The saying goes that history tends to repeat itself. Even for those in the know, there’s something innately difficult about stopping the cyclical pattern in its tracks, and entertainment executives are no different. With Game of Thrones nearing its end, so many fans are dismayed at how loosely the finale has come together, but anime lovers knew what was to come.
Much like Bran, these fans saw into the future, but it was all because they were burned in the past. After all, it isn’t easy to forget the first adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist, and Game of Thrones bears all the anime’s worst traits.
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As you can see below, fans (and sites like Kotaku) have taken to social media to spotlight their comparisons between Fullmetal Alchemist and Game of Thrones. Many of them are lamenting HBO went forward with an adaptation that mirrors the 2003 take of Fullmetal Alchemist rather than its more beloved 2009 go.
For those unfamiliar with Fullmetal Alchemist, the story was created by Hiromu Arakawa and stands as one of anime’s best titles to date. It was given an anime adaptation in 2003 that was praised to start, but its final season was torn apart as Studio Bones was forced to create their own ending; At that time, Arakawa was not yet finished writing Fullmetal Alchemist, so the story’s end was left up to showrunners.
The show’s disappointing end soured fans for years until Studio Bones confirmed it was taking another shot at the title. In 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood debuted after Arakawa finished writing her story, and the near 1:1 adaptation was an instant hit. To date, the reboot is praised as one of anime’s finest shows, and its juicy finale was praised by critics and fans alike.
So, if this all sounds familiar to you Game of Thrones fans, don’t be shocked.
Game of Thrones has done what it will with the story built by author George R.R. Martin so far, but the writer has not given his finale as of yet. For millions who have become attached to Westeros, their loyalty has been tested by the latest season of Game of Thrones, but it might not be their last visit. After all, if Studio Bones can redo Fullmetal Alchemist, it stands to reason HBO could do the same should Martin ever finish A Song of Ice and Fire. Just, hopefully the redo will avoid a title like Game of Thrones: Brotherhood Without Banners…
So, did you happen to make this connection? Let us know in the comments. The final episode of Game of Thrones airs Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
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Here We Go Again
Game of Thrones sounds like Fullmetal Alchemist 2003.
— justin. (@nitsujton) May 13, 2019
Material, Please!
I’ve had enough time to process last night’s episode of #GameofThrones I was reminded of how the first Fullmetal Alchemist series turned out after the writers didn’t have new material to work with as the comics hadn’t ended yet. Here’s hoping the last books will be better 😔
— Candisuuu (@candisuuu) May 13, 2019
Game of Thrones: Dragonhood
Can’t wait until Game of Thrones gets the inevitable Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood treatment.
— Jackson Balling (@JacksonBalling) May 13, 2019
But Can the Money Last?
Everyone (including me) has made the Game of Thrones: Brotherhood joke where they remake the show but with the book loyal à la Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (presuming GRRM finishes them at some point), & I just want to remind everyone that it probably will happen cause money.
— Tom (@tomjonty) May 13, 2019
Time Better Spent
Strangely enough, this final season of Game of Thrones is giving me the urge to rewatch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
— Jordan (@jorzilla_89) May 13, 2019
Yeah I should probably do that.
If Only, If Only
Game of Thrones is this era’s FullMetal Alchemist, i. e the show going to shit because it kept going before the author finished writing it. Can’t wait for G. R. R. Martin to finish writing the manga so we can get Game of Thrones: Brotherhood
— Nohryl (@Nohryl) April 29, 2019
Energize Me
Hey everyone on Twitter, keep making comparisons of Game of Thrones to the Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 anime. It’s giving me energy.
— JoeCoolErshin (@JoeCoolMaverick) May 13, 2019
History Repeat Itself
me, watching game of thrones unfolding: ah, this is just like what happened with fullmetal alchemist (2003) and fullmetal alchemist brotherhood (2009)
— rin 🌸 (@ripperdocs) May 13, 2019
