Fans of Edward and Alphonse Elric can now check out the duo anytime, thanks to Netflix.
The streaming giant recently added "Fullmetal Alchemist" to the list of titles in its library, and get this — it's not only the 2003 "Bones" version of the anime that is available but also "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" which follows Hiromu Arakawa's manga right to the letter.
The first adaptation of the anime was loosely based on the original story with many unexpected turns.
Netflix Anime recently tweeted that the series will be available for streaming with all the complete episodes from both titles. The anime will also be available in English dub or, for viewers who want to hear the anime in its original audio — or those who understand the language — in Japanese with English subtitles.
The Bones adaptation of the anime has a total of 51 episodes, and the "Brotherhood" version has 64 episodes. That's a lot of episodes to watch if fans decide to stream the series back to back.
The biggest difference between the two titles is the ending. The Bones version was released when Arakawa was still only halfway through his manga, so the author himself requested that the anime take a different route from the comics, thus, many unforeseen events take place that never happened in the original story.
Having two branches of the story is actually a good thing for people who are into long anime and alternate endings, especially since Netflix is now offering both stories. Casual fans and anime purists alike can now watch the Brothers Elric in their quest for the fabled Philosopher's stone right in the comfort of their own homes. All they need is a subscription and an internet connection.
"Fullmetal Alchemist" follows the story of young Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse, who loses parts of their body in an ill-fated attempt to bring their dead mother back to life. The two then embark on a quest to find the Philosopher's stone, in an attempt to restore the damage that they have done.
