10 Similar Anime Characters to Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

One of the most beloved and popular anime characters of all time is Edward Elric, also known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. He is the main protagonist in the series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and has gained a huge fan base due to his complex character, intelligence, determination, and fiery personality.

If you found Ed’s journey and character development captivating, you might be interested in discovering other anime characters who possess similar admirable traits and qualities. Below are 10 of the best anime characters resembling Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Please note that this article is solely the writer’s opinion and is not listed in any specific order.

Recommended Anime Characters

Character Profile: Izuku Midoriya

Deku, also known as Izuku, is the main character in the well-known anime My Hero Academia. Similar to Ed, Deku is a resolute and highly intelligent adolescent with ambitious aspirations and strong principles. He firmly upholds justice and is determined to always make the morally correct decisions.

Even though he was born without a superpower in a society where the majority possess unique abilities, Deku never loses sight of his goal to become a superhero. By putting in tireless effort, determination, and resourcefulness, he obtains his own power and gains admission into a prestigious hero school, all while serving as a role model for others with his bravery and determination.

Similarly, Deku’s journey in overcoming challenges through persistence and resourcefulness closely parallels Ed’s. He exhibits a similar unwavering determination and unwillingness to yield in the face of adversity and his convictions.

Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter

Killua, similar to Edward Elric, is a prominent character in the well-known shonen anime Hunter x Hunter. He is a gifted prodigy who defied his family’s desires and escaped to create his own destiny.

Just like Ed, Killua possesses exceptional intelligence and highly developed combat and fighting skills.

Killua’s character development largely centers around his search for personal identity separate from his family’s reputation as skilled assassins. In this way, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery similar to that of Edward Elric.

Kaneki Ken from Tokyo Ghoul

The main character of the dark fantasy series Tokyo Ghoul, Kaneki, is a gentle bookworm whose world is shattered when a mishap transforms him into a hybrid of both a human and a ghoul. Struggling to control his newfound monstrous instincts, Kaneki embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about this unfamiliar aspect of his identity.

Similarly to Ed’s experience of accepting the loss of his limbs and his brother’s body during human transmutation, Kaneki undergoes a traumatic physical transformation that alters his sense of self. He also grapples with a similar moral dilemma as he tries to navigate the conflicting aspects of his new identity.

Meliodas ( Seven Deadly Sins )

Despite having a youthful appearance, Meliodas possesses immense power as the sin of Wrath and is the leader of the titular group of warriors in the fantasy anime Seven Deadly Sins.

Despite his snarky, happy-go-lucky demeanor, Meliodas is motivated by his failure to protect his loved ones in the past, much like Edward Elric. Deep within him lies anger, regret, and guilt that he conceals from others.

Meliodas shares Ed’s determination and complex blend of ideals and anger, as he is dedicated to uncovering the truths of the past and ultimately overthrowing tyranny and corruption within the kingdom.

5. Main Character – Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)

In the popular sci-fi show Cowboy Bebop, the main character Spike Spiegel has many similarities with the Fullmetal Alchemist. Both Spike and the Alchemist are skilled fighters who are haunted by their enigmatic pasts. Spike becomes a member of a team of bounty hunters who travel through space on their spacecraft, known as the Bebop.

Despite the challenges he faces, Spike’s backstory gradually unfolds throughout the series, revealing his involvement with the notorious Red Dragon crime syndicate and his ill-fated love affair with Julia. Similar to Ed, he must confront his past traumas while utilizing his combat abilities to bring criminals to justice throughout the galaxy.

Gon Freecss from Hunter x Hunter

Young Gon, one of the most beloved characters in Hunter x Hunter, possesses a strikingly similar personality to Ed – headstrong, easily provoked, but also incredibly compassionate and devoted. Despite being abandoned by his father in pursuit of becoming a Hunter, Gon is resolute in his determination to emulate his father’s actions and uncover the reasons behind his decision.

Similarly to Edward Elric, Gon forms strong bonds with his companions and consistently demonstrates his resourcefulness, cleverness, and skill. Yet, Gon is forced to confront his own morality when confronted by antagonists who lead him down a darker path. In essence, Gon embodies the same complexity, imperfections, and virtues as Ed.

7. Roy Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Surprisingly, within Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a character who greatly resembles Edward Elric can be identified. Colonel Roy Mustang, who holds a higher rank than Ed, possesses the same unwavering resolve, intellect, and moral principles that define Edward’s personality.

Despite facing past failures, such as the Ishval Civil War, Mustang remains highly ambitious and determined to reform the corrupt political system of his country. Along with Edward, he is haunted by his past mistakes and is constantly striving to make amends through his service to the people. Additionally, his intense anger and feelings of guilt stemming from specific traumatic events continue to fuel his drive for change.

8. Main Character of Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager (Image via Wit Studio/MAPPA)

The protagonist of Fullmetal, Eren Yeager from the widely acclaimed Attack on Titan, exhibits a similar unwavering determination and fiery conviction.

After seeing his hometown destroyed by the Titans, Eren makes it his mission to seek revenge against them and reclaim freedom for his people.

Similar to Edward Elric, Eren constantly battles to find a balance between his rage and principles. He possesses a strong determination to uncover the truth about the Titans and to rectify any wrongdoing, even if it means facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Throughout the anime, his ethical code is put to the test as he resorts to extreme measures.

Character Profile: Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen

Itadori is a compassionate and dedicated high school student in the supernatural battle anime Jujutsu Kaisen. After being compelled to consume the cursed finger of the demon Ryomen Sukuna, he gains immense strength and strives to master it in order to aid those in need.

In a similar manner to Ed’s determination to restore his brother Alphonse’s body after their failed human transmutation attempt, Itadori faces the challenge of resisting the control of the demon Sukuna in order to protect innocent individuals from curses. Itadori effectively captures Edward Elric’s internal conflict as he grapples with balancing his beliefs, ethics, and challenging circumstances.

Their tales exhibit comparable concepts of brotherhood, ethics, and selflessness in the name of family members.

10. Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)

Both Ichigo Kurosaki, the main character of the beloved shonen anime Bleach, and Edward Elric share many similarities. Both are suddenly thrown into a supernatural realm and are forced to take on unfamiliar roles, but their determination to unravel the mysteries of their new world remains unwavering.

Like Edward Elric, Ichigo also takes pride in his intelligence and has a strong passion for learning. He shares a deep sense of protectiveness towards his loved ones, but he also struggles with moments of stubbornness, anger, and recklessness, much like the Fullmetal Alchemist.

In essence, Ichigo’s journey embodies the same sense of camaraderie, determination, and passion, solidifying Ed Elric’s status as an iconic anime protagonist.

Conclusion

Edward Elric is widely recognized as one of the most beloved and multifaceted protagonists in the world of anime. His unwavering determination, intelligence, ideals, and personal challenges have captivated the hearts of numerous fans across the globe. If you were drawn to Ed’s development and experiences, there are many other incredible anime characters who embody the same qualities that define the iconic Fullmetal Alchemist.

Undoubtedly, this list has effectively highlighted numerous exceptional characters who not only match but exceed Edward Elric in various fantastic anime series.