TV-Series
Description
Drum Bunker Dragon, whose full name is Fang Slade Terrestrial XIV, is a dragon from Dragon World and the son of the chief of the Drum Clan. He is the first and primary buddy monster of the fighter Gao Mikado. Initially sent to Earth by his father to find a suitable and unconventional partner, Drum’s early interactions with Gao are marked by conflict. He is introduced as hotheaded, stubborn, reckless, and somewhat selfish, having difficulty adjusting to the human world and refusing to fully acknowledge Gao as his partner. This rocky beginning leads to frequent bickering over trivial matters, such as a fondness for pudding, and Drum initially refuses to let Gao use their buddy skill.

A core part of Drum’s personality is his deep-seated insecurity about living up to the legacy of his father, an accomplished warrior and chief. This inferiority complex drives him to constantly seek ways to prove his own worth. The feeling of not contributing enough during the ABC Cup tournament pushes him to leave Gao and undergo rigorous training across multiple worlds. This journey of self-improvement is a turning point, as he slowly matures and becomes more selfless. Upon returning, he grows fiercely loyal to Gao, supporting him even when the public turns against his partner, and finally comes to consider him a true buddy.

Throughout the story, Drum’s role evolves from a reluctant partner to a crucial protector. He temporarily ascends to the position of the Fifth Omni Dragon Lord, a powerful entity tasked with confronting the world-ending threat known as Yamigedo. This role requires him to earn the respect of the skeptical Fifth Omni Cavalry Dragons and demonstrate the selfless intent necessary for the title, which he eventually relinquishes after the crisis is resolved. After his time as an Omni Lord, he returns to Dragon World to succeed his father as the new chief of the Drum Clan. Despite these duties, he maintains his bond with Gao and reunites with him for tournaments like the GGG Cup.

Key relationships define his journey. His bond with Gao is the most significant, transforming from antagonistic bickering into unwavering mutual trust and loyalty. The complex dynamic with his father shifts from trying to escape his shadow to earning his respect, culminating in a battle where Drum evolves into Super Armordragon, Drum Breaker Dragon. He also forms important alliances with other characters, such as Qinus Axia, and learns to work as part of a team during his dimensional training.

Drum’s development is reflected in his abilities and appearance. He starts with a standard red Armordragon form, including golden armor, a ruby-inlaid cuirass, a tattered red cape, and a three-clawed wrist plate. His training allows him to unlock new forms associated with different worlds, such as a Brave Drum form for Dungeon World and a Dragowizard Magician Drum form for Magic World. A particularly notable ability is his sun-themed hoverboard buddy skill, which is activated during a life-threatening fall when he and Gao fully trust one another. Later, as the Fifth Omni Dragon Lord, his appearance becomes a ronin-themed armor wielding a large katana. In the second season, he also gains a Hero World-influenced form with blue and white armor for duties with the Buddy Police. His signature weapon, the Salamander Engine composed of multiple drills, is a family heirloom. Ultimately, his greatest ability is his resilience and capacity for growth, as he continually overcomes his self-doubt to become a stronger fighter and a more reliable leader.