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NEWS: Funimation to Offer 2009 Fullmetal Alchemist on April 9

Anime Leader to Stream Episodes of Highly Anticipated Series Within Days of Japanese Television Debut

Flower Mound, TX – April 3, 2009 - FUNimation® Entertainment has acquired digital, broadcast, DVD and merchandising rights to the megahit anime series "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" from Aniplex and debuting on Japan's MBS and TBS nationally at 5:00 pm on April 5th.

Starting Thursday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m., FUNimation will deliver high-quality, free, original Japanese dialogue accompanied by English subtitles, streaming episodes of studio Bones' new Fullmetal Alchemist via www.funimation.com as well as key video-sharing partners.

"We are proud to be able to simulcast the most anticipated series of 2009," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "I hope our fans will appreciate the video and subtitle quality we have achieved as we are working toward the simulcast of more series this year."

The blockbuster anime series (2003-2004) by the Japanese studio Bones, and subsequent franchise, is based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa. The followup film "Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa" (2005) ended the series but many fans wished to see the story continue.

"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is directed by Yasuhiro Irie ("Kurau: Phantom Memory", "Soul Eater"). Romi Paku and Rie Kugimiya will reprise their roles as Edward and Alphonse, though some of FMA's original cast have been replaced. Roy Mustang will now be voiced by Shinichiro Miki (Asato Tsuzuki, "Descendants of Darkness"). Winrey Rockwell will now be voiced by Megumi Takamoto (Mahou Sensei Negima!) and Riza Hawkeye will be voiced by Fumiko Orikasa (Bleach, RahXephon, Vandread)


ABOUT FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is set in a fictional world where alchemy – the transmutation of raw materials into objects – is science and the way of life. The series follows the Elric brothers Edward and Alphonse on their perilous journey in search of the legendary Philosopher's Stone. They set forth in the hope that the magical artifact can restore their bodies after a failed attempt to revive their dead mother cost Edward's left leg and right arm; as well as Alphonse's entire body, leaving his soul affixed to a suit of armor.

I looked on the Animax site for the new manga-centric characters that will now be animated, and it says that Ling and Mei were villains. I can understand Ling being somewhat of a villain since he was "devoured" by Greed, but Mei? How is a little girl with a tiny pet Panda a villain? I am not doubting Animax but maybe their info on the characters is a little off.

In any event, I am excited about Funimation acquiring the streaming rights to the FMA anime. I think they may even put the original on their video portal.

Official confirmation of Ling and all the exclusive manga character's Appearance in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood'

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