Ranking the Most Powerful Alchemists in Fullmetal Alchemist

Ranking the Most Powerful Alchemists in Fullmetal Alchemist

Essential Insights

  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often regarded as one of the greatest anime series ever for its captivating narrative and well-developed characters.
  • In this series, the practice of Alchemy abides by the rigid principle of Equivalent Exchange, with some alchemists exhibiting greater skill than others.
  • Characters such as Julia, Izumi, and Alphonse demonstrate a broad spectrum of abilities, including medical, biological, and combat alchemy.

The appreciation for anime as a compelling storytelling medium has surged, particularly with standout series like Fullmetal Alchemist. Originating as a manga in 2001, it led to two anime adaptations, with the 2009 reimagining encompassing the full storyline. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is frequently cited as one of the best anime ever made, showcasing thrilling action and a rich narrative woven with intricately crafted characters.

Centered on the concept of Alchemy, the series explores this ancient metaphysical science where practitioners can alter matter using natural energies. Alchemy operates under strict laws, with Equivalent Exchange being the most crucial, requiring that to create something, an equivalent must be sacrificed. Throughout the series, viewers encounter various alchemists, with notable differences in their skills and expertise.

Updated on October 27, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: As Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa’s new work, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, gears up for an anime adaptation, fans may be curious about how its themes and storytelling contrast with her earlier celebrated narrative featuring the Elric Brothers. While Daemons delves into unique takes on psychics and psychic abilities, the complex themes and power dynamics presented through alchemy in Fullmetal Alchemist add depth to the storyline. Additionally, theory enthusiasts may find it fascinating to explore the various alchemists and their powerful abilities.

21 Julia Crichton

Primarily Utilizes Basic Medical Alchemy

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State Alchemist Designation

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Initial Appearance

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos

Current Status

Alive

Julia Crichton emerges as a key character in Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos, a film that follows the concluded events of FMA: Brotherhood. Although not considered part of the primary canon, Julia presents herself as a significant alchemist specializing in medical alchemy, leveraging her skills to treat minor injuries.

Driven by a strong determination to rejuvenate her homeland, she is firmly opposed to utilizing the Philosopher’s Stone, believing it necessitates undue sacrifices of innocent lives. Nevertheless, when resorting to the Philosopher’s Stone, she reveals formidable alchemical powers, enabling her to manipulate elements such as lightning, water, ice, and earth. Naturally athletic, Julia struggles as a fighter without the stone; however, by the film’s climax, she avenges her family, contributing to Milos’s fight for independence.

Julia Crichton: Noteworthy Accomplishments

Initially portrayed as an unremarkable alchemist in The Sacred Star of Milos, Julia operates under the shadow of her involvement with the Black Bat organization and a lack of extensive practice. Her abilities surge significantly once she acquires the Philosopher’s Stone, enabling her to mend severe injuries and conjure powerful elements like lightning and earth—alongside water and ice. After crossing the Gate of Truth to save her brother, it is suggested that she acquires the capability to perform alchemy without transmutation circles, although the full extent of this newfound power and its costs remain ambiguous. With Milos now free, Julia might finally take the opportunity to refine her alchemical skills, particularly in healing.

20 Shou Tucker

A Skilled Alchemist Lacking Offensive Skills

Shou Tucker Smiling While Speaking With The Elric Brothers In Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood

State Alchemist Designation

Sewing-Life Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 5/Anime Episode 4

Current Status

Deceased

Shou Tucker achieved his State Alchemist title two years prior to the series’ commencement, primarily due to his infamous creation of a talking chimera. He specialized in Bio-Alchemy, thus earning the nickname ‘Sewing-Life Alchemist.’

Despite his alchemical prowess, Tucker displayed appalling morals—defined by manipulation, selfishness, and delusion. Although not a warrior, his capabilities in alchemy are undeniable. His notorious act of sacrificing his wife and daughter to create his extraordinary chimeras speaks to his characterization. Once Colonel Mustang uncovers his heinous act, Tucker finds himself facing house arrest and potential court-martial. Ultimately, Tucker meets his demise at the hands of Scar before his trial could proceed.

Shou Tucker: Notable Achievements

Shou Tucker may lack remarkable alchemical exhibits in the series, but he compensates with a fanatical devotion to his research. His ability to fuse humans and animals into chimeras illustrates a high level of knowledge in both biology and alchemy. In the 2003 anime, Tucker expresses a desire for the Philosopher’s Stone to resurrect his daughter, who he transformed into a chimera through his failed experiments. Although he does not achieve this, he seemingly enhances his biological alchemy by creating a legion of chimeras that obey him, including near-identical duplicates of Nina awaiting to have their essence restored by the Philosopher’s Stone.

19 Scar’s Brother

Possesses Extensive Alchemy Knowledge Yet Is A Dedicated Pacifist

Scar Being Saved By His Brother During The Ishval Civil War In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

State Alchemist Designation

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Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 47/Anime Episode 22

Current Status

Deceased

Known simply as Scar’s brother, very little is revealed about him, including his true name. Renowned for his kindness and quest for knowledge, he dived into the realms of Alchemy and Alkahestry.

His remarkable understanding of alchemy led to the discovery of an abnormal alchemical flow, along with the invention of a reverse transmutation circle to remedy it. Even the brilliant Dr. Marcoh struggled to comprehend his research. As a steadfast pacifist, he refrained from using alchemy as a weapon. However, during the Ishvalan war, he employed alchemy to rescue Scar from one of Kimblee’s explosions. Before his passing, he gifted Scar with his fabled right arm, a weapon Scar would use to exact revenge on State Alchemists, believing the arm was more fitting for a warrior monk than a pacifist.

Scar’s Brother: Notable Capabilities

The depiction of Scar’s brother in both iterations of the series presents him more as a scholar than a battle-ready alchemist. His profound knowledge of alchemy allowed him to decode the Nationwide Transmutation Circle solely by studying Amestris’ alchemical principles. Throughout both series, the singular trait shared by Scar’s brother is the alchemical tattoos representing reconstruction (left) and deconstruction (right) that get transferred to Scar during the Ishval Civil War. However, the 2003 version casts him as a unique figure, as his attempts at human transmutation unwittingly lead to the creation of the Homunculus Lust, while he also manages to fend off Solf Kimblee’s pursuit with his exceptional alchemical skills.

18 Marcoh Team

A Non-combative Alchemist With the Ability to Annihilate Philosopher’s Stones

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State Alchemist Designation

The Crystal Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 8/Anime Episode 6

Current Status

Alive

Dr. Tim Marcoh, known as the Crystal Alchemist, distanced himself from the military after witnessing the horrifying repercussions of his military research during the Ishval conflict. He was instrumental in the development of a military project aimed at producing Philosopher’s Stones, a project he successfully executed.

His methodology involved the tragic sacrifice of numerous innocent lives, a burden that haunts him, leading to PTSD. Marcoh possesses a unique transmutation circle on his hand, enabling him to deconstruct a Philosopher’s Stone through mere touch, affecting even those embedded in Homunculi. While he doesn’t excel in combat, Dr. Marcoh exhibits creativity in utilizing alchemy effectively. By series’ end, he promises to restore Mustang’s vision in exchange for better care and autonomy for the Ishvalan people.

Tim Marcoh: Significant Achievements

As one of the oldest alchemists in the series, Tim Marcoh’s knowledge stands unrivaled among his contemporaries. Though he no longer fights actively, his deep understanding of alchemy and transmutations renders him an adept healer and a master decoder of alchemical mysteries. Remarkably, he not only crafted Philosopher’s Stones but can also obliterate them with a simple touch. This singular ability positions him as a dangerous figure against Homunculi.

17 Ashleigh Crichton

Relies Entirely on the Philosopher’s Stone for His Abilities

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State Alchemist Designation

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Initial Appearance

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos

Current Status

Alive

Ashleigh Crichton stands as the main antagonist in Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos. His childhood was marred by witnessing the murder of his parents by a man called Atlas, leaving him severely scarred by the traumatic event.

His survival hinged on consuming the Sanguine Star, a Philosopher’s Stone, allowing him to adopt a new identity as a prominent figure in the Cretan military. Leading a pack of wolf chimeras, Ashleigh posed a significant threat to the Milosians, fueled by his desire for vengeance over his family’s treatment. Although entirely reliant on the Philosopher’s Stone for strength, he wields unarguable power. After sustaining a grave injury at the hands of his sister, Julia, during their final confrontation, he is hospitalized but decides to rejoin the Cretan military afterward.

Ashleigh Crichton: Key Accomplishments

Throughout the film, Ashleigh’s existence and formidable power stem solely from his possession of the Philosopher’s Stone. His adept handling of the stone enables him to heal severe injuries and unleash devastating elemental attacks, including powerful ice and lightning, as honed from the alchemical heritage of the Crichton family.

16 Isaac McDougal

A Former State Alchemist with Mastery Over Ice

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State Alchemist Designation

The Freezing Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Anime Episode 1

Current Status

Unknown

Isaac McDougal, introduced in the premiere of FMA: Brotherhood, is an original character who once served as a State Alchemist. He left the military soon after the devastating Ishvalan Civil War. Skilled in water-based alchemy, he frequently wielded his powers to freeze water, thus earning him the moniker “The Freezing Alchemist.”

He possesses the ability to manipulate vast quantities of water, along with any liquid source containing water essence. The ice he conjured could endure against Mustang’s flames, and he can freeze or boil an enemy’s blood with a mere touch. His adept ice manipulation enabled McDougal to immobilize the entire Central Headquarters single-handedly. Although he evaded capture by the Elric brothers, he soon encountered Fuhrer King Bradley, only to be swiftly eliminated by a single blow due to his inability to use his alchemy while submerged.

Isaac McDougal: Notable Skills

Despite his brief presence in the storyline, Isaac McDougal serves as the viewers’ initial insight into the world of State Alchemists, showcasing his impressive ice manipulation abilities. In addition to crafting weapons and pathways from water forms, he can vaporize an enemy’s bodily moisture for tactical advantages. Similar to Bloodbending, his potential to freeze or boil his adversaries’ blood presents him as a formidable opponent. His ultimate technique entails summoning extensive quantities of ice, with the only recourse for opponents being to dismantle his transmutation circles.

15 Seraphy Royce

A State Alchemist Known for Crafting Unique Chimeras

Seraphy Royce Overcome With Power In Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo

State Alchemist Designation

The Tuning Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo

Current Status

Deceased

Seraphy Royce makes his debut in the Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo video game, released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004. Portraying a compassionate character central to the Ishval Civil War, Seraphy earned the title of Tuning Alchemist. However, the pressures of battle ultimately led to the loss of his alchemist certification.

In his quest for vengeance against the military, Seraphy transitioned from medical alchemy to bioalchemy, developing a wide array of combat chimeras. He successfully birthed an Ultimate Chimera capable of self-regeneration, later merging with it, thereby transforming into a hybrid being resistant to alchemical attacks. As he attempted to merge with his castle, Seraphy experienced a moment of reflection about his past kindness, ultimately choosing self-destruction.

Seraphy Royce: Memorable Accomplishments

A former State Alchemist, Seraphy Royce excelled in healing alchemy. However, as a fugitive, he dialed into the more precise art known as bioalchemy, facilitating the creation of combat-engineered chimeras. Intriguingly, rather than relying on a Philosopher’s Stone, Seraphy seemingly augmented his power through the deliberate sacrifice of his memories. His remarkable feats include engineering nearly indestructible chimeras and fusing with a castle, creating a formidable super-chimera.

14 Giolio Comanche

A Proficient State Alchemist Capable of Competing with Scar

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State Alchemist Designation

The Silver Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 43/Anime Episode 15

Current Status

Deceased

Giolio Comanche is potentially the oldest State Alchemist within the series and actively participated in the Ishvalan War. He was the only State Alchemist who smiled at the deployment order. Comanche faced off against Scar until the latter destroyed his prosthetic leg, leading to his downfall in a river where he could not access his alchemical powers and was swiftly killed by Scar.

Known for his proficiency with metal, nicknamed “The Silver Alchemist,”he utilized his abilities to forge various weapons in combat, including swords, shuriken, and chain blades. His palms are etched with transmutation circles and intricate alchemical markings on his fingers, rendering him capable of engaging enemies without having to draw circles beforehand. Despite his age, Giolio demonstrated remarkable agility.

Giolio Comanche: Unique Accomplishments

In spite of his physical disability, Giolio Comanche exhibited notable speed and finesse during combat. Outside of alchemical techniques, he adeptly wielded bladed weapons across a variety of forms. His alchemical prowess is closely tied to his adeptness in creating diverse metal weapons, establishing him as a formidable human arsenal. Unlike his peers, Giolio’s alchemical methods are directly sourced from the tattooed symbols on his hands, liberating him from the need to draw circles in the heat of battle.

13 Jack Crowley

Created Golems Using Alchemy, Binding His Soul to Them

Jack Crowley - The Main Antagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir

State Alchemist Designation

The Silver Bullet Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir

Current Status

Deceased

Jack Crowley serves as the primary antagonist in Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir, a PS2 game released in 2004. Although he lost his State Alchemist credentials, he was known as the Silver Bullet Alchemist after attempting to resurrect his girlfriend through Human Transmutation, a feat that enabled him to perform alchemy without requiring transmutation circles.

Employing his alchemical expertise, Crowley conjured an army of Golems, even binding his soul to several, allowing him to attain everlasting life. He managed to momentarily hold his own against the Elric brothers and withstand Mustang’s flames. Crowley’s existence was intimately tied to the Crimson Stone, leading to his ultimate conquest when Ed and Al destroyed it.

Jack Crowley: Noteworthy Achievements

Even before possessing a Philosopher’s Stone, Jack Crowley proved himself immensely powerful, demonstrating a command of alchemy that allowed him to create numerous Golems as his enforcers. Additionally, his specialization in Soul Binding conferred near-immortality upon him through his Golem forms. Enhancing his already formidable abilities with a Philosopher’s Stone ultimately made Crowley a force to be reckoned with. His proficiency in alchemy without the need for transmutation circles underscores that he had attempted human transmutation.

12 Aston Martins

A Skilled Swordsman Proficient in Electrical Alchemy

Aston Martins Smiling In A Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo Promotional Photo

State Alchemist Designation

The Thunder Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo

Current Status

Deceased

Aston Martins is yet another State Alchemist introduced in Fullmetal Alchemist: Stray Rondo. Generally laid-back, he showcases a more serious demeanor during combat. Fascinated by the Samurai Code, he relentlessly trained to become a proficient swordsman.

He is recognized as the Thunder Alchemist due to his electrical manipulation abilities. By fusing his electricity with his swordsmanship, he amplifies the cutting power of his strikes. Acknowledged for his talents, Roy Mustang recommended Aston for a perilous mission involving powerful chimeras. Ultimately, he made the ultimate sacrifice, overpowering a regenerating chimera with an electrical discharge, which claimed his life.

Aston Martins: Significant Achievements

Despite his pun-like name and lively exterior, Aston Martins is no novice when it comes to alchemy. As a State Alchemist, his electricity-centric abilities enhance his swordplay, allowing him to unleash ranged lightning attacks and electrify foes he engages up close. By charging his strikes with lightning, Aston displays remarkable versatility in combat.

11 Basque Grand

A High-Ranking State Alchemist Skilled in Combat and Weaponry

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State Alchemist Designation

The Iron Blood Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 60/Anime Episode 4

Current Status

Deceased

Basque Grand ascended to the rank of Brigadier General, making him one of the military’s highest-ranking State Alchemists. He led forces during the Ishvalan Civil War, achieving numerous victories on the Eastern front before ultimately confronting Scar. Mistakenly believing he had Scar trapped, he learned too late that he had walked into a deadly situation, resulting in his swift demise.

Known as the Iron Blood Alchemist, Basque employed a set of gauntlets inscribed with alchemical symbols, permitting him to perform transmutations as he struck his opponents. A proficient hand-to-hand combatant, Basque specialized in constructing weapons and solid structures using rock and stone.

Basque Grand: Memorable Achievements

The personality of Basque varies across the 2003 and 2009 anime adaptations, but remains a formidable State Alchemist in both. Alongside his alchemical talents, he maintains a strong presence in hand-to-hand confrontations. Operating his gauntlets adorned with alchemical markings enables Basque to execute complex transformations. He integrates his metallurgical expertise into his alchemy, creating weapons and artillery for battle.

10 Mei Chang

The Most Proficient Alkahestry Practitioner

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State Alchemist Designation

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Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 32/Anime Episode 15

Current Status

Alive

Driven by her father’s quest for the secret of immortality, Mei Chang pursues Alkahestry—an alchemical practice rooted in the natural energies of the world and living beings. Proficient in utilizing the Chi energy flow, she employs advanced medical transmutations and wields throwing knives to extend her attack range. After the climactic battle with Father, Mei returns to her homeland, Xing, where she reconnects with Alphonse, leading to the formation of a happy relationship.

Mei Chang: Significant Abilities

Prior to honing her alchemy, Mei Chang was already among the most adept martial artists of her time. Her agility and skill allow her to face opponents of larger stature effectively. Unlike the more direct Amestrian form of alchemy, her prowess in Alkahestry enables her to perceive the Chi flow in living beings, allowing her to detect intentions, track individuals, and grasp their capabilities. Using specialized knives, Mei extends her Alkahestry range, akin to the Fourth Hokage’s specialized kunai in Naruto. Mei’s healing acumen positions her as one of the strongest healers in the series.

9 Alphonse Elric

An Alchemy Prodigy with Access to His Own Gate of Truth

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State Alchemist Designation

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Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 1/Anime Episode 1

Current Status

Alive

Although he often finds himself in compromising situations due to his older brother, Alphonse Elric faced monumental consequences during a botched alchemical experiment to resurrect their mother, losing his original body. However, he was gifted a suit of armor that carries his soul.

In the process, Alphonse encountered his Gate of Truth, granting him the rare ability to conduct alchemy without relying on transmutation circles. Possessing intellect akin to his brother, he showcases alchemical skills capable of competing with the second-oldest Homunculus, Pride. After defeating Father, Al’s body is restored, and he continues his studies in alchemy, even traveling to Xing to learn Alkahestry from Mei Chang.

Alphonse Elric: Key Achievements

Trained by the formidable Izumi Curtis, Alphonse harnesses his imposing size during hand-to-hand confrontations, demanding respect even before unleashing alchemical prowess. His armored form allows him to absorb attacks that would incapacitate normal fighters. When unleashing alchemical abilities, Alphonse showcases rapid scientific transmutations that fulfill his combat needs, while also crafting protective barriers and constructs. Notably, unlike most alchemists, Alphonse is liberated from the task of touching transmutation circles for his conjurations. Al’s style mirrors Edward’s but exhibits greater polish, though he may lack Ed’s spur-of-the-moment creativity in chaotic situations.

8 Scar

Capable of Defeating Any State Alchemist with His Right Arm

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State Alchemist Designation

None

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 5/Anime Episode 4

Current Status

Alive

Initially introduced as an antagonist, Scar gains notoriety for hunting and executing State Alchemists to avenge his fallen Ishvalan kin. However, his character matures, as he ultimately allies with Ed for a common cause. Once an Ishvalan warrior-monk, Scar excels in close-quarters combat.

Although he disassociates from alchemy, Scar wields immense power attributed to the transmutation array tattooed on his right arm. This powerful technique allows him to erase anything his arm touches through the processes of comprehension and deconstruction. Scar’s skills enabled him to engage in a fierce battle with Ed, even managing to best Wrath, the all-seeing Homunculus. While he survives his final confrontation with Father, he succumbs to his wounds shortly after but later returns to Ishval with Olivier to assist in rebuilding their homeland.

Scar: Noteworthy Capabilities

In Fullmetal Alchemist, traditional alchemy involves a three-step process: comprehension, destruction, and reconstruction through transmutation. Post-Ishval War, Scar inherits his brother’s tattoos, enabling him to perform only the first two steps with a mere touch—granting him the ability to destroy anything instantly. The 2003 anime depicts Scar in a different light, showcasing him with a similar tattoo but introducing the concept of the Grand Arcanum, an alchemical method that imbues its practitioners with pseudo-Philosopher’s Stone qualities. Towards the conclusion of the 2009 series, Scar acquires further tattoos, symbolizing his ability to decipher his brother’s notes and perform reconstruction, allowing him to create anew from the remnants of what he annihilated.

7 Alex Louis Armstrong

A High-Ranking Alchemist Capable of Confronting a Homunculus

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State Alchemist Designation

The Strong Arm Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 6/Anime Episode 1

Current Status

Alive

Major Alex Louis Armstrong, often dubbed the Strong Arm Alchemist, combines his extraordinary physical strength with alchemical prowess. This family legacy empowers him with combat alchemy attributes, employing a set of gauntlets inscribed with transmutation circles.

Using these gauntlets, he transmutates materials upon striking, enabling him to create spikes, walls, and other constructs through forceful impacts. Armstrong effectively confronts Sloth, recognized as the most formidable Homunculus. He survives his encounter with Father and continues his service within the Amestrian military.

Alex Louis Armstrong: Significant Achievements

Among the alchemists within Fullmetal Alchemist, Alex stands out for his formidable strength and resilience. He displays remarkable durability, able to engage in combat with equally skilled opponents like Scar. The unique symbols etched on his gauntlets empower him to launch various earth-based projectiles at impressive velocities. Alex is recognized for his ability to generate spikes potent enough to pierce through the skin of Homunculi and transform large boulders into high-speed artillery using his alchemical-enhanced might.

6 Kimblee

A Former State Alchemist Capable of Creating Violent Explosions with His Bare Hands

Kimblee Taking Possession Of A Philosopher's Stone In Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood

State Alchemist Designation

The Crimson Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 13/Anime Episode 1

Current Status

Deceased

Kimblee, or the Crimson Alchemist, emerged as a pivotal antagonist in the narrative, functioning under the direct command of King Bradley as a special agent. Renowned for his combustion-based combat alchemy, he incurred imprisonment for deploying his powers against civilians during the Ishvalan conflict.

His palms feature intricate transmutation arrays that allow him to trigger explosions governed by Equivalent Exchange principles. However, possession of a Philosopher’s Stone empowers Kimblee to disregard these laws, unleashing considerably more destructive explosions with a single hand. Sustaining a fatal neck injury from Heinkel, Kimblee is ultimately consumed by Pride. Following the obliteration of Pride’s essence, Kimblee’s spirit is extinguished alongside it.

Solf Kimblee: Notable Capabilities

The perverse character of Solf Kimblee dovetails with his explosive alchemical nature. By merging the symbols on his palms, he unwittingly manifests a representation capable of generating colossal detonations. The nature of his explosions varies between the 2003 and 2009 series, with the former’s approach converting targets into explosive substances under pressure. In contrast, the 2009 rendition sees Kimblee exploiting the contradictory nature of his transmutation tattoos to provoke energy imbalances that force explosive reactions. With the Philosopher’s Stone, Kimblee is depicted generating ferocious blasts.

5 Izumi Curtis

A Master Alchemist Who Overcame A Homunculus Like Sloth

Izumi Meeting With Ed & Al In Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood

State Alchemist Designation

None

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 14/Anime Episode 2

Current Status

Alive

Every aspiring alchemist needs a mentor, and Edward and Alphonse were fortunate to be tutored by Izumi Curtis over a six-month period. An accomplished martial artist, Izumi also stands as a powerful alchemist who confronted her own Gate of Truth during a human transmutation attempt.

Although she sacrificed most of her internal organs, this experience equipped her to perform alchemy devoid of transmutation circles. Her approach emphasizes the environment around her, allowing her to generate metals during combat and incapacitate adversaries by targeting the neuronal impulse flow. Izumi has shown her capacity to tackle multiple enemies simultaneously and briefly succeeded in overpowering Sloth. With Hohenheim’s aid, Izumi withstands one of Father’s devastating attacks, enabling her to live a fruitful life afterwards.

Izumi Curtis: Key Achievements

Among the alchemists in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe, Izumi is distinguished for her martial arts techniques. However, her greatest challenge comes by way of painful blood vomiting after strenuous use of alchemical abilities due to her bodily damage from a previous transmutation. Though she can employ alchemy in attempts without a transmutation circle, details regarding her alchemical powers remain largely unfamiliar unless observed in action. In battle, Izumi’s tactics lean heavily on martial arts, employing creative structures to block attacks, restrict adversaries by manipulating earth, and incapacitating opponents by disrupting their nerve flows. It appears that Izumi passed on her ability to construct metal weapons in combat to Edward.

4 Roy Mustang

The Highest-Ranked State Alchemist Who Defeated Two Homunculi Alone

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State Alchemist Designation

The Flame Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 4/Anime Episode 1

Current Status

Alive

Roy Mustang, while supporting character, wields significant influence in the overarching plot. As Edward’s superior and an honored war hero, he is a supremely skilled and strategic power in alchemy, known as the Flame Alchemist due to his mastery over fire.

Roy utilizes specialized white-cloth gloves branded with flame-activated transmutation circles, effortlessly altering surrounding oxygen levels to kindle intense flames with a mere finger snap—intense fire capable of causing great damage to Envy and vanquishing Lust. After encountering his own Gate of Truth, Mustang gains the ability to conduct alchemy without the need for transmutation circles, expanding the range of alchemical techniques at his disposal. Following Father’s downfall, Dr. Marcoh restores Roy’s sight, ensuring his continued presence in the military.

Roy Mustang: Noteworthy Skills

Recognized as one of the most iconic alchemists in the series, Roy Mustang’s finger snaps generate formidable waves of fire wherever directed. The ignition cloth on his gloves empowers his fire manipulation skills, marking him as a considerable threat to his adversaries, including the Homunculi. His alchemical prowess earns high praise and acknowledgment from the state military, with forces recognizing his capabilities as exceptional. Roy shows immense dexterity in utilizing isolated water to bait oxygen and hydrogen, igniting explosive flames when paired with appropriate reagents.

3 Van Hohenheim

The Eldest Alchemist, His Techniques Defy Equivalent Exchange

Hohenheim Reuniting With Edward In Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood

State Alchemist Designation

None

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 40/Anime Episode 12

Current Status

Deceased

Van Hohenheim, the father of Edward and Alphonse, transformed into the first Human Philosopher’s Stone due to his tragic past, which involved trusting a Homunculus that paved the way for the destruction of Xerxes. His fate granted him immortality, enabling miraculous regenerative abilities akin to those of a Homunculus.

As the oldest alchemist, his skills are extensive; he requires neither transmutation circles nor motion to wield alchemy. He can execute biological transmutations that contravene the rules of Equivalent Exchange, showcasing the ability to conduct multiple transmutations simultaneously. Ultimately, after subduing Father and reconciling with his sons, Hohenheim finds peace passing away beside Trisha’s grave.

Van Hohenheim: Notable Contributions

Regarded as the first alchemical being and the progenitor of Philosopher’s Stones, Van Hohenheim’s immortality presents him as a wellspring of alchemical knowledge. With an essence from over 500,000 souls enriching his Philosopher’s Stone, his capabilities extend beyond imagined limits, placing him above many modern alchemists. Unbound by the constraints of transmutation circles, he can perform complex tasks without the need for motion. His powers include biological transmutations devoid of adverse effects. While the 2009 series portrays a nuanced view of Hohenheim’s abilities, the 2003 version presents him as “Hohenheim of Light,” frequently transforming light into tangible forms.

2 Edward Elric

An Alchemy Prodigy Who Triumphed Over A Deity

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State Alchemist Designation

The Fullmetal Alchemist

Initial Appearance

Manga Chapter 1/Anime Episode 1

Current Status

Alive

Edward Elric, known for his sharp temper, combines remarkable alchemical knowledge with exceptional intelligence, distinguishing him as one of the most astute shonen protagonists. Dubbed the Fullmetal Alchemist, he relies on his automail limbs and extensively crafts metal weapons for battle.

Edward performs alchemy without relying on transmutation circles, instead producing results by simply clapping his hands. His acute intellect transcends traditional alchemy, allowing him to adapt swiftly in combat situations. When Greed weakens Father, Ed brings him to his knees, ultimately defeating him through a decisive attack. Following the series of events, Edward relinquishes his alchemical abilities to restore Alphonse’s body, yet he finds fulfillment in a new family. In time, he marries Winry, and they have children together.

Edward Elric: Key Best Qualities

Despite his Automail limitations, Edward Elric is heralded among the most extraordinary alchemists of his generation. His unparalleled ability to utilize alchemy without transmutation circles, combined with his clever tactical adaptability during fights, empowers him to erect colossal structures, manifest weapons for various combat ranges, and even transform his Automail arm into a blade. Edward’s combat capabilities are such that he effortlessly synthesizes the fighting styles of his opponents, including Scar’s deconstruction, Armstrong’s stone attacks, and Greed’s defense mechanisms. His mastery in alchemy enables him to turn into a pseudo-Philosopher’s Stone, successfully dismantling Pride’s stone from within its seemingly invulnerable body.

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