FMAB Episode 1 Poll

Yeah, I know. I suppose I was dealing in a bit of false equivalency. Regardless, I thought about it some more and I think Sephizen’s premise is wrong. FMA:B’s first episode isn’t designed for returning fans, it’s meant as a primer for new viewers. It exists to accommodate the early story’s accelerated pace. I don’t think you’ll be lost or anything; I just think skipping it will needlessly confuse the narrative in ways that I can’t get into because of spoilers. I know the poll’s over, and not in my opinion’s favor, but I still think you’ll be better off just watching the whole series in order.

SladeClegane

That’s not what I meant with the Doctor Who thing. I said that I need to wait and give the newer version a chance to explain things, before those things get explained through classic Who. I noticed that anytime something new would be introduced, people would immediately go into details about that particular character or idea from classic Who.

FILMBuFF

It is ridiculous that there are serious people who say "episode 1 of the anime spoils the anime". That is just stupid. If you want a truly "blind reaction to the source material" you should read the manga. Episodes 2-10 are made for people who read the manga or watched the old anime anyway, the pacing is way too fast. But I think it is ok to watch episode 1-10 just as a normal part of this anime. This is not Attack on Titan, where everything is a big mystery and watching this episode would ruin it all. Its written way more simple and the true strength lies in the characters and not in the plot.

Theo Traumato

how much you bet it's gonna happen anyways lmao but yeah

lumine

yea lol the real correct move would be to start with FMA and then jump over to FMAB!

Astrid

and by not necessary for you I mean for most people it was some fun hinting about stuff that comes back later but I think it's likely you'd be spoiled A LOT it would definitely be a SNK s3 post credit scene situation if not worse.

Astrid

when are you starting it? After death note?

Conor

we dont want another season 3 post credit scene type situation playing out, i say skip the first one

Wolves

Makes absolutely no sense skipping the first episode. You're watching the anime, even if it's filler who cares. It won't do you any harm. Besides, starting with episode 2 seems kinda awkward as that episode wasn't made in such a way as to serve as the first viewing for a new fan.

X-Offender

FILMBuFF and Sephizen. What a duo

Isaac

I never thought about it but yesh, might be better to skip, actually. Btw I'm so happy you're watching the sub! All the reactions I've seen have been to the english dub and ngl it's a great dub but like you I always prefer to watch stuff in it's original language :D

Chi

Definitely agree with this. Since Brotherhood was created as a reboot and assumes its audience has already seen the original series, it kinda speeds through those early arcs (and even skips some things entirely). Due to its slower pacing, the original series does a better job establishing the characters and hitting the emotional beats imo, although Brotherhood is far from bad in that regard.

Eric Thomas

because FMAB doesn’t have everything the manga does, episode 1 probably has some useful context stuff

David yao

If there is a break for Shingeki will you react to Lost girls OVA ? I think it would be more interesting for you to watch it before the end of the series.

Hassan

Had to repost the comment since my profile picture was from the SNK manga (wasn't a spoiler since my pfp was Bertolt from S3P2)

Michael

To the people asking Im to watch the dub: Since the FMAB dub is way better than most anime dubs I kinda get why so many people here like it. Saying that it's better than the sub is just wrong. While the main cast in the dub is done well, the voice acting for a lot of minor characters is really awkward in the dub, something that you rarely see in anime sub. A lot of people, including Im, myself and many others prefer to watch everything in the original language. "Rejecting" any medium that is not in your native language is a phenomenon most prevalent in the english speaking parts of the world. Almost everything the heart of a "normie" desires is originally in english. Therfore a lot of native english speakers see any media they want to consume being in english as a matter of course. A big intellectual problem if you ask me. 'Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films' - Bong Joon-Ho

Michael

People saying "dont skip lol" either don't know how you like to consume media or they don't care.

bla blubb

Yeah i watched FMA a few years before FMAB and have to agree.

TheStruggler

I don't care for episode 1, it has some extra hints/foreshadowing which were a good call for the show in general but might not be necessary for you. apart from that it's not a particularly good episode and has some things that are then redundant in the next episodes. I think it's clearly there just to separate the beginning for the show from the old one, which is not needed if you never watched it. the 2nd and 3rd episodes are how the story is supposed to start /edit: I mean are the 2nd and 3rd episodes completely seamless and perfect as opening episodes? no but they give the same info as was originally meant to not extra info that when taken seriously could be pretty blatant.

Astrid

It's an anime only episode which has some pretty heavy foreshadowing that he will certainly pick up on.

Not Pigeons

This man is too clever, he will pick up on plot points he shouldn't know for a while if he watches episode 1. And yes it is anime only reintroduction like John said. It will be much more fun watching him figure out these things later.

Not Pigeons

The dub is just fine, which is to say more than most shows. Every side character is super awkward, while the main cast is fine. Still doesn't out preform the sub in anyway. They way I view it, if you don't feel like reading the dub is definitely serviceable. It is in no way superior to the sub, but I don't think you're experience will be lessened to much by watching the dub.

Not Pigeons

Mad excited for FMAB Lets goooooo

DJ IC

Saying the dub is better in every sense is quite dramatic. The biggest argument for subbed over dubbed is that the dubbed is just an interpretation of the subbed. However with every interpretation details are lost or changed. These are usually minor details, but what makes a show great besides the small nuances.

John

Episode 1 is anime only. Its a reintroduction that's intended for people already familiar with FMA. Not anything like AoT or Deathnote's first episodes.

John

Aw man I'm sure I'm the last to know and you have heard it about ten thousand times already.... But the dub is better in every sense... The only dub to out do there japanese counter parts in my opinion... But eh such is life... Love the channel Ill still be excited to see what ya think of the show... its a masterpiece for me.... Who knows maybe ill appreciate the sub more than the last time I watched it

Stephen husuc

Having read the manga, I can confirm that it's fillerish and am totally fine with you skipping it. I'd prefer you enjoying the story fresh rather than getting filler that hints at stuff.

Ellie

Off topic, but I think FMA did a really good job for adapting the manga for the first 10? episodes. unpopular opinion, for the episodes with the same content, I think FMA definitely outdid FMAB. I also prefer its art style than FMAB.

ming

You should watch it

Anna Lena Ciplajevs

I didn't read the manga or anything, but it felt to me like the first episode is kinda there to introduce the viewer to the universe in general, but I do agree that it is mostly a filler. Knowing you, you'll probably figure out how everything works regardless.

GeorgeYTG

there is NO point in skipping episode 1. It's like skipping the first episode of Attack on Titan or Death Note. Why would you do that? I swear, some people with their unnecessary complicated suggestions...

Hoveyk

A few points after reading through the messages. - Some of the newer Patrons might not know this but FMAB was picked a while ago. - Please refer to the Intro for my Death Note episode 1 reaction for my take on Sub vs Dub, and why my first experience with almost every Anime will always be Sub. - Seeing a lot of interesting takes about FMAB episode 1, for and against. Let’s see how it plays out for a couple of days.

FILMBuFF

The thing is, I think he should just watch the show as it is. He would figure the things out either way. It introduces you perfectly the world and the characters. There is nothing bad about it if he figures something out beforehand. It adds nothing if you watch it afterwards

Sloopgamer

And not every anime original isn't always equal to filler if it still contributes to the overall themes/story/character

Sloopgamer

But how are you getting spoiled if it's the first episode?

Sloopgamer

Lol, why should you skip Episode 1. It introduces the characters to you. If you start with episode 2 it will have no meaning afterwards

Sloopgamer

I thought episode 1 was a great way to introduce some of the characters. Oh and I know many have said this already but please consider watching the dub

Helos

I think its better to watch it. Because ep 2 will throw flashback at you right in the beggining. Imo that flashback has more weight to it if you watch ep1

Владислав Черниенко

Violet Evergarden which is on your list only has 12 episodes, I think you should watch this first over everything it is so good

Shay

That's great, but this poll has nothing to do with Im watching sub vs dub.

Serodin

Personally I think the dub is way better than the sub in FMAB

Fung

Literally started FMAB a few days ago and didn’t know about the first episode thing

Muhd Zulhilmi

haha thats awesome but... hearing Hange's voice could detract from Ed being his own character

Stephen

I still say watch dub but can't go wrong with Romi Park, I guess.

MS94

I know,, but Ed being voiced by the same VA as Hanji in the VO is a must !

lumine

yup, I really like the first episode (I'm seeing some people slandering it here, not on my watch!) but knowing Im, nah

lumine

Would episode 1 of FMAB (2009) be anime original content if FMA (2003) was never an anime though? I feel like episode 1 of FMAB would just start like the manga kinda like in episode 2. My thing is that it feels like Bones specifically made episode 1 of FMAB with returning viewers of FMA in mind back in the day. Since Im never watched FMA, just sticking with the source material of episodes 2-64 seems like a more natural coherent route, to me anyway. Edit : forgot to add that it's Im, he'll dissect whatever episode is in front of him in detail and I'm confident episode 1 will give him way, way too much compared to the average viewer who watched episode 1 and then just moved on immediately to the next one. That's the main reason I suggested it in the first place.

oooo can't wait!

999

I didn't even think of that (or ever heard of anyone doing it !) I'm hyped for this show !

lumine

I just think from a story telling perspective Episode 1 is a better introduction than episode 2 as it wasn’t really designed for that lots of things are just talked about because they were mentioned in episode 1

Will Watches

Oof, not a fan of the sub version of FMAB compared to dub.

Mithroll

Yep, Vinland will be the replacement for Shingeki 👌🏼

FILMBuFF

He’s gonna watch the sub, I respect his decision but I do vastly prefer the dub, I’d consider it on par with Cowboy bebop for one of the best dubs of all time, i feel like it’s easier to get the emotional connection to the characters hearing it in your own language

Will Watches

damn, is it really that bad?

Mahni Alizadeh

My question is if you skip when to actually watch episode one? Cos there’s some stuff it foreshadows that would mean not watching it till potentially your into the late 30s

Will Watches

Its because the dub is actually better than the sub. The emotional weight of the dialogue is carried even further in the dub than the sub. The dub is the best way for english speakers to enjoy FMAB. The sub is downright blasphemous.

Stephen

Off topic but do you have a time frame for when you’ll start Vinland Saga? Perhaps after you finish S4 of Shingeki since there’s gonna be some type of break after the “final” episode.

999

This might not be relevant but FMAB has one of, if not THE, best dub in anime.

Stephen

I can definitely see a case for skipping it, but I don’t know. I don’t the think the things it shows really spoil anything (in the literal sense of spoil: making your viewing experience worse) and I think it does a decent job of introducing you to the world while leaving you with questions. (Edit: when I say “decent” I mean better than episode 2) Also, episode 1 exists as part of this show, and this isn’t the manga; it’s the anime. I’ve heard you talk a couple times about experiencing the story as it is presented, whether that be with your preference to sub over dub or with your assertion that classic Doctor Who knowledge should not be a requirement for modern watchers. But maybe you value the mangaka’s original vision over all that. Personally i think if that’s the case you might as well just read the manga, but ehh, now I’m getting opinionated.

SladeClegane

Ok so I’ve just rewatched ep 2 too see how it’d feel starting there, I’ll try and be as vague as I can, I feel as if starting with episode two you have to do some catching up tho, elements are specifically set up in the first episode, The first episode is better at naturally leading the audience into the rules of alchemy and building up the tension of Al’s armour for the reveal later in the episode (which is kinda just mentioned in a sentence in ep2). but there’s definitely some things Im could pick up on, like Bradley or Issac’s motivation give hints. You don’t really get a natural introduction to alchemy and only the preroll exposition.

Will Watches

I'm making a decision based not on my desires but on your style of reviewing. "The majority of you know how I approach a story." I hope everyone else realizes that the first episode gives the audience way too much way too early, and because of the excellent analysis, I would suggest skipping it.

FrogTheJam

Agree on the skip. While I don't think it straight up spoils anything, it's a bit on the nose with the hinting. And someone like FilmBuff would definitely get too much out of it. I am pretty sure he will agree if he watches it later.

Stoic Bread

I dont think there is a good reason to skip episode one. It‘s just not a good episode and that‘s why some people recommend starting with episode two. When I first wanted to watch FMAB I actually dropped it after the first episode because I really didn’t enjoy it. Some time later I gave it another shot and was instantly hooked after episode 2

Medeses

You would pick up too many things you shouldn't know until later.

Not Pigeons

I halfway agree. Yes, it alludes to plot points that appear later down the line, introduces the wide cast of characters fairly well, and introduces the villains too. However, it all feels a little bloated and, while the foreshadowing of certain plot reveals might not get caught by most viewers initially, Im is notoriously perceptive and will likely catch on really quickly. If this were any other person, I'd be all for them watching the first episode.

Leaky Peach

He is always going with the original version so he will be watching subs.

Thanos D. Alexioy

I didnt got any hints when i watched it Years ago, but if theres someone who will, thats you haha. Therefore, i think you should skip it

Ham Let

Oh wow! Thanks for reminding me! I changed my vote to "skip."

Leaky Peach

"The majority of you know how I approach a story." This is why he should skip ep1 and watch it later.

bla blubb

Skip for sure. It has some hints you could do without.

Azyus

Episode one is fine as an episode, but it adds nothing to the story and it might give you info that you are not supposed to have this early (I know you can put 2+2 together very easily) It will certainly give away some plot points that it would be better if you step into them properly as the story progresses. This is my opinion, having watched the whole thing and looking back at it. The 1st episode created some expectations for me that made me theorize and predict things very early and that would not be the case otherwise. While it doesn't "spoil" anything, it does give some VERY (and i repeat VERY ) strong hints that they may as well count as spoilers. Sephizen has deleted comments way more subtle than the hints you get from episode 1.

Thanos D. Alexioy

I consider Episode 1 to be relevant to the plot.

True that the first episode doesn’t really spoil anything I still think you should skip it to be as blind as possible.

Tsar bomba noble

Considering how easily you get spoiled it might be better for you to skip it

Chelle

Fuck yeah fma!

marlassett

I see no reason to skip it, it doesn't really spoil anything.

TbcAlex

I’d say you have to watch it, yeah

Jazzy

I like ep 1. Are you gonna watch sub? I’ve only seen the dub and every reactor does the dub so I’m kinda excited to see what the sub is like

Mahni Alizadeh

I know there's been discussion about this topic on the internet (about how starting with episode 1 of FMAB is confusing for people who are non-manga readers or people who never watched the original FMA). I also know it's not in the manga and that I personally, in hindsight, wished I didn't watch episode 1 when I binged FMAB a few years ago (I had not read the manga or watched FMA). I'm not the most knowledgeable in Fullmetal Alchemist's optimal viewing experience beyond that so I didn't want to leave that decision to only me, feel free to give your own takes on it.

That guy is crazy lmao you have to watch ep 1

Jeff