping for that to be the case.

I remember it was originally 52 eps so maybe they just made the last two into one big finale since they couldn't have a good end point for an episode or something.....

[Shadow War]

it is going to be one episode from what I heard. But we will find out tomorrow....

[Darklightz]

There's still quite a bit to do so I'm hoping for a 1 hour episode.

Mustang will soon face the Fuhrer,otherwise known as the homonculus Pride.

After Armstrong and the others have to keep the rebellion going

And finally,Winry and the bookworm girl will surely do something as well.So it will be quite interesting to know how it ends.

[ACE2001]

Well, I just watched the final episode (which was 30 minutes. :( ) And I have one word to describe it: UNBELIEVABLE!!! Posting spoilers wouldn't do justice for this episode. You just have to see it for yourself. All I can say is that the ending definately leaves you wanting more. I already can't wait for the movie next year. I'll post my thoughts when more people have seen the final episode. This anime defines what a "perfect" anime should be like IMO. :)

[stdio.h]

While I don't think it was perfect, it was very good. However, not only does it leave you wanting to watch the movie next year.....it requires you to watch the movie. Basically, the series is not concluded. On top of that...I don't think they adaquately explained a lot about how that universe works...I am still very confused as to what caused different things to happen.

[Lancaster]

For anyone that's interested (and I'm sure there are at least a few classical musicians around here), the piano piece that is playing when Hawkeye finds Mustang, and Edward and Envy are talking outside the Gate, is Chopin's Etude No. 3 in E Major. An orchestral arrangement is used later in the episode. Kudos to whoever on the FMA staff decided on this piece.

If you'd like to hear the piece in its entirety, you can download it here (WMA format): http://www.drgw.net/~nnthayer/temp/ChopinEtudeNo3inEMajor.wma

[Westlo]

A great ending to an excellent series and I felt it was definately a conclusive ending to the series since I think the movie will focus more on Ed/London 1920's than the world of FMA.

Remember the movie takes place two years after the ending of the series so I doubt Al will be a major player in the movie. And they wrapped up things nicely in the FMA world but left a few questions open.

Here's something I read on the AOD forums, the cult that Ed's dad was with at the end of 51 went on later to form the Nazi party....

Anyway what exactly are you confused about Yui Reborn's brother?

[stdio.h]

I am Yui Reborn's brother? lol........I sense a lack of individualism on my part :dodgy:

There are a lot of things I am confused about...and I am not going to list all of them for multiple reasons. The most basic ones I guess what the hell is 'the gate' and how the hell does it work? What did Al do exactly to bring back Ed, and what did Ed do after that to bring back Al in the form he is in? Why do homonculous' form, and why after sins? You know, questions like that. I never would have expected it all to be answered 100%, but either I am missing a lot or much of it was left unexplained.

[Darklightz]

Basically every dead soul is gathered at the Gate.So if you're fast enough,you can catch a soul before it crosses the gate and re-affix it to something.Wich is why Ed was able to affix Al's soul to the armor in the beginning and Al was able,with the Stone to affix Ed's soul to his body and regrow his limbs.

But,one of the final point of the series is that the Law of Equivalent Trade isn't an absolute.You can give something and have nothing and return or give nothing and have something in return.Wich is more or less why Ed managed to give Al his body back.

As for Homonculi,when someone performs human transmutation,it opens the Gate.When a soul manages to get a hold of the transmutated body,a homonculi is born.Although why they they are born with special powers is still a mystery.

Now I just watched episode 51.I agree watching the movie is a prerequisite now,the serie isn't ended,it's merely paused.But I like how things ended up.Rose will finally have a normal life(remember what all the poor girl has been through!),things are evolving between Mustang and Hawkeye.

The only thing missing,wich will probably resolve in the movie,is what happened with Dante and Gluttony.

[Shadow War]

I watched the end of the series and it was fantastic. I hope that the movie is just as good.