Banga: The Stern and Compassionate Mother from Dandadan

Banga is a pivotal character in the Dandadan manga series, known for her complex and multifaceted nature. As the adoptive mother of Bamora, she plays a crucial role in both the development of her daughter and the broader narrative of the Sumerian people’s struggle against the Kur. This article delves into Banga’s appearance, personality, background, and key moments from the series, all while exploring how she fits into the broader Dandadan storyline.

Appearance of Banga

Banga is a distinctive Sumerian woman with a strong, sturdy build. Her hairstyle is reminiscent of a traditional shimada, a crown braid that gives her a dignified and commanding appearance. She also possesses the characteristic antennas of her Sumerian heritage. Adding to her rugged look are two sharp lines on the left side of her face, which could be either scars or cultural markings, adding to her battle-hardened persona. Her attire usually consists of a dark long-sleeve crop top sweater, combined with a combat suit, reflecting her transition from a peaceful cook to a warrior.

Personality of Banga: Stern Yet Maternal

Banga is often perceived as a stern and skeptical figure, shaped by her traumatic experiences. Before the invasion of Sumer, she was a cook in a royal palace, where she took pride in preparing food that pleased guests. However, the invasion of her home planet by the Kur forced her into a harsh reality. Over time, Banga’s faith in her race and their reliance on their god eroded, making her question the beliefs that once guided her people.

Her disillusionment with her people’s naive faith is evident in her views on the Sumerian god, whom she sees as a failed protector. Despite this, Banga is not entirely devoid of faith and occasionally finds herself praying to the god out of habit. Her disdain for men, whom she views as cowards in times of crisis, reflects her bitter outlook on the collapse of Sumerian society.

Banga’s Compassion: A Mother’s Love for Bamora

Despite her hardened exterior, Banga’s relationship with Bamora reveals a more tender side. Initially, she rescued Bamora from a battlefield, seeing the child as an innocent survivor amidst the chaos. Banga did not willingly assume the role of a mother, resisting the idea, but over time, Bamora came to view her as a maternal figure. Banga taught Bamora the ways of survival, imparting wisdom, strength, and a level of toughness that would help Bamora navigate the dangerous world she now found herself in.

The bond between Banga and Bamora becomes central to Banga’s arc, especially during the invasion of Sumer. While Banga continues to struggle with her sense of self-preservation, she repeatedly demonstrates her love for Bamora. Her decision to push Bamora through the Sumerian pyramid gate, ensuring her escape to Earth, is a testament to her deep affection for her daughter. This emotional sacrifice, though painful for both of them, marks the culmination of Banga’s transformation from a cynical survivor to a selfless mother.

Background: From Cook to Resistance Fighter

Banga’s Past: A Cook with a Quiet Pride

Before the Kur invasion, Banga led a relatively peaceful life as a cook in a royal palace. There, she honed her culinary skills and took pride in the meals she prepared. She also learned about the Sumerian myth of the second homeland, Idea, and the supposed means of travel to this new world. These early experiences gave her a unique perspective on Sumerian society, one that would later inform her decisions as the war with the Kur unfolded.

The Invasion of Sumer and Banga’s Role in the Resistance

When the Kur invaded Sumer, Banga joined an all-female resistance group. Her allies, Tome and Aja, became her closest companions during this tumultuous period. As the war raged on, Banga’s disillusionment with her people’s leadership grew, and she became a vocal critic of their reliance on divine protection. Nonetheless, she continued to fight, eventually rescuing Bamora from the battlefield and taking the child under her wing.

As the war escalated, Banga’s leadership and tactical skills were put to the test. She remained resolute in her mission to survive, prioritizing her own survival and that of her companions, even if it meant making difficult decisions, such as leaving others behind to die. Her experience on the battlefield hardened her resolve, though it also deepened her bond with Bamora, whom she came to regard as the future of their people.

Banga’s Sacrifice: A Mother’s Final Act

As the Kur closed in on the last remnants of the Sumerian resistance, Banga made a selfless choice. She activated the Sumerian pyramid’s warp gate to transport Bamora to Earth, ensuring her daughter’s survival. The emotional weight of this moment was immense, as Banga had to say goodbye to the daughter she had come to love as her own. Before sending Bamora through the gate, Banga entrusted her with the God of Sumer exosuit, symbolizing the hope for the future of the Sumerian people.

Banga’s final words to Bamora reflect her deep maternal love and her hope for the continuation of their bloodline on Earth. Though she remained behind to face the inevitable clash with the Kur, her legacy lived on through Bamora, who would go on to fulfill her mother’s wishes.

Banga’s Equipment: Tools of Survival and Combat

Banga was well-equipped for her role as a fighter in the resistance. She wielded a standard Sumerian rifle, which she could use with incredible precision, even wielding two rifles at once. Additionally, she wore standard Sumerian armor, offering her both protection and mobility on the battlefield. For close combat, Banga also carried Sumerian batons, a versatile weapon she used in various skirmishes.

The most significant piece of equipment in Banga’s arsenal, however, was the God of Sumer exosuit. This powerful suit, designed in the likeness of the Sumerian god, granted her immense strength and durability. Banga used the suit to defend Bamora and rally the Sumerian men to rebel against the Kur, ultimately sacrificing herself to ensure her daughter’s escape.

Conclusion: Banga’s Legacy

Banga’s journey from a skeptic cook to a heroic mother and resistance leader is one of emotional depth and sacrifice. Her actions, especially her devotion to Bamora and the Sumerian people, demonstrate her complex character. While she may have questioned her race’s beliefs and struggled with her own identity, Banga never wavered in her love for Bamora. This love drove her to make the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that the last surviving Sumerian child would live to see a future on Earth.

Banga’s legacy is one of strength, love, and selflessness, and it will continue to resonate through the generations, especially through Bamora, the daughter she cherished until the very end.