In the manga Al eventually develops the ability to perform alchemy without a transmutation circle, the same as Ed. In the manga, when King Bradley impales Martel while she is inside Al's armored body, her blood spills onto his blood seal. This gives him a near-death experience, recalling to his mind his experience at the Gate of Alchemy. He realizes that he can transmute without a transmutation circle shortly thereafter. It is also believed by some that he is able to perform alchemy better than his brother after having seen more of the gate than Ed, albeit at the cost of his body.