“Dragon Ball” Android 18: 10 Things You Might Not Know

Android 18 in Dragon Ball is an artificial human created by Dr. Gero. Originally designed as a villain, she didn’t really end up doing much harm. So, what are some interesting things about Android 18? Today, let loribear share ten things about her.

1.Is Android 18 waterproof?

Many people might think that Android 18 is afraid of water since she is partly a robot. However, that’s not the case. Both Android 17 and Android 18 were modified using organic materials by Dr. Gero. This means that they are not entirely artificial humans. Bulma obtained the blueprints of both of them from Dr. Gero, which proved this point. Only the detonator inside them is mechanical, so even if Android 18 takes a bath or showers, she won’t short-circuit. Dr. Gero gave Android 18 waterproof capabilities, possibly for two reasons. First, he was a mad scientific genius who wanted to surpass the concept of artificial humans. Second, waterproofing was a reasonable consideration for dealing with Earth’s environment. After all, 60% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and many battles take place in water. It would be quite comical if they short-circuited every time they came into contact with water.

2.Enhancements in Android 18

Only Android 17, Android 18, and Android 20 (Dr. Gero himself) were once humans. Before being kidnapped by Dr. Gero for his bio-android experiments, Android 17 and Android 18 were genuine humans. Apart from a little information in the manga, we know very little about Android 18’s past. However, we do know that her youthful appearance was not affected by the experiments and she remained just as beautiful. The laboratory conducted modifications at the cellular level, and most of the enhancements for Android 17 and Android 18 were likely organic. It wasn’t a concept of internal mechanization. These enhancements gave them incredible abilities, including the ability to learn new techniques in a short amount of time. This explains why Android 18 was able to learn Krillin’s signature move.

3.Android 18 has unlimited energy and stamina

During the Tournament of Power, Android 18 and Android 17 gained a deeper understanding of their infinite stamina. Android 18 discovered that she has unlimited endurance and doesn’t lose stamina during battles. So, if you try to exhaust Android 18’s stamina as a battle strategy, it would be the worst strategy, as her limitless energy and endurance make her a formidable opponent. In some aspects, she is even stronger than the Saiyans and can defeat opponents that even give Saiyans a hard time. Goku could only manage to lift Toppo with great effort, but Android 18 could effortlessly do it.

4.Why Android 18 and Krillin can get married?

Akira Toriyama initially didn’t plan to make Android 18 and Krillin a couple. In the “Cell Saga,” there were originally no scenes involving Android 18 and Android 17. However, the editors convinced Toriyama to adjust the story to make it more interesting. They felt that Android 19 was too fat and Android 20 was too old, so those villains lacked credibility. These changes led to the development of the relationship between Krillin and Android 18. Their first encounter was a gentle kiss, and little did they know that Krillin would later help Android 18 regain her humanity. Krillin hoped that Android 18 and Android 17 could become human again, perhaps because only real women can build a family. After defeating Cell, Krillin and Android 18 got married, and eventually, they had a lovely daughter named Marron. Even Future Trunks was surprised by their union.

5.Android 18 is the only female member of Universe 7’s team

Many people may not realize that Android 18 is actually the only female member of Universe 7’s team. By this point, Android 18 is already the mother of Marron and Krillin’s wife. Their participation in the tournament is for the prize money. Despite being the only female member among the Z Fighters, Android 18 can easily defeat most Saiyans, and it’s not a problem for her to defeat opponents in the tournament. In fact, she sent Tupper flying, something even Goku couldn’t do.

6.Android 18’s name

Android 18’s real name is Lazuli, and Android 17’s name is Lapis. When you combine the two names, it means “lapis lazuli,” which is a blue metamorphic rock. In ancient times, this stone was considered valuable and was often used to create expensive artwork. During the Middle Ages, wealthy individuals used this stone to make the dye known as “ultramarine.” It was a high-quality blue pigment used by painters and textile factories. However, strangely enough, Android 18 never mentions her real name. The most likely reason is that it would remind her of the difficult times she and her brother went through before being taken by Dr. Gero. In the anime, there have been several instances where she is asked for her real name, and during the World Martial Arts Tournament, Android 18 has the referee call her “Number 18.” The number 18 was originally given to her by Dr. Gero.

7.Android 18 witnessed her brother’s death three times

Android 18 has lost her brother multiple times, as death is not permanent in the Dragon Ball world. She witnessed her brother’s death three times. The first time was when they first encountered Cell. Cell used a trick to sneak up on Android 17 and absorbed him. Android 18 helplessly watched her brother being absorbed. Later, in Dragon Ball GT, Goku killed Super Android 17. Although Super Android 17 was a fusion of Android 17 and Hell Fighter 17, he still had a part of her actual brother. Android 18 witnessed her brother’s death for the second time. In Dragon Ball Super, Android 17 self-destructed to neutralize the impact of Jiren’s attack, saving Goku and Vegeta. Android 18 witnessed her brother’s death for the third time. Each of these instances was very dramatic, and Android 18 had to watch her brother die each time.

8.Android 18 clothes

Android 18 doesn’t like Chi-Chi‘s Chinese-style clothing. Once, while at Goku’s house, Android 18 stumbled upon some of Chi-Chi’s clothes and tried them on. She found them all to be ugly. When it comes to fashion, Android 18 frequently goes shopping for clothes. Her sense of fashion is very different from Chi-Chi’s. Chi-Chi leans towards Chinese-style clothing, while Android 18 prefers a more cowboy style. There was an incident where Android 18 tried on a cowboy outfit, walked out of the store without paying, and the shop owner called the police. However, she quickly defeated the police officers.

9.Miki Itō continues to voice Android 18

Android 18’s Japanese voice is provided by Miki Itō. Miki Itō has voiced many characters in various anime. After 2000, her voice acting activities gradually decreased as she had a family to take care of. However, in recent episodes of Dragon Ball Super, Miki Itō continues to voice Android 18.

10.Android 18 will always remain youthful

Due to the modifications she received, Android 18 has a perpetual energy reactor inside her body, which means she doesn’t need to eat food and can sustain herself by drinking water. Additionally, her aging process is very slow, allowing her to maintain a youthful and beautiful appearance for a long time. Even though Krillin has aged, Android 18 will always remain youthful. So, when Krillin reaches 80 years old, Android 18 may still have the appearance of someone around 30. Krillin really lucked out.

Android 18 is a stunning beauty, and despite originally being intended to be an evil female villain, Akira Toriyama gave her a redemption arc and a happy, fulfilling family life, showing that even artificial humans can find happiness.