FMA Fan Thread

[Tommy]

Alright, I got into Full Metal Alchemist last year after seeing the premier on Cartoon Network and it instantly became one of my top 5 favorite anime.

I watched for a little bit of to an episode when Ed goes to the School of Alchemy or something and then they moved it to an even later time that my parents would assume I`d be in bed already. So, I watched Samurai Champloo in its place, and then the heavens opened up and FMA got an early spot at 11:30pm.

They left off at that the part when Scar is at some slum city and Edward find the Wrath with his limbs. I kept watching up till that point but I missed last week`s episode.
Two Questions: Can someone give me a recap of the series and is Scar dead now?

[Fantasy Dreamer]

Scar's not dead. I'll leave the recap up to someone else who can do a better job of it, and I've been taping the past couple of episodes, so I haven't seen those yet myself.

[Tommy]

yeah, I just noticed Scar was absent in an episode he should`ve been in.

[mitsuki lover]

Greed has become a more important part of the plot now.
Based on what we do know now I am willing to bet that it will be revealed by the end of the series that Sloth was the result of Ed and Al's failed attempt to raise
their mother.
Clues:
*Sloth looks like their mother(as per the pictures of the Elric family shown in the
opener and the few flashbacks where she's shown alive).
*In one ep.when Al hears and sees Sloth he tells Ed that he thought he saw and
heard their mother.
Please note that is only a guess but I would wager that I would be right.

[Kiba-kun]

[SPOILER]Sloth is their failed mother creation[/SPOILER]

as to the Q of the last episode, i missed that one.

[uc pseudonym]

What we could use here is someone who has seen the entire anime with a broader scope of vision. I read the manga more than watch the anime, so I doubt my summary would be completely accurate.

[hawaiishirtguy]

One of the great things I love about Full Metal Alchemist is the intricacy of the plot. If you really want to catch up on what's happening I would suggest reading the manga. There is actually an online version of the manga that goes further chronologically than Cartoon Network is showing currently.

I'm not sure which episode you are referring to but just some general notes:

[spoiler]Ed is certified as a state alchemist at age 12. He and Al spend the next three years serving under Colonel Mustang while searching for the philosopher's stone. Their search leads them back to the capital to look for research notes by Dr. Marcoh. Lust and Scar are there ahead of them though and the library wing containing the notes is burned in a fight between Scar and Lust. Scar barely escapes and is cared for by the group of refuges he is currently traveling with.

Dr. Marcoh's notes reveal the horrible truth about the philosopher's stone. The key ingredient is living humans... Since Marcoh was a former military researcher Ed and Al attempt to locate the place where the research took place. The only logical place is an "abandoned" laboratory. However the lab is still in operation. Lust, envy, and gluttony are just waiting for Ed to show up and perform the necessary transmutation. (For the sake of brevity I'll just say that Ed and Al succeed in demolishing the lab, but not before Ed comes a hairsbreadth away from actually commiting the transmutation.)

Note: although Scar hasn't died there is one big character who does: Major Hughes (I was so ticked when Hughes died. That guy rocked)

Anyway, since their search at lab five was (unsuccessful?) they decide to pay a visit to their alchemy teacher, Mrs. Izumi. During their visit they find the Homunculus child. However, the military is not far behind and military intelligence abducts the child for interrogation. Mrs. Izumi stages an assault on the Southern HQ to rescue the child, but during the chaos Envy grabs the child and shows him his true nature. She feeds him a handful of the incomplete stones (I'm not sure what the exact effect of eating the stones was, but there are noticeable changes in the kid afterwards). Mrs. Izumi finally succeeds in getting the child out.

Ed, Al, and Winry track Mrs. Izumi back to (cant remember the name) island where Mrs. Izumi tried to perform human transmutation on her child years ago. The homunculus child is the result of Mrs. Izumi's transmutation attempt, and the limbs are Ed's from his attempt. When Ed and Al reach the island they find the homunculus strangling Mrs. Izumi. Ed and Al intervene and the episode ends at the instigation of a fight between the homunculus and Al...

If I missed anything critical feel free to correct, add, clarify, expound, etc.
Hope that helps.[/spoiler]

[uc pseudonym]

I decided to add spoiler tags to your post because it was such a sweeping summary, and includes a few major plot twists. It was actually helpful to me as well, for synthesizing the manga and anime plots.

[lsstatic]

hmm one question where did sloth come from.......since idk how to use spoiler tags iam not going to guess it lol...dont want to take the risk in for ruin things for other members who seen it so can someone explain the character of it all...

[uc pseudonym]

The code for spoiler tags is as follows, but without spaces:
[ spoiler ] text [ /spoiler ]
Just for future reference.

[spoiler=Sloth]Sloth is completely different in the manga, but I believe in the anime version Sloth is created when Ed and Al's attempt to revive their mother goes awry.[/spoiler]

[Fantasy Dreamer]

yeah thats right.

hey, I got to point something out about Lust. My brother said this, I thought it was funny. If you move the 's' in 'LUST' to the front of the word, what do you get? Exactly was she is, 'SLUT'.

[mitsuki lover]

The code for spoiler tags is as follows, but without spaces:
[ spoiler ] text [ /spoiler ]
Just for future reference.

[spoiler=Sloth]Sloth is completely different in the manga, but I believe in the anime version Sloth is created when Ed and Al's attempt to revive their mother goes awry.[/spoiler]

I haven't read the manga but from what I have seen of the anime I think
that the clues are too numerous not to come to that conclusion.
So I wonder if all Seven Humuculi are the result of someone trying to
bring back a dead loved one.Also I wonder if their reason for wanting to become human has to do with a desire to take the place of the dead
person.
Note it is not stated so far as I know that the Humuculi ARE the dead
people come back to semi-life it is only hinted that they are in the
FORM of the dead person.

[Existentiality]

I haven't read the manga but from what I have seen of the anime I think
that the clues are too numerous not to come to that conclusion.
So I wonder if all Seven Humuculi are the result of someone trying to
bring back a dead loved one.Also I wonder if their reason for wanting to become human has to do with a desire to take the place of the dead
person.
Note it is not stated so far as I know that the Humuculi ARE the dead
people come back to semi-life it is only hinted that they are in the
FORM of the dead person.

I've read up to 40 and seen all of the anime...
The answer to your question about Sloth being is: [spoiler]Yes.[/spoiler]
and mitsuki, about your speculation about the origins of homonculi in the anime: [spoiler]yes. They are forms of the people attempted to be ressurected[/spoiler]

Further spoiler: (details about homonoculi's origins)(major spoiler, do not highlight if you aren't a curious cat)
[spoiler]Envy was created by Honnenheim of Light, Greed/gluttony I believe by his female counterpart (whose name escapes me), lust by Scar's brother (who tried to ressurect his girlfriend), Sloth by ed/al, and Pride by Honnenheim. Wrath, as you probably know, was created by Izumi (to ressurect her child). The overall theme behind the Homonoculi is one that it ISN'T GOOD to try to ressurect people (mess with god's monopoly over 'souls', ressurection), and so I feel it works very well with christian theology. [/spoiler]

Further spoiler (about the purpose of Homonculi)
[spoiler]Homonculi, for the most part, wish to become human because they feel as though they have been cheated of a full life. They seek the philosopher's stone to help them in this... but as they cannot perform alchemy, they do so to help their masters... in this case Honnenheim of Light and his female counterpart, both of whom use the stones for their own purposes (not including those here, PM me if you really want them, as it's kind of a very large spoiler)[/spoiler]

Just to clear those questions up.

[Kurama]

Spoiler! Do not scan over this if you love Scar-San...I do! T.T

.Scar Dies in Episode #41 but bravely -

Sorry...-_-;

[Tommy]

So does Star ever become a good guy?
Which Harmongulis (or however you spell it) is "Teacher`s" son?
Which one is Sloth.
Screenshots of Sloth, please?
Fantasy Dreamer: You do know what "Lust" means, right?
Is there a way to read the manga online legally and for free?

[Fantasy Dreamer]

[SPOILER] Wrath is Izumi's 'fault'. I guess thats what you'd say. And sloth is the Furher (sp?) secratary. [/SPOILER]

yes, I know what lust means. Its an intense longing, usualy sexual. A slut is a promiscuous woman a.k.a. prostitute. That is the character Lust, no? They have similar meanings, but they're not the same if that's what you mean. Pretty much, they are though. Very close.

[uc pseudonym]

I'm fairly certain that Tom Dincht just meant it isn't that amazing of a note. Meanwhile, Tom, you may want to read Existentiality's post. It answers some of your questions.

I've read up to 40 and seen all of the anime...

Though I've read further, you are the first reader I have seen here, so perhaps you can help me see if my memory is faulty.
[spoiler=Sloth]If I recall, in the manga up through about 50, Sloth is seen only once from behind. Yet there he was completely different, leading me to believe that this is one of the changes in the anime. Is this so, or is my memory faulty?[/spoiler]

Is there a way to read the manga online legally and for free?

No, unless it is only a few pages as a preview. However, it is being released in America now at a decent rate.

An interesting note about the homonoculi: the anime reverses the names for Wrath and Pride. I really have no idea why they chose to do this, though you could argue for the names better fitting the characters.

[hawaiishirtguy]

No, unless it is only a few pages as a preview. However, it is being released in America now at a decent rate.

Actually you can view the manga online at http://www.fullmetal-alchemist.com. The site is the copyrighted property of Square Enix and the Full Metal Owners and the viewer is provided free (legal, to the best of my knowledge). The manga is currently posted up to Chapter 40, which is way beyond the current line of the anime.

[Existentiality]

Yeah, that's where I read it. As for your questions:

So does Star ever become a good guy?

[spoiler]Yes, broadly. He always keeps his general hatred of alchemists, but works with Ed and Al for a bit[/spoiler]

Which Harmongulis (or however you spell it) is "Teacher`s" son?

[spoiler]Wrath (in the anime - in the manga, homonoculi don't exist the same way)[/spoiler]

Which one is Sloth.

[spoiler]Ed and Al's mother.[/spoiler]

Screenshots of Sloth, please?

I can't post that here without making it obvious to everyone, but I'll say this:
[spoiler]Look at pictures of Ed and Al's mother, or the Fuhrer's secretary.[/spoiler]

though I've read further, you are the first reader I have seen here, so perhaps you can help me see if my memory is faulty.

[spoiler]
If I recall, in the manga up through about 50, Sloth is seen only once from behind. Yet there he was completely different, leading me to believe that this is one of the changes in the anime. Is this so, or is my memory faulty?[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Yes, it is one of the changes in the anime, I think. Also wrath is different, being the Fuhrer in the manga but not in the anime, (Pride is) and the storyline is moved around quite a bit.[/spoiler]

[uc pseudonym]

Looking through the legal issues regarding your link, I think that it actually looks legal. It won't help me personally, but it may be helpful to others. I'm surprised but intrigued that they'd allow that.

Responding to Existentiality:
[spoiler]Thank you for confirming that. Overall, I like the plot of the manga better than the anime, but I haven't seen either to completion. Some of the changes are possibly improvements, but many strike me as odd.[/spoiler]

[Tommy]

This isn`t the Full Metal alchemist Official Website though....or maybe there`s more than one official website? This doesn`t look very legal since tons of kids would end up saving money they would use to buy the manga and the "Supposeivly Real website" is easily accessible through Funimation.

Also, what is Greed`s purpose for knidnapping Al. And who is this blad lizard guy that appears everywhere that annoys the blue monkeys outta me?

[Kiba-kun]

Also, what is Greed`s purpose for knidnapping Al. And who is this blad lizard guy that appears everywhere that annoys the blue monkeys outta me?

[SPOILER]The purpose for kidnapping Al is that Greed wants to learn the secret for eternal life (Al won't die since he just a suit of armor) and Greed wants the secrets to this but i'm not sure as to why. And the lizard guy is a chimera(sp?) created by the milatry (I think that's it but i havnt read about it for awhile so i'm not entierly sure but the milatry have created chimera useing people)[/SPOILER]

[Tommy]

Thanks for the info.

[mitsuki lover]

Blue?Isn't he Green?
btw:Did you notice in the second ep. or so when Al is talking about their training
they show in the flashbacks a shilouette of Izumi?

[CookinLikeSanji]

Well, just got through watching Episode 35 I believe it was.

[spoiler] One down and 6 to go huh? Although it peeved me a tad when Ed explained to Greed something along the lines of "There's nothing that can't be explained through science, even your 'Ultimate Shield'." Otherwise though a great episode, Ed knows the Homoculi's weaknesses now, he can finally start righting wrongs.

But the thing that intrugues me is how Ed reacted after he killed Greed. He kneeled over him sobbing, begging to let it all be just a trick. Correct me if I'm wrong but was this because it was the first time Ed had ever killed someone?

Also, Dante...Whew...Um, looked like she was sliced right down the center, wasn't a pretty sight, that was for sure...I'm getting a suspicious feeling that her Apprentice has something to do with all of this...[/spoiler]

Anyways, your guys' and gals' thoughts on the episode?

[uc pseudonym]

This episode crystalized my thought process regarding differences between the anime and the manga. I think the anime did a better job with the beginning, but I have grown continually more disappointed with how it handles the Greed arc. In the manga it was a tightly-knit story that combined a lot of good elements and significantly advanced the plot. In the anime it is divided into two separate events, with different parts of them strung out over time. It felt like much worse writing to me. Plus we didn't get to see Wrath/Pride fight.

I did like Ed's reaction once he kills Greed (though the dialogue could perhaps have used a bit of work), but I found the scenario implausible. The set up is completely different, and Greed really doesn't have a good reason to fight Ed.

[Kurama]

I thought of that also! XD

[mitsuki lover]

It was interesting though what Greed tells Ed about the Homunuculi and how to
defeat them.
My prediction is Sloth will probably be the last one that Ed and Al face.

[Tommy]

^ Yeah, is this series over in japan?

And about the one down and six to go thing....for all we know there could be more. Some moron could use alchemy to ressurect his friend. I also noticed that Greed coughed up those red stones that Wrath ate and he yelled "My Life!"

What the heck was the purpose of that whole sequence when Greed jhas the pentegram below him with the freaky-looking girl if he didn`t die from it? Did that make him weaker or not as evil?

Which guy was Dante?

Wanna see a sick picture of the FMA cast of characters? Click here:
http://medaverse.com/files/FMASPwp%20copy.jpg

[Roy Mustang]

^ Yeah, is this series over in japan?

And about the one down and six to go thing....for all we know there could be more. Some moron could use alchemy to ressurect his friend. I also noticed that Greed coughed up those red stones that Wrath ate and he yelled "My Life!"

What the heck was the purpose of that whole sequence when Greed jhas the pentegram below him with the freaky-looking girl if he didn`t die from it? Did that make him weaker or not as evil?

Which guy was Dante?

Yes, the series is over in Japan, I think like last year. FMA the movie started playing in Japan in May of this year.

[Spoiler]Dante is a women. She is was Izumi's teacher.[/spoiler]

Wingzero22