KING BRADLEY SPOILER!
KB
Fuhrer of Amestris. Commander in Chief. Decorated veteran, decisive leader, a man who projects absolute authority so naturally that the camera believes him even when the audience starts not to. In the 2003 version Bradley is Pride, not Wrath, and the distinction matters because Pride is the sin about believing yourself above everything else. He runs the state. He believes in what the state is doing. Both of those things are true at the same time and the show does not flinch from what that means.
KING THROUGH THE ARCHIVE //
HOMUNCULI - 2003 //
Open page →King Bradley · the conspiracy wearing a uniform
King Bradley being Pride explains why the Homunculi can operate so effectively around military institutions without constantly fighting the government.
The conspiracy is not merely infiltrating Amestris from outside. One of its members is sitting at the top of the State.
The conspiracy is not merely infiltrating Amestris from outside. One of its members is sitting at the top of the State.
Why it matters
Once Bradley's identity is known, the State Alchemist system and the Homunculus plot stop being parallel problems. Edward has been taking assignments from a government whose highest office is already inside the conspiracy.
2003 ALCHEMY MECHANICS //
Open page →Failed human transmutation · Red Stones · a life that should not exist
The 2003 Homunculi are tied to failed attempts to bring dead people back. The result is not the original human restored, but a new being carrying the body, memories or emotional traces of the person the alchemist tried to recreate.
Dante uses Red Stones to stabilize and control these beings, while the physical remains of the intended human can weaken them and interrupt their regeneration.
Dante uses Red Stones to stabilize and control these beings, while the physical remains of the intended human can weaken them and interrupt their regeneration.
Why it matters
This makes every major Homunculus conflict personal. They are not merely monsters named after sins; several exist because somebody loved a dead person enough to break the taboo.
COMBAT LEDGER //
Open page →Episodes 50–51 · Führer's residence · Result: Mustang kills Bradley and nearly dies doing it
Mustang confronts King Bradley after learning the Führer is Pride. Bradley's speed and regeneration make ordinary flame attacks insufficient until the remains tied to Pride's creation become part of the fight.Mustang's climb toward the top of the military ends with him literally fighting the Homunculus occupying that office. The institution he wanted to reform has a monster at its head, and removing it costs him almost everything.
The Breakdown
Once Bradley is weakened, Mustang burns through the Red Stones sustaining his regeneration and finishes the battle with the same alchemy the State once ordered him to use in Ishbal.
