Solf J. Kimblee

Overview

Solf J. Kimblee, also known as the Crimson Alchemist, is a character from Fullmetal Alchemist. A former State Alchemist of Amestris and veteran of the Ishval Civil War, he operates under a distinct personal philosophy rather than simple loyalty to either humanity or the homunculi. Despite his polite and gentlemanly demeanor, he harbors a profound fascination with destructive force and plays a pivotal role in the struggle surrounding King Bradley and the homunculi's grand design.

Appearance

Kimblee has dark hair tied into a long ponytail with a distinct single strand jutting up, and dark or blue eyes. He typically wears a pristine white suit paired with a coat, necktie, and matching hat. During the Ishval Civil War, he wore a tank top combined with military trousers, and while imprisoned, he appeared unkempt with loose hair and facial stubble. Tattooed directly onto the palms of his left and right hands are intricate transmutation circles incorporating sun and moon motifs.

Personality

Kimblee consistently maintains a refined, polite manner of speech, yet he openly acknowledges his own psychopathic nature and indulgence in violent explosions. He adheres strictly to a personal aesthetic: he deeply respects individuals who unswervingly carry out their own convictions, regardless of whether they are allies or enemies. He remembers the face of every person he has killed. Unshakable in his own principles, he despises actions he perceives as lacking beauty or dignity, particularly when someone compromises their own code purely out of a desperate desire for self-preservation.

Abilities

Kimblee uses alchemy by bringing together the sun and moon transmutation circles etched directly on his palms, transforming any target material he touches into an explosive. Because the circles are tattooed on his skin, his attacks are exceptionally fast. When empowered by a Philosopher's Stone, which he keeps hidden within his stomach, his explosive reach and force expand dramatically. He also possesses keen intelligence, strategic adaptability, and an extraordinarily resilient spirit capable of retaining clear self-awareness even when submerged within a sea of chaotic souls.

Background

During the Ishval Civil War, Kimblee deployed a Philosopher's Stone granted by military command to inflict widespread destruction. Refusing to return the Stone after the conflict, he killed his superior officers and was subsequently incarcerated in Central Prison. He was later released to serve the interests of King Bradley and the homunculi, engaging in hunts for Scar and Tim Marcoh, and triggering combat at the northern border to fulfill the nationwide transmutation network. Although mortally wounded in battle and consumed by Pride, Kimblee maintained his identity inside the homunculus, ultimately intervening from within during the final battle.

Relationships

During his military service in Ishval, Kimblee challenged the resolve of Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye, leaving a lasting impression on both. He shares a bitter history with Scar, having brought tragedy to Scar's family during the war. He engaged repeatedly with Edward and Alphonse Elric, recognizing their determination to uphold their ideals despite holding views opposing his own. He also used Winry Rockbell as leverage against the Elric brothers, though he expressed genuine respect for the unyielding dedication demonstrated by her late parents.

Trivia

The technique Kimblee uses to hide a Philosopher's Stone in his stomach and retrieve it at will echoes a mechanism previously depicted in an early prototype one-shot by the author. Additionally, the meaning of his middle initial 'J' was humorously addressed by the author in bonus material.