When thinking about Dragon Ball’s most powerful characters, Gohan is likely one of the first warriors who comes to fans’ minds. For many decades, Goku’s oldest son has been an excellent example of what a true Z Fighter should be. He is an honorable, kind, and hard-working person who is always willing to protect the Earth.
Nonetheless, most of Gohan’s popularity comes from his unrealized true potential, which makes him a dangerous opponent for any villain. While Gohan undoubtedly deserves praise, there is another, less popular fighter whose rapid growth could be comparable to that of the Great Saiyaman: Android 17.
Android 17’s Growth Is Impressive
The Cyborg’s Power Matched That of Goku’s During Their Latest Fight
While looking for powerful warriors who could join Universe 7’s team to fight in the Tournament of Power, one of Super’s best arcs, Goku was reminded about the existence of Android 17. Once a mighty villain, the cyborg became a reluctant ally to the heroes after he was saved from Cell, promising not to continue his quest for destruction.
Goku decided to talk with 17, asking him to join their team and save their universe. This ended up with both men engaging in a short but intense battle, during which Goku was forced to access his Super Saiyan Blue transformation. In the past, the cyborg had proven to be weaker than Cell since he was previously absorbed.
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One decade later, 17 became a fighter capable of matching Goku’s divine powers, demonstrating a growth unlike any other. What’s more impressive, the man reached this power level without any external help, as he only had a group of Cell Jr.’s to help him train. He had no divine Ki, Saiyan blood, or magical abilities to aid his progress.
Android 17’s Potential Rivals Gohan’s
Only Goku’s Son Has Reached Such a Level in Little Time
One of the main reasons why Dragon Ball fans are so impressed by Gohan is because of his natural affinity for fighting. Since he was small, Goku’s son proved himself a mighty warrior, greatly harming Raditz as a toddler, facing Vegeta and Frieza as a child, and defeating Cell as a teenager.
The only reason why he did not remain the strongest Saiyan in the series was his desire to live a regular life and not train as hard as his father or mentor, Piccolo. Nonetheless, when the time comes, his true power manifests itself, confirming just how much latent potential the man has inside.
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17’s massive increase in power seems to follow a similar pattern to Gohan’s, although in a much less explosive way. The cyborg was always seen as an imposing adversary, superior to a regular Super Saiyan when he was first introduced. His transformation into a fighter who can defy a divine warrior hints at how much potential he holds inside.
17 Could Have Been Far Stronger
Training With the Z Fighters Would Have Been More Beneficial
Despite 17 proving himself as one of Universe 7’s strongest non-Saiyan fighters, it cannot be denied that his strength could have reached higher levels. According to the Dragon Ball Super manga, the only beings with whom the cyborg trained during his 12-year absence from the series were the Cell Jr.’s.
It is no secret that these terrifying children are dangerous opponents, since they could defeat the powerful members of Dragon Ball’s Z Fighters during the Cell Saga. Still, when compared with more recent antagonists, like Jiren or Toppo, their power is significantly less impressive. If 17 had trained with other characters, his power would have increased drastically.
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Proving himself against fighters like Goku and Vegeta, who are constantly looking for new challenges to overcome, would have been a much better training regimen for the cyborg. Lamentably, the reluctance 17 has shown about associating with other people might mean that he will soon be left behind by the Saiyans, who keep acquiring powerful transformations and techniques.
Gohan’s Latest Form Has Once Again Widen the Gap
Beast Form Is Several Times Stronger Than Anything Fans Have Ever Seen
Even though it is true that, in terms of raw potential, 17 might be able to challenge Gohan for the number 1 position, the Dragon Ball series has made it clear that the Saiyan’s heritage does play a role. The perfect example of this major difference in power levels can be seen during the latest entry in Dragon Ball’s long list of films, Super Hero.
The Gohan that appeared at the beginning of the film was significantly weaker than most other members of the Z Fighters, as proven by Piccolo easily defeating him. Nevertheless, once his anger took over and awakened his most powerful form, Beast Mode, the half-Saiyan surpassed the level of warriors with divine Ki like his father.
17 might be able to train and continue reaching new thresholds of power, but he will never be able to compete with the innate battle nature of an alien race. In the future, the cyborg might be revealed to once again reach a level comparable to that of the heroes, but it is unlikely that he could ever become stronger than them.
17 Might Not Appear Again
The Cyborg’s Role Seems To Be Over
The subtle hints presented in the Dragon Ball Super manga and anime are more than enough proof to determine that 17 is one of the characters with the most potential in the series. Woefully, this information might not have any significance for the series moving forward, as the cyborg seems to no longer wish to be involved with the Z fighters.
The only reason Android 17 decided to join the heroes in defending their Universe was because he and the animals he cared for would also cease to exist should they lose the fight.
After Gohan’s battle against Cell, one of the best in the franchise, the man decided to seclude himself from the world. The only reason he decided to join the heroes in defending their Universe was because he and the animals he cared for would also cease to exist should they lose the fight.
Although it might have been amazing to see 17 train and become a regular member of the Z Fighters, likely, fans will not see him for many years to come. However, if the universe were ever in mortal danger once more, Goku and his friends can count on the help of a powerful ally such as Android 17.
7/10
- Release Date
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2015 – 2018
- Network
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Fuji TV
- Directors
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Ryota Nakamura, Masanori Sato, Kenichi Takeshita, Takao Iwai, Hideki Hiroshima, Masato Mitsuka, Kazuya Karasawa, Ayumu Ono, Takahiro Imamura, Tatsuya Nagamine, Kôjiro Kawasaki, Kouji Ogawa
- Writers
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Ryu King, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
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Masakazu Morita
Whis (voice)
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Masako Nozawa
Son Goku/Goku Black/Son Gohan/Son Goten (voices)
