I didn't think I was interested in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, but after the first episode, it would seem I am.

There's a lot of nostalgia involved in FMA for me - I mean, it was the second series I ever BitTorrented, and I remember back in high school when I'd watch the episodes religiously, and then run to discuss them with Red, Shanny and the others. And though I think the anime derailed at a certain point, the manga is quite awesome, even if I'm way behind.

The first episode was a non-manga story and mainly establishing, but everyone was in-character and oh man I giggled so much. They redid the character designs to fit the manga style more, and this means that they look less sexy and more HILARIOUS. I am in love with the way they draw Roy's smirk (is his VA different? I can't even tell. It's been too long) and Ed's new design is growing on me. Also Armstrong. God, I missed him.

Things I'm a bit iffier on: they're redoing some things that were pretty much dead-on in the first series. The next episode appears to be the childhood backstory, but it seems like more of a compressed revisionist history of the first few episodes than a retread of the original backstory ep. (Which is a good thing, because I don't know if they're using the "Brother" song again, and one of the things that made the original episode so perfect for me was that song.) Also, I was thrilled to see Hughes resurface, but of course, I know what that means. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME AGAIN.

One thing I'm looking forward to seeing more of is a better grasp on the brothers' relationship. Okay, yeah, I know the original series is focused on it too, but when I read the manga, there were some things I really liked that didn't come through in the anime. Meaning, Ed handles all the big responsibilities and protects Al in the most basic sense, but otherwise, Al is completely and totally his brother's keeper. He's a lot more steadfast and emotionally tough, and spends much of his time scolding Ed like a middle-aged woman. Which I am incredibly all for, you have no idea. It makes for a more interesting balance of power.

All in all, we'll have to see where it goes!