Dan "Danma" Kuso anchors the Bakugan franchise as its central protagonist. Hailing from Wardington, he initially lives with parents Miyoko and Shinjiro Kuso. At age 12, he co-creates Bakugan battling rules alongside childhood friend Shun Kazami, rapidly ascending from rank #117 to become Earth's top brawler within the first season. His journey centers on his partnership with the Pyrus Dragonoid Drago, who evolves through forms like Fusion Dragonoid, Helix Dragonoid, and Titanium Dragonoid. Early on, Dan exhibits impulsiveness and overconfidence, prioritizing victory regardless of consequences. This strains his bond with Drago, culminating in Dan discarding Drago into a river after a battle against Rikimaru banishes Bakugan to the Doom Dimension. Following a loss to Ryo, Dan reconciles with Drago and begins integrating strategy, enabling victories against higher-ranked opponents such as Chan Lee. His personality matures significantly; early tendencies toward frustration during waiting periods diminish by *Gundalian Invaders*, where he demonstrates patience and leadership during reconstruction. Romantic tension defines his interactions with Runo Misaki, marked by frequent arguments masking mutual affection. Their relationship progresses to dating by the first season's conclusion. Later connections include moving to Bayview in *Gundalian Invaders*, where Julie Makimoto becomes his neighbor and Jake Vallory joins as a friend. He maintains complex dynamics with antagonists like Masquerade and Spectra Phantom, often offering redemption opportunities to former enemies. His physical appearance evolves seasonally: - *Battle Brawlers*: Red overcoat, yellow sleeveless shirt, hexagonal goggles, red trousers with black stripes, blue-tongued sneakers. - *New Vestroia*: Gold-trimmed long-sleeved coat, light blue sleeveless shirt, white pants with grey pinstripes, black boots. - *Gundalian Invaders*: White-collared red jacket, elliptical goggles, dark trousers with red-outlined pockets; temporary Neathian knight armor with red/gold trim. - *Mechtanium Surge*: Red jacket with black collar and shoulder pads, jeans, black/red sneakers; athletic wear during training sequences. Key abilities encompass Bakugan brawling proficiency with fluctuating records (3 losses in *Battle Brawlers*, 3 in *New Vestroia*, 2 in *Gundalian Invaders*, 8 in *Mechtanium Surge*), psychic connections enabling telepathy with Spectra and clairvoyant visions of interplanetary conflicts, and a "Switch Code" bond with Drago facilitating Mechtogan summoning (Zenthon, Dragonoid Destroyer) that creates vulnerability to Mag Mel's mental influence. Significant narrative arcs include: - *Battle Brawlers*: Preventing Naga's conquest of Vestroia, discovering Masquerade's identity as Alice Gehabich, achieving #1 brawler status. - *New Vestroia*: Age 15, liberating New Vestroia from Vexos control, destroying Dimension Controllers and the Alternative Weapon System, temporarily wielding Apollonir. - *Gundalian Invaders*: Age 16, relocating to Bayview, defending Neathia against Gundalian forces, obtaining Dragonoid Colossus and Battle Gears like Silver Jetkor. - *Mechtanium Surge*: Ages 17-18, initially ranked #1 in Bakugan Interspace before disqualification, struggling with Mag Mel's psychic manipulation, temporarily partnering with Reptak, preventing apocalypses through time manipulation. His development culminates in recognition as a legendary hero across Earth, Vestal, Neathia, and Gundalia. Despite occasional regression into hypocrisy or recklessness – particularly during conflicts with teammates in *Mechtanium Surge* – Dan consistently demonstrates loyalty to allies and evolves into a strategic leader willing to sacrifice personal glory for the greater good.