In the sprawling universe of Dragon Ball Super, few characters have sparked as much intrigue as Toppo (also spelled “Top”) — a towering figure of justice, raw power, and unwavering moral code. Introduced during the Universe Survival Saga, Toppo is more than just muscle; he’s a symbol of absolute justice, discipline, and sacrifice. His journey from Pride Trooper leader to potential God of Destruction adds a compelling layer of depth to the Dragon Ball narrative.
In this article, we’ll explore Toppo’s background, abilities, transformation, and role in Dragon Ball Super, as well as his significance in the broader Dragon Ball multiverse.
Who is Toppo?
Toppo is a key warrior from Universe 11, a universe renowned for its strength and order, especially thanks to the Pride Troopers, a team of elite fighters dedicated to justice. Toppo serves as their commanding officer, second only to Jiren in raw power, and is known for his booming voice, stoic demeanor, and devotion to righteousness.
He was introduced in the Universal Survival Arc as a representative of Universe 11 in the Tournament of Power, a battle royale-style event where the existence of entire universes was on the line.
Toppo’s Core Philosophy: Absolute Justice
What sets Toppo apart from many other fighters is his ideological backbone. Toppo isn’t a warrior for personal gain, vengeance, or power. He fights solely in the name of justice. This unwavering commitment makes him a foil to many other characters in the series — particularly to Vegeta, who fights with pride and emotion, often walking a gray moral line.
Toppo’s repeated declarations of “Justice!” and his dramatic poses with the Pride Troopers often walk a line between inspiring and comedic, but his sincerity is never in question.
Powers and Abilities
Toppo is one of the most powerful mortals in Dragon Ball Super. His abilities include:
Superhuman Strength and Speed
As a Pride Trooper, Toppo is already leagues above normal fighters. He is fast, agile, and capable of overwhelming even strong opponents like Goku and Android 17.
Energy Projection
Toppo can unleash large-scale energy blasts, energy balls, and barriers. He often uses these in conjunction with team-based attacks during Pride Trooper missions.
God of Destruction Mode
Toppo’s most fearsome transformation is his God of Destruction Mode, activated during the Tournament of Power. In this form, he taps into Hakai energy, the same destructive energy used by actual Gods of Destruction like Beerus.
When Toppo sheds his ideals of justice and fully embraces destruction, he becomes a true force of nature, capable of erasing nearly anything from existence.
Toppo’s God of Destruction Transformation
Toppo’s transformation into a God of Destruction candidate was one of the most shocking and pivotal moments in Dragon Ball Super. During his battle against Frieza and Android 17, Toppo realizes that clinging to justice will only lead to failure. In a dramatic moment, he abandons his moral code, embraces destruction, and transforms.
It’s a symbolic shift — Toppo chooses survival and power over his ideals. It marks one of the rare times in the series when a character willingly discards their core beliefs for the sake of victory.
Toppo vs Vegeta: Ideals Collide
One of the most talked-about fights in the Tournament of Power is Toppo vs Vegeta. Not only was it a visually stunning battle, but it also carried deep thematic weight.
Toppo had cast aside his ideals to gain destructive power, while Vegeta, in contrast, refused to abandon his pride, family, or beliefs. Despite being overpowered, Vegeta pushes himself beyond his limits and lands a Final Explosion, eliminating Toppo from the tournament.
This battle beautifully encapsulated one of Dragon Ball’s key themes: that personal growth, belief in oneself, and emotional connection can overcome brute strength and nihilism.
Toppo’s Role in the Pride Troopers
Outside of the Tournament of Power, Toppo is a pillar of the Pride Troopers — Universe 11’s elite defense force.
He trains and commands younger warriors, including Dyspo and other members. His leadership is based on discipline, teamwork, and moral integrity.
The Pride Troopers themselves are inspired by Japanese superhero teams like the Super Sentai (the basis for Power Rangers), with choreographed poses, teamwork-based attacks, and a strong focus on community protection.
Toppo’s Potential as a Future God of Destruction
Toppo isn’t just strong — he’s officially recognized as a God of Destruction candidate. This role is not handed out lightly. Candidates are chosen for their power, balance of judgment, and willingness to destroy when necessary.
Key traits that make Toppo a good candidate:
It’s unclear whether Toppo will fully embrace this role in the future, but the potential is certainly there.
Toppo in Dragon Ball Super: Manga vs Anime
There are some subtle differences between Toppo’s appearances in the anime and the manga:
In the anime, his transformation is more dramatic, with more screen time and emotional buildup.
In the manga, his battle is more tactical and focused, with less emphasis on spectacle.
However, in both versions, Toppo is a major force and represents the ultimate evolution of a justice warrior facing the brutal truth of survival.
Toppo in Dragon Ball Games
Toppo has also made appearances in several Dragon Ball video games, such as:
In these games, players can harness his God of Destruction form and use Hakai-based techniques, showcasing his destructive power firsthand.
Fan Reception
Toppo has become a fan-favorite for many reasons:
His unique design and personality.His dramatic arc from hero to destroyer.His epic battles, especially against Frieza and Vegeta.
That said, some fans also found his justice speeches a bit over-the-top, especially early on in the Tournament of Power. But by the end of his arc, Toppo gained respect as a complex, evolving character.
Legacy and Future
While Toppo’s ultimate fate after the Tournament of Power is not deeply explored in the anime, he remains alive and active in Universe 11. He likely continues serving as a leader in the Pride Troopers and may eventually rise to the role of full God of Destruction, especially if Belmod steps down.
There is also potential for him to return in future Dragon Ball arcs, possibly as an ally or even as a rival god.
Final Thoughts
Toppo is one of Dragon Ball Super’s most layered characters. What began as a justice-obsessed trope evolved into a narrative about ideals, sacrifice, and the cost of power. Whether or not he becomes a full-fledged God of Destruction, Toppo’s journey from a leader of the Pride Troopers to a near-unstoppable force in the Tournament of Power cements him as a pivotal character in the Dragon Ball multiverse.