Weekly ☆ Character Showcase #40: Android 16!
The Weekly ☆ Character Showcase is an article series where we introduce one character from the Dragon Ball universe each week.
This week, we're taking a look at Dragon Ball's robotic warrior with a heart of gold, Android 16!
Android 16 is a completely mechanical-type Android built by Dr. Gero with the prime directive of eliminating Goku. However, regardless of the malicious intent behind his creation, 16 is in reality a gentle and kind-hearted being who cares deeply for animals and nature.
He was activated by Android 17 shortly after the latter mercilessly disposed of their creator, who was no longer Dr. Gero but the mechanically augmented "Android 20".
(Tale 351)
Following his activation, he joined his fellow Androids, 17 and 18, on their search-and-destroy mission targeting Goku.
Android 16 is machine of few words, but he did at least seem to enjoy his road trip with the others, and even helped them steal a car for their journey.
He fought fiercely in his attempts to protect Android 17 and Android 18 from being absorbed by Cell, but in the end, the menacing bio-android succeeded in consuming 17 and powering up to his Second Form.
Even to the point of risking his own destruction, Android 16 continued fighting to the bitter end to stop Cell from absorbing 18 and attaining his Perfect Form.
Despite 16's valiant efforts, however, Cell managed to absorb Android 18 and achieve his long-awaited perfection. When the Cell Games were subsequently announced, 16 resolved to enter the tournament to defeat Cell and free his companions. And so, in preparation for the arduous battle ahead, he was taken to Capsule Corporation for repairs.
Vengeance appeared to be within his grasp at the Cell Games when he seized Cell and declared that he was going to self-destruct, but in an unexpected turn of events, it was revealed that Dr. Brief actually removed his self-destruct device during his repairs at Capsule Corp.!
With the threat of mutually assured destruction removed, Cell then callously blasted 16 into nothing more than a pile of mechanical debris, leaving only his sentient head intact.
As the battle raged on, Gohan was struggling against Cell both without and within, unwilling or unable to unleash his anger and harness its power. In his last moments before being finished off by Cell, Android 16 imparted some final words of encouragement to the young warrior: "It's not a crime to fight for good. The wild animals and the forests I loved... Don't let them be destroyed... Protect them for me..."
Gohan's inner rage exploded at the sight of Android 16's execution, allowing him to finally fight back against Cell with his true, unbridled strength.
"Dragon Ball" Tale 350
Self-Destruct
Android 16 can activate the powerful self-destruct device installed in his body to take out an opponent at the cost of his own life.
However, the self-destruct device was removed during his repairs at Capsule Corporation, so he was never able to actually use this attack.
Power Radar
16 is able to determine the location and strength of other beings using his internal radar.
Hell's Flash
Android 16 detaches both of his forearms, revealing two cannons from which he unleashes a torrential blast of raw energy at his opponent. This move is unique to Android 16 and made possible by his entirely mechanical construction.
Android 16 is able to launch a rocket-propelled steel fist at his opponents.
Android 16 was based on Dr. Gero's real son...?!
Gero's decision to model 16's appearance on his own son caused him to take great care in the Android's design, making him incredibly powerful and equipping him with a threatening self-destruct device. Not wanting his beloved creation to be senselessly destroyed in battle, Dr. Gero also gave 16 a kind and peace-loving nature to steer him away from conflict. Ironically, that decision was what caused Android 16 to be deemed a "failure" in the eyes of his creator, but Dr. Gero chose not to dispose of or dismantle him like his other unsuccessful endeavors, and instead kept him safely preserved within his laboratory.
(From Jump Comics "Dragon Ball Full Color: Android / Cell Arc #3)
→Preview: Next week's character is a kind-hearted Android like Android 16!
*All comic images are from the Japanese version.