Equivalent Exchange.

[everlasting_day]

• Well, this was a pretty fantastic start.
• Great OP and ED sequences.
• It's interesting that right off the bat this series starts on a very different note to the original anime - I think in the long run the introduction of most of the military characters early helps give the viewer a better idea of alchemy and the various different techniques. In a way the military is very much the backbone of the series aside from the Elric's and as such it's probably a good idea to establish them as early as possible.
• Not only that, but it also establishes the Ishbal conflict, Bradley, Kimbley, Lust, Gluttony and the Philosopher's Stone, so there's a good deal more questions and mysteries raised than in the original.
• Lockon is Roy? Allelujah is Kimbley? Nice.
• The animation and visual style is a bit different (not that different though, it still feels very much like the Fullmetal Alchemist I know and love). The character designs are more faithful to the manga and therefore ever so slightly simpler. I like them a lot, though.
• Terrific action sequences, as you'd expect from FMA. Ed hitting Isaac in the stomach then clobbering him over the head was a real punch the air moment.
• The humour felt a bit strained at times. Hopefully that'll sort itself out as the series goes along.
• The only real areas this episode falls short compared to the original are a) the lack of a really effective opening scene (Ed losing his limbs, Al disappearing, Ed's tortured scream - brilliant stuff, caught me hook, line and sinker) and b) the rather mundane reveal of Ed's automail and Al's soul-bonding. It was much more dramatic in the original. Still, no biggie.
• The next episode preview shows that we'll be flashing back to Resembool. I wonder if the anime is going to stay in flashback mode until we get to Lior? I'm especially curious because I'm assuming this is going to be more than 50-ish episodes this time, although I could well be wrong. If any manga readers would like to fill me in on that front it'd be much appreciated.
• Overall, I'm impressed. I'll be following it avidly, of course.