Warning: This contains spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is arguably one of the best anime for both beginner and long-time anime audiences. But just what is it about this show that makes it a classic?
Several years following the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime (2003-2004), Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010) was released. Unlike its predecessor, Brotherhood followed the manga entirely. On the other hand, Fullmetal Alchemist diverged from the manga, which ran from 2001 to 2010. Despite the differences, both adaptations have their strengths. Regardless, Brotherhood has remained a classic due to adhering to the manga, among other factors.
The Characters (and Development)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood comprises some of the best characters in anime. They are realistic in the way they present themselves and develop throughout the series. Each character makes mistakes and grows, regardless of the significance (or lack thereof) of their role. But even the minor characters that make brief appearances in the series are never truly insignificant. Every character has a role and appears quite well-rounded, unlike many other one-dimensional characters in anime.
Edward Elric is perhaps one of the top main characters of a series. Along with his younger brother, he embarks on a journey to restore Al's body and fix the problems they had caused during a weak moment of grief. Ed is a teenager relatively short in stature (which he is constantly teased about), but what he lacks in height he makes up for in his disposition. Unlike his younger brother, Ed is loud, assertive, audacious, and stubborn. However, he is also understanding and loyal, and compassionate in his own way. Additionally, he's intelligent, and although he makes numerous mistakes in the show, he quickly learns from them. His growth throughout the series is consistent, which is what makes him such a great protagonist. It is interesting to also note that the anime's art showcases his physical maturity in a subtle manner.
Meanwhile, Alphonse, the younger brother, undergoes his own internal conflicts throughout the series. As a result of the human transmutation incident that had gone wrong, he not only loses his body but his soul also gets trapped in a hulking suit of armor. Al is so distinguished as the deuteragonist because although he appears to be huge due to the suit of armor, he is actually still a young boy of fourteen and desires to be seen as such. The dichotomy between Al's physical size and his compassion and good heart works quite well to balance drama and comedy. He is frequently mistaken as Ed's older brother due to his height, which becomes a recurring joke throughout the anime. Along with the two main characters, some of the best characters (and perhaps most favored by fans) include Maes Hughs and Greed.
Maes is a remarkable character that was killed off too early in the show. As a Military officer and veteran of the Ishval war, Maes is loyal, trustworthy, analytical, and serious about his job. However, this is only half of what makes him so loved by fans. Behind this meticulous professionalism lies a cordial personality that is kind to everyone. Maes is an all-around great guy who cracks jokes at the appropriate time, as well as a family man who gushes about his wife and daughter and thoroughly irritates his coworkers with endless chatter about his family. Unfortunately, his death is paramount for the story and the events to come, largely because of how favored he is by other characters and the audience.
One of the most notable villain-turned-hero in anime is Greed, a member of the seven homunculi. Greed, named after one of the seven deadly sins, makes an appearance early on as charismatic and quite arrogant. Interestingly enough, he almost doesn't seem like a very notable villain in comparison to his sibling, Lust, who radiates importance from her first appearance. However, this is one of the elements that makes him so intriguing. Although the anime introduces him as a villain, he's not entirely the same as his homunculus siblings. He is quite carefree, despite his villainous ways. As the series progresses and Greed possesses Ling (becoming 'Greedling'), Greed gradually encounters humanity. This is important because it propels him to befriend Ed and other humans while coming to terms with his greed for being desired. Greed makes an excellent character because he doesn't blindly follow Father like his siblings, which suits his personality, considering the fact that he's greedy, and thus, almost selfish.
The Overall Story
A difficult part of world-building is crafting an intriguing storyline and fully rounded characters while retaining a sense of realism. This is something Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (and arguably even the original FMA) does so well. This series successfully balances comedy and drama, something that isn't entirely common. Ultimately, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains a classic because it establishes an engaging storyline with realistic and likable characters who only enhance the experience.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is available to stream on Crunchyroll.