The Dragon of Danielle Dolores Dixon, Bang is a dragon example of the phrase ‘Real Men Wear Pink’. Though initially made for comedic purposes, there is more to this masculine dragon than meets the eye.
Appearance
Bang is an eight foot, two inch ignis-drake, better known as a fire dragon. He resembles a combination of a T. Rex and a velociraptor, as well as some inspiration from Charizard of Pokemon fame.
However, what most will immediately notice about him is his striking pink scales, gained due to a genetic abnormality.
As a result of these pink scales, Bang has trained himself to be muscular and stronger than the average dragons, doing his best to show that despite the feminine color, he has a very masculine body underneath.
Despite his efforts, it is still possible to mistake him for female at a distance, leading to a bit of a shocker when he reveals his actual gender.
Backstory
Bred as an ignis-drake and trained to fight anything that threatens humans, Bang suffered a lot of initial ostracization and bullying due to being born with pink scales.
Ultimately learning to view the scales as a part of himself just as much as his fire, Bang resolved to not let the color of his scales define him, and after finding inspiration in the phrase ‘real men wear pink’, he became determined to prove himself capable despite how he looked, something that helped him bond with his rider, Danielle Dolores Dixon.
Together, the two intend to show that appearance isn’t what counts in a character. It’s not about the color of their scales or what handicaps they might have; what matters is the content of their character.
Abilities
- Control over Fire – as an ignis-drake, Bang has full control over all forms of fire and light.
- Boxing champion – his preferred fighting style involves a series of super fast jabs followed by a flame enshrouded right hook that he charges up before unleashing. He calls it his ‘Dragoon Punch’.
- Flight – through both his wings and the ability to shoot fire from his feet, Bang can soar through the skies like a jet engine.
- Strength – thanks to honing his physical abilities, Bang is actually stronger physically than even the likes of Blaze, who relies first and foremost on her fire over her strength.
Personality
Bang contrasts his rider in a lot of ways: where Dixon is loud, he can actually be rather quiet. Where she’s brash and aggressive, he’s patient and calm. And where Dixon will oftentimes try to use brutally pragmatic solutions to win a fight, Bang is far more honorable and wants things done by the book.
However, while he can be quiet when Dixon is speaking, if he wants to make a speech, it will be a very bombastic one, especially if the topic of his scales is brought up. For Bang refuses to hold anymore shame regarding his appearance, and has worked hard to make sure his body is nice to look at – at least for other dragons. As a result, he’s a bit of a flexer and can be mistaken for being vain or arrogant.
But once again, appearances can be decieving. As despite his love for flexing and showing off his strength, Bang is actually a very considerate and kind individual, who wears his emotions on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to say when he cares about someone or feels they deserve better.
He does desire to be seen as manly, but he is also willing to show that being a ‘man’ doesn’t just mean being tough or strong. It also means being capable of looking out for others like a father.
Stories Involving Him
- Of Scales and Fur – Shiva (Appeared near the end of the third act)
- Of Scales and Fur – Rocket (Made a brief appearance, but didn’t take part in the plot)
- Of Scales and Fur – Wing (Gets a speaking role introducing Wing to Fort Drake)
- Of Scales and Fur – Phoenix (Minor role)
- Of Scales and Fur – Jackknife (Cameos near the ending)
Trivia
- Bang’s affinity for flexing combined with his caring attitude are inspired by Alex Louis Armstrong from Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood. This keeps with Author King’s preferred voice actor for Bang, who would be Armstrong’s voice actor, Christopher Sabat.
- His pink scales and ‘Dragon Punch’ were also inspired by the pink alternate skin for Captain Falcon given in Super Smash Bros series, nicknamed Captain Fabulous by the fandom.
- His dynamic with his rider Dixon is also inspired by the dynamic of Banjo and Kazooie from the Banjo-Kazooie games, with Bang being similar to the more polite and upstanding Banjo, while Dixon is similar to the more brash and impertinent Kazooie.