When one talks about some of the greatest manga series of all time, it goes without saying that the name Fullmetal Alchemist would come up at some point or the other. After all, the fact of the matter is that the story of the Elric brothers as they try and reverse the horrible effects of a resurrection gone wrong is one of the most engrossing tales ever told. And anybody who's even remotely interested in anime should make it a priority to check out this show sooner rather than later.

RELATED: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: 10 Awesome Quotes That Will Always Stick With Us

Speaking of which, Fullmetal Alchemist was such a popular manga that it actually spawned two shows that cover the stories in their own unique ways. So, for anyone who might be confused about what to watch and doesn't know what the difference between these two shows really is, here's an in-depth look into the wealth of differences between Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

10 The Original Anime's Story Take A Wild Turn In The Middle

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood elric brothers alchemy

Fullmetal Alchemist might be the first anime revolving around the series, but the episodes eventually caught up to the manga. The studio had three options — either go on hiatus, start off with some filler arcs... or create a completely original second half of the story.

This leads to Fullmetal Alchemist veering unexpectedly off course into unfamiliar territory, while Brotherhood remains fairly consistent in its themes and tones all the way up to the very end.

9 The First Few Arcs Of Fullmetal Alchemist Are More Fleshed Out In The First Anime

Al interacts with the Chimera in Fullmetal Alchemist

However, while the original might not exactly be the optimal Fullmetal Alchemist viewing experience, there's no denying the fact that the first few episodes of the anime do a better job of fleshing out the early portions of the story, rather than Brotherhood.

Shou Tucker is perhaps the best example of this, with his character being built up over the course of a few episodes in the original anime before the disturbing reveal. Meanwhile, in Brotherhood, his character arc is wrapped up in just one episode.

8 The Pacing In Brotherhood Is Way Faster

Fullmetal Alchemist Edward elric alchemy philosopher's stone magic angry elric fight

While one might argue that Brotherhood is a bit too fast-paced for one's liking — especially during the early portions of the anime — there's no denying that the pacing becomes more pleasing and satisfying as the series progresses.

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The series does gloss over the manga-canon elements of the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, but it's after these portions that Brotherhood finally comes into its own. It handles its story beats with the utmost finesse and makes each and every episode flow as smoothly as possible.

7 Brotherhood Is More Visually Awe-Inspiring

Roy Mustang igniting his flames in Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood.

While this is obvious given the gap between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood, one absolutely must commend the animation quality and fidelity of the latter for making every scene feel like a treat to watch.

While the original Fullmetal Alchemist's animation is also great in its own right, there's no denying the fact that some of its scenes are incredibly lackluster, especially in comparison to Brotherhood.

6 Lust's Get-Up Is Different In Both Versions

Lust stabs Roy Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist

While this is a minor change, one has to point out that the Homunculi Lust appears slightly different in both versions of the anime.

In the original Fullmetal Alchemist, Lust's get-up is almost completely black. However, this is not the case in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, where Lust is wearing a dress with a reddish-brown hue instead.

5 The Gate Serves A Different Purpose In Both Anime

Edward coming through the Gate Fullmetal Alchemist

The Gate in Fullmetal Alchemist refers to the construct that allows for alchemy to exist in the world, and this is its only function in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

However, in the original anime, The Gate serves as something greater. According to this anime, Earth and the world where Fullmetal Alchemist is set in are two different landscapes, and The Gate serves as a bridge between these two worlds — something that the Elric brothers inadvertently cross at the end of the anime.

4 The Original Fullmetal Alchemist Is A Shorter Anime

Edward Elric angry stare Fullmetal Alchemist

While this will be obvious to anyone who sees the anime, it must be said that the original Fullmetal Alchemist lasts for 50 episodes, wrapping up most of its events as quickly as possible and shoving in an ending that most fans consider to be a tad too hasty for their liking.

Meanwhile, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood took its time with the latter half of the series after quickly going through the original manga events that were already covered in the original series, making for a more complete experience that's 64 episodes long.

3 The Homunculi Have Different Origins Altogether

wrath in fullmetal alchemist

One of the biggest thorns in the side of the Elric brothers has to be the Homunculi, who have consistently proven to be a massive hindrance throughout the series in both the original anime and Brotherhood.

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However, their origins in both anime are wildly different. In Fullmetal Alchemist, the Homunculi are essentially failed human transmutations that were breathed new life into by Dante. Meanwhile, in Brotherhood, these Homunculi have been created by Father to essentially serve as his underlings.

2 The Antagonists Are Completely Different

Father versus the Army in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

With the stories diverging midway, it's also time to talk about the antagonists of both the series, who — as one would expect — differ greatly.

In Fullmetal Alchemist, Dante is the true antagonist of the series who shared a relationship with Hohenheim, the father of the Elric Brothers. Meanwhile, in Brotherhood, the main antagonist of the series is a character who simply goes by the moniker "Father". He is the oldest and most powerful Homunculus around, to the point where he even beats Hohenheim who had come prepared with the Philosopher's Stone.

1 The Ending Is Awfully Abrupt In Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood ending shot

One of the major reasons why people stand by the idea that the original Fullmetal Alchemist is an inferior experience is mainly due to the fact that the ending comes out of nowhere and feels incredibly convoluted.

The movie that serves as the official conclusion certainly doesn't help things — in Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa, both brothers end up getting stuck in the real world, which is basically Nazi Germany. It's certainly a rather odd setting for the conclusion, which is why people prefer the more wholesome and satisfying conclusion of Brotherhood.

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