Android 17 and 18. Two names that have become legends in the Dragon Ball universe. No, they’re not your typical heroes. Heck, they weren’t even villains for too long. They started off as cold-hearted machines built to wipe out the Z Fighters, and yet somehow, they’ve ended up being some of the most memorable and—dare I say—complicated characters in the entire franchise.

In this post, I’m gonna take a deep dive into who Android 17 and Android 18 are, what they’re about, and how they’ve left a permanent mark on the world of Dragon Ball. Buckle up—this one’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

Android 17: The Unlikely Hero

Alright, let’s kick things off with Android 17, shall we? Created by the sinister Dr. Gero (seriously, the guy had zero chill), Android 17 wasn’t exactly the warm-and-fuzzy type when we first met him. When you’re designed to hunt down Goku and his friends, “kindness” doesn’t really fit into the equation. But something about 17 is… different.

A Cold Start

Born (well, created) as a part of Dr. Gero’s twisted plan to take down the Z Fighters, Android 17 wasn’t about to win any awards for Most Approachable. He was cold. Distant. The dude could’ve probably used a hug. But don’t let his icy exterior fool you. Like, don’t even think about it.

Android 17’s primary mission was to wreak havoc. He, alongside his sister (Android 18), was sent to destroy Earth’s greatest defenders. But here’s the kicker—Android 17 wasn’t really into following orders. Sure, he was still an android, but he wasn’t all about mindless destruction. His idea of fun? Escaping. Living free.

Powers That Make You Go “Whoa!”

Okay, let’s talk powers. You can’t just throw around the name Android 17 without mentioning his insane abilities.

• Superhuman Strength: 17’s strength is off-the-charts. Like, if he flexed in front of Goku during their fight in Dragon Ball Z, I wouldn’t be surprised if Goku just threw up his hands and said, “Alright, you win. I’m out.”
• Energy Barriers: Picture this—someone’s throwing a blast of energy straight at you, and you’ve got no choice but to block it. But Android 17? No sweat. He’s got an energy barrier that can hold back even some of the toughest attacks. Talk about security.
• Regeneration: This is where 17 gets really spooky. Any injury he takes, he can heal from it. It’s like he’s got a “don’t worry, I got this” attitude when it comes to getting hurt.
• Energy Absorption: This one’s a game-changer. Energy attacks don’t faze him. Instead, he absorbs them. Absorbs them, folks. So much for “you can’t defeat me.”

From Villain to… Hero?

Fast forward past three failed attempts to destroy Earth, and Android 17 undergoes the most unexpected glow-up in Dragon Ball history. By the time the Tournament of Power rolls around in Dragon Ball Super, 17’s transformation from cold-blooded villain to reluctant hero is in full swing.

I mean, here’s the kicker—he ends up being one of the final fighters standing at the end of the Tournament of Power. He doesn’t just survive. He wins. Android 17’s sacrifice to protect Universe 7’s team was one of the biggest “whoa” moments of the whole arc. We’re talking about the same android who tried to kill Goku in Dragon Ball Z. Growth? I’d say so.

Android 18: The Sassy Sister Who Stole Our Hearts

Now, let’s talk about Android 18—Android 17’s twin, and let’s face it, she’s a bit more of a… well, spicy character. But that’s what makes her so dang fun.

Her Origins: Same Old Story, But With a Twist

Like her brother, Android 18 was made by Dr. Gero to be a weapon. She’s got all the crazy powers that come with being an android—strength, speed, and a massive chip on her shoulder. I mean, this is the woman who, after all, straight-up kicked Krillin across the room when they first met.

But she wasn’t all bad. Nope, over time, Android 18 proves she’s more than just an emotionless killer. In fact, after being defeated by the Z Fighters, she goes from being a villain to becoming part of the crew. Fast forward, and she’s even married Krillin and has a daughter. A far cry from the machine that wanted to destroy Goku, huh?

Powers of Android 18: Stronger Than You Think

Let’s talk about why Android 18 is so wicked strong. Spoiler alert: She’s no slouch.

• Super Strength & Speed: Android 18’s strength and speed rival some of the best in Dragon Ball. You think she’s just some “sidekick”? Think again. She’s got the muscle to back it up.
• Energy Attacks: 18 is a powerhouse with energy blasts. Her Destructo Disc? A move she learned from Krillin? Yeah, that thing’s deadly.
• Regeneration: Like her brother, she can heal herself in battle, which makes her tough to defeat.
• Clever Combat Tactics: Android 18 doesn’t just fight on power alone—she’s clever. Her ability to outsmart opponents was one of the key reasons she survived as long as she did.

The Redemption Arc That We Didn’t Expect

Here’s where Android 18 really caught us by surprise. After being all “I’m gonna destroy everything” during the Androids Saga, she flips the script, becomes a Z Fighter, and actually helps save the day on multiple occasions.

Her relationship with Krillin (which, I mean, can we talk about how adorable that is?) is a huge turning point for her character. She’s no longer just some killer android—she’s a wife, a mother, and a protector. It’s wild, honestly. And guess what? She’s a dang good one.

Impact of Android 17 and 18 on Dragon Ball

Android 17 and 18 aren’t just some random characters thrown into the mix. These two played a huge role in shaping Dragon Ball into the franchise it is today. Their powers, personalities, and development over time changed the trajectory of the entire story. I mean, I can’t imagine Dragon Ball Z without them.

The Androids: Game Changers

When Android 17 and 18 first showed up, they didn’t just fight Goku—they shook the entire foundation of what we thought about villains in Dragon Ball. Up until then, most bad guys were either evil or misunderstood. But Androids 17 and 18? They were a different breed.

Not only were they incredibly powerful, but their lack of pure malice made them stand out. They were machines with feelings, with desires, with goals. They weren’t just villains—they were complicated characters.

The Z Fighters Get a Serious Upgrade

And, let’s be real, without Android 17 and 18, we probably wouldn’t have seen the Tournament of Power the way we did. Their presence in the tournament forced the Z Fighters to step up their game.

Honestly, if you’d asked me when I first saw Android 17 and 18 in Dragon Ball Z if they would end up saving the universe in Dragon Ball Super, I would’ve laughed in your face. But hey, look at them now.

Android 17: The Ultimate Protector

And this is where Android 17 shines. His transformation into the protector of Earth—responsible for safeguarding nature and preserving wildlife—was one of the most unexpected, yet satisfying developments in Dragon Ball Super. Talk about a hero’s journey.

Wrapping Up: Legacy and Future

So, what’s the legacy of Android 17 and Android 18? Honestly, it’s pretty massive. These two androids didn’t just show up to make the plot more interesting. They changed the course of the Dragon Ball universe. From their roles as antagonists to their heroic actions in Dragon Ball Super, they’ve made a permanent mark on the series.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: Android 17 and Android 18 prove that no one’s really just good or evil. People—and androids—can change. Even if you start as an emotionless machine programmed for destruction, you can still find a place to call home. And that’s a lesson that Dragon Ball has taught us over and over again.