Mitsuru Bandou, also known by the epithet Cyclops Hammer, is a supporting character in Air Gear. He is a Storm Rider who initially belongs to the team Behemoth before later founding his own team, DIG. Bandou possesses an unusual appearance, often described as cyclops-like, with short gray hair, gray eyes, and a large, muscular build that matches his nickname. His primary ability is his devastating punching power, which he combines with the speed of his Air Treks to deliver close‑combat attacks of extreme destructive force. This makes him a formidable opponent in direct physical confrontations. During the Behemoth versus Kogarasumaru challenge, Bandou faces Ikki Minami in a one‑on‑one battle. Although Bandou has far superior punching power, Ikki defeats him by exploiting a weakness: the heavy muscle mass on Bandou’s forearms slightly reduces the speed of his fingers, allowing Ikki to read and counter his moves in a game of rock‑paper‑scissors. This defeat marks a turning point in Bandou’s trajectory. Following the arrest of Akira, the leader of Behemoth, by the Wind SWAT team, Bandou shifts his focus from serving in a larger organization to building his own Storm Rider team. He establishes DIG, an A‑class team based in an abandoned sewer line, and seeks to carve out his own path in the world of Air Treks. His motivations appear rooted in a desire for independence and leadership after the dissolution of his former group. Bandou’s development reflects a transition from a loyal subordinate to a self‑directed team leader. In terms of abilities, his battle level is recorded as 78 during the Behemoth arc, highlighting his high combat proficiency. Beyond his raw strength, Bandou’s strategic thinking is evident in how he adapts to his new role, though his personality is not extensively explored beyond his blunt, action‑oriented demeanor. His key relationships include his rivalry with Ikki and his former allegiance to Akira, both of which shape his later decisions. Overall, Bandou serves as a notable physical threat and a figure of personal ambition within the Storm Rider community.