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Fullmetal Alchemistis a fan-favorite series and it also stayed number one on MyAnimeList for a long time. The successful response even to its live-action adaptation on Netflix just added further to its glory.
However, its creator, Hiromu Arakawa, had never foreseen such an enthusiastic reception by the fans over an announcement of a Netflix adaptation. Now with this, theFullmetal Alchemistfranchise just keeps on gaining audiences and getting a place in the cultural atmosphere in all types of mediums.
The Creator, Hiromu Arakawa Had Expected Mixed Fan-Reactions Of The Netflix Adaptation
Hiromu Arakawa was already prepared for the mixed reaction from fans regarding Netflix’s adaptation of theFullmetal Alchemistfranchise. Being a creator, she knew that in a new adaptation, inherently, there would be new elements that could turn the audience on high alert. She knows what comprises the “frontier spirit” when stepping into uncharted territory, as she had her work redone in many media forms before such as animation and games.
“It was a departure from my favorite type of Shonen manga”: Hiromu Arakawa Stepped Out of Her Comfort Zone for Fullmetal Alchemist’s Heavy and Dark Tones
In a very interestinginterview, Arakawa-sensei also said that everybody attached something very personal to the characters—most especially to Ed and Al. She knew that would bring unease in the event of being met by a different interpretation.
I think I will look forward to it (laughs). But then, everyone had their own image of Ed and Al firmly planted in their heads, so [I understand why] people felt uneasy.
But even with this emotional investment, she was open to the possibilities of adaptation, laughing that she’d look forward to each new iteration.
How Much Arakawa-sensei Was Involved In The Production Of The Live-Action Movie
Arakawa-sensei was involved rather minimally in the making of the live-action film since she decided to leave many things at the will of the director. She went through the submitted script but, left everything to the film-specialists to bring this story to life.
I checked the script that was submitted, but basically, I left [the making of the film] to the director. It’s just not how I do things, I think believe in “leaving the job to the specialists”.
In the end, she never really gave any direct orders for the production of the live-action adaptation at all. She placed her faith in the process and those involved whom she believed to be talented, with anticipation for the result.
Arakawa-sensei Was Actually Looking Forward To The Completion Of The Live-Action Adaptation Of Fullmetal Alchemist
When Hiromu Arakawa first learned about the making of a live-action version, she reacted with something like“Hoo!”Of course, althoughFullmetal Alchemisthad been adapted before, Arakawa-sensei was still very interested in the new adaptation.
So I simply think, “I’m looking forward to the finished work.”
Hiromu Arakawa “leaving the job to the specialists” May Have Been the Worst Decision for Fullmetal Alchemist’s Live-Action Movie
Although it had already been made into anime, games, etc, when I heard that it will be adapted to yet another medium, as the creator, I felt a wave of excitement that “I can see something new again!”
She could not even wait for the film to be completed. She was so eager to see what unique interpretations of the new material created, that she and the fans would come up with. That energy of Arakawa-sensei’s feeling towards her work in terms of change, development, and growth won out the respect of all of her audiences.
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge Of Scar(2017) is available to watch on Netflix. Also bothFullmetal Alchemist(2003) &Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood(2009) anime series are available to watch onCrunchyroll.
Diganta Mondal
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :741
Diganta Mondal is an avid Content Writer at Fandomwire, specializing in anime and pop culture-related stuff. With over 600 published articles, he boasts his knowledge on this beloved media and strives to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts all across the globe.Despite having a non-journalism educational background, his love for shows like Vinland Saga, Violet Evergarden, and other Naoki Urasawa works constantly inspires him to share informative news, theories, and recommendations on almost all anime genres, aiming to create a shared platform for nerdy discussions.
