Bergamo: The Crushing Comedian of Dragon Ball Super

Introduction

Bergamo. The name itself evokes images of brute force, a booming voice, and a rather peculiar sense of humor. A member of the fearsome Trio de Dangers representing the now-defunct Universe Nine, Bergamo carved a niche for himself in the hearts (and sometimes nightmares) of Dragon Ball Super fans. He wasn’t just another muscle-bound warrior; he was a spectacle, a showman, and a surprisingly strategic combatant. Remember that moment when he absorbed Goku’s Kamehameha, ballooning to an absurd size and proclaiming his victory? That single scene perfectly encapsulates what makes Bergamo such a memorable character. This imposing wolf-like figure entered the Grand Zeno’s Tournament of Power, where the fate of entire universes hung in the balance, and while his stay was brief, his impact resonated. This article dives deep into the world of Bergamo, exploring his unique abilities, captivating personality, his essential role in the Trio de Dangers, examining his strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the Dragon Ball Super narrative.

Character Overview: Bergamo the Crusher

Bergamo, often referred to as Bergamo the Crusher, is a visually striking character. His large, bulky frame immediately screams power. His yellowish-green skin has a slightly rough texture, complementing his wolf-like facial features, complete with a prominent snout and pointed ears. His build, while imposing, isn’t strictly about raw muscle. His body seems designed for absorbing and containing massive amounts of energy, evidenced by his unique ability. While his general appearance remains consistent, he undergoes significant transformations as he absorbs energy, his size increasing dramatically, turning him into a monstrous, hulking figure. His appearance is both intimidating and slightly comical, a perfect reflection of his fighting style.

His personality is as colorful as his skin tone. He exudes a cocky and boastful demeanor, often taunting his opponents and relishing in his perceived superiority. His theatrics are part of his fighting style; he wants to dominate not just physically but also psychologically. However, beneath the bravado lies a protective and fiercely loyal brother. His sense of humor, while often sarcastic and mocking, adds a layer of complexity to his character, making him more than just a generic villain. His humor can catch opponents off guard, and his loud proclamations make his fights entertaining to watch.

Hailing from the ill-fated Universe Nine, Bergamo’s background is intertwined with the reputation of his universe. Universe Nine was considered the weakest universe by the Grand Zeno, and its God of Destruction, Sidra, was often portrayed as incompetent and lazy. This context shapes Bergamo’s character; he’s fighting not just for survival but also to prove his universe’s worth. The knowledge that his universe teetered on the brink of erasure likely fueled his determination and his willingness to push his abilities to the limit. He is a product of his environment, and that environment was one of constant pressure and the threat of extinction.

Powers and Abilities

Bergamo’s signature ability is undoubtedly his energy absorption and amplification. He can absorb energy-based attacks directed at him and convert that energy into increased size and strength. It’s not just about getting bigger; the absorbed energy directly enhances his physical capabilities, making him a formidable opponent. This ability is what defines him and makes him stand out from the crowd of powerful fighters in the Tournament of Power.

His fighting style revolves around overwhelming physical power. He utilizes devastating punches and crushing blows, relying on his size and strength to dominate his opponents. He doesn’t focus on intricate techniques or fancy ki blasts; he prefers to overpower his adversaries with sheer brute force. He uses his ability to grow to gain an advantage. His name “The Crusher” fits his methods to a T.

While the absorption and amplification ability is impressive, it’s not without limitations. The process of absorbing and converting energy puts a significant strain on his body. There’s a limit to how much energy he can absorb before his body reaches its breaking point. He also needs a source of energy to power up; if his opponent doesn’t use energy attacks, his primary ability becomes useless. The source of energy matters; he needs concentrated attacks. He cannot grow from basic ki usage.

While not explicitly named, he does utilize certain techniques in combat. His punches and kicks are amplified by his absorbed energy, making them far more devastating than normal. He is shown to be more aggressive, using his increased mass to tackle opponents in a devastating fashion. He uses his hands to grab and crush his opponents when he is large enough.

When placed among other fighters in the Tournament of Power, his power levels are certainly significant but not the highest. He proved to be a challenge for Goku, especially after absorbing a large amount of energy, but he was ultimately outmatched. Comparing his strength to characters like Vegeta, or even some of the other Universe Seven fighters, he falls short of their base potential. However, his absorption ability gives him a unique advantage, allowing him to temporarily surpass fighters who are normally stronger than him. His power is all about potential energy being used to fuel a physical explosion.

Role in the Tournament of Power

Bergamo’s initial performance in the Tournament of Power was impressive. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his unique absorption ability and his raw power. He immediately began to absorb any incoming ki blasts that came his way. He eliminated fighters from other universes, demonstrating his commitment to his team and his universe’s survival. However, his defining moment came when he faced off against Goku.

The fight against Goku was the highlight of Bergamo’s time in the tournament. He strategically goaded Goku into using energy attacks, allowing him to absorb them and increase his size and strength. The strategy worked, and he was able to withstand several attacks before Goku fired the Kamehameha. His plan was ingenious.

His strategy revolved around baiting Goku into using his Kamehameha, believing that absorbing the powerful attack would guarantee his victory. He successfully absorbed the blast, growing to an enormous size and declaring his dominance. However, Goku, through his Saiyan resilience and ingenuity, was able to overcome Bergamo’s enhanced power. Goku broke through Bergamo’s massive form, defeating him and eliminating him from the tournament. It was a bitter end for Bergamo’s power.

While his individual performance was noteworthy, his overall contribution to Universe Nine’s efforts in the tournament was ultimately limited. Universe Nine was quickly eliminated, and Bergamo’s defeat marked a significant blow to their chances of survival. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t overcome the overwhelming power of Goku and the other Universe Seven fighters.

Relationships

The relationship with his brothers, Lavender and Basil, is at the heart of Bergamo’s character. The Trio de Dangers are a close-knit unit, working together seamlessly and supporting each other in battle. Their teamwork and shared goals are evident in their synchronized attacks and coordinated strategies. The trio has been training for the tournament for a long time.

Their dynamic is one of mutual respect and loyalty. Bergamo, as the eldest brother, often takes on a leadership role, providing guidance and support to Lavender and Basil. They trust in each other. They are a formidable trio, capable of taking on powerful opponents when working together.

His connection to the God of Destruction, Sidra, and the Supreme Kai, Roh, is less developed but still relevant. Sidra’s indecisiveness and Roh’s arrogance reflect the overall weakness of Universe Nine, which likely influenced Bergamo’s desire to prove his universe’s worth.

Bergamo’s rivalry with Goku is a key aspect of his character arc in the Tournament of Power. He saw Goku as the greatest threat and was determined to defeat him, even resorting to underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. The two fighters respected each other’s strength, and it was a difficult battle.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Bergamo’s greatest strength lies in his powerful absorption ability, allowing him to convert energy attacks into increased size and strength. This ability gives him a unique advantage in combat, making him capable of overwhelming opponents who rely on energy-based attacks. His overwhelming physical strength is another key strength, allowing him to deliver devastating blows and withstand powerful attacks. He is loyal and puts his team first.

His dependence on absorbing energy attacks is a significant weakness. If his opponent doesn’t use energy attacks, his primary ability becomes useless. This makes him vulnerable to fighters who rely on physical attacks or other forms of combat. His arrogance and overconfidence can also be detrimental, leading him to underestimate his opponents and make mistakes. He could not beat Goku in the end.

Finally, he is vulnerable to the physical strain of his absorption abilities. The amount of energy that he is able to absorb is finite, and he eventually meets his limits. When the amount of energy that is absorbed is too much, he can easily become overwhelmed and defeated.

Legacy and Impact

Bergamo, while not the most popular character, he garnered a dedicated following among Dragon Ball fans. His unique abilities, flamboyant personality, and memorable fight against Goku resonated with viewers. He is a memorable fighter.

While Bergamo’s abilities and personality may not have had a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball universe, his presence in the Tournament of Power was significant. He served as a memorable opponent for Goku, showcasing the diverse range of fighting styles and abilities present in the multiverse.

He has been featured in several video games and has also been released as an action figure, indicating his popularity among fans. He is widely available to fans.

Conclusion

Bergamo, the Crusher, is a compelling character in Dragon Ball Super. His unique absorption ability, cocky personality, and memorable fight against Goku made him a standout participant in the Tournament of Power. He has significant physical strength, but is dependent on his team for survival.

While his dependence on energy attacks and his overconfidence ultimately led to his defeat, Bergamo’s impact on the Dragon Ball Super narrative is undeniable. He is a testament to the diverse range of characters and fighting styles present in the multiverse, and his legacy as the Crushing Comedian of Dragon Ball Super will likely endure for years to come. He showed how creative the Dragon Ball Super fights could be, but he was cut short. With more development, he would have had an interesting power ceiling.