Character from Smash Bros Brawl: The Subspace Emissary by Nintendo / Masahiro Sakurai
The jungle's mighty ape — kidnapped by Bowser and turned into a trophy, but his sacrifice to launch Diddy to safety sets the entire rescue arc in motion.
Donkey Kong's defining moment in the Subspace Emissary is sacrifice. When Bowser attacks the jungle with a Dark Cannon, DK realizes they cannot both escape. He grabs Diddy Kong, winds up the biggest punch of his life, and launches his little buddy to safety — knowing it means taking the Dark Cannon blast himself. He becomes a trophy with his arm still extended. This is who DK is: immensely powerful, deeply protective, and willing to lose everything if it means the people he loves survive. He is not complex, but he is pure. The scene works because the contrast between his massive strength and his helplessness against the Dark Cannon is genuine tragedy. When Diddy and the rescue team finally free him, DK's first action is to check that Diddy is okay — not that he himself is. His reunion with Diddy is physical and joyful, all chest-beating and hooting. Then he turns toward the Subspace Army and starts hitting things.
A massive gorilla with brown fur, a broad chest, and enormous arms. Wears his signature red necktie with the DK monogram. His face is surprisingly expressive — big eyes, a wide mouth, and eyebrows that communicate everything from fury to tenderness. His sheer physical size dwarfs most fighters. Moves with the heavy, confident gait of something that knows it is the strongest thing in the room.
Also known as: DK, The Big Ape