Android 17 and 18, the formidable android siblings from the Dragon Ball universe, are instantly recognizable for their power and complex personalities. While they're known by their numerical designations, many fans wonder about their original identities before Dr. Gero's modifications. This article delves into their backstory, exploring their real names and the significance of their transformations.
What are Android 17 and 18's real names?
This is where things get interesting. Officially, Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, never explicitly revealed the real names of Androids 17 and 18 before their transformation. While fan theories and speculation abound, no concrete evidence exists within the canon material to confirm any particular names. This deliberate omission adds to their mysterious aura and allows fans to engage in creative interpretations.
The lack of revealed names contributes to their characterization. They are ultimately defined by their experiences as androids, not by their past identities. Their human past, albeit brief in the series, is a powerful and driving element in the development of their characters.
Were Android 17 and 18 human before becoming androids?
Yes, Android 17 and 18 were indeed human before Dr. Gero converted them into powerful cyborgs. Dr. Gero abducted them as children and subjected them to extensive cybernetic augmentation, enhancing their physical capabilities far beyond human limits. This transformation stripped them of their former lives and personalities, albeit only temporarily for Android 17.
How did Android 17 and 18's past influence their present?
While their pre-android lives remain largely a mystery, the lingering impact on their present-day personas is significant. Android 17, in particular, demonstrates a capacity for empathy and even kindness, arguably a remnant of his earlier human experience. This contrasts sharply with his initial programming as a ruthless killing machine. Android 18, while initially more cold and calculating, shows a similar capacity for evolving beyond her created purpose. She develops a bond with Krillin and becomes a caring mother, highlighting a capacity for human connection not fully expected within the context of a ruthless android.
Did they have families before becoming androids?
This detail is not directly addressed in the original manga or anime. The mystery surrounding their past, including their families and early lives, adds to their mystique and allows fans to imagine various possibilities, fueling further speculation and discussion.
Why didn't Toriyama reveal their original names?
The mystery surrounding Android 17 and 18's original identities is a deliberate choice by Akira Toriyama. It allows him to focus on their development as androids, emphasizing their transformation and the impact of their cybernetic modifications. The absence of revealed names heightens the sense of their enigmatic nature, emphasizing the power of their new identities.
In conclusion, while the precise real names of Androids 17 and 18 remain shrouded in mystery, their transformation from human children to powerful androids profoundly shapes their characters and continues to fuel discussion and speculation among fans of the Dragon Ball franchise. The lack of revealed names only enhances the mystique and enduring appeal of these iconic characters.
