TV-Series
Description
Bakunetsumaru, also known as the Blazing Samurai, is a warrior Gundam from the feudal land of Ark, a dimension populated by samurai-themed mechanical lifeforms. He stands at approximately 157.5 centimeters tall, making him notably taller than his teammates, and he is often seen with his loyal steed, a robotic horse named Entengo or Flame Sky Tiger. His design and fighting style draw inspiration from the Mobile Fighter G Gundam, particularly the Shining Gundam and God Gundam. Before the events of the story, Ark was torn apart by a civil war between the honorable Bururitenmaru, whom Bakunetsumaru serves as a retainer, and the treacherous Kibaomaru. During a battle, an accident involving a dimensional transport device operated by Neotopia's Super Dimensional Guard (SDG) sent Bakunetsumaru and his horse hurtling across dimensions to the peaceful metropolis of Neotopia.
Personality-wise, Bakunetsumaru is defined by his hot-blooded, straightforward, and fiercely loyal nature. He is a classic example of a proud warrior, often rushing headlong into battle with great enthusiasm. This eagerness to fight contrasts sharply with the more calm and gentlemanly demeanor of his teammate, Zero the Winged Knight, leading to frequent comedic arguments between the two. Despite his bravado, he has several endearing and humorous flaws, including a fear of heights and ghosts, and a tendency to wail loudly when separated from someone important or when faced with a solemn loss. He also has a deep fondness for rice balls, a common trait among Gundams from Ark. While he can be simple-minded and belligerent, his sense of honor is unwavering. He is deeply compassionate and carries the heavy weight of his homeland's suffering, feeling a constant urgency to return and help end the civil war.
His role in the story begins when his accidental arrival in Neotopia helps the SDG repel an attack by the Dark Axis forces. Initially, his sole desire is to find a way back to Ark, but after witnessing the bravery of Captain Gundam and the human boy Shute, he is inspired to join them in protecting their world as a member of the Gundam Force. He brings a samurai's code of honor and devastating close-combat skills to the team, acting as a powerful frontline fighter.
Bakunetsumaru has several key relationships that define his journey. His rivalry with Zero is a central dynamic, as their opposing personalities constantly clash, yet they develop a deep mutual respect and fellowship in battle. His relationship with his master, Bururitenmaru, is one of profound loyalty and a desire to prove his worth, especially after being falsely accused of cowardice when he failed to return to Ark. A significant figure from his past is Kujakumaru, a former friend and training partner. When Bakunetsumaru defeated Kujakumaru in a duel but spared his life out of respect, Kujakumaru perceived it as the ultimate insult, leading him to defect to Kibaomaru's side and rename himself Ashuramaru, becoming a bitter enemy.
Throughout the series, Bakunetsumaru undergoes significant development. His primary motivation evolves from a desperate need to return home to a broader understanding of his duty to protect not just Ark, but all worlds threatened by the Dark Axis. His character arc culminates in his return to Ark, where he must clear his name and earn back his master's trust. This leads to his most notable transformation: the ability to don the legendary Bakushin Armor, becoming Reinforced Sword Ram Bakushinmaru. This form is based on the God Gundam and greatly increases his power, healing his wounds and granting him devastating new attacks. However, the armor consumes a tremendous amount of mental energy, meaning he can only maintain the form for short periods, a limitation he strives to overcome through rigorous training.
In combat, Bakunetsumaru is a master of twin-sword fighting, wielding two katanas. One of these is a sacred sword given to him by his master and is considered one of the Five Sacred Swords of Ark. His signature technique is the Bakunetsu Tenkyoken, or Skylight Sword, where he unleashes a powerful flaming energy slash in the shape of an enormous X. As Bakushinmaru, he can perform even more powerful maneuvers, such as the Baku Kaitensho, an attack that explodes the armor's energy to incinerate everything in the surrounding area. In the video game SD Gundam Force Showdown, he can also access several other alternate forms, including Beast, Benkei, Kabuki, and Shinobi forms, each with unique weapons and abilities.
Personality-wise, Bakunetsumaru is defined by his hot-blooded, straightforward, and fiercely loyal nature. He is a classic example of a proud warrior, often rushing headlong into battle with great enthusiasm. This eagerness to fight contrasts sharply with the more calm and gentlemanly demeanor of his teammate, Zero the Winged Knight, leading to frequent comedic arguments between the two. Despite his bravado, he has several endearing and humorous flaws, including a fear of heights and ghosts, and a tendency to wail loudly when separated from someone important or when faced with a solemn loss. He also has a deep fondness for rice balls, a common trait among Gundams from Ark. While he can be simple-minded and belligerent, his sense of honor is unwavering. He is deeply compassionate and carries the heavy weight of his homeland's suffering, feeling a constant urgency to return and help end the civil war.
His role in the story begins when his accidental arrival in Neotopia helps the SDG repel an attack by the Dark Axis forces. Initially, his sole desire is to find a way back to Ark, but after witnessing the bravery of Captain Gundam and the human boy Shute, he is inspired to join them in protecting their world as a member of the Gundam Force. He brings a samurai's code of honor and devastating close-combat skills to the team, acting as a powerful frontline fighter.
Bakunetsumaru has several key relationships that define his journey. His rivalry with Zero is a central dynamic, as their opposing personalities constantly clash, yet they develop a deep mutual respect and fellowship in battle. His relationship with his master, Bururitenmaru, is one of profound loyalty and a desire to prove his worth, especially after being falsely accused of cowardice when he failed to return to Ark. A significant figure from his past is Kujakumaru, a former friend and training partner. When Bakunetsumaru defeated Kujakumaru in a duel but spared his life out of respect, Kujakumaru perceived it as the ultimate insult, leading him to defect to Kibaomaru's side and rename himself Ashuramaru, becoming a bitter enemy.
Throughout the series, Bakunetsumaru undergoes significant development. His primary motivation evolves from a desperate need to return home to a broader understanding of his duty to protect not just Ark, but all worlds threatened by the Dark Axis. His character arc culminates in his return to Ark, where he must clear his name and earn back his master's trust. This leads to his most notable transformation: the ability to don the legendary Bakushin Armor, becoming Reinforced Sword Ram Bakushinmaru. This form is based on the God Gundam and greatly increases his power, healing his wounds and granting him devastating new attacks. However, the armor consumes a tremendous amount of mental energy, meaning he can only maintain the form for short periods, a limitation he strives to overcome through rigorous training.
In combat, Bakunetsumaru is a master of twin-sword fighting, wielding two katanas. One of these is a sacred sword given to him by his master and is considered one of the Five Sacred Swords of Ark. His signature technique is the Bakunetsu Tenkyoken, or Skylight Sword, where he unleashes a powerful flaming energy slash in the shape of an enormous X. As Bakushinmaru, he can perform even more powerful maneuvers, such as the Baku Kaitensho, an attack that explodes the armor's energy to incinerate everything in the surrounding area. In the video game SD Gundam Force Showdown, he can also access several other alternate forms, including Beast, Benkei, Kabuki, and Shinobi forms, each with unique weapons and abilities.