10 anime characters like Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist

Anime characters like Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist can appear in different forms and approaches because he is a varied individual, as shown in Hiromu Arakawa's manga. Mustang is the highest-profile State Alchemist, and a man who wants to change his country for the better after the horrors he saw at war, quickly making him one of the most popular characters in the series.

There are several anime characters like Roy Mustang because of his ability to switch from laidback to commanding, his fire-based powers, and also because he serves as the seasoned superior to the Elric brothers throughout Fullmetal Alchemist, which are all traits that are fairly typical in the medium.

In that regard, in no particular, here are ten anime characters like Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for all of the series on this list. Any opinion expressed here belongs to the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.

10 anime characters like Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist and why

1. Kurapika (Hunter X Hunter)

Kurapika is one of those anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via Madhouse)

Kurapika is one of those anime characters like Roy Mustang because they are both defined throughout their respective series by what they lived through in their past, their connections, and their ruthless desire for revenge. That is something that most Hunter X Hunter and Fullmetal Alchemist fans are familiar with, but there is also the fact they have no qualms about taking lives when push comes to shove.

Both Mustang and Kurapika are shown as kind-hearted people, often helping their respective protagonists. But once they have a shot at getting, even at the loss of a loved one, they show a much more ruthless personality. Mustang makes a full display of that after Maes Hughes is killed and Kurapika becomes a lot more isolated while trying to avenge his clan.

2. Kyoraku Shunsui (Bleach)

Kyoraku, a very good example of anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kyoraku might be one of the best examples when it comes to anime characters like Roy Mustang because they both have similar ideals and goals. They are both heavily affected by their respective wars, although Kyoraku eventually takes the position of Captain Commander of the Gotei 13 at the end of Bleach. This is something similar to what Mustang has always aspired to.

They both care deeply about their loved ones and allies but are also capable of making harsh decisions and are ruthless in combat. It is also worth pointing out that they both have a reputation for being womanizers as they constantly flirt throughout their stories. They are also known for being extremely powerful in their respective armies.

3. Sanji (One Piece)

Sanji is a surprising example of anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via Toei Animation)

One of the most obvious similarities between Sanji and Mustang is the fact they both love to flirt with women, to the point it has become a running gag in their respective series. Furthermore, Sanji is also one of those anime characters like Roy Mustang because they both share fire-based attacks.

Another similarity is that they can be quite the comedic characters throughout their series, but are also capable of some serious moments. They also have the distinction of being one of the few characters in their respective manga to get their own subplot, with Sanji's being the Whole Cake arc and Roy's being the death of Maes Hughes.

4. Genos (One Punch Man)

Genos, a somewhat surprising comparison to be made here (Image via Madhouse)

Genos might not be most people's first choice when thinking of anime characters like Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist, but they both share a tremendous sense of duty and responsibility. Furthermore, they also put a lot of pressure on themselves to take care of others and improve.

A major plot element regarding their characters throughout their respective series is a quest for revenge. While they are not consumed by it and often act as forces of good, that quest for vengeance is important for them.

5. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

Kakashi, another prominent example of anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via Studio Pierrot)

There are a lot of traits that make Kakashi one of the best examples of anime characters like Roy Mustang. One of the most prominent elements is how the events of war before the beginning of their series shaped them, and also how they try to make things better for the people of their respective lands.

Furthermore, both Kakashi and Mustang serve as more seasoned guides to the main characters, and have a knack for pretending to be laidback or lazy when they are two of the best fighters in their respective series. They have the distinction of being two of the most popular characters of their respective manga, and also being top-class tacticians.

6. Kurama (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Kurama is an underrated example of anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kurama might be another unexpected example when it comes to anime characters like Roy Mustang but they share some similarities of being extremely shaped by their past and trying to do better in the present because of that. They are also extremely caring of their loved ones and have no problems going the distance for them.

They are both very capable tacticians and perhaps they are the best all-around fighters of their respective series. Kurama and Mustang are also similar because they can be ruthless in combat, with the latter being known in Yu Yu Hakusho for the treatment he gives to some of his opponents, such as Elder Toguro in the Chapter Black arc.

7. Hyoga (Saint Seiya)

Hyoga, another prominent example (Image via Toei Animation)

Hyoga and Roy Mustang are different in terms of personality except for their loyalty to their loved ones and desire to improve things. As one of Athena's Bronze Saints, Hyoga constantly strives to make things better for the world, especially for his late mother, whose body is trapped in the ice of Siberia.

However, another thing they share in common is how they are willing to give their all in battle and tend to be extremely ruthless. That is a defining trait for both characters, even if one uses ice (Hyoga) and the other one uses fire (Mustang).

8. Sukehiro Yami (Black Clover)

Yami, one of the best examples of anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via Studio Pierrot)

There is a strong argument to be made that Sukehiro Yami might be one of the best examples when it comes to anime characters like Roy Mustang. Part of that is because they share similar roles in their respective series and both want to instill change in the lands they are in, which leads to them forming strong connections with their underlings and being a force for good.

It is also worth pointing out that both Yami and Roy are seen as lazy and laidback during most parts of the series, mostly as comic relief, but they are formidable fighters in their own right. They also serve as mentor figures for the protagonists and seasoned veterans who are always there to share some wisdom.

9. Jotaro Kujo (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure part 4 - Diamond is Unbreakable)

Jotaro, is one of the most prominent examples of anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via David Production)

It is worth pointing out that the main reason Jotaro is among the anime characters like Roy Mustang is because of his role in the fourth part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Diamond is Unbreakable. While the third JoJo could be fairly different from Roy if compared to his version in the third and sixth parts, it's in the fourth one where their roles are fairly similar.

Jotaro arrives in the town of Morioh as a seasoned fighter because of the events of the third part, Stardust Crusaders, much like Mustang with the wars he was in prior to the beginning of Fullmetal Alchemist. They serve as mentor figures to the protagonists and are also among the most powerful characters in their respective series.

10. Piccolo (Dragon Ball)

Piccolo, another underrated example when it comes to anime characters like Roy Mustang (Image via Toei Animation)

Piccolo is another curious example when it comes to anime characters like Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist because fans of Dragon Ball have managed to see his entire progression. He went from being Goku's biggest nemesis to one of his most trusted allies and a reliable and capable fighter in his own right.

The Namekian is like Roy Mustang because they are both veterans of the younger generation and are capable of leading people. As Piccolo merged with Kami, he also gained the knowledge and desire to help people create a better world, much like Roy.

Final thoughts

There are other anime characters such as Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist but these are some of the most prominent. They share his desire to protect, how they are molded by key events of their past, and how they can hide their ruthless nature behind a facade of laziness and humor.

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Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay