Full Metal Alchemist is one of the best shows I have ever seen, and I dont say that lightly. I have a personal rule that I'm not allowed to "double-dip" when it comes to manga and anime, there are simply too many good shows and to much good manga that I want to read that i can't afford to read or watch the same story over again in a different medium. Full metal is an exception to this rule because I simply love it so much. At the time of writing this I have not finished collecting all of the manga volumes.. but I fully intend to. I have seen a few episodes of the original 2003 anime, read a few volumes into the manga, and seen the entirety of Brotherhood. If you havent seen this show yet, please stop what you are doing and go watch it RIGHT NOW!! I dont intend this to turn into a full review (YET) but I will briefly go over some different reasons I love this show.
There are dozens of unique, memorable, well designed characters in FMA, which is impressive considering that half of the cast is in the blue milatary uniform of Amestris. From Alex Louis Armstrong, to Roy Mustang, to Edward and Alphonse Elric, to all of the homonculi, every single character is memorable. I could tell you numerous things about any character in the story both minor and major. They all intertwine with each other in a beautiful and complicated tapestry that is just wonderful to watch play out. Theres espionage, backstabbing, sneaking, planning and every character has their own morals, way of thinking, and reason behind there actions.
And speaking of intertwining, the world of FMA is simply incredible. Each of the main people groups, the Ishvalans, the Xingese, and the Amestirians, all feel so culturally deep and well rounded. They all feel as if they have real lasting presence. They have complex relationships with each other. The Xingese are far off people of another land, The Ishavalans a proud people that although bruised are not beaten. The Amestirians are powerful and very german. You see characters at train stations in the background of episodes. It feels like these characters HAVE to use these modes of transpertation to get around. Every episode of this show reveals another shocking revalation about this world and how it works.
Like I said, I don't want this to be a full review of the show, and I don't know if it ever will become that, but either way please, I'm BEGGING YOU, GO WATCH THIS SHOW!! You seriously won't regret it. 11/10