In the vast and interconnected world of anime, character crossovers and shared universes are popular fan theories. However, sometimes these discussions lead to misunderstandings, like the persistent idea that Eren Yeager, the protagonist of Attack on Titan, makes an appearance in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Let's clear the air right away: Eren Yeager is not, and has never been, a character in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
This is a common misconception, perhaps stemming from the sheer popularity and dark fantasy themes shared by both series, or the intense, morally complex struggles their protagonists face. While both Eren and the Elric brothers navigate worlds fraught with conflict, sacrifice, and existential questions, their stories unfold in entirely separate universes. This flagship guide is designed to not only definitively address this mix-up but also to serve as your ultimate hub for everything you need to know about the authentic, intricate world of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
Unpacking the Misconception: Why No Eren Yeager in Amestris
The core of the confusion lies in the separate origins and creators of these two iconic series. Fullmetal Alchemist, created by Hiromu Arakawa, tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric's quest to restore their bodies after a forbidden alchemy experiment. Attack on Titan, on the other hand, is the brainchild of Hajime Isayama, depicting humanity's desperate struggle against man-eating Titans. These are distinct narratives, each with its unique lore, characters, and overarching philosophy.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMA:B) is specifically the second anime adaptation of Arakawa's manga, renowned for its faithful adherence to the original comic's storyline from start to finish. It's a rich, self-contained universe, and no characters from other manga or anime series are integrated into its narrative.
The True Heart of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
To truly appreciate why Eren doesn't fit into Amestris, we need to understand the world he's supposedly "in." Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood transports us to Amestris, a militaristic nation where the science of alchemy reigns supreme. Our protagonists, the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, embark on a perilous journey to find the Philosopher's Stone after a catastrophic attempt to resurrect their deceased mother using human transmutation. This act cost Edward an arm and a leg, replaced by automail prosthetics, and Alphonse his entire body, leaving his soul bound to a suit of armor.
The strength of FMA:B lies in its deep character development, complex political intrigue, and philosophical explorations of life, death, and morality. It's a story of brotherhood, redemption, and the true cost of power.
Diving Deep into Brotherhood's Unique Narrative
One of the most important distinctions to grasp is that Fullmetal Alchemist has two anime adaptations, and their storylines diverge dramatically. The first anime, released in 2003, began while the manga was still ongoing, leading it to develop an original plot halfway through. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, launched in 2009, was created specifically to adapt the completed manga story, offering a different, definitive take on the Elric brothers' journey.
In FMA:B, the primary antagonist is a being known as "Father," the original Homunculus or "Dwarf in the Flask" from the ancient kingdom of Xerxes. His goal is nothing short of achieving godhood by sacrificing the entire nation of Amestris. This contrasts sharply with the 2003 anime's villain, Dante, a powerful alchemist manipulating events from the shadows. Understanding these fundamental plot differences is crucial to appreciating the unique genius of Brotherhood.
The Authentic Ending: FMA:B's Resolution
The conclusion of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a powerful and emotional culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice. The final battle pits the Elric brothers and their allies against Father in a desperate fight for the fate of Amestris. Ultimately, it's a tale of overcoming insurmountable odds, where the value of a human soul and genuine connection triumphs over cold ambition.
In a poignant turn, Alphonse sacrifices his soul to restore Edward's original arm, allowing him to deliver the final blow to Father. To bring Alphonse back, Edward makes the ultimate sacrifice: his ability to use alchemy, exchanging it with "Truth" for his brother's body and soul. This ending celebrates humanity's resilience and the importance of familial bonds, far removed from the narrative of Titans and walls.
After the dust settles, the series provides a hopeful look into the future. Edward and Alphonse recover and return home, setting the stage for new adventures and a peaceful life. Roy Mustang, despite his temporary blindness, agrees to help restore Ishval, showcasing the commitment to rebuilding the ravaged nation. Hohenheim finds peace at Trisha's grave. Alphonse plans to travel to Xing to study Alkahestry, while Edward and Winry marry and build a family, with their two children shown in a heartwarming future photograph.
Subtle Nuances: Manga vs. Brotherhood Anime Endings
While Brotherhood is praised for its fidelity to the manga, there are a few minor distinctions between the anime's ending and the manga's epilogue. For instance, in the anime, Mustang himself initiates the Ishval restoration project, requesting Dr. Marcoh to heal Havoc first. The anime's epilogue photo also includes Paninya and Garfiel, expanding the sense of community. The manga, however, includes a detail about two chimera, Jerso and Zampano, joining Alphonse on his journey to Xing to learn alchemy and heal their bodies, a detail not present in the anime.
Additionally, the manga features a special bonus chapter titled "Another Journey's End." In this reflective chapter, Alphonse receives his old suit of armor. Instead of keeping it as a memento, he decides to melt it down so the metal can be repurposed to create automail for others in need, embodying the spirit of selflessness and forward-looking compassion that defines the series.
Moving Forward: Embracing the True Fullmetal Alchemist Experience
The world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is rich, complex, and deeply rewarding on its own terms. By clarifying the misconception that Eren Yeager is part of its narrative, we hope to have opened the door for you to fully appreciate the masterpiece that Hiromu Arakawa created and that Brotherhood so perfectly adapted. Dive in, explore the intricate lore, and let the authentic journey of the Elric brothers captivate you.