What's FMA:B?
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the second anime based on the FMA manga. This one is stated to follow the manga closer than the previous series.
Why is there another series being made? What was wrong with the previous series?
Nothing was wrong with the last series as such. The simple case is the original anime started while the manga was still in it's infancy and caught up quickly. Seeing it would over take the manga the anime studio, BONES, decided to make their own plot. It ended up being very different from what the manga did so now this new series is here to tell the mangas story.
See here for full details on the 1st anime and the changes it made to the mangas story.
I just want to talk about the previous anime. Can I still do that? Why are the two boards separate?
By all means, you can post about it here.
The reason we keep them separate is due to difference in the story and such.
How many episodes is FMA:B going to be?
Currently we have no definite answer but best guesses would put it at around 51, just like the last series.
Who is making this?
Same as before, Bones. A very skilled studio.
What about the dub?
Funimation says they will have out 9 months after it comes out on DVD in Japan.
Where can I get a subtitled version until then?
You can see this thread for extensive information on where you can watch FMA. We should mention that linking to fansubs isn't allowed due to Funimation having licensed the show in the US. Links to raws are fine though if thats your thing.
Can I make a thread about the latest episode or does someone special do that?
Seeing things have just started we have no formal thread starter or system for deciding so for now it's a free for all. The mods are nice and happy to help so they won't be a problem if repeat threads are made, just don't get upset if they lock your thread in favour of another
It's kinda weird how they are showing stuff we've already seen. Wouldn't it better to start where the first anime and manga separated?
It's only weird until you remember this series is also being made to accommodate new fans who may not have seen the first series. It'd be unfair to expect new comers to to jump into the middle of story. This is also why the pacing is rather hectic. Bones doesn't want to spend to much time in old territory so old fans can get their new content as soon as possible. It's a hard balance to hit.
Note: With current pacing ep 13/14 should see us moving into manga only territory.
What happened to the Animation style and Music of the first series?
BONEs has moved on quite a bit since the 1st FMA series was started some 8 years ago. Their colouring style changed heavily with Eureka7 and Soul Eater. Pretty much they've just found a style that suits them and that they're comfortable with. I preferred the old style as well but it's nice to see a studio evolving and carving out it's own unique style. Like Gainax and Sunrise BONEs has developed it's own visual and musical signature. That said, with a lengthy schedule ahead of them they have been making a few mistakes from time to time. These will most likely be fixed when they move the series to DVD.
*Following questions contain minor spoilers for the first anime*
Why wasn't Wrath on Izumi's training island and where is Sloth?
One of the biggest changes BONEs made was the homunculi. Izumi's human transmutation no longer causes Wrath to be born. Same goes for the Elric's. Sloth is a totally new character, Wrath is King Bradley who, apart from the name change, remains the same and Pride is someone else altogether. Also, for the most part they are far less powerful than in the first anime so Envy fans may get upset.
If you have any other questions about FMA:B in general then feel free to ask here, that's the whole idea of the thread. If you want to know more about specific episodes then ask in the relevant threads for each episode.
That'll be helpful to those who've never read the manga and are confused as to why a 2nd anime is being made. *thumbs up*
