OVA
Description
Mickey Simon is a former United States Navy pilot and a veteran of the Vietnam War. After graduating from the Annapolis Naval Academy, he served with the VF-96 Fighting Falcons aboard the USS Enterprise during the war, where he earned the nickname Fireball for an incident in which he was forced to burn a village to prevent the spread of disease. Haunted by that experience and unable to readjust to civilian life despite coming from a wealthy family and having a fiancée waiting for him, he signed on as a mercenary fighter pilot at the remote desert airbase of Area 88. He hails from a prosperous background, his father being the president of a large company, but the traumas of war pulled him away from that peaceful future.
Mickey is a bright and outgoing personality, often serving as the mood-maker among the pilots. He is hot-headed and emotional, a stark contrast to the cold demeanor of his friend Shin Kazama. Assertive and confident, he proclaims himself the number-two pilot at Area 88 and often acts as a mentor to younger fliers. In the absence of Lieutenant Colonel Saki Vashtar, he takes command of the squadron, demonstrating strong leadership during crises such as the fall of the Aslan capital. He enjoys organizing social events, like a party for American Independence Day, and is generally well-liked by his comrades.
His primary motivation is escaping the ghosts of his past, though he finds purpose in the camaraderie and structure of mercenary life. Initially reluctant to stay at Area 88, he eventually becomes deeply committed to his fellow pilots. He carries a deep-seated desire to leave the war behind, having promised to live with his love Sera after the conflict ends.
Mickey's role in the story is that of Shin Kazama's closest friend and wingman. They often clash due to their different temperaments but build a profound trust, willing to leave their backs to each other in battle. He also has a longstanding connection with the rival pilot McBurn from their Vietnam days, whom he envies for being assigned to the Blue Angels while McBurn envies Mickey's respectable status. Mickey's relationship with Saki Vashtar is one of loyalty and respect, and he once donated blood to Saki's brother Richard during a surgery.
Throughout the series, Mickey undergoes significant development. He slowly opens up to Shin about the trauma of the village burning, revealing the deep shame he carries. This confession marks a turning point, allowing him to form a stronger bond with Shin. In the final sortie, he engages in a climactic battle with McBurn, and his aircraft explodes with him and Sera onboard, ending his arc in sacrifice.
Notable abilities include exceptional air-to-air combat skills, placing him second only to Shin in kill count at Area 88. He is less effective at ground attack missions. His air combat philosophy is to withdraw from a blow rather than press a disadvantage. He flew several aircraft types over his career, including the F-100, A-4, and F-14 Tomcat, which he considered his favorite. The personal insignia on his plane is a rabbit head resembling the Playboy bunny.
Mickey is a bright and outgoing personality, often serving as the mood-maker among the pilots. He is hot-headed and emotional, a stark contrast to the cold demeanor of his friend Shin Kazama. Assertive and confident, he proclaims himself the number-two pilot at Area 88 and often acts as a mentor to younger fliers. In the absence of Lieutenant Colonel Saki Vashtar, he takes command of the squadron, demonstrating strong leadership during crises such as the fall of the Aslan capital. He enjoys organizing social events, like a party for American Independence Day, and is generally well-liked by his comrades.
His primary motivation is escaping the ghosts of his past, though he finds purpose in the camaraderie and structure of mercenary life. Initially reluctant to stay at Area 88, he eventually becomes deeply committed to his fellow pilots. He carries a deep-seated desire to leave the war behind, having promised to live with his love Sera after the conflict ends.
Mickey's role in the story is that of Shin Kazama's closest friend and wingman. They often clash due to their different temperaments but build a profound trust, willing to leave their backs to each other in battle. He also has a longstanding connection with the rival pilot McBurn from their Vietnam days, whom he envies for being assigned to the Blue Angels while McBurn envies Mickey's respectable status. Mickey's relationship with Saki Vashtar is one of loyalty and respect, and he once donated blood to Saki's brother Richard during a surgery.
Throughout the series, Mickey undergoes significant development. He slowly opens up to Shin about the trauma of the village burning, revealing the deep shame he carries. This confession marks a turning point, allowing him to form a stronger bond with Shin. In the final sortie, he engages in a climactic battle with McBurn, and his aircraft explodes with him and Sera onboard, ending his arc in sacrifice.
Notable abilities include exceptional air-to-air combat skills, placing him second only to Shin in kill count at Area 88. He is less effective at ground attack missions. His air combat philosophy is to withdraw from a blow rather than press a disadvantage. He flew several aircraft types over his career, including the F-100, A-4, and F-14 Tomcat, which he considered his favorite. The personal insignia on his plane is a rabbit head resembling the Playboy bunny.