Most of the time, when we think of adventures, we think of the hero's journey. For example, Luke Skywalker from Star Wars is thrust into an adventure in which a mentor trains him to fight an evil empire and in the process changes from a wide-eyed youth into a wise warrior--now that's a hero's journey! Additionally, the term "adventure" may also make us think of the Odyssey story line. One example of this is the Odysseus-like Frodo Baggins, who obtains a Ring of Power that he must destroy in the fires of Mount Doom. Along the way, he shapes the fate of the world and discovers himself in the process, later returning home a new hobbit.
The interesting thing about these common story lines is that they are largely not based on character interactions as much as plot points and the successes and failures of one "hero." This is why I was pleasantly surprised when I watched the well-loved Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010): because, unlike the heroic journies and the odyssey-like stories, FMA: Brotherhood focuses on the development of the characters and their relationships to forward the quest against evil. Now how cool is that?! At the same time, having been somewhat underwhelmed by the original anime version (Fullmetal Alchemist 2003-2004), I was hesitant to watch the new one (FMA: Brotherhood). This was mainly because the old version was completed before the manga (original comic book) was finished, so it didn't follow the author's intention very well... In fact, the original anime devolved into an incredible hot mess by the end. Highly advise not watching that one... #scarred4life
To my pleasant surprise, the new version was different and follows the manga closely, which I think increased the overall quality greatly. I won't spoil it for you guys, since my recommendation is to watch it. However, I will give you the premise. It starts with Edward Elric, who is the youngest state alchemist for his home country, Amestris. Due to an alchemic accident, he loses an arm and a leg. His brother, Alphonse, loses his entire body in the same incident and afterwards exists as a spirit inside a suit of armor. The brothers' main goal is to get their bodies back and, to do this, they must find a legendary philosopher's stone. The story follows their search for this legendary stone, and all the while, there's a larger conspiracy going on around them. Much larger. As the story develops in the heat of adversity and mass panic, Edward and Alphonse must determine who to trust and who the real enemies are as they are caught in the events that are destined to shape their world.
The beginning of this series comes off as a really good mystery. It also focuses a lot on character development and gives you pieces of the brothers' tragic backstory; all of this contributes beautifully to the anime's complex plot. With that, the start of the series has a great deal of heartache and pain (caution for all of you lovely sensitive souls out there!). Just know that, despite all of the turmoil you feel throughout the initial occurances of the show, there will be a huge takeaway by the middle of the series and especially by the end. This is partially because, about midway through, there is some catharsis, but it's the end of the show that will give you the full effect with its action-packed positive resolution. Totally worth watching the whole thing because you'll hate the show if you stop somewhere in the beginning when tragedy springs upon the characters all too often.
The key to the success of this series is, as I mentioned earlier, its character development. Why is that? Well, because the characters are written so well that you as a viewer will likely feel like it is actually you that is experiencing the intense journey that is FMA: Brotherhood. And instead of focusing on the journey or the "hero" alone like many other adventures do, this show focuses on the people in that journey and what they are going through as a collective.
This series gets my full recommendation. However, be aware that it contains some dark themes and scary moments, which are not suitable for a younger audience (probably about 10-13 and under). However, if you enjoy mystery combined with action and great character development, this series is definitely for you. I will rate this five stars and recommend you see it right away.
Thanks, Pragmites! We'll be back soon with another blog post!
H. Logan Christensen
CEO of Pragmus Media
And CPA: Certified Public Awesomeness ;)
*Cowritten and edited by Sigma
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