Scar

The Scarred Man of Ishval who turns from vengeance to redemption.

Scar is a fictional character from Hiromu Arakawa's Fullmetal Alchemist, originally introduced as a villain targeting State Alchemists. Known as the Scarred Man due to a prominent X-shaped scar on his brow, he hails from Ishval, a region whose people were nearly exterminated during a civil war against Amestris. His alias stems from this physical mark, while his birth name remains unknown. Arakawa created Scar to represent the continuous encounter between people from Hokkaido and the Ainu, and regards him as a complex character shaped by the catastrophes of war rather than a common evil antagonist. Initially an antagonist seeking revenge for the death of his comrades and family, he eventually questions his motives and joins the side of the Amestrian State military to defeat the organization secretly responsible for the Ishvalan Civil War.

Quick Facts

Series: Fullmetal Alchemist
First: Fullmetal Alchemist chapter 5, "The Alchemist's Suffering" (2001)
Creator: Hiromu Arakawa
Portrayed by: Mackenyu
Relatives: Unnamed brother (deceased)

Lore & Background

Scar's origin is rooted in the Ishvalan Civil War, where a State Alchemist named Solf J. Kimblee critically injured him. After the attack, Scar's brother used alchemy to attach his own biological arm to Scar's body, granting him the ability to use transmutation despite it being a religious taboo for Ishvalans who believe only God can create. This arm allows Scar to decompose matter into individual elements with a touch, obliterating objects rather than rebuilding them. Upon awakening and discovering this arm, he killed the doctors treating him, Winry Rockbell's parents, in a blind rage. His backstory was inspired by Arakawa's own ancestors conquering Ainu land while having Ainu heritage herself. The character is designed to avoid the label of a common 'evil antagonist,' instead representing a victim of multiple catastrophes who ironically uses the enemy's power to destroy them.

Reader's Guide

Scar begins as a serial killer hunting State Alchemists in revenge for the Ishvalan Civil War but evolves into an ally against the homunculi. His unique power comes from the arm his brother attached to him, which lets him decompose what he touches into individual elements. Key moments include his confrontation with Edward Elric in Eastern Headquarters, his meeting with May Chang and Yoki, and his encounter with Dr. Tim Marcoh where he learns the truth of the massacre. In the manga climax, he defeats King Bradley and activates a city-wide transmutation circle to aid the military's coup against the government. Following this, he is saved by General Olivier Mira Armstrong and chooses to rebuild Ishval rather than continue his vendetta. Arakawa designed him as an easy character to illustrate but one with deep thematic weight regarding religion, war, and redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Scar in Fullmetal Alchemist?

He is an Ishvalan survivor known as the Scarred Man due to a large X-shaped mark on his forehead. Originally introduced as a villain seeking revenge against State Alchemists, he later becomes a crucial ally to Edward and Alphonse Elric.

Why did Scar hunt State Alchemists initially?

His quest for vengeance stems from the Ishvalan Civil War, where State Alchemists helped massacre his people and killed his family. He specifically targets those involved in the genocide to avenge the fallen survivors of his homeland.