Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, OVA Collection

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, OVA Collection is an exceptional addition to the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise that needs no introduction to the anime world. Produced by Funimation in 2012, this collection presents four original video animations (OVAs), or anime specials, that delve deeper into the intricate world and compelling backstories of its beloved characters.

The OVA Collection is set in the same universe as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which is a direct adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's celebrated manga. The world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an alternate reality styled with a blend of European industrial revolution elements and aesthetics. Central to this world is the art and science of alchemy, mixing medieval mysticism with modern chemistry and physics to manipulate matter.

The narrative follows the tragic and inspiring journey of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse. After a forbidden alchemical experiment to resurrect their dead mother goes horribly wrong, Edward loses his left leg and right arm, and Alphonse's entire body is obliterated. Edward hastily binds Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor, but this costs him his right arm in the exchange. Subsequently, Edward is equipped with ‘automail’ prosthetics, and together, the brothers embark on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone – a mystical object purported to bypass the fundamental law of alchemy: equivalent exchange. Believing the stone to offer the hope of regaining their original bodies, they join the state military, where their journey unfolds.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, OVA Collection explores side stories that further delve into this adventure, providing more insights into the main storyline's intricacies while carefully avoiding any major spoilers. The OVA episodes are designed to offer the viewers a broader comprehension of this complex world, enriching the narrative's depth and developing the diverse cast of characters further.

Each OVA in this collection is a standalone story illuminating various aspects of the show’s universe that the main series could not fully explore. The compilation includes "The Blind Alchemist," "Simple People," "The Tale of Teacher," and "Yet Another Man's Battlefield."

In “The Blind Alchemist,” viewers get to explore the tale of an alchemist who is rumored to have successfully completed a human transmutation, an act that directly connects to the Elric brothers' experiences and their search for the Philosopher’s Stone. This narrative thread conveys the tragic aspects of alchemy, showing the price characters have to pay for their ambitions.

“Simple People” and “The Tale of Teacher” provide a series of flashbacks that highlight key moments in the lives of main and favorite secondary characters. Such stories reveal how crucial choices and experiences shaped the characters into who they are during the main series.

“Yet Another Man's Battlefield” proffers a look at the past life of Roy Mustang, one of the central characters, and his time spent in the military academy. This OVA describes the foundation of his friendships, beliefs, and motivations which drive him throughout the series.

The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, OVA Collection provides fans with a deeper understanding and a different perspective of the series' complex universe, fleshing out the intricate world beyond what can be provided within the main 64-episode series. It aims at giving a broader context to certain character motivations and allows us to appreciate the well-crafted world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from a new angle. Moreover, these OVAs maintain the same level of beautiful animation and character design that fans of the main series are familiar with.

For enthusiasts of the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood universe, this collection fills in some blanks and offers a deeper look into characters' lives and events before and during the timeline of the series. It's an immersive extension for those wanting to delve deeper into the rich and engaging world of Fullmetal Alchemist and a must-watch for fans of the original series.