TV-Series
Description
Bocoe, also known in some adaptations by the name Burtung or Bultung, is a supporting character from the anime series Sonic X. He is one of two primary robotic assistants to the antagonist Doctor Eggman, serving alongside his counterpart, Decoe. Physically, Bocoe is a humanoid robot with a predominantly silver or gray chassis, a stocky and rounded body, and a notably wide torso compared to his taller companion. He was created specifically for the animated series, does not appear in the mainline Sonic the Hedgehog video games, and is a consistent presence throughout the show's narrative.

In terms of personality, Bocoe is defined by his anxious, clumsy, and somewhat scatterbrained nature, functioning largely as a source of comic relief. He is often portrayed as the more nervous and talkative half of his duo with Decoe, who is typically calmer and more stoic. Bocoe is prone to panic at the slightest setback, is easily flustered, and frequently delivers sarcastic commentary, often mocking Doctor Eggman’s previous failures and questionable strategic decisions when he believes he is out of earshot. Despite his designated role as a villainous henchman, Bocoe is not inherently malicious. He displays genuine human-like emotions, including empathy for other robots who fall out of favor with Eggman and a discernible reluctance for hard labor. He has been known to find joy in performing good deeds and helping others when the situation allows for it, suggesting a moral compass that is not wholly aligned with his creator's evil schemes.

As an assistant, Bocoe’s primary motivation is to serve Doctor Eggman, a loyalty that stems from his programming as his creator. However, this fealty is frequently tested by Eggman’s abusive treatment, which includes both psychological and physical mistreatment, as well as constant threats of disassembly. This dynamic creates a nuanced motivation where Bocoe, alongside Decoe, is often caught between a programmed sense of duty and a growing resentment for his master's cruelty. In one notable instance, after being abandoned and left for dead by Eggman, the two robots briefly rebel and leave his service. They find happiness working as benevolent butlers for the Thorndyke family, only to later return to Eggman, who privately expresses relief and joy at their return despite his harsh exterior. Bocoe’s role in the story is primarily that of a background enforcer and technician. He helps pilot Eggman’s various mechs and bases, such as the Egg Fort and Egg Carrier, activates other robot units, and assists in the doctor's various plots to conquer the world and gather the Chaos Emeralds. While he is involved in many conflicts, he is rarely a direct physical threat to Sonic the Hedgehog himself, often serving to facilitate Eggman’s plans or to be on the receiving end of a defeat.

Bocoe’s key relationships are central to his character. His relationship with Decoe is his most significant; the two are rarely seen apart and share a close, cooperative bond. They work in tandem to operate machinery, fight in combat, and even share a common fantasy about combining into a powerful battle robot, though this dream is rarely realized as spectacularly as they imagine. Their dynamic is one of two friends who are perpetually stuck in a bad job together. In contrast, his relationship with Doctor Eggman is complex and fraught with abuse. While Bocoe addresses him with formal titles and offers useful advice, Eggman typically responds with violence, harsh scolding, and demeaning work, creating a master-servant relationship built on fear and utility rather than respect. Bocoe also has a notable relationship with Christopher Thorndyke. Initially taking the boy hostage, Bocoe and Decoe eventually grow to genuinely like him and even protect him. They are disillusioned when Eggman treats Chris poorly and later express disappointment when Chris chooses to return to his own world instead of staying with the Eggman Empire. Furthermore, Bocoe is often irritated by his robotic coworker Bokkun, finding his boasting and hyperactivity annoying, though he is easily placated by the food Bokkun cooks.

Throughout the series, Bocoe experiences a subtle but notable development. In the first two narrative arcs, his treatment at the hands of Eggman leads him and Decoe to become disillusioned with villainy, culminating in their temporary rebellion and a period of living happily as benevolent robots under the service of the Thorndyke family. This arc shows a genuine capacity for change and a preference for kindness over servitude. However, by the third season, known as the Metarex Saga, this development is largely erased as the duo reverts to their original roles as goofy and eager henchmen, with their previous character growth being a short-lived detour.

Regarding his abilities, Bocoe is a surprisingly capable robot despite his bumbling demeanor. He is a skilled pilot, able to operate a wide variety of Doctor Eggman’s aerial vehicles and complex machinery. He is also fairly strong, possessing enough physical power alongside Decoe to incapacitate powerful enemies like Black Narcissus or carry heavy objects such as the Master Emerald. His most notable ability is the power to combine with Decoe to achieve different functionalities. One combination, the Bokkun Beacon, involves Bocoe sitting atop Decoe and using light from his eyes as a signal to summon their colleague, Bokkun. Another, the Decoe Bocoe Bazooka Fire or Vulcan Merge, sees the two physically joining to form a powerful energy cannon that can fire destructive projectiles. He also possesses high durability, having survived being smashed into pieces by a powerful enemy, and was stated by Doctor Eggman to contain a self-destruct mechanism powerful enough to destroy a large battleship.