Android 17: A Key Character in the Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super Universes

Android 17 is one of the most significant characters in the Dragon Ball Z universe. Created by the evil scientist Dr. Gero, Android 17 is one of the main antagonists of the Android Saga and Cell Saga. However, unlike many of the other androids, Android 17’s character evolves throughout the series, and his role becomes much more complex as the story progresses.

In addition to his original appearance in Dragon Ball Z, Android 17 plays a significant role in the Dragon Ball Super series, making him a character whose importance extends beyond the classic Z timeline. His evolution, relationships with other characters, and the crucial decisions he makes showcase his development from antagonist to hero and beyond.

Android 17: Background and Creation

Android 17 is one of the androids created by Dr. Gero, a former scientist of the Red Ribbon Army, to destroy Goku. He was created alongside his twin sister Android 18 as part of Dr. Gero’s plan to take down the Z Fighters and ultimately destroy Goku, who had previously defeated the Red Ribbon Army in the original Dragon Ball series. Dr. Gero designed Android 17 with incredible power and durability, making him one of the most formidable opponents in the Dragon Ball Z saga.

Physical Appearance:

  • Android 17 has a youthful appearance with long, dark brown hair and a distinctive, calm expression. He wears a black shirt, a blue vest, and pants. His casual attire gives him a laid-back, carefree vibe, which contrasts with the stoic nature of other androids.
  • Unlike many of the androids, Android 17 doesn’t have noticeable mechanical parts visible on the outside. This makes him appear almost entirely human, adding to the complexity of his character and his disconnect with his origins as a bio-engineered weapon.

Android 17’s Personality

  • Calm and Stoic: Android 17 is often seen as a calm and composed individual, displaying a detached demeanor. Unlike Android 18, who is more emotionally expressive, Android 17 is more distant and appears to operate according to his own code of ethics.
  • A Sense of Free Will: Initially, Android 17 follows the orders of Dr. Gero and participates in the destruction of the Z Fighters. However, as time progresses, he demonstrates a sense of autonomy and free will, which sets him apart from the other androids. Unlike Android 16, who rejects violence, and Android 18, who becomes more empathetic, Android 17 maintains a detached, more self-interested attitude.
  • Self-Preservation: Android 17 shows little interest in the larger moral issues that the other characters might care about. He is primarily focused on his own survival and will align himself with whoever can help him achieve that. This self-preservation instinct is evident when he decides to abandon Dr. Gero's mission in order to pursue his own path.

Android 17’s Role in Dragon Ball Z

Android 17 first appears in the Android Saga, where he and Android 18 are unleashed by Dr. Gero to take down the Z Fighters, primarily Goku. Their purpose is to wreak havoc and ultimately assist in the creation of Cell, an android who will become one of the series' most dangerous villains.

1. Initial Conflict with the Z Fighters

  • Goku vs. Android 17: During their first encounter, Android 17 proves to be incredibly powerful, as he is able to hold his own against Goku and the other Z Fighters. Unlike many of the antagonists in the series, Android 17 does not have a particular vendetta against the Z Fighters but is simply following orders. His calm and collected demeanor during battle contrasts with the more impulsive personalities of the Z Fighters.
  • Destruction and Chaos: In the early stages of the saga, Android 17 and his sister Android 18 are relentless in their pursuit of Goku and the Z Fighters. They destroy cities and cause general havoc without any clear motive other than to carry out their creator’s wishes.

2. The Cell Saga

  • Cell’s Creation: Android 17 plays a major role in the creation of Cell, one of the most dangerous villains in Dragon Ball Z. Cell is a bio-engineered android who needs to absorb both Android 17 and Android 18 to reach his Perfect Form. Android 17 initially resists this, but eventually, he is absorbed by Cell, leading to Cell’s transformation into his most powerful form.
  • The Battle with Cell: After Cell absorbs Android 17, Goku and the Z Fighters must confront Cell in the Cell Games. Android 17's brief involvement in the fight with Cell before being absorbed is notable, as it’s clear that he doesn’t fully understand the gravity of the situation until it’s too late.

Android 17’s Evolution in Dragon Ball Super

While Android 17’s role in Dragon Ball Z is mainly as an antagonist, Dragon Ball Super takes his character in a new direction, providing him with significant development and redefining him as a hero.

1. Life After the Android Saga

  • After the events of Dragon Ball Z, Android 17 goes into hiding and tries to live a normal life. He settles down, works as a park ranger, and lives in a nature reserve, showing a drastic shift in his priorities compared to his earlier goals. This transformation in Android 17’s character is explored more deeply in Dragon Ball Super.
  • He becomes deeply invested in protecting the environment, showing his connection to nature, a trait hinted at in his earlier appearance, but explored much further in Dragon Ball Super.

2. Android 17 in the Tournament of Power

  • Dragon Ball Super brings Android 17 back in a major way during the Tournament of Power arc. Here, he is one of the key members of the Universe 7 team in the tournament, which involves several universes competing in a deadly battle royale to determine which universes will survive.
  • In the tournament, Android 17 displays incredible strength and strategic intelligence. His calm and calculating nature make him an essential asset to the team, as he outwits many of the other contestants and proves himself to be one of the strongest fighters.
  • The Hero of Universe 7: Android 17’s ultimate act of heroism occurs during the final moments of the Tournament of Power. He is the last remaining fighter from Universe 7, and he selflessly sacrifices his chance of winning the tournament in order to ensure the victory of his universe. His wish to bring back all the erased universes using the Super Dragon Balls shows his newfound selflessness and deep sense of morality.

3. Family and Reconciliation

  • In Dragon Ball Super, it is also revealed that Android 17 has a family and is living a relatively peaceful life. His relationship with his sister Android 18 has become more amicable, though they still have their differences. He continues to fight alongside Goku, Vegeta, and the other Z Fighters, but now with a more heroic and selfless mindset.

Significance of Android 17 in the Dragon Ball Universe

Android 17 is a prime example of how Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super transform their characters over time. While initially introduced as a villain in Dragon Ball Z, Android 17 evolves into one of the most heroic and powerful characters in the series. His journey from a ruthless android following Dr. Gero’s orders to a protector of nature and defender of his universe highlights his growth and development.

  • Strategic Fighter: In battle, Android 17 is a very strategic fighter, using his intelligence and calmness to outsmart stronger opponents. His role in the Tournament of Power and his final sacrifice solidified him as a hero in Dragon Ball Super.
  • Peaceful Warrior: His shift towards a peaceful lifestyle, working as a park ranger and living with a sense of responsibility, highlights a deeper side of him that was not fully explored in Dragon Ball Z.

Conclusion

Android 17 is one of the most complex and dynamic characters in the Dragon Ball franchise. From his introduction as a villain in Dragon Ball Z to his heroic transformation in Dragon Ball Super, Android 17 proves that even the most unlikely characters can evolve. His sense of justice, intellect, and compassion make him a standout figure in the universe of Dragon Ball, and his journey is a testament to the series’ ability to develop and transform its characters over time.