Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood stands as a monumental achievement in anime history. Its captivating storyline, complex characters, and stunning animation have cemented its place as a fan favorite and a critical darling. One of the most common questions for newcomers and seasoned fans alike revolves around its length: Just how many episodes are there? This guide will provide a comprehensive answer, exploring the series’ duration, its structure, and comparing it to its predecessor.
The Episode Count: Unveiling the Truth
The answer is a definitive and satisfying 64 episodes. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delivers a complete and faithful adaptation of the original manga series by Hiromu Arakawa. Unlike the first Fullmetal Alchemist anime adaptation, which diverged significantly from the source material, Brotherhood meticulously follows the manga’s storyline from beginning to end. This commitment to the source material is a major reason for its enduring popularity.
Delving into the Series Structure
The 64 episodes aren’t just a random number; they are carefully structured to build a rich and compelling narrative. The series can be broadly divided into arcs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the Elric brothers’ journey.
Early Episodes: Setting the Stage
The initial episodes serve as an introduction to the world of Amestris, the Elric brothers Edward and Alphonse, and the core concept of alchemy. We witness the tragic events that led to Alphonse losing his entire body and Edward losing an arm, prompting their quest to restore themselves using the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. These episodes are crucial for establishing the emotional core of the series and introducing key characters like Colonel Roy Mustang and Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye.
The Search for the Philosopher’s Stone
This arc focuses on the Elric brothers’ desperate search for the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact said to amplify alchemical power and bypass the law of Equivalent Exchange. This quest leads them to various locations and introduces them to a colorful cast of characters, both allies and enemies. It also reveals the dark secrets hidden within the Amestris military and government. The urgency and the moral compromises the brothers face during this search are masterfully portrayed.
Unraveling the Conspiracy
As the series progresses, the focus shifts towards a larger conspiracy involving homunculi, immortal beings with unique abilities and sinister agendas. These homunculi are revealed to be pawns in a much grander scheme orchestrated by Father, the main antagonist of the series. The episodes in this arc are filled with action-packed battles, political intrigue, and shocking revelations that challenge the Elric brothers’ understanding of the world.
The Climax: Confronting Father
The final arc of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a breathtaking culmination of all the storylines and character arcs that have been building throughout the series. The Elric brothers, along with their allies, confront Father in a desperate attempt to stop his plan to transform the entire country of Amestris. These episodes are characterized by intense battles, emotional sacrifices, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The resolution provides a satisfying conclusion to the Elric brothers’ journey and offers a message of hope and redemption.
Brotherhood vs. The 2003 Anime: A Comparison of Length and Story
While both Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and the 2003 anime adaptation share the same source material, they differ significantly in their length and storyline. The original 2003 anime adaptation consists of 51 episodes.
Divergence from the Manga
The 2003 anime, which aired before the manga was complete, eventually diverged from the source material. This resulted in a different storyline, different character arcs, and a completely different ending. While the 2003 anime is still considered a classic, its deviation from the manga’s original vision is a major point of difference from Brotherhood.
Faithful Adaptation: Brotherhood’s Strength
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, on the other hand, remains faithful to the manga’s storyline throughout its 64 episodes. This allows for a more complete and nuanced portrayal of the characters and the themes of the story. The longer episode count allows for a more deliberate pacing and a more satisfying resolution to the many plot threads. The meticulous adaptation is one of the main reasons Brotherhood is generally considered the superior adaptation.
The Importance of Episode Count in Storytelling
The number of episodes in an anime series plays a crucial role in its storytelling capabilities. A longer episode count allows for greater character development, more intricate plot lines, and a more expansive exploration of the world.
Character Development and Depth
With 64 episodes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has ample time to develop its characters in a meaningful way. The Elric brothers, Roy Mustang, Riza Hawkeye, and the other members of the cast are all given significant screen time to explore their motivations, their flaws, and their relationships with each other. This depth of character development is one of the hallmarks of the series.
Intricate Plot Lines and World-Building
The series’ length also allows for the development of intricate plot lines and a rich, detailed world. The political intrigue, the alchemical concepts, and the historical background of Amestris are all explored in depth. This level of detail adds to the immersion and makes the world feel real and believable.
Satisfying Resolution and Pacing
Finally, the 64-episode count allows for a satisfying resolution to the story and a well-paced narrative. The ending feels earned and the characters’ journeys feel complete. The pacing is carefully managed to keep the audience engaged without feeling rushed or drawn out.
Why 64 Episodes is the Perfect Length for Brotherhood
While some anime series stretch on for hundreds of episodes, and others are confined to a single season, 64 episodes proves to be the ideal length for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It strikes a perfect balance between depth, pacing, and completeness.
Avoiding Filler and Unnecessary Content
Unlike some longer anime series, Brotherhood avoids unnecessary filler episodes. Every episode contributes to the overall story and helps to move the plot forward. This makes for a more engaging and rewarding viewing experience.
Complete Adaptation of the Manga
The 64-episode count is precisely what was needed to adapt the entire manga storyline without cutting corners. This ensures that viewers get the full and complete experience of Arakawa’s original vision. The fidelity to the source material is a major selling point for fans of the manga.
Balancing Action, Drama, and Humor
The series masterfully balances action, drama, and humor, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The 64-episode length allows for all of these elements to be explored in depth without feeling rushed or forced. The skillful blend of genres is one of the reasons the series appeals to a wide audience.
How to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Now that you know the series has 64 episodes, you’re probably wondering where you can watch it. Fortunately, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely available on various streaming platforms.
Streaming Services
You can find the series on popular streaming services like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. Availability may vary depending on your region. These platforms offer convenient ways to watch the series online, often with both subbed and dubbed versions.
Physical Media
For collectors and those who prefer physical media, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is also available on Blu-ray and DVD. Owning the physical copies ensures that you can watch the series anytime, regardless of internet availability.
Online Retailers
You can purchase the series digitally from online retailers like Amazon and iTunes. This allows you to own the episodes and watch them on your devices. The digital versions often come with extra features like behind-the-scenes footage and commentary tracks.
The Enduring Appeal of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s enduring appeal extends beyond its 64-episode length. It’s a combination of captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and profound themes.
Compelling Storytelling
The story of the Elric brothers’ quest to restore themselves is both tragic and inspiring. The themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of playing God resonate with audiences of all ages.
Memorable Characters
The characters in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are complex and well-developed. From the Elric brothers to Roy Mustang and the homunculi, each character has their own unique motivations and flaws. This makes them relatable and engaging.
Profound Themes
The series explores profound themes such as the nature of humanity, the dangers of unchecked power, and the importance of hope. These themes elevate the series beyond simple entertainment and make it a thought-provoking work of art.
In conclusion, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s 64 episodes offer a complete and satisfying adaptation of the manga, delivering a compelling story with memorable characters and profound themes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, the journey through Amestris is one that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
How many episodes are there in the entirety of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
There are a total of 64 episodes in the complete anime series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This encompasses the entire adapted storyline from the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa, providing a definitive and comprehensive narrative from beginning to end. No additional episodes were produced beyond the original 64.
This count of 64 episodes represents the entire television series run. This includes all story arcs, character development, and the ultimate conclusion of the main plot involving Edward and Alphonse Elric’s quest to restore their bodies, along with the overarching conflict concerning Father and his homunculi.
Does Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood have any OVAs or specials?
Yes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood does have OVAs (Original Video Animations) or specials that expand upon the main storyline. These provide additional content, exploring side stories or offering deeper insights into certain characters’ backgrounds and experiences that might not have been fully explored within the main 64-episode arc.
Specifically, there are four OVAs associated with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. These OVAs are: “Blind Alchemist,” “Simple People,” “The Tale of Teacher,” and “Yet Another Man’s Battlefield.” Each OVA offers unique perspectives and adds to the overall richness of the Fullmetal Alchemist universe.
Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a reboot of the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime?
Yes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered a reboot of the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime series from 2003. While both adaptations draw from the same manga source material by Hiromu Arakawa, they diverge significantly in their storylines and ultimate conclusions. Brotherhood adheres much more closely to the manga’s plot.
The 2003 anime, due to its production outpacing the manga’s publication at the time, created its own original ending. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, on the other hand, was created after the manga had concluded, allowing it to follow the entire storyline to its intended resolution, making it a more faithful adaptation.
Is there a specific order I should watch the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVAs?
While there isn’t a strictly mandatory order to watch the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVAs, a viewing sequence is recommended to maximize enjoyment and understanding. Watching them after finishing the main series, all 64 episodes, is generally the best approach.
The OVAs are best viewed in the order they were released: “Blind Alchemist,” “Simple People,” “The Tale of Teacher,” and “Yet Another Man’s Battlefield.” This allows you to fully appreciate the references and character developments established throughout the main series before delving into these supplemental stories.
Are there any movies related to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
While there is a movie directly related to the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime (Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa), there isn’t a direct sequel movie that continues the story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The Brotherhood series concludes its narrative within the 64 episodes and the associated OVAs.
However, a live-action Fullmetal Alchemist film adaptation was released. It covers the general storyline found in both anime series, but it isn’t a direct continuation or addition to the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood narrative. It’s a separate adaptation of the same source material.
Where can I watch all the episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely available on various streaming platforms. This makes it relatively accessible to fans around the world. However, availability can vary depending on your region and the specific licensing agreements in place.
Popular streaming services that often carry Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and Hulu. Be sure to check your local listings or the platform’s content catalog to confirm its availability in your area. Additionally, the series is often available for purchase on digital platforms like iTunes or Google Play.
Does the English dub of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood cover all 64 episodes?
Yes, the English dub of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood fully covers all 64 episodes. Funimation produced a complete English dub for the entire series, ensuring that English-speaking viewers can enjoy the entire story without relying on subtitles if they prefer.
The English dub is highly regarded by many fans, often praised for its quality voice acting and faithful adaptation of the original Japanese script. Therefore, English-speaking audiences can watch the complete 64-episode series with a well-regarded dub.