fathonlessblue on the Ishbal Chapters
Commenting in Epi's post, fathonlessblue decried how FMAB 30 has been
the only episode that's really dropped the ball so far
and highlighted the relevant chapters, characterizing them as a standalone story in their own right to reassure those who of us who fear being spoilt or poisoned by manga.
I took the bait and am glad to report that I agree insofar that
the episode cuts out so many brilliant and character building scenes... you’ll also see why from one small scene Basque Grand becomes one of the greatest characters ever!!!
The chapters do also show up Ep 30's main weakness, i.e. how we were told but not shown how the Ishbal-jin were a very tough opponent for the National Army.
However I don't agree with the 'drop the ball' assessment. The manga had the space to explore all this character building but the anime did not have the time - its focus on Roy, Riza and Hughes, at the expense of cast-wide chara building, was disciplined and in keeping with the medium's constraints.
P.S. I am also megas-relieved that I managed to assuage that itching question mark, finding confirmation that it was indeed Comanche in that stretcher and that he lost his leg in Ishbal. And LOL at Hughes' diagnosis that was cut from the anime.
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November 14th, 2009 - 14:09
I read the angry posts on MAL about this episode and actually went off and read the manga chapters. I didn’t mind the Mustang, Riza and Hudges cuts. But I definitely would’ve loved to have seen the Basque Grand scene in there, and the scene where Armstrong ▼ Show
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November 14th, 2009 - 14:42
Hmm I still need to read these chapters, haven’t had the time lately. But if you say it’s good I’ll believe you Zyl!
November 15th, 2009 - 00:18
If Brotherhood keeps mixing in random Ishbal flashbacks with the main storyline, then I think I’ll be satisfied. It is an imperfect solution, but I’d rather have as much of the Ishbal chapters as possible represented than just the events recollected in ep30.