by Android 21: The Mysterious Android of the Dragon Ball Universe
Android 21 is a fascinating and unique character from the Dragon Ball franchise, debuting in Dragon Ball FighterZ, the popular fighting game released by Arc System Works. While not originally part of the anime or manga, Android 21 quickly captured the attention of Dragon Ball fans with her compelling backstory, design, and abilities. But who exactly is Android 21, and why has she become such a fan-favorite? Let’s dive into the details.
Origin and Background
Android 21 was created specifically for Dragon Ball FighterZ, and her backstory is intricately tied to the game’s plot. She is an artificial android created by the brilliant Dr. Gero, the same scientist responsible for creating Androids 17 and 18. However, Android 21 is different from other androids in the Dragon Ball universe in many ways
What sets Android 21 apart from her predecessors is her dual nature. She is not only an android but also has the consciousness of a human, which grants her a more complex personality. In the storyline of Dragon Ball FighterZ, it is revealed that Android 21 was originally human, a brilliant scientist who worked alongside Dr. Gero in the development of other androids. However, after tragic events and experiments gone wrong, she was transformed into an android herself.
Appearance and Personality
Android 21’s design is one of the most striking aspects of her character. She has long, flowing, platinum blonde hair, and her outfit resembles a modern take on the classic Dragon Ball designs—offering a stylish yet functional look. Her appearance also includes the iconic red eyes typical of androids in the Dragon Ball world.
What truly makes Android 21 stand out is her complex personality. Unlike the typically cold and robotic personalities of other androids, Android 21 showcases a much more emotional and human side. She is kind, empathetic, and sometimes even playful—qualities that make her more relatable than many other Dragon Ball characters. However, she also harbors a darker, more sinister side. This dual nature is one of the key themes of her character, as she struggles with her past and her internal conflict between her human emotions and her android instincts.
The Duality of Android 21
The most intriguing aspect of Android 21 is her inner conflict. In Dragon Ball FighterZ, Android 21 is initially portrayed as an ally to the main characters, helping them fight off the mysterious clone androids. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Android 21 has a more complicated nature. Her transformation into an android has had profound effects on her psyche, leading to moments of vulnerability, and in some cases, ruthless behavior.
Abilities and Fighting Style
As an android, Android 21 is incredibly powerful, with abilities that rival those of other strong fighters in the Dragon Ball universe. She possesses enhanced strength, agility, and durability, as well as the ability to absorb energy from opponents—similar to Androids 17 and 18. This ability gives her a significant advantage in battle, as she can grow stronger by absorbing the energy of those she defeats.
The Legacy of Android 21
While Android 21’s debut was in Dragon Ball FighterZ, the character quickly became a standout figure in the Dragon Ball fandom. Fans were captivated by her design, her complex personality, and her role in the story. In fact, many fans have speculated that she could play a larger role in future Dragon Ball media, including potential anime appearances or even manga storylines.
Conclusion
Android 21 is one of the most interesting and multi-dimensional characters to emerge from the Dragon Ball franchise in recent years. Her unique blend of human and android traits, her internal conflict, and her powerful abilities make her a standout character in the Dragon Ball FighterZ game. Although she hasn’t appeared in the anime or manga, her growing popularity suggests that she could have a significant role in future Dragon Ball stories.
