Why are people saying that FMA is better than Naruto

[Lukasz]

Please answer my question
I like the show but i watched only 4 episodes. will it be better later??

[Dweezil]

It get's better with time, you can't judge something just by the first 4 episodes

I have seen 18 episodes and you can't really compare the series. Both have a nice twist of humor and combat but you shouldn't compare them. They are both really good and worth dling/buying

[Zyhic]

I have seen 18 episodes and you can't really compare the series. Both have a nice twist of humor and combat but you shouldn't compare them. They are both really good and worth dling/buyingI concur, however I prefer Naruto, Ero-Sennin is one of my fav anime characters ever :lol:

[Aosagi]

I prefer Naruto also but a poll from Japan showed that FMA is way more popular then Naruto. I think thats one reason people say FMA is better. *shrug*

Naruto is for children
Fma is for adults

with that being said, i am an adult and i still ike naruto better

[lamb]

I prefer naruto, I cant I say I like FMA that much. I enjoy watching it but I just dont find it to be anything more than average.

[x1xshinox1x]

naruto is beter dan fma because it just is

[Valindra]

I think people prefer it because it doesn't drag on as long as Naruto does at times.
I love them both, but found myself getting annoyed with a backflash wich repeated itself several times in Naruto, pretty much.
They do have backflashes in FMA, but they don't tend to repeat them and if there is a fight scene, they usually show the full monty and don't split it over several episodes

*rembers the Hokage fight and shudders*

[Dweezil]

I think people prefer it because it doesn't drag on as long as Naruto does at times.
I love them both, but found myself getting annoyed with a backflash wich repeated itself several times in Naruto, pretty much.
They do have backflashes in FMA, but they don't tend to repeat them and if there is a fight scene, they usually show the full monty and don't split it over several episodes

*rembers the Hokage fight and shudders*

I agree with you completely. The flashbacks are getting kind of annoying with Naruto, but FMA doesn't really have that to the extent that Naruto does.

[Lukasz]

I wouldnt say that Naruto is for kids (you should be 15 to read Manga) There is too much violence and blood. After watching 4 episodes of FMA i think it has the same level of violence but plot of it is heavier than in Naruto (i hope you understand what i meant :D )
Naruto's first 4 episodes were much better than FMA's ( i dont like this "short boy" joke)

[NinjaGutz]

At least the flash backs arent as long as dragonball, it took like a whole box set just to get through one fight and to top that at least 2 of the episodes there changeing to super saiyans and doing a Kamahama wave for 45mins but naruto is still so good and that is kind of the suspense to! Ya know until next week kids! Episode 87

[thompkinsbrian]

FMA is faster paced with action every episode(not as much as tenjou tenge)

[Chun-Li]

well, first of all Full Metal Alchemist should not be compared to any anime especially an anime that has over 86 episodes.
Naruto (so far in almost all the episodes) recycles ALOT of footage...perhaps children don't notice this or would be less critical on it.

I love the character design of Naruto, but the animation during the fighting scenes are not the best... i think they can do so much better.

but for me, i'd have to watch at least 10 eps of Naruto before i can be satisfied. The reason for this is that ..there fights can span over 7 or more episodes. (aka cliffhangers). Obviously, a person should not watch an anime because of a cliffhanger, but because of the story and such.

another thing about naruto is that during the fight scenes, there is just way too much uneccesary talk, conversations, or remarks which makes up the entire episode.

I dun think i can ever watch naruto more than once.

With that being said...

Even though Alchemist has their cliffhangers, ONE episode can satisfy my desire to watch that anime....

I watch for story and if time permitted, I would watch Alchemist over and over again.
to me, each episode of Alchemist gets better and better and when they have flashbacks, they're legitmate and helps remind the watcher the important parts of the storyline.

I don't want to spoil the anime, but i think ALL anime fans should watch this series. and i feel that it's not comparable.

oh yeah, My favorite character is Roy Mustang!

[Lukasz]

7 episode for one fight?? WHEN I ASK?? this little thing makes your post unre...(not worth to follow :D) it is not an insult
I watched only 4 episodes and they are worst than 4 episodes of naruto or trigun. But i am going to watch it. Fights look more cool than alchemy in full... (i cannot get use to fact that they call it alchemy and science. It is pure magic)

[Chun-Li]

duude... go back and watch the beginning of Naruto... where its their first mission ... to protect someone... the fight against zabuza... how long did that fight last?...as in.. how many episodes until the end of the fight?...

also during the first mission..i think there was a quick joke about Naruto being the shortest among sasuke and sakura...

[Lukasz]

It was funny because it was one time. the short joke was i think 3 times (or maybe 2) and it was so funny. they had two fights first was 2 or 3 ep. second was 5 (or even less not 7 or more). Gaara's fight was longer than seven but we had there like 3 fights so you dont count it. :D
BTW FMA is good anime. (watched 5 ep.) very good I say. But worse than Naruto :D If i change my mind i'll tell ya.

[Chun-Li]

well..i think that the number one reason why everyone's watching naruto up to the latest episode is because that anime has cliffhangers in every episode!.... so it makes the watchers eager to watch the next episode

(also the fact that naruto is not completely licensed yet)

and yes...i guess you can't judge Full Metal Alchemist yet because you have onlee seen a few episodes.... i've seen FMA up to date and Naruto onlee to 80 so i think i am allowed to have a say on which anime is much better.

but yeah.. lemme know when you change ur mind....

[Riku]

i think its more popular in japan cos in my time (about 15 yrs) i have seen alotta ninja anime and i mean ALOT. but u rarely see alchemist (magic yeah maybe but not directly alchemy) and plus the FMA characters have a goal (the most obvious one) and they go looking for ways to do it. so ideas can pop outta no where (so its not recycled).

[Aurora Dark]

I don't watch more Naruto simply because it has cliffhangers :(

Honestly, FMA was too grim for me... I kept thinking of the plot, and it depressed me. And the storyline moved a tad slowly for me, it didn't keep me interested...

I think Naruto is a lot more lively and exciting...

Plus I think Naruto has a lot more good character designs than FMA... FMA has maybe, 4 characters I really like, the rest are kind of flat :/ Naruto has about 10 that I really enjoy.

Although I really do think that it makes sense for FMA to be more popular in Japan... for one thing, originality. I doubt they have many shows that deal with the subject of Alchemy XD

PS: I don't know who said otherwise, but... FMA really -does- deal heavily with stories behind Alchemy, so them associating the "magic" of transforming things with that is really not that far-fetched :/

[Lukasz]

I think i said it :)
This thing is very annoying when they say that it is science. It is pure magic but they explain how it works. It is good that they make stories behind alchemy but calling it science?? Very annoying :)
I agree with you that naruto's plot is more lively and exciting.
That's why i dont like FMA more than I like naruto
It is too grim so it is sometimes boring. :)

[thompkinsbrian]

i have never seen a boring episode of FMA yet, but there are countless episodes in naruto that are pretty damned boring and annoying.

and they call it science cause when doing alchemy(the normal way in the anime) you need specific measurements to make things. magic makes things from nothing while alchemy uses ingredients to make everything

[Lukasz]

third was boring (in most times) alchemy in this shows does create something from nothing. broken radio. BZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Good radio. What the heck? why every part is in the place?? why walls are okay?? It is magic ;)
I say only one boring ep i naruto and it was 26/27 (even uchiha masacre was interesting). I dont read manga so i dont know the story.

[Archmage58]

BAH! Some of your people's arguments really anger me, but anyway, I find FMA to be a MUCH better series than Naruto. The story in FMA is top-notch, Naruto on the other-hand is rather simplistic. That's not to say that's Naruto is bad, I really enjoy it, but FMA is soooo much better, especially character-wise. Someone made a comment about FMA's story being to dismal, I almost agree but that's the way life is most of the time, especially when you set your goals to the limit, life isn't always enjoyable. The winner doesn't always come out happy *cough*Naruto*cough* (Oh, and just to let you know I have seen all current episodes of both animes.
[/i][/b]

[Aurora Dark]

The winner doesn't always come out happy *cough*Naruto*cough* (Oh, and just to let you know I have seen all current episodes of both animes.
[/i][/b]
But there are a lot of sad endings in Naruto... have you seen how many characters have died? o_o Not to mention all the tragic pasts most of the characters have.. :l


Also... FMA may have a realistic level of grimness (I don't think that's a word, but oh well :P), but I do think Naruto is more realistic than it's often given credit for. True, there are a lot of happy moments, but... the main story follows 12 year old kids. of course there's going to be happy parts! They goof off, they have sense of humor. They're -kids-, for the most part. And even for the teachers, they do act serious... and it'd be weird for them to act depressed around their students, wouldn't it? It would give them a bad image there.
And with Naruto, as the story progresses, I see a lot more depressing things... Like I mentioned above, several characters die, many are wounded, cursed, etc. Tons of bad things happen, enough to give it a "realistic" element.

[Lukasz]

i agrre with Iruka lover (just joking ;)
naruto was happy when he beat Neji and Kiba (bacause it was tournament everone would be happy) but when he beat haku, gaara he wasnt that happy.
You say that in fma life is not very enjoyable. In naruto we have the same thing. Gaara life, Naruto's life, Nejis and Lee's life even sakura has harsh life (because of naruto and sasuke they are so much better than her and she wants to be a super ninja but she cant)
Lee life is very realistic i say. everyone says that he is dropout. that he will not achive anything. everyone laughts at him. but he doesnt give up he works hard to be the best. we can hear about this kind of people and we admire them :)
Like .:AD:. said: they are still kids so konoha protects them from very evil things. but still theirs life can be very bad (like sasuke's) so i dont think you have point in that :) Archmage58

[Fei Fong Wong]

It's easy to say Naruto was made to draw in a crowd and keep them. Because the anime has so many cliffhangers, a method proven to keep more people watching than stopping, it's obvious that it became quite loved by the public. It is made for the fans now, and instead of being completely original, it also does have its many cliche moments.

I must admit, I love Naruto with all my heart. It's very dynasmic, to a point, and the characters are, in fact, easily lovable. Almost every character you meet ends up leaving an impression on you. Iruka, Konohamaru, Zabuza and haku, Inori (Although... I did tend to forget his name often), Kakashi, Ino, everyone. And it develops their backgrounds very nicely... although the method they use (flashbacks) end up making up most of the background telling. With so many characters and only flashbacks to develop their history with... well.... you know the outcome.

Naruto also has claims to having the best fight scenes ever. Granted, many people made this claim about various anime, but in the "top five anime fight scenes ever" catagory, I've seen Naruto in the top three for almost everybody I know. And at that, it has so many of those awesome battles. So what if they're long? Personally, the only one that was too long (and actually my favorite, ironically) was the Sarutobi fight. Once it got to that one point where they stood in a deadlock for so many episodes, it got boring, but before that, it was the best fight ever (and its ending was also so tragic.)

Let's get back to its cliche-ness. Face it. You've seen many DBZ-like things in this anime. Remember the Lee v. Gaara fight? Remember his "opening of the gates?" ::coughs:: And Naruto when he draws the power of Kyuubi? Not only that, but even the most touching moments are cliche. The Zabuza fight's ending and the heroism displayed by Inori. Granted, every anime has a cliche moment or two, but this one is jam pakced with it.

Which brings up another good question. Is cliche really that bad? I mean, do you hate the FF series with its many cliche moments? I love the series despite it. And Grandia II, for instance, was the most cliche game ever, but it was still awesome. I'd have to say cliche is only bad when people recognize it as cliche, but even so, I do, and I don't care. I say if the originality balances the cliche-ness, then all's fine. Naruto is highly original. And highly cliche.

Now for FMA. I've watched only the first two episodes, sadly, but I'm going to see it all soon. I've noticed in the beginning, it did NOT start out slow. It drew you in instantly and threw everything it had at you in a mere 24 minutes. And then proceeded to make things even better and throw more stuff at you in the next episode. Naruto didn't do this. I hated the beginning of Naruto with my life up until the team left to the village of the Mist. Why's it my favorite anime, though...? Meh.

FMA surely, and ultimately, has the most original plot out of the two. Based on alchemy, a true 'scientific' method many people used to practice back in the day in hopes of striking it rich instantly. Personally, I don't see how it is impossible to change lead, iron, steel, xenon, even, to gold. Maybe it's just because of our limited knowledge and technology we cannot do it. FMA adds another twist to it, thouh, and implies a sense of magic to alchemy.

Sure, you must be a scientific genius to truly conprehend the powers of alchemy and in order to do it, too. Proven easily in the first few episodes. FMA's 'fight scenes' in the first two episodes really didn't grab me as 'the best fight scene ever', but then again, I had to wait until the 70th or so episode of Naruto before I found my favorite. Of course, the Zabuza was my favorite until the Gaara v. Lee one, and then after that one, the Neji v. Hinata one, and then aft.... well, you understand. I realize FMA will surely improve.

My point with all of this is that an anime must have a balance of a few things: unique-ness, cliche-ness, characters and their development, battles/plot twists, and 'cliffhangers.' Too much unique-ness but no character development leads to a hard-to-get-into anime. Too many cliffhangers and no unique-ness just gets dull. Too much character development but no plot twists is really dull as well. And cliffhangers must exist. They did in the first episode of FMA! It took a few episodes for Naruto to catch on, however...

Anyway, that's my depiction. Enjoy.

[Aurora Dark]

Fei Fong Wong: wow... It's refreshing to see someone put that much thought into one reply ^^;

Really, it is.. it's very well thought out, and I have to say that I agree with you on many things you said.


Naruto is very much like DBZ... there are more paralells between these two series than any other that I've seen. Does it make me love Naruto any less? certainly not. I can draw direct comparisons between the two easily, but that doesn't make me lose my respect for Naruto ;)

And I like what you said about cliches.. they exist in most anime, so why hate them? Anime as a genre, is filled and defined by several of them.. I don't think it takes away from the quality of the shows. ^^;

[Yella]

My sister said that the guy who made Naruto was inspired by DBZ (noted by the Gaara vs Lee fight). I don't think you can compare Naruto and FMA for the simple fact that the plotlines are totally different. FMA is more dramatic and the plot is very unique. Heck, I wouldn't even know what a humunculus was if it wasn't for FMA. In truth, I anticipate FMA more because I want to see what happens next, I want to see how closer Ed and Al are into getting back their real bodies. Naruto, meh I can wait a bit because its kinda sorta predictiable.

Though I wouldn't say which is better, if they were both ninja anime, then I could guage but because they're so different I really can't say which is better.

[Fei Fong Wong]

Sometimes I tend to write too much. >_>
But I don't have a life, so I might as well.

[lamb]

hmmm Im kind of losing interest in FMA to be honest, unlike most anime I dont get annoyed when an epsiode ends anymore :(

[KeyserSozei]

*rembers the Hokage fight and shudders*

haha.. yeah.. that was really bad..
like 8 episodes was it~!?
man.. i hope FMA is smarter around that area of
making the combat scenes in one episode
instead of dragging it along like that.

[Anbu Dr J]

hmm i've never seen FMA before but i'll try watching it

[Tragnael]

naruto is miles better than fma. i didnt find fma very appealing

[Fei Fong Wong]

Actually, I love FMA now that I've started watching it. But I love Naruto as well.

[GunDelSol082690]

i feel the same

FML has a better story line

but naruto has MUCH better action by far

[Thepimplishone]

naruto drags its story line as much as db ... FMA in my opinion has a lot more action

[Hazard]

I agree when ppl say FMA is targeted more at adults; its focusses more on the plot that Naruto ever does- sure Naruto has some really interesting fight sequences but it gets frustrating watching an episode only for it to have focussed almost entirely on fighting and with very little story content...

FMA is darker which definitely icks some ppl out- in a way tho it is morbid, its fascinatingly refreshing from the cliched anime that has been churned out for some time now.

Look at the first episode of FMA- the protagonists (the Brothers) are actually portrayed first as ppl who cross the lines in society and teachings of alchemy and then as victims of their own doing. Still, what drew me to them was the fact they still went on to search for a solution.

They are in no way blameless and that in itself, in those first moments of watching FMA, I new it surpassed Naruto on several levels from the get go.

I'm not talking about liking FMA- to each his own. No on can tell another what they should like. But I have to point out FMA touches on issues and ideas that aren't usually broached due to their controversy and darkness.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

you all tink the battles lasted long... well you wouldn't think so if ya compare it to dragonball z...

[lamb]

I really liked FMA to start with, then I started to get bored with it in the middle but Im really getting into it again (eps 38 - 40).
one of the problems I have with it is the voice they use for Al is insanely annoying, at least I think so.

[Tempest_soC]

I really think FMA is a much better show. If for no other reason than it has a set beginning and a set ending so there aren't a lot of pointless episodes. Even the few that exist still have value. Take 37 for example(for those who have watched it through that far). If you take the episode by itself it is so random as to be pointless. However when you look at the preceding storyarc it makes a lot of sense, the episode serves to break up the dreadful things that have been happening and sets the show up to go in a new direction.

With all that said, I still love Naruto. My only complaint is just how long it's drawn out.

[DarkFoxNaruto]

anyone and everyone arguing FMA is better than naruto, quiet, i know FMA is amazing, but naruto ranks one and FMA is like 5 or 4 under like Eva, Trigun, and like Last Exile. There is no way it beats naruto, i mean sure you coud say the plots better, but naruto's characters are some of the best and versitile ive seen in a while, and most nothing can beat it, cept maybe on and off eva, and plus we dont even know the main plot of naruto yet, i mean they haven't done anything plot wise with Itachi and the Akatsuki (who are obviously the main focus eventually, cause they've been talked about from the start and they want kyuubi) and its lik3 93 episodes and 225 chapters in, and its still good, and its going to get better with the real plot

[Fei Fong Wong]

anyone and everyone arguing FMA is better than naruto, quiet, i know FMA is amazing, but naruto ranks one and FMA is like 5 or 4 under like Eva, Trigun, and like Last Exile. There is no way it beats naruto, i mean sure you coud say the plots better, but naruto's characters are some of the best and versitile ive seen in a while, and most nothing can beat it, cept maybe on and off eva, and plus we dont even know the main plot of naruto yet, i mean they haven't done anything plot wise with Itachi and the Akatsuki (who are obviously the main focus eventually, cause they've been talked about from the start and they want kyuubi) and its lik3 93 episodes and 225 chapters in, and its still good, and its going to get better with the real plot

Oooh... the voice of reason! What a lame voice. Let me enlighten you, Mr. Naruto-fanboy. Sorry for the insults. I was bored. If it matters, I'm joking.

Full Metal Alchemist has a better plot by far than Naruto. I mean... easily. Even with Itachi and Akatsuki... it's still below par. And VERY cliche. Naruto is the most cliche anime in existance. But, apparently cliche just draw a crowd. The characters, however, are also insanely cliche as well. The typical "I'm-going-to-fight-fall-down-and-get-back-up" types, the silent, stern, powerful types, the maniac killer with no emotions, the girl in love with the main character, the girl in love with somebody who's not the main character, and very powerful kickass guy who can own many, the rival to the main character, the rival to the kickass guy, and the perverted martial arts guru, etc.

Full Metal Alchemist has two very unique characters: Ed and Al. Some other unique characters: Hughes, Mustang, soem random others I don't remember. Ed and Al are especially the most unique characters between the two. Sure, they have the 'cliche' horrible past, but it's also quite a unique twist on such a cliche past.

Q: "How many Naruto character does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"
A: "One, but it takes 8 episodes."

Naruto takes in a crowd because of cliffhangers. If it wasn't for those cliffhangers, people wouldn't be so impelled to watch every episode. FMA has a couple things about it that makes you want to watch the next episode: 1) the fact that most episodes are each something different and 2) assuming the episode you just watched was kickass, you know the next one will be better. In my opinion, of course.

Naruto = cliche. FMA = unique. Naruto = for the fans. FMA = purely for enjoyment. They make Naruto for the money. They make FMA so the fans actually enjoy the show.

I simply HATE waiting a week to see the end of a fight.

[Aurora Dark]

Fei Fong Wong:
wow.......... it sounds like you hate Naruto, from the way you talk about it o_O

..and I'm a fan of Naruto, that doesn't watch Naruto for the cliffhangers. I wish people would stop saying this all the time, because it's not true. It's actually starting to get insulting now.. as if Naruto fans have no other reason to watch the show X_x

FMA has two unique characters, certainly... but despite its cliches, naruto has quite a few of them, more than 2 for sure. Take out the cliches, and half the cast is still original.

And remember not to confuse "archetypes" with cliches. A character with a similar theme (of revenge, or tragic past, or strength, etc) can't always be a cliche! Because I hate to tell ya, but every series has characters with those traits. They occur all the time. To dislike a series for having these themes is ridiculous.


And the "Sure, they have the 'cliche' horrible past, but it's also quite a unique twist on such a cliche past." comment is pointless. Every character in Naruto with a tragic past has a slightly different story. They all have "twists". No two characters share the same exact story, to put it simply.


And about "They make FMA so the fans actually enjoy the show."
I'm actually quite offended by this. You just implied that Naruto fans don't fully enjoy the material, that Naruto is only made for money, and that FMA -isn't-... seriously, there's no way any anime series is produced without money being considered. If they truly made it only for the fans, no one would make profit from it at all. They would sell nothing, they would pay no one, and it would be a "free" show. Heh, that'll never happen. I don't see any "greedy" characteristics about the publication of Naruto.. where did you get this opinion from?


I just find a lot of your defenses to be very, very weak... I know Naruto has problems with it, but FMA has plenty of 'em too. And if you want to compare the level and extent of those problems.. you're very very biased commentary here serves as an accurate reply to DarkFoxNaruto's, but it isn't very convincing. Too much emotion, too many assumptions :l



I hate to say it, but this topic keeps running in circles... FMA fans keep writing here and saying the same thing, and Naruto fans keep coming back to say the same thing. Over and over... :/

[Fei Fong Wong]

I actually love Naruto. Don't get me wrong.

1) FMA.
2) Naruto.
3) Cowboy Bebop

... but, meh.

[DarthZim]

Meep! I really love both series, and I'll just leave them at an equal. It's kind of difficult to compare them when they differ so much!

Recently, though, I've been disappointed with the anime for FMA. The story has just...fallen, to some extent. There's been a lot of build up, and though there still is, it hasn't met my standard. The manga, though, keeps getting better :P

As far as the anime for Naruto, I've been annoyed with...they keep churning episodes out so quickly, that the quality has really dropped. I cringe when I see someone's face hideously malformed because of the lack of time in drawing. Regardless, it's still fun to watch.

I kind of wish that Kishimoto didn't have to sumbit weekly--it turns into a lot of filler, and less pages for submissions, but I suppose it all balances out.

Either way, both series r0x0r. ^_^

Allo wme to be blunt, people say its better because it IS BETTER

[Tempest_soC]

I just find a lot of your defenses to be very, very weak... I know Naruto has problems with it, but FMA has plenty of 'em too. And if you want to compare the level and extent of those problems.. you're very very biased commentary here serves as an accurate reply to DarkFoxNaruto's, but it isn't very convincing. Too much emotion, too many assumptions

Not to attack you in any way but I am curious to hear what you think is wrong with FMA. From what I can tell it has a great story, great characters, a unique setting, fantastic art, well written and applied music, and some awesome fights(not quite as intense or engaging as some of Naruto's most memorable but that is because of a major difference between the 2 shows focus areas). I tend to be critical of animes and it doesn't have the problems that seperate the good anime from the great anime from what I can see. So I am curious.

[Aurora Dark]

Not to attack you in any way but I am curious to hear what you think is wrong with FMA.
well... For me personally, these were the major things I disliked about it:
- story's too grim (just when I think about it, the plot saddens me quite a bit)
- not many memorable characters (I only remember 6 of them, and I only saw 3 of them as having a vivid personality)
- story didn't keep me addicted/interested (I stopped watching after early into the series, because of this)

I don't think it's an awful show, by any means.. but I don't think it's a perfect show either, as many believe. I remember watching it and feeling slightly unsatisfied, because I kept thinking about the problems I just mentioned above.

Mainly, explaining what I said to Fei Fong Wong:
I've never sat down and criticized any anime as heavily as his/her review of Naruto did. But I fully believe that if I sat down and was that picky about FMA, I could find just as many things wrong with it.. so that's a big reason why I said "FMA has many problems too". I noticed that it does, but I never sat down and defined all of them... and I really haven't seen it in a long time, so my memory isn't fresh anymore about it. (Sorry, I couldn't answer your question very thoroughly... my apologies ;_; )

[Amatsu Mikaboshi]

i dont think you can judge an anime based on its first few episodes. i mean if its too grim for you i understand, but you cant say "FMA has many problems" based on only 8 episodes.

[Aurora Dark]

i dont think you can judge an anime based on its first few episodes. i mean if its too grim for you i understand, but you cant say "FMA has many problems" based on only 8 episodes.
That may be true...

I'll admit though, my statement of "many problems" may have been an exaggeration I made, out of annoyance to the post I was replying to intially.


who knows...

[Karinu]

I feel the need to say several things here. You can't really say something is better than another. It's merely a matter of preference. One can't say shoujo manga is better than shounen manga just because they prefer shoujo over shounen. Most things are a matter of preference.

In my opinion, and I'm sure I'm going to get flamed for this, FMA is better than Naruto, or rather, I prefer FMA over Naruto. My reasons are rather simple. The plot of FMA appeals to me more so than the plot of Naruto.

Many of you have said that the fact that FMA is so dark that you find it unappealing. Actually, I'm rather fond of darker anime so that's not really a deciding factor for me. The dark overtones of FMA are entracing and quite appealing. FMA has a kind of realistic feel that I don't quite get from Naruto. This may be fact or it may just be me, but that's my opinion of it.

Also, FMA has dryer humour which appeals to me more than the humour of Naruto. I feel that FMA has wittier dialouge at times than Naruto.

There has been some discussion about the word "cliche." I find Naruto to be immensely cliche, but at the same time it does have it's unique moments. The plot has twists and turns that I would never have expected. FMA also has it's more cliche moments, but there's something about it's plot that I find to be exteremly unique. Although not exactly easy to understand, there's something about Al and Ed's quest that strikes a chord within me. They're no out for fame, they're not out for glory, or anything else. They're merely making a futile attempt to regain what they lost.

As for whether or not the characters are memorable, well, there certainly aren't as many characters as in Naruto, where the plot centers around almost every minor character which makes an appearace, if only for a short time. While this is interesting, it can also become tedious. The plot mainly centers around Ed and Al in FMA, which makes it less tedious and a bit easier to follow.

To compare and contrast the main characters, I find Naruto, the main character, rather tiring. He started alright in the series, but as the series progressed I began to feel that he was a rather flat character lacking in depth. I don't get that feeling from Ed in FMA. He seems to have more insecurites and faults than Naruto, which makes him a more likeable character, to me.

Now, for some comparisons. One reason why people find it difficult to compare FMA and Naruto is because they fail to realise the fundamental differences in the nature of the series. Naruto is the quest for a young boy to become stronger, to find his place in life. While I like this idea, Naruto's quest is more physical and emotional, but in the end one gets the feeling that Naruto's quest will bear fruit. Ed and Al's quest is my more psychological in nature. Yes, they are trying to find the philosophers stone, but along the way the encounter people who change their minds. They discover those who are supposedly enemies are human as well. They learn the value of human life and the darkness that lies within human hearts. There is an overall depth that lies behind FMA that I just don't get from Naruto. Now, this may just be me, but that's the feeling I get.

There also seems to be less defined "good" and "evil" in FMA, which I enjoy immensely. I find the antagonists almost impossible to hate.

There has also been some discussion on the fight sequences. As a rule, I have always preferred shorter anime/manga over longer anime/manga. Most series over 100 episodes long tend to become monotonous. It's just a fact. I can barely stand Inuyasha anymore, because of it's length. This is just personal preference, but that's why I preder FMA of Naruto.

I also wish to clarify. I love Naruto with all my heart. It's a very cute series with absolutely awesome and original characters. I like most of the characters in Naruto (with the exception of Naruto himself) and love this series. The fight scenes can become tedious, but that doesn't change the fact that I geniunely enjoy this series, however, in my personal opinion FMA surpasses the quality of Naruto, though both series are high quality, for the afore mentioned reasons.

For anyone who bothered to read that long-winded post, congratulations.

[Aurora Dark]

Great post, Karinu :D

I have to say, to some extent I agree with almost everything you said. Great interpretation.

[Amatsu Mikaboshi]

karinu i agree with 90 percent of what you said, and i thank you for writing out what i lack the motivation to do.

[Zanza]

FMA is just more mature but i like that plot almost as much as naruto

[mui]

fma is more violent and naruto is less violent........
fma doesnt take that long for flashbacks (except when they were young, thats different)
naruto sumtimes takes to long for flashbacks or other crap.........like episodes that have no point to them..........(such as episode 97, that was just pointless)...............
i have more points but it would be a really long post and no1 would read it...........
but i still like both alot and i cant say which is better even though it might seem that i like fma more........

[Mitch]

I have seen 98 Naruto Episodes, 45 Full Metal Alchemist Episodes, I am a fan of both and give them both the same kind of judging (i.e. I saw them both recently, same time of day so I wasn't tired watching them ect ect). I like FMA more, and I will tell you why- Naruto is predictable. I mean the gaara fight scene you can tell what he's going to summon first, then what he's going to summon when the big battle begins. FMA is not like that... there were times when I was so shocked that it didn't piece together until a couple minutes later... I mean WOW, the truth behind the philospher's stone and everything...

You can not judge from the first 10 episodes, it's all setting up the storyline and getting you ready for some of the most storyline and action intense series you have ever seen... Naruto has action, but it's like "I hit you"... FMA has I blow up your head with my arm...

Alchemy- A medieval chemical philosophy having as its asserted aims the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of the panacea, and the preparation of the elixir of longevity.
A seemingly magical power or process of transmuting. This is the definition from Dictionary.com To those who say it's magic, you're entitled to your opinion... but it fits what the word alchemy is.. The thing about the radio... they have the same amount of materials... they use their alchemy to transmute the same metal, just in one piece, it doesn't require extra because's he's not melding it... he's just making it one...

[MDFreak]

I read in an earlyer post about to much blood and violence in naruto, that is just dumb....you should learn about violence sooner, not later..

and FMA is just as good as naruto, not better or worse...but this is my opinion.. narutos flashbacks are to remind you, thats why they do it so often....

also naruto action is not like that...it is magical, illusion,-and hand to hand....there is much more fighting and better in naruto, in FMA the fighting is totaly unfair...ed can transmutate without a array, so he can do anything with his surrounds instantaniously....why someone who is more skilled but needed an array of some sort..or an amplifier...but both are good, both get a 10/10 from me

[Named]

The flashbacks in Naruto are excessive, at times. I remember... Episode 32, I think? Somewhere in the Chuunin exams, anyway.

It was almost patronising the viewers! I was genuinely borderline insulted... The mood was already set; Ino and Sakura used to be friends! OK! Sakura is cutting her hair, the symbol of her femininity; she’s going through transition, WOW! But they just kept going and going!
"Please... stop... For the gods' sake GET ON WITH IT"
The mood was already evoked... but they wouldn't stop pushing and it veritably resulted in killing it.
Too much extraneous characterisation in Naruto...

You present a strong, cogent argument, Karinu.
I thank you too :lol:

I can’t compare Naruto and FMA. I have difficulty choosing a favourite with most things. It doesn’t seem fair to me, comparing anime like this.
It’s like competing a runner and a swimmer; they are different events...

[MDFreak]

Not to me, anime is anime, i can rate anime by many differant things then overall those and avg them out...so i end up with my number, because each anime has its good and bad parts

[narutoIZZAbest]

Hmm I'm hearing alot about this anime.
Maybe I should start watching it.
But right now my opinion will be Naruto is better cause i have no idea how it is.
But I've little bits of it and it never seemed to perk up my interest.

[Named]

Currently you have no valid opinion on the matter :lol:
You can't make any comparison until you do start watching FMA ;)

You really should...

[Super_Pervert]

Yes Named is right is because you can't compare the two if u haven't watched it but i will watch some episodes and get back to all of you and seee what is what :D ...

[MDFreak]

LoL, he is right and wrong, he can say what he thinks will happen, so that opinion is valid, but incorrect intill proven...hahaha!

[Named]

Her opinion is invalid, not wrong. She can't make a comparison and therefore has no legitimate reason to say Naruto is better. ;)

[MDFreak]

Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 3:29 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hmm I'm hearing alot about this anime.
Maybe I should start watching it.
But right now my opinion will be Naruto is better cause i have no idea how it is.

read it again chris..My opinion WILL BE as in furture, it is a prediction, and after that, cause i have no idea how it is...so you are wrong, and right, and i am wrong, and right

[Named]

You're reading too much into it. She means "At the moment" Not predicting her future opinion.

Like, "I think I will be getting a sandwich right now"

It's just a manner of speaking.

[MDFreak]

Why dont we ask her what she means? then we can prove it..:>

But yes, either one of us could be correct, probably you, but eh, mine works too

[Kokoro]

I like FMA, and I've only watched a couple of episodes.. but it seems interesting

[0rion]

I didn't really get into FMA I watched a few eps here and there. Once I started from scratch to the current one (47) it's hard to put down :)

The thing I don't like about Naruto is that it tends to drag on a bit as many people said, especially between fights where they are just looking at each other and the quiet music going behind, sometimes its just longer than necessary - it's too geared towards the manga as in 2 mangas always equals 1 episode. They don't break outta the rule so they need some 'filling' time which is mostly pointless to say the least - other than that Naruto is a good anime.

Well, you can't really compare FMA and Naruto since they are a slightly different type of anime and thus appeals to different types of audiences..

[Shoe]

FMA starts out a lot faster, and a lot better than Naruto, but Naruto just has the right blend of comedy, action, and they deal with the slightly lower animation quality very well. Except in the Gaara vs. Lee fight, the CG backgrounds made me cringe until the fight started and I couldn't notice it anymore.

Not to mention the character designs are better, mostly. Naruto is flooded with characters, but almost all of them are great.

I prefer naruto, I cant I say I like FMA that much. I enjoy watching it but I just dont find it to be anything more than average.

That is true and I agree love Naruto cant wait for the movie but FA is to wierd but I can still watch it

[Named]

The character designs aren't better in Naruto. They are more extravagant, evident, but not necessarily better...
FMA has a different style. The movements and characters are more realistic, so it's understandable that they're not as crazy.
(And I prefer that style, usually)

I adore the interesting character designs in FMA.
It strikes me as odd that someone can refer to FMA as 'average'.
That really disturbs me... :|

It seems to me that many people confuse themselves, comparing the 'loudness' of Naruto to FMA, of course it will seem average...

For a short while I prefered FMA to Naruto. Now I call it a tie...

FMA is definitely more mature, though. So I understand why many find it less enjoyable.
But it irritates me when someone who can't appreciate the quality of an anime label it bad.

For me, there's a distinct difference between things I don't like and things I consider to be shit.

[narutoIZZAbest]

The character designs aren't better in Naruto. They are more extravagant, evident, but not necessarily better...
FMA has a different style. The movements and characters are more realistic, so it's understandable that they're not as crazy.
(And I prefer that style, usually)

I adore the interesting character designs in FMA.
It strikes me as odd that someone can refer to FMA as 'average'.
That really disturbs me... :|

It seems to me that many people confuse themselves, comparing the 'loudness' of Naruto to FMA, of course it will seem average...

For a short while I prefered FMA to Naruto. Now I call it a tie...

FMA is definitely more mature, though. So I understand why many find it less enjoyable.
But it irritates me when someone who can't appreciate the quality of an anime label it bad.

For me, there's a distinct difference between things I don't like and things I consider to be shit.
I havent watched much but i read i summary of it in anime insider.
it seems to be very interesting but i still think Naruto is better. I dunno...I just like the characters designs better. I didnt say they are better ,im saying i like it better.
FMA is just too...hmm I really dont know how to put it...But I changed my mind about some things...you cant judge things by a matter of a few episodes..
I was watching episodes 1-5 of Naruto and realized why I had to beg my cousin to watch alll they way up to episode 11 so she could be interested...
wow it took that longO_O....
for me it was only a little while..
but anyways....dont take my opinion of liking better yet..
But you won before Named,I did me as in at the moment when i was saying will be.
So I guess I should start watching FMA...I cant download episodes though...
maybe I should start with the manga.
So right now I have no idea what my opinion WILL BE... :P

[~majin_kenshin~]

nah naruto is better then FMA to me that Anime is boring but that's just me anywayz naruto is better iam not saying FMA is crap but...bleh who gives a damn :roll:

[Mitch]

Really, what episodes have you watched? what have you discovered? do you know what the philosopher's stone really is?

You can not judge this series by the first 5 or 6 episodes, they are sort of boring yes, but once you get into the major storyline, you won't be able to push the stop button.

Characterisation I find is much better in Naruto...

designs in FMA is up in the air some of the designs are pretty generic...roy mustang, scar and that fat humoncoulous looks stupid...but fits in well for some reason...

The plots pretty good...gets quite dark...the connection between the brothers is pretty good... as is their motivation....the show gets pretty dark further on

However i prefer naruto simply because it is more"epic," I think some of the bad guys are better -Orochomaru in particular- IAnd the main charcters in FMA aren't all that interesting....Ed is okay no real comment but certainly doesn't make you empathise like naruto...Mustang is the token "badass" with an eye for the ladies etc....The alchemy stuff is okay but can't compare to jutsu system in naruto...

Yeah FMA is pretty good but there are better stuff out there like naruto champloo etc....

[Narutossword]

Naruto is so much better




http://narutofever.com/images/personality-tests/i-am-gaara.gif (http://narutofever.com)

[DJ Jaime]

FMA is just better than Naruto in every single way. Besides, Naruto simply sucks a lot.

[regina777]

i have watched all Naruto and FMA episodes. each of them has an impression on me. to rank them in terms of which is better-- wow! that is comparing an unfinished series at the moment a filler-suffused 150+ eps series and still running (in the case of Naruto) with a completed 51-eps series (FMA). it will be easier if aspects of the anime genre like plot, action, animation sequences, characterisations, etc are compared for the 2. not to get into a rant on cliched plots/themes, swarmy action sequences, drawn out flashbacks, etc but rather be realistic and frank, i think the bottom line usually comes down to the personal- i daresay FMA will unfortunately pawn Naruto in more categories yet i am more enamored by Naruto

[neil]

hmm i like FMA and Naruto but i for me naruto is better than FMA, characters on naruto are more interesting than char from FMA

[Shere]

Alright kids, now I have to post. First I'll summarize what can be found in both shows.

Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime with several layers of plot. What does this mean? Well, it means there's a blatant storyline, with several sub-plots below it. It's about two boys, who have lost everything, on a journey to recover their very lives. However, it's much more than that. Throughout their journey, they encounter various individuals who suffer a similar pain to theirs whom all have their own take on how to deal with it. You come across various insights into the very way we as humans accept things. After a certain point, the boys begin to question their very beliefs, namely equivalent exchange. The point constantly comes up: They've given up their entire lives, yet have gotten nothing but suffering in return, where is equivalancy in that?

Anyway, the plot is thick with drama, often dark, and very heavy. Most certainly not intended for everyone.

Naruto's plot is, believe it or not, pretty deep, despite the standard components. The show in and of itself is about a boy bent on revenge, a boy who knows the pain of being alone and fears it, and a girl who wishes nothing more than for the 2 boys to be happy. The driving plot to Naruto being that loneliness drives people to extremes. Causes people to do things they don't want to do. Naruto meets people along his journies that remind him of how lucky he is to have people who care about him. He realizes that loneliness is a dangerous thing and fears it more than anything, thus he will fight to keep his personal attachments, no matter what the cost.

The plot, while pretty dramatic in some places, often takes a light approach to some things. Someone who isn't paying attention could watch the show and enjoy it just as much as someone studying the plot. It's an easy viewing anime.



What's the point of the above? The 2 shows are incomparable. They both have their weak and strong points. In the end it comes to preference. Neither show is lacking in plot, they both have a pretty serious plotline. The plots are just different. One is about loss, and one is about loneliness and love, two different things. Naruto takes a much lighter approach to things though, throwing in various jokes.

So now kindly stop trying to compare apples to oranges. Thanks.

[Lost Prophet]

I'm a fan of both but I like naruto better

[skyknight1818]

I find the ending to be a good indication of a satisfying series. FMA had a really good ending. Naruto doesn't have that because, well, it's not over yet. The other problem with Naruto, is that, because of its length, and the fact that they are trying not to overtake the manga, the story tends to wander in places. Perfect example is the current run of fillers going on. Naruto is really good, but I feel FMA has a much stronger story partly because it isn't as long.

[Mousie]

easy for you to say..you didnt have people flood your PM box asking to explain the ending >_>

easy for you to say..you didnt have people flood your PM box asking to explain the ending >_>

... if one coudl not comprehend then perhaps they are quite thick....

I said it earlier... FMA imho was the better show..

[sukito]

So now kindly stop trying to compare apples to oranges. Thanks.

loL.

I say that I'm unable to decide with either or. Naruto has all the unexpectedness, but FMA has more versimilitude.

[Trunkno1]

naruto fillers = shit
fma fillers = are they really any fillers?

naruto series = gone from good to very good to shit cause of fillers
fma = good to intersting sad ending

naruto movies = stupid shit
fma movie = wraps up the ending of a good series

[Mousie]

There is nothing WRONG with the Naruto Movie. I thought it was pretty good.

[Trunkno1]

r u serious? i mean are r u freakin serious its like 3 fillers within a gay story line

[CRtwenty]

Well if you hate the movie that much, you don't have the watch it. It's not like it's actually part of the normal anime series.

Sheesh, the fillers will be ending soon, and some of them are actually pretty decent (this current one is downright good imo). Besides, if you don't like them, just read the manga, there's no fillers in that.

And don't insult people, unless you want one of the mods to smack you halfway across the forum with the banstick.

[Mousie]

If people are gay does that mean I'm going to automatically hate them? no -_-.

But again, there is nothing WRONG with the Movie. The movie was great!

[kyle]

I started to read this thread to page 4 but got bored quickly from the same thing being said over and over.

Also, due to the fact this topic is very old.

I agree the movie had nothing at all to do with the anime, and it was a filler, but, it was still a decent movie =).

To me though, the Naruto movie is more of one of those movies you can't watch more then 1-2 times because it would be extremely boring. Some movies that you prefer you could watch all the time. I think you guys know what I mean.

I just hope the next Naruto movie that's coming out will be great! I heard it's going to follow the 1st movie? So it's kinda not like a filler, it's just like a side Naruto plot in movie form ^_^

[Lost Prophet]

that should be great.

[imported_Aizen-diacho]

how was the movie a filler....?the movie was great i loved the fight between gluttney and wrath.the ending was also good Al and Ed finally got to be together with Al in is real body

[kjrav]

FMA is to different from Naruto to compare but I prefer Naruto.

[Holger]

Naruto and FMA? I don't know how you can compare the two!? There so differen't but maybe equily violent...

[wizard jack]

both animes are beautiful in my heart :)

[tsunade ^_^]

I think people feel that way because Naruto gets dragged with all the FILLERS!

[D3athdr0p]

::Spoilers to those who haven't seen much of FMA or Naruto:

well in my honest opinion of FMA and Naruto, Though they shouldnt really be compared, what I really like about anime/mangas is the story line and the rush of emotions that stir up during them, FMA after seein the first 30 episodes, has yet to stir up a feeling of connection between the reader/watcher and the author's story. So far FMA has showed us the value of brotherhood and the will to persue your dreams no matter what. The only section I felt was really riviting was the parts with the lil girl bein turned to the Chimera. Ed was goin nuts about it. And the part after Al gets mad cause he thinks Ed molded him into his liking.


Naruto however, has done that that thru out the seasons, with Naruto persuing his Hokage dream no matter what, Haku/zabuza (protecting those you love), the exam with eveyones stories (people can change for the better and dont dwell in the past otherwise youll miss the future), Gaara fight (lonliness, appriciating your special someone, *Gaara and Naruto's stories are so sad*), the on going conflict of Sasuke (rivalry, revenge, friends, being the outsider even if you're in the inside), Sakura's love, The Third's love for his village even for Orochi and in return the love of the village for him (again fighting for who/and what you love). Even the fillers as badly made as they may be go thru those feelings. Thats what makes me love Naruto.


Though I've heard FMA will end up being really sad (which im looking foward to), to say which is better is dumb. each has its pros and cons. They are both equally good, Violence is great on both parts. I think FMA has better humor, and maybe a better presentation of info and getting to the point. But Naruto, I think, has better stories, and if either builds up to a climatic part, Naruto has FMA beat. if anything I would say watch Naruto the both of them and open up your minds! other wise ill do what my avatar suggests

[V.VELDANEN]

Sodomise? Lol...

I would consider Naruto to be a very entertaining anime for the depth and well- thought out fights. They have immensely deep and colorful characters we have grown so much to love. And if you are not watching naruto for the storyline, I bet you are watching it for its lovable characters. You WANT to see more of everyone of them, and the development has so much space and room to grow. The author has done an impressive job to have the characters thought out and a world so imaginative to capture everyone's attention.

Full-metal alchemist on the other hand, is a rare product of deep and matured imagination that provides adult entertaiment. Watch out for the well-crafted dialogues and philosophies that is both moving and deep...The characters are again, deeply explored and complex, ranging from an emotionless human-soul trapped in an armor, to a hungry homunculus that has developed an affection for another of its kind. Dark natures of science, its creators and borderline conscience are very well potrayed in this suspenseful anime that has twist so satisfying and plentiful.

[KageNaruto]

i like both, but the anime in my point of view is tied. i like them both equaly, in fact i may ven like FMA more.


however the anruto manga ownz fma anime and manga lol! naruto manga ownz all!

[Byakugan_Hyuuga]

I don't know... I love FMA, but I like Naruto slightly better because FMA's ending soon and I already know what happens in the end and in the movie. Plus I like the fact Naruto's more light hearted and funny.

[AK47]

Naruto used to not be light hearted
FMA kicks booty
but yea naruto manga will kick more booty

[Lost Prophet]

naruto was once a lonely little buy. now, he has friends and came out of his shadow. all ed and al had for a while were eachother. one comparison I could think of

['W']

Well I gotta say I like both equally. FMA satisfies my need for a darker story with many twists along the way. Naruto on the other hand satisfies my need for lovable characters along with a very in depth storyline that keeps me waiting every week for the new episode (stares at the clock for an hour) it seems to take forever.. thats the spell Naruto puts on me.. as for FMA i didn't wait and wait for the next episode. But I did finish watching the series just cause the had so many twists I wanted to see what was next.

I guess in the long run they are both great in their own ways. Hard to compare 2 good animes. Kinda like comparing Naruto to Bleach.. Hard to do cause they are both great. So ya I would have to say that I like Naruto better just cause FMA seemed too short to me.. I think the story coulda been extended at least 50 more episodes :P