In the vast multiverse of the Dragon Ball franchise, few characters embody the conflict between absolute justice and the pursuit of raw power as poignantly as Toppo. Serving as the leader of the Pride Troopers from Universe 11, Toppo is not merely a formidable martial artist but a candidate for the position of Destroyer. His presence in the series introduces a complex look at the moral weight of leadership and the sacrifices required to protect one’s universe.
Origins and Role in Universe 11
Toppo originates from Universe 11, a realm defined by its commitment to peace and order. Unlike many other universes where power is used for conquest or personal gain, Toppo utilizes his vast strength to lead the Pride Troopers, a superhero-esque task force dedicated to fighting evil. While he is the leader of this group, he is notably the second strongest mortal in his universe, standing just behind the legendary Jiren.
Beyond his role as a peacekeeper, Toppo holds the prestigious status of being a God of Destruction candidate. Mentored by the Angel Marcarita and the current Destroyer Belmod, Toppo represents the bridge between mortal heroism and divine authority.
Appearance and Character Design
Toppo’s design is a departure from the traditional humanoid aesthetics often seen in the series. He is a massive, barrel-chested alien with tan skin, a prominent white mustache, and large, gloved hands. His physique emphasizes raw grappling strength rather than the lean builds typical of Saiyans.
Throughout most of his appearances, he wears the standard red and black uniform of the Pride Troopers. However, when he sheds his commitment to “Justice” and embraces his Destroyer powers, his appearance undergoes a dramatic shift. His muscles expand, his skin darkens, and the “Pride” symbol on his chest disappears, replaced by the sigil of a Destroyer on his abdomen, surrounded by a menacing purple aura of Hakai energy.
Character Traits and Philosophy
Toppo is defined by his unwavering—and at times fanatical—devotion to justice. He often punctuates his attacks with the word “Justice” and views himself as a righteous guardian. However, this moral rigidity is tested during the Tournament of Power. When the survival of his universe is at stake, Toppo undergoes a profound psychological shift, deciding that justice is a luxury he can no longer afford. This transition from a hero of the people to a cold, nihilistic force of destruction serves as one of the most significant character studies in the Dragon Ball Super series.
Signature Techniques and Combat Style
Toppo’s fighting style is primarily based on submission grappling and powerful energy blasts. His techniques are both versatile and devastating:
- Justice Flash: A rapid-fire barrage of ki blasts launched from his fingertips.
- Justice Rear Naked Choke: A powerful grappling move used to restrain and incapacitate opponents, famously used against Goku.
- Justice Tornado: A high-speed spinning move that creates a vortex to disorient enemies.
- Hakai (Destruction): In his Destroyer form, Toppo gains access to the power of destruction, allowing him to erase matter, energy, and even the stage of the Tournament of Power itself.
- Sphere of Destruction: A massive orb of Hakai energy capable of obliterating anything in its path.
Major Arcs and Growth
Toppo first appears during the Zen-Oh Exhibition Match, where he challenges Son Goku after witnessing the Saiyan’s battle with Bergamo. This encounter establishes the rivalry between Universe 7 and Universe 11, with Toppo viewing Goku as a villain for endangering the multiverse.
During the Tournament of Power, Toppo serves as the tactical anchor for Universe 11. His most pivotal moment occurs during his battle with Android 17 and Frieza. Pushed to his absolute limit and disgusted by Frieza’s taunts, Toppo casts aside his ideals of justice to tap into his Destroyer energy. This transformation makes him nearly invincible until he is eventually confronted and defeated by Vegeta, who chooses to protect his own bonds rather than casting them aside as Toppo did.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Toppo has become a fan favorite for his unique design and the philosophical questions he raises. He serves as a foil to both Goku and Vegeta; while Goku fights for the thrill of the challenge and Vegeta fights for his family, Toppo’s struggle highlights the dangers of losing one’s identity in the pursuit of duty. His inclusion in video games like Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO ensures that his “Justice” continues to resonate with the global fanbase.
Want to see how Toppo stacks up against the rest of the multiverse? Explore our comprehensive Dragon Ball Character Roster to compare his power levels with other legendary warriors!