FMA 2003 needs recognition and love 🖤

fma 2003 is highly underrated compared to brotherhood. I actually really like the dark themes and tone of the series.

The Maes Hughes arc was way better in the og anime. I think the seriousness of his death really set the tone. Still remember how sad it was to see him die, he was like a dad to them that they needed. They gloss over it in brotherhood

I really liked FMA 2003 way back then. I especially liked the fact that the main antagonist could be so relatable. She literally goes above and beyond to conquer death. It's probably the most human motivation that an anime villain could have back when 14 year old me watched the show. Max, if you could, would you watch the FMA 2003 movie? it's a continuation of the story and the end is a really good one.

There is one thing I dislike about the Fullmetal Alchemist community: the necessity to compare both animated series as if one is better than the other. It's such a disappointment to see people dismissing the 2003 or Brotherhood strenghts because "I prefer this one therefore It's better". Let's actually have a constructive conversation on how both stories are beautiful pieces of writing and be thankful to have such a privilege because It's not common to have two successful stories set in one fictional universe.

Love Fullmetal Alchemist (2003). The only one I watched on TV back then, and even saw the movie "Shambala something something". It's really sad how it became so hard to impossible to watch this amazing anime by any legal means. Still, its one of those animes that I will always recommend to any fan of a good animation and story! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I agree that while brotherhood is a better anime overall, the original did certain things better the best example is Nina Tucker, in the original anime Nina's brutal fate is much more of a gut punch cause we spend significantly more time with her in the original compared to brotherhood

I really like both. and good thing I watched 2003 and shambalah first before brotherhood. the 2003's scene of reviving their mother is so horrifying to me as a kid, and loved it.

Let's do "An actual Persona user reacts to Persona"

I'd like to comment on that quick thing you said around 8:12 I think it's very likely that most or even all of the alchemic imagery and allusions in 2003 is from Arakawa's advice primarily. The brief recollection of the staff meeting that Arakawa shows in the extra pages of Volume 8 indicate that the anime staff was mostly focused in understanding the world of FMA in a practical sense. Most questions being about how the transport works, if they use gas or electricity, how the government exerts power and the like. Continuing from that, 2003's main writer, Shou Aikawa, focused on grounding the FMA world even more. Making its similarities with 1920's (or more or less in that era) Europe take certain stage. He takes advantage of this is provide deeper political commentary than what is present in the manga. All that to say, 2003 took an equivalent exchange. For the lackluster representation and depth of alchemy in the anime. It gives instead, very well thought out messaging about discrimination and violence using FMA's similarities to certain real-world parallels to drive this point home. Aikawa was able to thread this dangerous ground very carefully and it's quite admirable. Though I feel it's much clearer to see that he did his homework in the follow-up film, Conqueror of Shamballa, than it is in the series proper. The series just never got the chance to be as direct to the viewer about it than the film did. That just wasn't the focus or even really important to 2003's narrative, it's just a very brave backdrop to have.

The differences in moral sacredness and appreciation for the divine were the biggest changes I'd noticed between the original and Brotherhood. The lack of Alphonse pleading "Maybe we shouldn't do this, brother" is almost jarring when they're put side by side... Great video 👌

Father and Dante are actually the biggest reason for why I like 2003 more. I'm surprised you found him more interesting than Dante. There is more, but that's the one that surprised me the most.

On King Bradrey: My understanding is that the R and L sounds in Japanese are typically written with the same character. Also casual Xenosaga drops are always welcome lol.

Gotta admit, I find it intriguing that it's all about the Philosopher's Stone, when in essence, "Equivalent Exchange" also means it shouldn't take more than a single human life's sacrifice, to resurrect another, yet the Philosopher's Stone requires many lives, does this mean the stone just stops working when it's been used to resurrect an equal amount of people it's taken the lives from?

I once went to shop to H&M And little do I know. The 3 shirts I bought were; and it was done unintentional: Black, White, and Red. 👀

Something I don't believe is often noted is the parallel of Father's journey to that of Siddhartha the Buddha.

12:51 I'm so glad you mentioned Xenosaga!

The 03 anime is my favorite, now I gotta watch it again. Also, more videos of the 03 anime please

I watched the original when it was first aired, I've always thought it had moments where it was more impactful.

i prefer 2003 lol, it's much more mature.

2:00 That's just disrespectful. You said that like it's not even a challenge, when FMA 03 does a whole list of things better thah Brotherhood anyway. You're also saying it like FMA 2003 wasn't hugely popular or good in the first place. While I can care less about M.A.L, when it was first made FMA 03 was actually the 1# anime since Brotherhood hadn't came out yet. Even if it's not as popular anymore because of Brotherhood, just know that FMA 03 was also big influential anime of the early 2000's, and buy a lot of FMA fans is still recommended to watch before Brotherhood.

I personally like the intimate nature of the hommunculi being the personification of the alchemists loss and mistakes all in one. To confront one you made is to confront yourself, and the bones of the person they were supposed to replace being their weakness. Envys relation to the elrics being a huge plot twist moment I quite enjoyed. I always loved the story they made of hoenheim and dante being ancient, hopping from civilization to civilization/world to world/ universe to universe finding ways to extend their own lives by sacrificing the populations they encounter. The Dante theme still resides in the back of my head, even 20 years later. I may be biased towards the 2003 anime as it was one of the anime that got me into the genre, but it's just got the special sauce I cant explain why I would watch it over and over again when I'm not driven to rewatch brotherhood.

I've been wanting to see you do another video on this thank you max

Green lion = oxidized copper blue lead probably has a unique chemical mixture as well.

YEEEEEEES ❤️🙏 Love 2003 + Conquerer of Shamballa so damn much

Max I found another anime for you to sink your alchemic teeth into It is subtle and took me almost 14 years of rewatching the same anime randomly but Hellsing Ultimate has a lot of subtle alchemic messages and psychological ones too

Also something I want to give 03 over Brotherhood is visuals because man that show still looks gorgeous and has such a nice atmosphere

If alchemist combined the black, white, and yellow salts it goes kaboom

Awesome video as always! Personally, i thought the original FMA was so much darker than Brotherhood, and that's saying something. It wasn't my cup of tea back when i watched it, but i guess i should give it another shot now that im older and kinda forgot it (i religiously rewatch FMAB every couple of years lol). About Hiromu Arakawa. I was surprised to hear she started a new manga series titled "Demons of the Shadow Realm." It has almost entirely consumed my life right now and i would say it has potential to be about as good as FMA. The characters are great, the comedy almost always has me laughing, and the overlying story is nice and complex. I would encourage any fan of FMA to read it, but i want to talk about the power system in the manga (spoilers in replies).

I really liked the concept that when an alchemist tries to bring a loved one back a homuncukus is born. It gave the brothers a real gut punch to deal with the one that was their mom. Dante was pretty forgettable though. Poor Rose....

Let’s go! More Fullmetal!

Aside from the lack of alchemic symbolism mentioned in this video, I don't see how FMA 2003 is worse than Brotherhood. Thought it was leagues better.

Great video you sure know a lot when it comes to alchemy that I’m learning and reminds me of past events I’ve had that taught me about philosophy but sounds chaotic in its own rite.

Bro what 😂 I’m sorry , what kind of statement is “it’s not vastly superior, but it’s clearly superior”. “It’s like comparing the dark Knight to Lego Batman”. It feels contradictory, almost like you try to soften the blow or that you do you think it’s vastly superior, not just saying that brotherhood practically did everything better, but even having a hot take the homunculus are done better which, of course is a fine opinion to have if you have it, it just feels like a pretty hard turn follows the statement

I must have found out this channel way after the Brotherhood videos were made , omw to watch all of those, very interesting

Nice to see you again!

loved the use of the xenogears theme throughout some of vid. masterpiece of a game.

2003 is better in every way, your takes are wild lol

I respect both dearly. I watched the 2003 one first and there are elements it does better. I think as a whole 2003 fleshes out their relationship with their mother thus making her lose a lot more tragic. Izumi was handled better in the original, I also think Nina was alot more tragic in terms of setting things up. Honestly the first 20 episodes of the 2003 are vastly better than brotherhood, but brotherhood overall has a much better story.

Thank you for this video

You said two years ago and I pressed F to doubt so hard. Has it really been that long??? I guess I'm glad you did finally watch the 2003 FMA. It was my first true fandom and actually had me checking out alchemy books at the public library as a kid 😅 Glad to get the perspective of someone more versed in the alchemical lore, I was always curious! I also would recommend the original series movie (Conqueror of Shambala), it's definitely goes interesting places!

I definitely agree with your points about 2003 having some more particularly poignant emotional scenes that Brotherhood is lacking, particularly the scene you mentioned pertaining to the emotional trauma and burden the accompanies this taboo. I also think that people not watching 2003 actively hurts the pacing and character development of Brotherhood, as it assumes that you've already seen the original.

Worth the wait.

oh my god I nearly forgot you were gonna do this

03 Gang out here forgetting about Shau Tuckers plot line in that one. Ol big chungus lookin aah

I like both Full Metal Alchemist, and Brotherhood. Although I would watch FMA, and then Brotherhood because it's like tasting wine, and then having a fine wine. You need to be able to appreciate wine first, in order to appreciate an even better wine.

Next level research

"An actual alchemist" has the same meaning as "An actual astrologist". You just like a topic very much.

I watched the FMA2003 after Brotherhood too. Was a bit strange but it's an interesting experience, seeing the differences and similarities in adaptation. And how the writers of 2003 paid off the set-ups in a completely different way was interesting - dunno what was up with that dragon at the end tho. Brotherhood is the one I'd recommend overall but if someone became a mega-fan of that, 2003 would get my thumbs up too

While the refrences in it are very basic, the current kamen rider series gotchard is heavily based off of alchemy with refrences to Hermes Trismegistus, the alchemical process and st germain

Cannot agree that the JRPG super boss of Father was a better Antagonist than Dante 😅 So much more human.

Funny just finished brotherhood yesterday and this video just came out!

All praise to the great creator: The Philosopher's Stone is the _start_ of the Alchemical Journey, not its target destination. Things like the process of the Universal Solvent (Alkahest), The Panacea, and finally perfection of the Elixir. It is through the catalytic use of the Stone that the actual desirable ends are the result. That's why production of the Stone is just the first step, because it's only through the proper use of the Stone that the alchemical is change going to active the gross material matters into what's required to achieve the silver or gold re-purification of the Stone in order to achieve the Elixir or later adept transmutations (ie those such as multiplication, and others presided over by the final three signs.) This is true for whichever level or sign the Work is being done, or whichever aspect the work is applied to. Part of the truth of the Philosophical rule of "as above so below" means that if it can be done by the highest processes occurring in the universe, if it is a truly Creator created rule, then every highest principle will be reflected in every lowest principle, as the Laws are universal, if the scope and context are understood; and vice versa. Best wishes on your pursuit of the Great Work and the further refinement of the Stone which you are working labouring to construct.

I appreciate the Xenogears music

anytime we can visit FMA im happy

Great video! Is the rebis connected to the teachings of the gnostics?

LET'S GO.

I prefer 2003 to Brotherhood. The darker story and atmosphere does it for me. I love this show.

AMAZING!!!❤❤

Yoooo yess finally you watched 2003

I repped this since I was in high school man, still one of the best animes regardless

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

This was a fun remembrance. Great video! Well I don't know if you're much of a reader but I have a fun suggestion, There is a unique series that I've been reading called the accidental alchemist mysteries and I fell in love with how they use alchemy in that series. Much different than FM A and really very close to actual Alchemic philosophy. Granted This is a fiction so it Has a little more pizzazz. But I think you might enjoy A gander because it's a well written story, Has fun characters, and actual mysteries. the way they connect alchemic philosophy to real life philosophies is so neat and I would love to see your take on at least the first book. I do believe First two books are still free if you have an audible subscription. I Hope this isn't Too weird of a recommendation or way out of your wheelhouse, Because like I said I've loved to hear your thoughts

Saul Lunaman.

Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I've just been working my way through your video series on brotherhood, I'm nearly finished, have one video to go and you've released this.. who cares if it's 2 years later. To me, you're just in time ;)

Wondering whether you might find some references even in the various movies (there are both animated and live action FMA movies)... Maybe one single video about them all?

Max try to analysis the philosophy of Karneki from Tokyo ghoul. It really really deep and written with honest brutal truths with hiding any fantasy. Please try to read the Manga . It packed with so many philosophical reference . You won't regret the time you spend on the profound writing of Tokyo Ghoul

Great video. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie Conqueror of Shamballa which acts as the conclusion to the original anime. This is one of the few anime that allows a filler arc to actually matter and run its course to the end. I'd love for someone to review it to see how it truly compares to Brotherhood which adheres more strictly to the source material.

Combining sulphur with mercury is supposed to yield red mercury.

Brotherhood is better, but the 2003 anime is still fantastic. remember when it was on adult swim like 15 or so years ago and the first episode i saw was the infamous Nina Tucker episode and i was instantly hooked

Does the movie "The Fifth Element" have any alchemical symbology, beyond the 4 "elemental" tablets?

Any chance we can get a video on the alchemical stuff going on in Elden Ring? There's a ton.

PERSONALLY - I think the original ending (in the movie) makes more sense than the remake.

YOUR THE BEST

Yeah... Can we just agree that the best media to experience FMA is the Manga?

Hello can you please explain the bird of Hermes? It was mentioned in Helsing ultimate but I have a hard time finding information on it

What does an actual alchemist even mean, lol

From what i understand as an alchemist, the 2 headed mercurius, Alkahest, Azoth/chi, Mercury, the caduceus all represent the samething. Mercurius is the manifestation of the soul of the universe or "prime materia, matter" it is the manifestation of the physical and the corporeal making up the black stone (in some jewish traditions it is the residue of the shattering of the 7-10 of the primordial man). The Sun represents the Masculine Soul, and the Moon the Feminine Mind/Spirit and the hermaphroditic union makes up the "rebis, perfect being, God" and is the manifestation of the spiritual soul, the incorporeal, making up the white stone. And the bringing together of the Black Stone "soul of the universe" and the White Stone the "spiritual soul" creates the red stone "Eternal life, the consumation of all things, becoming golden" or the ALL. For the understanding of the uninitiated

The 5th element is the either..

14:47 I know another way one can use all four elements 😎👌🏿💨

Fullmetal Alchemist is so special both anime series are top tier. 2003 has the visuals of ending 3 though...

Any video about Metal Gear Delta coming?

Ive actually only ever watch this ver of FMA because it was before i knew brotherhood existed 😂 Very unlucky of me. Now i understand y i never picked up a lot of alchemy symbolism from the series. I thought it was because i didnt remember it but it was genuinely cause there wasnt much of it! Considering that im writing a book w alchemy elements, maybe its about time i watch FMAB.

Are you an alchemist or a psychologist

I've never watched 2003 FMA because i dismissed it since it's not accurate to the original material, but maybe it's worth it.

I don't like Brotherhood. It's too juvenile, all of the important emotional stuff happens with no weight. That's no (internal) alchemy, that's just alchemical concepts being used as flavor for a shōnen product, because Brotherhood feels way more like a product than an actual story. 2003 is wonderful, it moves you, it makes the actual alchemy happen inside of you as it guides your mind and emotions through an œuvre, a true alchemical opus in storytelling. Less flashy lights-and-fights, more drama - and what is magick anyways? It's all drama. Now go watch Conqueror of Shamballa and dare saying again that the 2009 shōnenslop is the better FMA.

4:02 why? Why do they pretend it doesn't exist?

Hey Max I'm sure you probably won't read this, but I want to ask you if maybe you could make another video explaining as many benefits of video games as possible, I'd so tired of the idea that video games are bad, and have no value, I really want to explain to people that video games can be a fantastic thing tat can help people, video games are the greatest art form to ever exist, it incorporates all other forms of art in 1, visual, story telling, music, poetry, and so much more, it also helps teach and make life lessons stick, and philosophy, and ideas, and gives great examples of some ideas taken to an extreme, and a most likely outcome from ideas, I'm sure you can tell just by reading this, I'm not great at putting things into words, and explaining things, but i know you are, so I'm asking for your help, not just for me, but for everyone

Have you watched the sequel 2005 film "Conqueror of Shamballa"? If so, do you think you can find somethings to talk about from it?

Is this a repost video? I swear I already watched Max cover this.

I hear NieR:Automata and I like

Well, it was good and the ending was very good. I found it very matured. But Brootherhood/original manga is just a masterpiece.

Great video again Max! FMA is one of my all-time favorites so it's incredible to learn about the depth of the real-life connections! It's just unfortunate imo for the first stage in the alchemical process to be named that 😬 There's always something out there to remind you of being marginalized sadly

There you go again, Max. Using that XENOGEARS music in your videos. IT'S SO DISTRACTING! (Great vid & half joking about the music. Love the game, love the music.)

"cur dantum nominas filiam tuem" what does it mean?

I haven't really completed your video but right here from the start if you havent seen itand want to expand on the original series timeling check out The Sacred Star of Milos its like all the darker themes of the OG series distilled down to one movie and i kinda liked it in the end better than the original series.

Max, please breakdown jojo pt6 dio recipe of heaven, it basically how dio want to make philosopher stone

Commenting to summon the Algorithm Gods to push this video

Please revisit Signalis

I've always said 2003 is the better show, Brotherhood is the better story. On a recent rewatch of both I didn't feel like that summation felt right, but it's these missing alchemic themes in 2003 that gives Brotherhood that extra layer of depth. That said, as I've gotten older I find myself liking 2003 better anyway