Background and Basic Information
King Bradley was brought up as a prospective leader of Amestris. Infused with the Philosopher’s Stone containing Father‘s wrathful souls, Bradley was transformed into a unique sort of Homunculi capable of aging. His ability to age would cover up his true identity as Wrath, enabling him to be the Fuhrer of Amestris without anyone the wiser to who and what he truly was.
It was Bradley that sanctioned the Ishvalan extermination during the Civil War, using war and bloodshed to secretly further Father’s endgame of creating a nationwide transmutation circle, which requires a crest of blood to take effect. Initially appearing as a somewhat eccentric ally to the Elric Brothers throughout the story, his true nature and allegiance were eventually revealed.
When the day came for Father’s vast transmutation circle to be activated, King Bradley battled with the forces of Briggs, Greed-Ling, and eventually Scar, meeting his demise at the hands of the vengeful Ishvalan.
Powers and Abilities
Unlike the other homunculi, Bradley was originally human and was the result of experimentation with the philosopher’s stone. He neither possesses their immortality nor their regenerative abilities, but is tougher than a normal human, with superhuman physical capabilities. His most notable ability is his ultimate eye, which is generally covered by his patch due to to the Oroborus tattoo upon it. The Eye grants him incredible vision beyond any human and allows him to easily read and predict his opponent’s movements, as well as pinpoint weaknesses.
Bradley also possesses unrivaled skill with a sword, being able to slice through steel with ease and being able to wield multiple swords simultaneously. His skill with a sword and inhuman speed make him one of the most formidable and dangerous combatants in Fullmetal Alchemist, being able to demolish tanks and entire platoons of soldiers and battle Xing warriors at once and have the advantage.
Other Media
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
In the 2003 anime, Fullmetal Alchemist; King Bradley is the homunculus Pride, rather than Wrath. This is due to the changes made in the show as it deviated from its souce material to create its own storyline. While his Homunculi name changed, his role stays relatively the same as his manga counterpart.
King Bradley was voiced by Hidekatsu Shibata in the Japanese version and Ed Blaylock in the English dubbing of Fullmetal Alchemist.
Because of the changes in who The Homunculi are, an anime original version of Wrath was created. This version of Wrath was made up of the sacrificed body parts of Edward and Alphonse Elric, giving him a child-like appearance and demanour.
Wrath was voiced by Nana Mizuki in the Japanese dubbing and Luci Christian in the English dub.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Since the 2nd anime is directly taken from the manga, he is Wrath.