Yet Another Man's Battlefield
EpisodeA Brotherhood bonus short tracing the early friendship of Roy Mustang and Maes Hughes as young soldiers, the Ishvalan they briefly befriend, and how the horrors of the civil war test the bond between the two rivals and reshape Roy's convictions.
Summary
At eighteen, a newly enlisted Roy Mustang meets Maes Hughes, the rival who becomes his closest friend. The pair constantly push one another to their limits, and along the way they befriend an Ishvalan named Heathcliff Erbe. The three share a brief, warm camaraderie that is cut short when the Ishval Civil War erupts and turns comrades into enemies.
Key Events
On the battlefield Maes is forced to gun down Heathcliff to save Roy, a choice that leaves Roy devastated and bitter, railing against a war that makes them slaughter their own countrymen. Maes steadies him, showing his own resolve and giving Roy the space to collect himself. When the fighting ends and the two return to Central City, Maes greets Gracia with a smile while Roy walks off in sorrow, admitting to himself that his friend is the stronger of the two.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yet Another Man's Battlefield about?
Yet Another Man's Battlefield is a Brotherhood bonus short tracing the early friendship of Roy Mustang and Maes Hughes as young soldiers, their brief bond with an Ishvalan named Heathcliff Erbe, and how the Ishval Civil War tests them.
Who is Heathcliff Erbe?
Heathcliff Erbe is an Ishvalan whom the young Roy Mustang and Maes Hughes briefly befriend before the Ishval Civil War turns comrades into enemies. He is a character original to the animated version.
What does Maes Hughes do to save Roy Mustang on the battlefield?
Maes Hughes is forced to gun down their friend Heathcliff Erbe to save Roy Mustang, a choice that leaves Roy devastated and bitter about a war that makes them slaughter their own countrymen.
How does the OVA end?
After the fighting ends and the two return to Central City, Maes Hughes greets his wife Gracia with a smile while Roy Mustang walks off in sorrow, admitting to himself that his friend is the stronger of the two.
What manga chapter does Yet Another Man's Battlefield adapt?
The OVA builds on the manga's Bonus Chapter: His Battlefield Once More, though most of the backstory it shows is original to the animated adaptation.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Yet Another Man's Battlefield? The Fullmetal Alchemist Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series, manga, and official materials. Fullmetal Alchemist was created by Hiromu Arakawa, published by Square Enix, and animated by Bones. All rights to Fullmetal Alchemist and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byHiromu Arakawa
- Published bySquare Enix
- Animated byBones
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Bones and Square Enix.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Square Enix and Hiromu Arakawa.
Official resources:
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