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The Dual Version Debate in the Popular Comic “The Alchemist of Steel”: Which Edward Elric Do You Prefer?
The Alchemist of Steel “is a beloved manga series that was adapted into television animations twice in 2003 and 2009. The two versions have significant differences in art style, plot, and opening theme song, which has sparked ongoing discussions among fans.
Recently, Japanese netizens have been discussing the image of the protagonist Edward Elric, with one being the handsome and reliable new version of Ed, and the other being the gloomy old version of Ed. So, which image is more popular? Let’s take a look at the opinions of Japanese netizens together.
I like two versions of Ed
A Japanese X netizen nicknamed “Mishima” recently shared his observations on the different characters of the protagonist Ed in the new and old versions of the anime “The Alchemist of Steel”.
New Edition of Ed: Handsome, Reliable, and Outstanding Brother
Old version of Ed: The gloomy brother who needs a good rest
Mishima pointed out that the new version of Ed presents a handsome and reliable image, while the old version of Ed appears gloomy, with a sharp contrast between the two like light and darkness. He said that this does not mean that the old version of Ed is not handsome, but rather that his gloomy temperament is particularly prominent.
Although the old version first reminds me of the unstable side, he is still a powerful, handsome, and reliable brother
Mishima’s analysis sparked heated discussions, and many fans also expressed their opinions on the new and old versions of Ed.
I like the old version of Ed
I fell in love with the old protagonist because of his gloomy temperament
I really love the old version crazily
I like the old version, the feeling of darkness is the best
The old version is like classical music, while the new version is rock music. The older brother in the old version really needs to rest well
I am a proponent of original supremacy and undoubtedly prefer the new version. However, the opening and ending songs, as well as the artwork, of the old version are indeed very impressive
The new version depicts a powerful brother and a happy ending, which is certainly good, but the dark plot of the old version and the brother becoming increasingly gloomy distorted my sexual fetish at that time. Especially his gaze in the second half is simply unpredictable, really super cute
Both versions are ‘The Alchemist of Steel’, so they are both worth watching (forcibly). Personally, I think watching the old version first and then the new version will allow you to immerse yourself in the work more happily after reading it
I watched the new version first and then the old version, but halfway through, I couldn’t keep watching because I was too upset
I like both versions, they accompanied me through middle school and made me want to watch them again
The new version of Ed said, ‘We must retrieve our bodies!’;
The old version of Ed said, ‘We must retrieve our bodies… (I am suffering alone)’
The new version of Ed and the old version of Ed really have a strong contrast. Both of them are from the premiere, so my experience is particularly profound
Ah~I like both sides of Ed… The old version of Ed makes people feel like they need psychological counseling, which is very worrying. The original and new versions of Ed have many adults or partners to help, so it’s not so worrying
Although many animated works have differences between the old and new versions, the significant difference in the protagonist’s image in “The Alchemist of Steel” is truly a rare phenomenon. Fans’ love for Edward Elric transcends version differences, and each image has its own unique charm. Which version of Ed do you prefer?