With Roy Mustang set to feature in the Fullmetal Alchemist movie that is going to be released on May 20th, fans are elated to see their favorite flame-focused alchemist stepping back into the fight on his way to becoming the Fuhrer-King of Amestris.
But what it is that draws fans toward Roy Mustang? His powerset? His (mostly) collected persona? His tragic backstory that fueled a fiery ambition? In reality, fans adore every one of those aspects of Mustang and more. Plus, it's hard to deny that he had some fantastic lines throughout the series.
Mustang's Philosophy
"Keep moving. Whatever it takes. Even if the way ahead lies through a river of mud."
When he discovered what Edward and Alphonse Elric did, Mustang was furious. But, after realizing that neither boy meant any harm, he offered Ed a position in the military and some valuable advice. It was this quote that pushed Edward and Alphonse Elric to begin their recovery after human transmutation, and it's a quote that perfectly explains Mustang's outlook on life.
Even in the saddest moments in Fullmetal Alchemist, like the Ishval Civil War, Nina Tucker's death, and the tragic fate of Maes Hughes, Mustang always kept moving. No matter how much mud he needed to trudge through, and no matter how much he needed to dirty his hands, he kept moving. And that's why fans love him.
The State Alchemist Mantra
"We choose our path, knowing full well what we're doing. That's the way it is. Right, Fullmetal?"
After witnessing the horror of what happened to Nina, Mustang held strong. He always insisted that his path as a dog of the military was his own choice and that he was fully aware of his actions every step of the way. But the truly impactful aspect of this quote is his insistence that Ed repeat him.
Despite experiencing one of the most heartbreaking scenes in Fullmetal Alchemist, Mustang still wanted to teach Ed and to keep him moving forward. It shows the depth of his feeling of responsibility for the boys and that — no matter how much he tried to shield them from the worst of military life — he wanted to ensure that they were both aware that things could get worse.
The Ishval Pact
"I'll do everything humanly possible to protect the people I love, And in turn, they'll protect the ones they love."
During the Ishval Civil War, Mustang insisted that he was committing horrors with the explicit intention to protect his loved ones. It's a touching sentiment, even if the cause was appalling, but what was most important was Hughes' reaction to Mustang's determination.
Hughes told Mustang that to protect Amestris he would need to become Fuhrer, and Mustang quickly agreed. It was the start of a long ladder for Mustang, and one that led to all the strife he would face. But it's also important to note that his entire tumultuous path was to protect his people. It's a side of Mustang that he often tried to keep hidden — his heart.
Coping With Loss
"It's a terrible day for rain."
After losing one of his closest friends and earliest allies, Mustang returned in the wake of Hughes' funeral to deliver this line. Trying his best to keep himself from breaking down — or at the very least itting that he was breaking down — Mustang refused to acknowledge his tears and instead excused them like rain.
For a man who is often considered useless in the rain, it's an especially impactful moment. Mustang was subtly acknowledging his failure to protect his friend. But, as always for Mustang, once the rain was done, it was time to work, and he was ready to burn down anything in his way.
The Dark Side of Alchemy
"There's a side of me that's desperately trying to crack the theories of human transmutation right now."
Even after seeing the effects, human transmutation had on the Elric brothers, Mustang wanted to bring Hughes back. He even claimed that he finally understood what drove those boys.
It's a testament to Mustang's sympathy for the Elrics that, even failing to understand before Hughes' death, he still tried to help the Elrics along the way. Though his relationship with the Elrics isn't always considered the most touching friendship in Fullmetal Alchemist, this moment truly shows Mustang's softer side and how it drives him even in his darker moments. It also shows the true depth of his friendship with Hughes, as he relates it to what the Elrics had with their mother.
The Calm Before the Storm
"A little over a month ago, a military officer was killed in a telephone booth, in Central. Were you the one who did it?"
Facing off against a serial killer in an armored body, Mustang calmly interrogated the man, and at the end of the interrogation, without any true prompting, asked this question.
After seemingly having put himself together for the questioning, Mustang reveals to his entire team that he still intends to hunt down Hughes' killer. In the process, he reveals that he isn't going to stop until he finds them. For anyone looking to learn more about Mustang's determination, look no further than this line.
A Fiery Temper
"You told me I couldn't kill you, but I'd like to try and prove you wrong. So let's see: How many times is it gonna take?"
Though often presenting himself as a calm man, after his subordinate Havoc was severely injured by Lust, Mustang quickly became consumed by his rage. Fusing his wound shut, he tracked down Lust, one of the deadliest Sins in Fullmetal Alchemist, recited this line, and burned her to a crisp.
Mustang's desire for vengeance is a significant aspect of his character, but the way he handled Lust took it a step further. By becoming one of the few humans to kill a Homunculus, he managed to do the impossible and do it with style.
His Nature
"Well, these are either the gates to glory or the entranceway to Hell."
As he prepared to inform the military of the fact that Fuhrer Bradley was a Homunculus, Mustang stared up at Central's chief command post and said this line to Hawkeye.
A cynical military man for most of his life, Mustang knew that there was a chance it could all go wrong. He was right, too. Though he trusted the military more than he ought to have, even with his realistic belief that he could be walking into the gates of hell. It was a final moment of naivete for the Flame Alchemist, and he was even willing to acknowledge that.
A Promise
"Fullmetal, you can keep the change for now, but I'll be getting it back for sure."
In one of Edward Elric's best quotes, Ed informed Mustang that he would pay him back his 520 cens only after Mustang becomes Fuhrer, Mustang was initially surprised that Ed knew about his plans. Still, he quickly took it in stride and informed Ed that he would be getting back that money someday.
It's a testament to Mustang's ambitions, but it's also a moment that showcases his trust in the Elrics. Instead of threatening him to ensure that Ed wouldn't tell anyone, Mustang extended some trust. It was a level of faith he displayed for a few people indeed, and it helped to make him feel more open and relatable to Ed.
For the Ones He Loves
"I've done it again. I've hurt you. How foolish can one man be?"
Mustang has always been a man who fights for his loved ones. But, after spending so long fighting for vengeance for Hughes, Mustang harmed Hawkeye in the process. The woman who'd been at his side for so long, and he found himself hurting her again while being consumed by hatred.
It's this realization — that he was once again becoming a monster — that managed to pull Mustang back from the brink. Not his desire to rule, nor his capacity for hate, but instead his love for those around him. It's the reason so many fans have grown attached to Mustang, and it's why he managed to find redemption after Ishval.
