I guess I'll start this series of reviews with one of the best: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. By far one of the highest rated shounen anime out there, with some of the most famous voice actors in the business. The story takes place in the fictional nation of Athestrist ('scuse the spelling) where alchemy exists and is often used for scientific and military purposes. Kinda like magic, but if magic was scientific (I tuned out when the show went over the periodic table...chemistry wasn't good to me). The plot follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric (very Japanese), who attempt to bring back their deceased mother by trying the taboo of all alchemists: human transmutation. However, such a feat (they failed by the way) causes Al his body, and Ed his leg and arm (he sacrifices his arm to bind Al's soul to a suit of armor conviently located in the room). Way to go Ed. After years of PT (with new metal limbs called auto mail) and Al patiently waiting as a walking tin can, Ed becomes a state alchemist for the military in order to find a way to get their bodies back as well as search for the possible missing ingredient for human transmutation: the philosopher's stone.
Now, please don't judge the summary. It's a long show and there are a lot of details that I don't really wanna get into, but for a detailed summary, there's a beautiful thing called Google. Anyway, I have to say this will forever be one of my favorite shows. The animation is beautiful (super important because I usually won't watch something if the animation doesn't appeal to be). Its simple, without making the characters flat or with oddly shaped faces (eh em, Pokemon) and the coloring suits the characters beautifully (Ed's red coat, and his wonderful golden hair... :) ). The characterization makes you smile and emotionally connected to each character...with the exception of Mei because she's just annoying. Ed's short rants have to be one of the funniest things ever, and there are tons of them on YouTube as well as videos where fans ask Vic (his voice actor) to mimic the lines. The long running gag on his height balances the show's seriousness, along with other comedic themes (Winry's rage when Ed damages her auto mail). However, the story shines through as the best feature. It even brought my cousin to tears, and she never cries...like ever. Each character has a Scar-ed past (Get it? Cause...there's a character...named Scar...just watch it) due to the Ishvalan war and every one has a goal, whether it is evil or good. And they stick to it.
I guess this anime is also dear to me because it introduced me to my favorite voice actors. Laura Bailey, with one of the most seductive, dangerous voices I've ever heard as Lust. Travis Willingham, one of the funniest guys ever with a deep voice that could make you swoon or laugh like crazy (Roy Mustang). Todd Habberkorn, with the best-matter-o-fact voice as well as angry cool guy voice. He is also a funny dude (Ling). J. Michael Tatum: OMG the nicest, cleverest, and one of the most talented voice actors in the business, with a range that will blow your mind (Scar). And last but certainly not least, Vic Mignonga. Remember the name. He will be mentioned a lot in this blog. This guy has such a wide range of voices and characters, but one of my favorite will always be Ed's: that immature but determined (and often hilariously infuriated) personality that could not have been portrayed by a better guy.
Needless to say, I love this anime to death, and I recommend it for people who aren't sure about anime or think it's too weird. After all, this show is what got me hooked in the first place.
(PS: You won't understand the title of this post til you see the show lol)
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