Well, start by finding reliable fanfiction websites. Then, check the tags to avoid spoilers or content you don't like. Also, engage with the community. You can read reviews and comments from other readers to find good Fullmetal Alchemist fanfics.
Some characters might be quite shocked or amused if they could read fanfiction about their own story. For example, Edward Elric would probably be very indignant at some of the out - of - character portrayals of himself. He's a proud alchemist and seeing himself depicted in a way that doesn't match his self - image would surely make him fume.
Another idea might be alternative endings. Fanfiction often plays with the concept of 'what if' things had gone differently. Maybe if Edward had not been able to regain his brother's body, how would he have coped and what new path would his life take?
The time - travel trope is seen often in Fullmetal Alchemist fanfiction. Maybe a character goes back in time to prevent a certain tragedy from happening. Redemption arcs for some of the more morally ambiguous characters are also popular. Fans like to explore how characters like Scar could find redemption in different ways. And of course, there are the typical 'enemies - to - lovers' tropes, especially for characters who start off on opposing sides like Roy Mustang and some of the antagonists.
One popular theme is exploring the backstories of the characters more deeply. For example, there are many fanfictions that focus on the childhood of Edward and Alphonse, or the past of other characters like Roy Mustang. Another common theme is alternate universes, where the events of the original story are changed in significant ways, like if alchemy worked differently or if certain characters had different roles.
One great fanfic could be 'The Alchemist's Redemption'. It delves deeper into the emotional turmoil of the characters, especially Edward and Alphonse. Another is 'Beyond the Gate', which offers an interesting alternate universe take on the story, exploring different relationships and plotlines. And 'A New Alchemical Path' is also good as it focuses on the development of new alchemical theories within the FMA universe.
There are many fanfictions where Ed is portrayed as a girl. Fanfiction writers like to play with the existing characters in new ways. By making Ed a girl, they can introduce new themes and perspectives. For example, it could change how the story deals with gender roles in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist. Also, it can create new emotional arcs for the character, as a female Ed might face different challenges and experiences compared to the male version in the original story.
One great fanfiction could be about Izumi's backstory before she became an alchemist. It might explore her early training days and the challenges she faced. For example, a story could focus on how she overcame the difficulties of learning complex alchemical theories without proper guidance at first.
Well, some of the worst ones are those that completely distort the original characters' personalities. For example, making Edward overly whiny and weak when he's supposed to be a strong - willed alchemist. Another type could be the fanfictions with really bad grammar and spelling that make it hard to even understand the plot. And then there are those that introduce out - of - place concepts that don't fit the world of Fullmetal Alchemist at all, like suddenly having magic when it's an alchemy - based world.
Yes, it does. Brotherhood is considered a more faithful adaptation that follows the manga's storyline closely.
Some characters might feel flattered. If the fanfiction portrays them in a heroic and positive light, especially if it emphasizes their good qualities like Edward's determination or Alphonse's kindness, they might secretly feel a bit of pride and be flattered by the author's view of them.