#16 PIPES................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

Winry Rockbell, childhood friend of the Elric Brothers, lives in a world of gears, bolts, and pressure lines, the very veins (the pipes, if you will) that keep her creations (and her loved ones) moving. She is a bright and talented automail mechanic known for her quick temper, big heart, and incredible skill with machinery. She’s a mechanic through and through and often the voice of reason (along with the occasional wrench-throwing) in the brothers already chaotic lives.

This image captures the moment when she realizes her blunder' she has forgotten a single bolt in Edward’s automail and boy does this come at an unfortunate time.

Yay for the return to color - though really did enjoy the multi liner only challenge so I think I will have to revisit that option again soon.

You are incredibly talented, you know

Ugh! So good Kath!! I just love every detail of every drawing. So good!

#17 KNIGHT................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

Known as the Ice Queen of Amestris, Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong is a force not to be reckoned with and highly respected among her troops. A decorated soldier and guardian of Briggs Fortress in the icy North, she lives by a personal code as unyielding as steel which she wields. A code that prizes loyalty, honor, and the protection of those under her watch above all else. Like the knights of old, her strength lies not in ornate armor or titles - though she wears many - but in the conviction to do what must be done, no matter the cost, and to honor the code and vows she swore to uphold.

And yes, she IS the older sister of Alex Louis Armstrong - the man with the impressive moustache seen earlier

Wow, Kath. Your talent never ceases to amaze me. I love seeing all of the drawings you come up with.

#18 NOBILITY................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Copic Multi Liner

"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return.
To obtain, something of equal value must be lost.
That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange.
In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only truth."

In alchemy, Equivalent Exchange represents nobility in its truest form. It is the embodiment of fairness and moral discipline: to gain, one must give; to create, one must sacrifice. That balance reflects the nobility of accepting consequence, of honoring the laws that govern both science and life itself. Alchemists who live by this rule practices nobility through restraint, refusing to take more than they deserve, respecting the value of every element and every life.

Which is why what the Elric Brothers attempt to do is destined to fail. The law of Equivalent Exchange fails when it comes to human transmutation because there’s no way to measure the true worth of a human soul. The brothers conduct meticulous research into the compounds that make up the human body — water (35 L), carbon (20 kg), ammonia (4 L), lime (1.5 kg), phosphorus (800 g), salt (250 g), saltpeter (100 g), sulfur (80 g), fluorine (7.5 g), iron (5 g), silicon (3 g), and trace amounts of fifteen other elements — a list Edward repeats throughout the series. Yet the payment demanded goes far beyond chemistry.

When Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to bring their mother back using this forbidden alchemy techniques, the exchange takes everything from them instead. Alphonse loses his entire body, and Edward sacrifices his leg and then his arm in a desperate attempt to bind his brother’s soul to a suit of armor. It’s the moment they learn the harsh truth: no matter the precision of ingredients or the depth of love behind the act, a human life cannot be replicated or a deal made through alchemy.

So this is why I decided to draw imbalanced scales: one side holding the carefully measured and weighed elements that make up the human body, and the other bearing the weight of a single human soul - representing how the Elric brothers’ (and others, DUN DUN DUN) desperate attempt to defy nature reflects the corruption of the very nobility behind Equivalent Exchange and the reality that human life is more complex and valuable than simple exchange.

And back to multi liner only for the fun of it this time

#19 PEACEKEEPER.............

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

Major Miles is a mixed-blood Ishvalan and Amestrian officer serving under Major General Olivier Armstrong at the icy fortress of Fort Briggs. Despite the prejudice he’s endured, Miles consistently chooses empathy over resentment, dedicating himself to fostering peace and understanding between peoples long divided. We don’t meet him until later in the series but he quickly proves to be one of the most quietly compelling characters.

His personal mission within the Amestrian State Military is to bridge a fractured past and ensure that the future is built on reconciliation and not revenge. Calm, steadfast, and deeply principled, Miles embodies the spirit of a true peacekeeper and even helps guide one of the Elric brothers’ fiercest foes toward redemption, leaving a lasting mark far beyond his limited screen time.

#20 ENVY.....................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Copic Multi Liner

Pretty self explanatory why this character for this prompt Like Lust, Envy is one of the Homunculi - artificial beings created through alchemy and named after the Seven Deadly Sins. True to their name, Envy personifies jealousy in its most venomous form. Cunning and cruel, they delight in stirring conflict and exploiting the emotions of others, wearing many faces both literally and figuratively.

A shapeshifter by nature and design, Envy thrives on deception and chaos, slipping into others’ forms to manipulate, divide, and destroy. His rivalry with the Elric Brothers runs deep as they represent everything he despises (and secretly envies) about humanity: resilience, compassion, and the strength that comes from love. For Edward and Alphonse, Envy isn’t just an enemy... he’s the living embodiment of one of the series’ darkest truths: the line between human and monster is drawn not by physical form, but by heart.

I went back to just multi liner for this one mostly because the Homunculi characters are a lot of black and I did not have the confidence to work with black alcohol marker again. That said, the chaotic strokes of multi liner used to create the image are remarkably fitting for Envy as a character - much more than polish and fluid ink would accomplish.

#21 STAINS...............

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

Scar is a man marked by loss. Every scar on his body, every symbol etched into his skin, even his adopted namesake, carries the weight of the past. His name, as you may expect, comes from the distinctive scar on his face. This scar is a physical and symbolic reminder of his past trauma and hatred after the Ishvalan War and a name he took on to represent what he believes is his ordained role: to seek vengeance against the State Alchemists. The intricate tattoos that wind along his right arm are remnants of his brother’s research that have been twisted into a weapon of destruction. Through them, Scar channels devastating alchemical power where a single touch enough to blast matter apart at its core.

From this, is is probably easy to draw the connections to 'stains'. For Scar, his stains are reminders of grief, vengeance, and the burden of survival. His journey is one of reckoning with what those stains mean: whether they define him as a destroyer, or as someone capable of breaking the cycle of violence that branded him in the first place.

first of all. I have now lined up FMA to watch or read when the brain will allow, thanks to your recommendation. and going back to that early chess piece, honestly am still amazed at how well you shade such tiny things especially with those markers.

apologies in advance for not commenting on all the things but I think it's best I spare you from that monster post.

all the detail in kindness is so neat. the shading (always love the shading) in the shirts especially, plus all that detail in the book pages. wow. big fan of the texture in the grass as well. and WOW @ flirtatious, she could be straight off the screen, the form here is so good. and also. okay. I feel like I'm going to want to say this a lot but the shadingggg. the blendinggggg. your skills.

recklessness. hANDS. look at you go omg. not to mention all the detailing in those clothes. honestly I love seeing your art and your journey as an artist. also tell me why I had certain characters wake up to take note of this kimblee situation.

loyalty is so bold and striking in terms of colour (and content, for that matter). and I don't want to harp on about shading and blending but. i am. in spirit. the whole piece really does give a 'brothers' vibe too so you absolutely nailed that prompt. and chains is so cool omg. love the red outline and the way you got those glowing eyes too.

you know I'm a big pen and ink fan and I've loved seeing your work in that medium. Crush in particular is amazing and when I saw you'd not used any pencil guidelines I was like WHAT. one of my favourites too. it's almost sort of forlorn in both content and style. I really like nobility too. I'm a big fan of your colourful pieces and work with marker but seeing your multiliner stuff is a real treat too.

and finally, awesome work on the tattoos in stains, my favourite part of that piece. so intricate and so well done in line with the form. and also. haaaands. beautiful.

ok I'll leave you with that!! I wish I had the time to comment on all the pieces and in depth because they're all so wonderful and so fun to look through I will return

#22 HUFFLEPUFF...........

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

Figured it was about time I leaned into some Hogwarts Houses this Seektober There are many characters in Fullmetal Alchemist who embody Hufflepuff traits and Maes Hughes is usually the first who comes to mind (and rightly so!). Hufflepuffs in this world possess a goodness that isn’t naive... it’s resilient, forged through empathy, service, and quiet strength. But there is another character who reflects these qualities just as deeply, if not even more so: Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye.

Hawkeye is a sharpshooter in the Amestrian State Military and serves as Colonel Roy Mustang’s most trusted aide. She represents the buttoned-up restraint that keeps others grounded and her composure, loyalty, and control hold Mustang’s volatile ambition together. Their relationship is built on profound trust, mutual respect, and an unspoken bond strengthened through shared ideals and burdens. She serves not just as his subordinate, but as his moral compass and steadfast ally...someone who understands his ambitions and the weight of his responsibilities better than anyone else. Her devotion isn’t blind loyalty but a deliberate, thoughtful choice rooted in belief in his potential to create a better world. Together, they balance one another: his fire and her calm, his vision and her discipline, forming one of the most powerful partnerships in Fullmetal Alchemist. Which is why I depicted Hawkeye handing Mustang one of his flame-ignition gloves. a gesture symbolizing trust, readiness, and shared purpose.

At her core, Riza embodies the heart of a true Hufflepuff: loyal, disciplined, compassionate, and grounded. She doesn’t chase recognition or grandeur but rather stands firm beside those she believes in, holding everything (and everyone) together.

#23 RAVENCLAW..............

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Copic Multi Liner

May Chang is a young alchemist and princess from Xing - a country in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist located east of the main country of the series, Amestris. She is driven by curiosity, faith, and the dream of healing her people through the power of Alkahestry - an eastern form of alchemy. She approaches the world with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, but her intellect is rarely detached from compassion. 　What makes May distinctly Ravenclaw is not only her wisdom, but her acceptance. She seeks understanding over judgment — learning from strangers, embracing new cultures, and finding common ground where others see division which leads her to befriend and become allies with some of the more unlikely cast of characters. This open-hearted acceptance is especially reflected in her bond with her tiny panda companion, Xiao-Mei, whom she took in without hesitation after they were abandoned at birth due to their abnormally small size caused by a birth defect. Her loyalty and tenderness toward her little panda companion echos her belief that every life, no matter how small or different, is worth cherishing.

Like a firefly, May carries her own light through the darkest corners of the story. Her youth makes her naive, but it is because of this that she has a unique view of the world that is unclouded by cynicism or bitterness. She is incredibly imaginative, her belief in alchemy’s potential not as a weapon but as a means to heal and connect marking her as both visionary and hopeful - which is also rather Ravenclaw.

Everyone in this house is sick now and honestly I am a bit surprised I had the energy at all to draw but certainly not enough to do a full page piece and with color. The black and white paired with sleeping positions kind of adds to the innocence of May and Xiao-Mei

Just the detail you put into these drawings is amazing. I love it! And definitely adding FMA to my watch list now. Your little descriptions are making me really want to watch it lol great job, love <3

#24 SLYTHERIN...........

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

Ling Yao is a young prince from the eastern nation of Xing, one of 43 potential heirs to the throne. Born the twelfth son of the Xing Emperor and the descendant of the wealthy Yao clan, he lived a childhood of privilege and mortal danger as the unstable succession situation in Xing meant a constant threat of assassination from each of the other clans hoping to attain the throne. He journeys to Amestris in search of the Philosopher’s Stone in hopes of achieving immortality and become the Emperor of Xing where he can protect and serve the country for the long term.

He’s a fascinating blend of rowdy charm and razor-sharp ambition. Loud, playful, and often comically over-the-top, Ling raids kitchens for food, teases his companions, and turns every situation into a bit of theater. His easy humor and carefree attitude make him seem like a cheerful troublemaker rather than a future emperor, masking the keen intelligence and calculating drive that lie beneath his grin where a clever mind and fierce ambition reside.

Like Mustang, Ling's character is defined by his unyielding ambition and a strong representation of Slytherin. cunning adaptability, and willingness to make difficult choices in pursuit of his goals. Ling knows when to lead with charisma, when to listen, and when to strike, demonstrating the sort of strategic intelligence that defines Slytherin’s best qualities. Unlike those who see ambition as selfishness, Ling wields it with purpose. Every risk he takes (crossing into Amestris, bargaining with dangerous forces, even walking the thin line between life and death) is rooted in his desire to protect his clan and secure lasting stability for his people.

And for a fun fact: his voice actor in Japanese, Mamoru Miyano, is also the Japanese dub voice for Newt Scamander and Percy Weasley.

#25 GRYFFINDOR.........

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Copic Multi Liner

Izumi Curtis is the no-nonsense alchemy master of the Elric brothers. A self-taught alchemist from the northern reaches of Dublith, she blends intellect and instinct, teaching that alchemy’s power means nothing without an understanding of the natural balance that governs life itself - One is All, and All is One. Though she’s often gruff, blunt, and intimidating, her harshness comes from a place of immense care. She pushes others - often well beyond their limits - to be their best, not for glory, but for survival and self-understanding. She has faced her own "Gate of Truth" and through her arc in the story reveals that beneath her fiery temper lies a heart defined by compassion, humility, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that comes only from walking through the inferno and coming out the other side.

She embodies the essence of a true Gryffindor with mature unwavering courage that defines real strength. She’s brave enough to face both the physical dangers of the world and the internal pain of her own past - literally. Her fearlessness doesn’t mean she lacks fear, but rather confronts it head-on, driven by conviction and love. Her teaching philosophy reflects Gryffindor values as well. She demands that her students take responsibility for their actions, stand up for what’s right, and face the consequences of their choices with dignity. Izumi’s moral compass never wavers, even when her own heart breaks, and she refuses to let guilt or loss define her. What makes her such a powerful Gryffindor figure is her blend of fierce protectiveness and deep compassion. Like a lioness guarding her pride, she shields those she loves with ferocity, fights for what she believes in, and walks through the inferno of her own mistakes to emerge stronger, wiser, and still unafraid to love boldly.

ahhh acrylic paint markers. I have some of my own but find them to be unwieldy beasts so I've not really used them much yet but I can see once you get the hang of it how much they really can change the game.

sO

hufflepuff - need I yell about hands again? I am, in spirit. hands AND a glove. but not just the form but the colour; so smooth and ooft that shadow. nice.

ravenclaw - that panda is the cutest dang thing I've ever seen. and the backstory here has me emo. still a big fan of your fineliner work; the hair is excellent and I really like how you got the shading and folds in the fabric too.

slytherin - i do love a slytherin-coded character and this one sounds like he absolutely fits the bill. you know I'm drooling over the shading and such in those clothes (and that gold situation, ). especially the black. it is not easy to shade and detail black clothing plus those lines are excellent. I want that coat. again big fan of these outlines (around the whole piece) too.

gryffindor - I feel like I would be mad to mess with Izumi and the piece really aligns with the description. you have such a good grasp of form idk how you do it (practice, I would guess). this piece is so clean and simple and yet bold.


also also hope you and the fam are feeling better

#26 EVASIVE.....................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

"...it's a terrible day for rain."

This one is just going to be a 'if you know, you know' kind of image.

#27 RAGE.....................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

When first introduced, Führer of Ametris King Bradley easily disarms both allies and subordinates with an almost grandfatherly warmth - a genial smile, a hearty laugh, and the easy charm of someone who seems approachable, even benevolent. There’s a Santa-like twinkle in his eye that makes it hard to believe he could harbor anything darker than firm leadership.

But that geniality is a masterful mask. A Commanding and fearsome presence, beneath the surface lies a man shaped by Wrath, whose polished civility conceals the skeletons in his closet... secrets buried under layers of duty, power, and deception. Bradley embodies the terrifying duality of rage restrained by reason, a reminder that the most dangerous monsters are often those who smile the widest.

I used my 0.05 multi liner first with this one to lay down the shapes and shadow lines. For the larger shadow areas, or those that were meant to be darker, I switched to a 0.3 tip multi liner and then finished off with a final layer of 0.5 - a process very different from my interpretation of 'evasive' where I used my black Ohuhu to do all the shadows.

I am here to catch up on all the things!

The glasses prompt is giving sassy vibes and I like it! Roy reminds me of Magnus Bane; I was able to figure out why xD The blue of his shirt and the fire… though Magnus’ powers are represented by blue, so… Now that I think of it, the outfit is something he’s wear too.

Unrequited Love, that art is so cute and somewhat funny because of Edward’s facial expression :3 The Door of Truth’s intricate design has me making heart eyes Poor Edward losing his arm though :/ Maybe Bucky can introduce him to the benefits of having a vibranium arm. I adore how you interpreted the pressure lines as the pipes for Winry’s piece!

I’m just casually admiring how very detailed you’ve been able to capture facial expressions; I’m quite taken with the Ice Queen’s fierce/grumpy expression! Such a lovely explanation for the Nobility prompt! The way you managed to capture Miles’ calmness in that image is wonderful! *chefs kiss* Oooh, Envy fascinates me, both the character and the sketch! I think it’s because of the smug expression xD

Such a meaningful interpretation for ‘Stains’ So… how did you manage to capture Maes’ empathy to reflect on her facial features? You make it seem so easy The panda that sits with May adds to her innocence. There’s just something I’m rather smitten with when it comes to the Slytherin prompt! If I figure it out, I’ll let you know xD

Izumi does look so fierce in your masterpiece! *chef’s kiss x2* The ‘Evasive’ piece is on the mysterious end for me so I like it! As with certain previous pieces, I remain fascinated by how you manage to channel the character’s personalities into their facial expressions. That’s something I've never been able to do

Also You're almost finished with the challenge!!! Congrats!!!

You absolutely have convinced me to check out FMA.

You’re almost done the challenges! Way to go, Kath! Absolutely love seeing everything you come up with and the descriptions you write to go along with them. I would choose a favourite, but I can’t. They’re all so good.

I am looking forward to seeing the next challenge you do after completing this one. :3

#28 INCONSOLABLE............

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Copic Multi Liner

State Alchemists are easily recognized by the silver pocket watches they carry - powerful emblems of authority and allegiance to the military. For Edward Elric, however, the watch is far more than a badge of rank or proof of status as a "dog of the military." Inside, Edward engraved a date by his own hand: the day he and Alphonse burned down their family home and set out in search of the Philosopher’s Stone. He sealed it shut with alchemy to ensure that no one, not even his brother, could open it. The inscription is a private memorial and symbol of grief that cannot be soothed, a burden he chooses to carry as a reminder of his past mistakes. The watch holds both punishment and purpose for the teenager, a vow never to turn back, never to forget the price of choices, and to keep moving forward, no matter how painful the journey becomes.

#29 GROANING......................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

Gluttony is another of the Homunculi in Fullmetal Alchemist and the one that makes me the most squirmy. is childlike behavior and simple manner of speaking only heighten the eeriness of his existence as hunger given human form. Forever craving and never satisfied, Gluttony’s stomach is a bottomless void—both literally and symbolically, constantly groaning for more. His chilling lines, like "I’m hungry…" and "Can I eat him?", capture the horror of endless desire stripped of reason or restraint. Often seen alongside Lust (another embodiment of insatiable craving and another bottomless pit of symbolism) Gluttony’s presence serves as a reminder that emptiness and appetite, when left unchecked, can consume everything.

#30 LAUGHTER.......................

click the above image
for the full size version

MATERIALS USED:
Ohuhu Alcohol-based Markers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Markers
Copic Multi Liner

The strong bonds that tie our hearts,
Will certainly never be undone.
We have continually searched and finally reached,
This place and period.

The love filled with warmth runs through the body,
Is a memory that will never fade
Period by Chemistry
[fourth anime opening for Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood]

This piece captures one of the rarest and most precious sights in Fullmetal Alchemist: the Elric brothers laughing together. After everything they endure (their losses, their guilt, their endless journey toward redemption) moments like this feel like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Laughter, for them, isn’t just joy; it’s healing, connection, and the quiet proof that even after all the pain, they still have each other. Their smiles speak louder than any grand victory or Philosopher’s Stone ever could. In the end, the true award for all their struggle isn’t power or glory... it’s this: the warmth of shared laughter, the bond that never breaks, and the peace they fight so hard to earn.

As this is my final piece for this year’s Seektober, it only felt right to end with the Elric Brothers. There are still prompts I want to tackle - how I managed to not do 'short' is truly sacrilegious - but perhaps those will find their way into my portfolio someday.

I ended up filling an entire Maruman sketchbook with these prompts so that is a special little souvenir to commemorate this year's Seektober. I’ll have to think of a fitting way to decorate the cover



A huge thank you to everyone who’s followed along and shared this creative adventure with me throughout October. Your encouragement and enthusiasm made the process all the more meaningful

…and since I’ve successfully converted so many of you into watching the series please, please, please do share your reactions with me I absolutely love hearing everyone’s thoughts as they experience Fullmetal Alchemist for the first time.

Thank you for sharing your spirit with us!
From sketch to specter, your creativity has truly come to life!
Congratulations on completing your Seektober 2025 challenge!

I'm glad you like all the comments because I have a bunch more for these last few prompts


evasive - hello??? excuse me???? this is beautiful. I love what you did here with the solid black and the white/negative space for detailing. also, I do, in fact, not know, but I did get a kick out of the fact that your blurb/description for this prompt was also evasive

rage - these multiliner pieces are going from strength to strength. love the way you've played with and portrayed the light and shadow here and you just know I'm yelling about shading and such. so good. SO good.

inconsolable - this one got me feeling things. I think my favourite part of this one is the chain. the links are so well done and I can think of chains exactly like it

groaning - I really like the way you used the solid black here with gluttony's shirt, it makes the whole thing look really bold and simple and clean but so effective in keeping with the description in the blurb

laughter - ugh this one is so cute. I mean, first of all, obligatory yelling about the shading and such on the clothes and skin especially, plus I love the richness and depth in the hair. and ugh. just cute. such a beautiful prompt to end this on :3

congratulations on finishing the challenge!!! it's been a real treat to see every piece and read your interpretations of the prompts (and be tempted by FMA ofc). love that you've got the sketchbook keepsake too plus hello sparkly nails