They share a title, a premise, and many characters, but one would be remiss to lump 2003 together. full metal alchemist lively and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood together. The two series diverge from each other, as the 2003 anime concocts an original conclusion while Fraternity stays true to the manga’s source material.
The two series also use different art styles. The 2003 anime has superior lighting design that complements the gloomy narrative, while Fraternity it has smoother animation, adjusts to the lighter tone, and focuses more on the action. As a result of art style differences, many characters look different. The differences range from subtle to overt.
8 Best in 2003 Anime: Edward Elric
the hero of fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric looks similar enough in the two versions that he is clearly the same person in both 2003 and Fraternity. The long red coat that covers her black shirt, auto-mail arm and leg, and her long yellow hair tied in a ponytail are all there no matter which version viewers are watching.
However, there are subtle differences between the two Eds, and the benefit of those differences lies with the ’03 anime’s interpretation. With a slimmer body and face, 2003 Ed is more of a pretty boy, especially since his default expression is more stern in Fraternity. Her hair is also darker, looking blonde instead of gold. The differences between the two are most obvious in the film’s 18-year-old Ed. Conqueror of Shamballa.
7 Best in Brotherhood: Hohenheim
The Elric brothers’ father, Hohenheim, turns out to have a rather different backstory in the two anime versions. The differences in the design of it are also some of the most obvious. On FraternityHohenheim has more pronounced facial features and golden hair instead of dirty blonde.
His golden hair looks better in his design than in Ed’s. His beard is also longer and more imposing, and he often wears a fancy suit and tie. Hohenheim’s 2003 counterpart doesn’t wear this, instead opting for a jacket and turtleneck that hides her rotten body but doesn’t look as fashionable.
6 Best in 2003 Anime: Envy
As the saying goes, those who are consumed with jealousy are green with Envy. full metal alchemist takes this into account when it comes to depicting the shape-shifting Homunculus named for that sin. In the 2003 anime, Envy’s hair is bushier and greener, looking better than the thin black strands they have on Fraternity.
In general, Envy 2003 is prettier and more effeminate, which better hides its monstrous character. She also transforms into a graceful dragon inspired by the ouroboros tattoos the Homunculi share, rather than a hideous green-skinned reptile/dog chimera as in Fraternity.
5 Best in Brotherhood: Lust
The only advantage that Fraternity The lust he has over his 2003 counterpart is his looks. the Fraternity Lust is even more pleasing to the eye than the first anime incarnation. She has more defined features and a more penetrating smile, which is appropriate since she is known as “The Last Spear”.
Most notably, there is the different color shading. Unlike her jealous brother, Lust looks better in black than green. While 2003 Lust is pale, Fraternity Lust seems to have truly white skin. Combined with her brown-black dress, the color contrast is a striking sight.
4 Best in 2003 Anime: Scar
The Ishvalan Scar warrior has the same basic design in both anime versions, but the Fraternity the iteration is bulkier and more muscular. Fraternity Scar has high cheekbones and a square jaw. It is imposing, perhaps too much so; he just looks too obviously ill-intentioned.
The 2003 scar is drawn as a man younger than his Fraternity counterpart, with a slimmer structure and softer characteristics. This means that he has a stronger aura of mystery to him. His main physical asset is his height, as he still towers over Edward no matter the version.
3 Best in Brotherhood: King Bradley
King Bradley is the Führer of Amestris who also happens to be a homunculus, either Pride (in the 2003 anime) or Wrath (in Fraternity). Fraternity Bradley has a larger nose and thicker mustache and looks much more severe as a result.
Before the twist to his true nature is revealed, ’03 Pride has a cool personality. His softer features and his smile sell the kindness of him, but it also means that he isn’t as scary once it is revealed that he is a Homunculus. He does, however, make his real-world counterpart Fritz Lang’s friendship with Ed in Conqueror of Shamballa easier to swallow.
two Best in 2003 Anime: Rose
At full metal alchemist manga and anime 2003, Rose is one of the first supporting characters to be introduced, debuting in Chapter 1 and Episode 1. Fraternity It rearranges the plot sequence a bit, but it still appears in Episode 3.
A native of Lior, Rose was a devoted follower of Father Cornello until the Elrics exposed him as a fraud. The ’03 anime opted to give Rose brown skin similar to that of the Ishvalans, while in Fraternity, she is downright pale. Her pink hair definitely stands out better against her brown skin.
1 Best in Brotherhood: Kimblee
Solf J. Kimblee, also known as the Crimson Alchemist, is one of the most different characters between the two versions of the story. In both, he is a war criminal who enjoyed the Ishvalan war too much and was imprisoned for his crimes. He is eventually freed when the villains need his services.
Fraternity Kimblee is much better groomed, with straighter hair and his signature white suit. The differences in appearance reflect his different personalities. 2003 Kimblee is Alex DeLarge, a sadist who lives only to kill and maim. Fraternity Kimblee is Hannibal Lecter, a monster, but brought up with a code of conduct.
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