Many fans of this beloved series debate over who's the better Elric brother. Fullmetal Alchemist is the one story that any anime or manga fan needs to experience before they die. The series has so much to offer such as politics, morality, race relations, family, nihilism, propaganda, playing god, and, even comedy.
The characters are another component that sets her work apart from other anime and manga. Despite being a Shonen series, Fullmetal Alchemist’s characters are on a whole other playing field, when it comes to nuance. Edward and Alphonse Elric, for example, are two brothers who set out on a quest to resolve a life-changing problem, which they caused. These two boys are cherished as two of the greatest Shonen protagonist the series has to offer. Furthermore, many argue over who's the better brother. One tends to be a little rough around the edges, whereas the other brother is a little more peaceful.
10 Why Ed’s Better: More Blunt
Edward can be a hothead, at times, but he means well. For example, Ed tells Rose that the priest is manipulating her and he’s not going to bring her fiancé back from the dead; he claims it’s impossible to bring someone back from the dead, seeing he and Alphonse have tried. He also adds that he frowns on the idea of religion.
Although Alphonse believes that Rose is being manipulated by the priest as well, chances are he would be reluctant to tell her. He’s not that vocal.
9 Why Al’s Better: More Polite
Most seem to favor the younger brother because he exudes politeness. Ed, on the other hand, does not have the same reputation. Ed’s known to argue with everyone he meets, thus, being hard to deal with.
In addition, he can also be a wise guy. Alphonse, however, doesn’t lash out at others when he’s upset. Even when he’s fighting an antagonist, he’s polite. For instance, during his quarrel with Barry the Chopper, he keeps apologizing, when he lands a hit on him. His kindhearted nature can't be helped.
8 Why Ed’s Better: More Relatable
What makes this series so alluring is how relatable Ed is. The author manages to balance the main protagonist's serious and comedic nature, very well.
He possesses traits most teen boys can relate to, such as being short. Most teen boys are sensitive about their height, so they understand how Ed feels. Moreover, Edward always feels as if he’s being disrespected., which is why he’s ready to stand up for himself. Alphonse is a great character, but he’s not as relatable as Ed.
7 Why Al’s Better: Superior Fighter
It’s alarming to find out that Alphonse is the younger and nicer brother but he’s also the stronger fighter. Considering that Edward is a military soldier and Al’s older brother, one would think he’d be the better fighter.
Edward humbly admits he could never beat Al in a sparring match when he was fighting that soul in the suit of armor. Edward manages to defeat him in sparring, but that’s still only one win.
6 Why Ed’s Better: More Outgoing
If Al was the actual main character of FMA, the plot would become stagnate. Al is a great character; however, he can be viewed as a passive protagonist. He’s not willing to break any rules to reach is goal, whereas Edward is.
If it wasn’t for Ed’s lack of obeying orders, they would have never visited the Fifth Laboratory. Moreover, they would have never stumbled on the secrets in Central, whilst trying to get their original bodies back.
5 Why Al’s Better: He’s More Patient
Being patient isn't one of Edward’s strongest qualities, which is possibly why he ends up damaging his automail. Alphonse may seem as if he’s a passive protagonist, but it’s for good reason. He’s patient, especially when it comes to people. While Al and the homunculus, Pride, are trapped together, Al tries to understand his motives, seeing that he's a child.
People may see this as Al being foolish since Pride is not an actual child, but Al still feels that he’s being manipulated by Father. He asks Pride if he has ever, had a connection with another human, since being created. Pride does admit he has grown fond of King Brandley’s wife. So, Alphonse does make a breakthrough to him a little, which is good.
4 Why Ed Is Better: More Strategic Under pressure
Alphonse has a tactical mind, but it's safe to say Ed’s maybe a little more ahead of the curb. In his fight with the homunculus, Greed, Ed figures out how do break down Greed’s ultimate shield, after he divulges what his shield is made of carbon.
After Lan Fan sets off a bomb, Ed removes his automail arm and places on the debris of rocks, in order to entrap her, like a wild animal. He also comprised a plan to lure out the homunculi, by first luring out Scar.
3 Why Al Is Better: He’s Taller
This has been a long-running gag in the series about Al being the taller brother, despite being a year younger. Even before Al’s body was bounded to the suit of armor, he was slightly taller than Edward.
During their training arc, fans can see Al is taller than Edward. Although Edward got a growth spurt towards the end of the series, Al has always been the taller sibling.
2
Why Ed’s Better: Better At Alchemy
When it comes to Alchemy, Ed’s the latter. In order to save his brother from completely being erased, he uses alchemy to bind Al’s soul to a suit of armor. His ability to think on his feet, at that age, is nothing less than stellar. As a matter of fact, the sole reason why Mustang even decides to recruit Edward for the military is that he could merge a soul to a suit of armor.
His skills as an alchemist get better over time, and it's not because he is able to utilize transmutations without drawing a circle. Al is also able to do that. Edward is constantly thinking about alchemy, which is why he excels at it. For instance, Ed‘s ability to imitate Scar’s deconstruction technique, after only seeing it once.
1 Why Al’s Better: More Mature
Maturity goes a long way when it comes to a person's wellbeing. Alphonse maybe the younger of the two Elric brothers, but he’s the more mature one. That’s mainly why everyone believes Al is older than Ed.
It’s not just because he’s taller than Ed. Alphonse is often seen as the voice of reason when Edward is in over his head. Moreover, Al is seen restraining his older brother from fighting, by grabbing him. They're only a year apart, but it’s still a shame Alphonse is a more practical one. He’s not the State Alchemist.