Fullmetal Alchemist” stands as a shining example of anime’s storytelling prowess, captivating audiences with its intricate plot and rich character development since its manga debut in 2001. The franchise, particularly Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is hailed as one of the latest popular anime and frequently finds itself atop anime rankings for its masterful blend of action and emotional depth. This series explores the world of Alchemy, a fascinating metaphysical science that enables individuals to manipulate matter, all governed by the principle of Equivalent Exchange, which dictates that creation necessitates destruction.
As we delve into the ranks of the most skilled alchemists in this beloved series, we’ll highlight the characters whose powers and abilities set them apart. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a beginner seeking an anime recommendation for beginner, this list will showcase the top ten most powerful alchemists, each leaving an indelible mark on the series’ narrative and its place in anime rankings for 2024.
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10. Mei Chang
As a princess from the Xingese Empire, Mei Chang travels to Amestris on a mission to uncover the secrets of the Philosopher’s Stone. This knowledge would help elevate the status of her family at the royal court, aligning with her father’s desire for immortality. Mei is a talented Alkahestrist—a form of alchemy unique to her homeland, centered on harnessing the earth’s natural energy, or Chi. This energy grants Mei the ability to perform advanced medical transmutations, setting her apart from Amestrian alchemists who rely on transmutation circles and elemental manipulations.
One of Mei’s standout feats is her ability to track people and read their abilities through Chi, giving her an edge in combat and reconnaissance. Despite her small stature, Mei is a skilled martial artist who can easily take on opponents twice her size, thanks to her acrobatics and deft use of throwing knives, which also help extend her Alkahestry range. She later reunites with Alphonse Elric after the final battle, and the two share a bond strengthened by their shared interest in Alkahestry.
9. Alphonse Elric
Alphonse Elric is known for his intellectual prowess and gentle nature, though his past is marred by tragedy. When he and his older brother Edward attempted human transmutation to bring back their deceased mother, Alphonse lost his entire body, with his soul bound to a suit of armor. His exposure to the Gate of Truth, however, granted him the rare ability to perform alchemy without a transmutation circle, much like Ed. Throughout his journey, Al demonstrates remarkable skill, engaging in battles with high-level foes like Pride, one of the oldest Homunculi.
Alphonse’s martial skills complement his alchemical abilities, making him a versatile fighter. Despite his armor’s bulk, he moves with surprising agility and can quickly create weapons, barriers, and defenses using alchemy. His adaptability, creativity, and precision distinguish him from other alchemists, and after the final battle, he travels to Xing to learn more about Alkahestry from Mei, expanding his knowledge and abilities.
8. Scar
Initially introduced as an antagonist, Scar is a former Ishvalan warrior-monk who seeks revenge on State Alchemists for the destruction of his people. Though he rejects the title of “alchemist,” Scar wields a unique form of alchemy through the transmutation array tattooed on his right arm, allowing him to deconstruct anything with a single touch. This deadly ability makes Scar a formidable opponent, able to bring down powerful alchemists and even defeat the Homunculus Wrath.
As the series progresses, Scar evolves from a vengeful figure to a valuable ally. His journey is marked by redemption as he works alongside Ed and Al against common enemies. Later, he gains a second tattooed arm, completing the array with the ability to reconstruct objects, which represents a significant shift in his philosophy and purpose.
7. Alex Louis Armstrong
Known as the Strong Arm Alchemist, Major Alex Louis Armstrong combines raw physical strength with combat alchemy. He uses gauntlets marked with transmutation circles, enabling him to create spikes, walls, and other defensive constructs by striking the ground. Armstrong’s family has passed down this style of alchemy for generations, and he applies it with unwavering dedication in his role within the Amestrian State Military.
Armstrong’s strength and resilience are legendary. He goes toe-to-toe with Scar and later engages in a fierce battle with Sloth, one of the strongest Homunculi. Alex’s ability to turn boulders into artillery and create high-speed projectiles from the earth demonstrates his power, while his protective nature and loyalty to his friends make him a beloved figure.
6. Solf J. Kimblee
Known as the Crimson Alchemist, Solf J. Kimblee wields a terrifying form of alchemy that specializes in creating explosions. Kimblee has transmutation arrays tattooed on his palms, allowing him to set off blasts by bringing his hands together. His methods are particularly destructive, and he was imprisoned for his brutal actions during the Ishvalan War, where he showed a complete lack of empathy toward human life.
When Kimblee acquires a Philosopher’s Stone, he gains the ability to bypass the law of equivalent exchange, creating massive explosions with just one hand. This enhancement amplifies his already formidable power, making him an even greater threat. Kimblee’s dark personality and his commitment to chaos make him a standout antagonist, whose love for destruction is as dangerous as his alchemical skills.
5. Izumi Curtis
Izumi Curtis is both a mentor and a formidable alchemist in her own right. She trained Edward and Alphonse, imparting to them the foundations of alchemy and martial arts. After a failed human transmutation to save her child, Izumi lost many of her internal organs, a sacrifice that allowed her to see her own Gate of Truth. This encounter granted her the ability to perform alchemy without a transmutation circle.
Izumi’s fighting style combines her alchemy with physical combat, allowing her to control her surroundings effortlessly. She can transmute objects to create obstacles, restrain opponents, or knock them unconscious by disrupting the flow of ions in their nerves. Her resilience and tactical use of alchemy make her one of the series’ strongest characters, able to take on multiple enemies at once and even temporarily overpower the Homunculus Sloth.
4. Roy Mustang
Roy Mustang, known as the Flame Alchemist, is one of the most iconic characters in Fullmetal Alchemist. His specialty is fire-based alchemy, which he executes by snapping his fingers thanks to transmutation circles embroidered on his gloves. By manipulating oxygen, Mustang can generate flames with devastating accuracy, a skill he uses effectively in combat, notably against the Homunculi Envy and Lust.
After witnessing his own Gate of Truth, Mustang can perform various types of alchemy without a transmutation circle. His ability to create massive explosions and incinerate opponents in seconds makes him one of the most feared alchemists in Amestris. Despite his immense power, Mustang’s determination to create a better future for Amestris drives him, making him a complex and beloved character.
3. Van Hohenheim
Van Hohenheim, Edward and Alphonse’s father, is one of the oldest and most powerful alchemists in the world. Centuries ago, he was transformed into a “living Philosopher’s Stone” when the Homunculus in a flask orchestrated the fall of the kingdom of Xerxes. This transformation granted him immortality and the ability to perform alchemy without physical movement or a transmutation circle.
Hohenheim’s knowledge is vast, and he can perform complex biological transmutations that defy the law of equivalent exchange. His Philosopher’s Stone contains the souls of over half a million people, providing him with near-limitless energy and allowing him to survive attacks that would kill any other alchemist. Hohenheim’s final act of redemption comes when he aids in the battle against Father, seeking to atone for his past mistakes.
2. Edward Elric
Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, is known for his quick temper and brilliant mind. Despite his young age, Ed possesses advanced alchemical skills and a deep understanding of the physical world, making him one of the most talented alchemists in the series. His unique ability to perform alchemy without a transmutation circle allows him to clap his hands to initiate transmutation, a skill gained after seeing his Gate of Truth.
Ed’s quick thinking and adaptability allow him to create metal weapons on the fly, adjusting his strategy to counter his opponents’ abilities. His showdown with Father, where he punches a hole in the Homunculus’ chest, demonstrates his resilience and courage. In the end, Ed sacrifices his ability to perform alchemy to restore Alphonse’s body, a testament to his growth and his commitment to family.
1 Father
Father is the first and most ancient Homunculus in Fullmetal Alchemist, a being driven by a relentless quest for absolute power and godhood. Initially a mere essence within a flask, Father manipulated Van Hohenheim into creating a massive transmutation circle that decimated the kingdom of Xerxes, granting him a powerful, physical body identical to Hohenheim’s. Fueled by Philosopher’s Stones derived from countless souls, Father’s ambition led him to orchestrate a complex plan to bypass alchemy’s core principle of Equivalent Exchange and achieve omnipotence.
In his god-like form near the series’ end, Father gains the ability to ignore alchemical laws, creating phenomena out of nothing, such as a miniature sun in his palm. This overwhelming power made him nearly unstoppable, but Greed’s sacrifice weakened him just enough for Edward and his allies to strike back. Ultimately, Father’s boundless desire led to his downfall as he was absorbed by Truth, symbolizing his failure to transcend human limitations and his punishment for attempting to take power beyond his rightful grasp.
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Conclusion:
The top 10 most skilled alchemists in Fullmetal Alchemist reflect the depth and complexity of alchemical practices within this beloved series. From Edward Elric’s innovative techniques to Roy Mustang’s fiery prowess, each alchemist embodies unique strengths and philosophies that shape their journeys and the world around them. Their mastery of alchemy not only showcases their power but also highlights the moral dilemmas and sacrifices that come with such abilities.
As Fullmetal Alchemist remains a cornerstone in anime rankings for 2024 and continues to be a favorite among latest popular anime, these alchemists contribute to the series’ rich narrative, exploring themes of ambition, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. For fans who appreciate intricate world-building and character development, this ranking highlights the alchemists who have left a significant mark on the story. Stay connected with Animeking for more rankings, character insights, and updates on the fascinating world of Fullmetal Alchemist and other anime classics!
