Color And Anime (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Just because anime is supposed to be "hip" and "cool" does not mean they do not have to follow the elements and principles of design. Well, they could, but FMA will probably end up with used-to fans throwing rotton tomatoes at them.

Having watched FMA: Brotherhood recently, I noticed some very good usage of design theory put into practice.

This is part of the flash-back scene in episode 2 where the Elric brothers tired to revive their dead mother. The whole scene in this picture is painted deep red and blue-purple, symbolizing something dangerous or horrible is about to happen. The scene is also drawn from a top-down view, this resulted in the house looking proportionally exaggerated, which further adds in the element of creepiness.

There is also the crow, which is highly detailed. Being the only focus in the scene, it brings about the feeling of loneliness and being a crow as it is, it symbolize bad luck or danger and the feathers coming out of the crow sort of symbolize the Elric brothers "falling from grace".

This is a scene from episode 9, where Al doubt his very own existent. This is an interesting image as half of the image is in darkness while the other is under the light. Having Al sitting int he middle shows that he is doubtful, although the side of where he is sitting at the bench suggested that he believe Number 23 that is a created doll rather than a real person. Because he is the only person in this scene, it suggest a sense of loneliness, which aids in Al being doubtful.

This is one of the final scenes in episode 10 in which it is the grave of Hughes. The colors used in this scene (yellow, orange and red) are usually associated with happy emotions but are however used differently in this scene as a way to represent the coming of dusk, when darkness creeps in.

The sunlight is shining towards the lone grave, symbolizing the first hero to fall. Having this scene at the end of the episode further strengthen the emotional bond and the feeling of sadness from the audiences.

I hope that people will be able to notice at the little details when watching anime and allow them to appreciate anime better. Anime are still 2D animation regardless, so by playing their cards right, the animators can achieve very use powerful effects and responses from their audiences.