OVA
Description
Mick Simon, also referred to as Micky Simon or Mickey Simon, is an American pilot who serves as a mercenary for the Asranian government during the civil war depicted in Area 88. He originally served as a pilot in the United States Navy and participated in the Vietnam War, where he was a member of squadrons such as the VF-33 Starfighters or VF-96 Fighting Falcons, depending on the adaptation. After returning home from the war, he found himself unable to readjust to a normal, peaceful life. This psychological trouble led him to sign up as a mercenary at the desert airbase known as Area 88.
In terms of personality, Mick is one of the more outwardly bright and easygoing members of the base. He often acts as a mood maker among the pilots, taking the initiative to organize social events such as parties on American holidays. He can be hot-headed and more emotionally expressive compared to the stoic demeanor of the protagonist, Shin Kazama. Despite his sometimes arrogant and impulsive nature, he is well-liked by his fellow pilots. However, beneath this exterior, he carries deep psychological scars and a sense of disgrace from his past, including an incident during the Vietnam War where a village was destroyed, an event that earned him a nickname he finds deeply shameful.
Mick's primary motivation for remaining at Area 88 is the inability to reintegrate into civilian life after his wartime experiences. He adopts a pragmatic attitude toward his work as a mercenary, driven by the paycheck and the only life he feels suited for. He is determined to make the most of his situation and often speaks of his desire to eventually leave the mercenary life behind once the war ends.
Within the story, Mick serves as the primary friend and confidant of Shin Kazama, the series' main character. He is the self-proclaimed number two pilot at Area 88, ranking just behind Shin in terms of skill and number of kills. Their friendship is a central element of the narrative; despite initially clashing, the two build a deep bond of trust, often watching each other's backs during missions. Mick also interacts regularly with the base commander, Saki Vashutal, and serves as acting commander in Saki's absence. He has a history with the antagonist McBurn, a fellow pilot from the Vietnam War, and their rivalry becomes a key part of the later story. He also develops a friendship with Shin's younger brother figure, Richard.
Over the course of the story, Mick undergoes significant development. Initially presented as an eager newcomer looking to make money, he grows into a reliable leader and a fiercely loyal friend. He confronts the trauma of his past, including the village incident, and shares his burden with Shin. As the war intensifies and the situation for the mercenaries becomes more desperate, Mick takes on a leadership role, negotiating on behalf of the pilots and demonstrating strong resolve. His character arc culminates in a final sortie, where he meets his end in an explosion after his aircraft is fatally struck during a dogfight with McBurn.
As a pilot, Mick is highly skilled and confident in his abilities, particularly in air-to-air combat. He is considered the second-best pilot at Area 88, and his tactics often involve withdrawing from a blow to regroup rather than engaging in reckless pursuits. He is less effective in ground attack roles. His personal aircraft of choice is the F-14 Tomcat, a plane he admires from his Vietnam War service, though he also pilots other types including the F-100 Super Sabre and the A-4 Skyhawk earlier in his career. His personal insignia is a rabbit head, inspired by the Playboy bunny logo.
In terms of personality, Mick is one of the more outwardly bright and easygoing members of the base. He often acts as a mood maker among the pilots, taking the initiative to organize social events such as parties on American holidays. He can be hot-headed and more emotionally expressive compared to the stoic demeanor of the protagonist, Shin Kazama. Despite his sometimes arrogant and impulsive nature, he is well-liked by his fellow pilots. However, beneath this exterior, he carries deep psychological scars and a sense of disgrace from his past, including an incident during the Vietnam War where a village was destroyed, an event that earned him a nickname he finds deeply shameful.
Mick's primary motivation for remaining at Area 88 is the inability to reintegrate into civilian life after his wartime experiences. He adopts a pragmatic attitude toward his work as a mercenary, driven by the paycheck and the only life he feels suited for. He is determined to make the most of his situation and often speaks of his desire to eventually leave the mercenary life behind once the war ends.
Within the story, Mick serves as the primary friend and confidant of Shin Kazama, the series' main character. He is the self-proclaimed number two pilot at Area 88, ranking just behind Shin in terms of skill and number of kills. Their friendship is a central element of the narrative; despite initially clashing, the two build a deep bond of trust, often watching each other's backs during missions. Mick also interacts regularly with the base commander, Saki Vashutal, and serves as acting commander in Saki's absence. He has a history with the antagonist McBurn, a fellow pilot from the Vietnam War, and their rivalry becomes a key part of the later story. He also develops a friendship with Shin's younger brother figure, Richard.
Over the course of the story, Mick undergoes significant development. Initially presented as an eager newcomer looking to make money, he grows into a reliable leader and a fiercely loyal friend. He confronts the trauma of his past, including the village incident, and shares his burden with Shin. As the war intensifies and the situation for the mercenaries becomes more desperate, Mick takes on a leadership role, negotiating on behalf of the pilots and demonstrating strong resolve. His character arc culminates in a final sortie, where he meets his end in an explosion after his aircraft is fatally struck during a dogfight with McBurn.
As a pilot, Mick is highly skilled and confident in his abilities, particularly in air-to-air combat. He is considered the second-best pilot at Area 88, and his tactics often involve withdrawing from a blow to regroup rather than engaging in reckless pursuits. He is less effective in ground attack roles. His personal aircraft of choice is the F-14 Tomcat, a plane he admires from his Vietnam War service, though he also pilots other types including the F-100 Super Sabre and the A-4 Skyhawk earlier in his career. His personal insignia is a rabbit head, inspired by the Playboy bunny logo.