Super 17: Understanding the Android Supervillain and His Impact on Dragon Ball GT
Super 17 remains a controversial figure in the Dragon Ball universe, specifically within the Dragon Ball GT storyline. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Super 17, exploring his origins, powers, weaknesses, and overall impact on the series. Understanding the complexities around this character requires considering the context of Dragon Ball GT itself and its place within the broader Dragon Ball franchise.
The Genesis of Super 17
Super 17’s creation is a direct result of Dr. Gero’s lingering influence and the machinations of his counterpart in Hell, Dr. Myuu. After being defeated by Goku during the Red Ribbon Army saga, Dr. Gero dedicated his life to creating androids capable of destroying Goku. Even in death, his plans persisted. In Hell, Dr. Gero collaborated with Dr. Myuu, a brilliant but equally twisted scientist responsible for creating the Mutant Machine race, including General Rilldo. Their combined intellect led to the creation of a new, more powerful Android 17.
This new Android 17 was essentially a fusion of two Android 17s: the original Android 17, who had been living peacefully on Earth as a forest ranger, and a Hell Fighter 17, created by Dr. Myuu. Hell Fighter 17 acted as a conduit, opening a portal between Earth and Hell, allowing villains like General Rilldo and Nappa to wreak havoc. The two Android 17s eventually met, and through Dr. Myuu’s programming, they merged into the entity known as Super 17. This merging process was designed to eliminate Android 17’s free will and transform him into a killing machine solely dedicated to Dr. Myuu’s objectives. The birth of Super 17 marked a significant escalation of the conflict in Dragon Ball GT.
Powers and Abilities of Super 17
Super 17 possessed an immense power level, far exceeding that of even Super Saiyan 4 Goku at the time of his appearance. His primary ability was energy absorption, allowing him to absorb almost any energy-based attack directed at him. This made him virtually immune to traditional Ki blasts, a cornerstone of Dragon Ball combat. He could then convert this absorbed energy into his own power, further increasing his strength and speed. This is a key aspect when considering the power of Super 17.
Beyond energy absorption, Super 17 possessed superhuman strength, speed, and durability. He could move at incredible speeds, making it difficult for even Goku to track his movements. His physical attacks were devastating, capable of inflicting significant damage on even the most powerful Saiyans. He also had the ability to fly and generate powerful energy blasts, although he rarely used them directly, preferring to absorb energy instead. He seemed almost invincible, a true testament to the combined genius of Dr. Gero and Dr. Myuu. The threat posed by Super 17 was unlike anything the Z Fighters had faced before.
Weaknesses and Defeat
Despite his overwhelming power, Super 17 was not without his weaknesses. His reliance on energy absorption proved to be his downfall. While he could absorb energy attacks, he was vulnerable during the absorption process. He needed to remain stationary to absorb the energy, leaving him open to physical attacks. This vulnerability was exploited by Android 18, who repeatedly attacked him while he was absorbing energy. While her attacks alone weren’t enough to defeat him, they created an opening for Goku.
Goku, after struggling to damage Super 17 with traditional Ki attacks, realized that his energy absorption was his weakness. He used his Instant Transmission technique to teleport behind Super 17 while he was absorbing Android 18’s energy blasts. He then unleashed a powerful Dragon Fist attack, focusing his energy into a single, devastating blow that bypassed Super 17’s energy absorption and destroyed him from the inside. The Dragon Fist was crucial in defeating Super 17.
Impact on Dragon Ball GT and the Franchise
The Super 17 saga is often cited as one of the weaker arcs in Dragon Ball GT. Critics often point to inconsistencies in his power level, the contrived nature of his creation, and the lack of emotional resonance compared to other villains in the Dragon Ball franchise. Some fans argue that Super 17 felt like a rehash of the Cell saga, with an android absorbing energy to become more powerful. However, despite the criticism, the Super 17 arc did contribute to the overall narrative of Dragon Ball GT.
It highlighted the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond one’s control. Dr. Gero’s relentless pursuit of revenge, even from beyond the grave, served as a cautionary tale. The saga also provided an opportunity for Android 18 to play a significant role in the story, showcasing her growth as a character and her loyalty to her brother. Furthermore, the fight against Super 17 forced Goku to think outside the box and develop new strategies, demonstrating his adaptability as a fighter.
Fan Reception and Legacy
Fan reception to Super 17 has been mixed. While some appreciate his unique design and powerful abilities, others find him to be a poorly developed and uninspired villain. The circumstances surrounding his creation are often criticized as being convoluted and lacking in logical consistency. The power scaling within the arc is also a point of contention, with many questioning how Super 17 could be so much stronger than Super Saiyan 4 Goku, only to be defeated by a single Dragon Fist attack. [See also: Dragon Ball GT Power Scaling Issues]
Despite the criticism, Super 17 has managed to carve out a small niche for himself within the Dragon Ball fandom. He has appeared in various Dragon Ball video games, often as a playable character. His unique energy absorption ability makes him a formidable opponent in these games. He has also inspired fan art, fan fiction, and cosplay. While he may not be as beloved as villains like Frieza or Cell, Super 17 remains a memorable, if controversial, character in the Dragon Ball universe. He represents a unique challenge for Goku, even if the story surrounding his creation is not the most well-received. The character of Super 17 is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise, even in its less acclaimed iterations. His existence sparks debate and discussion, proving that even controversial characters can leave a lasting impact. The creation of Super 17 was meant to challenge Goku and the Z fighters in a way that they had never been challenged before. This ambition, while not perfectly executed, is still commendable. Ultimately, Super 17 serves as a reminder that even in a universe filled with powerful warriors and cosmic threats, the greatest dangers often come from within, from the unchecked ambition and twisted desires of those who seek to control power for their own selfish ends. He is a symbol of the dangers of playing god and the importance of fighting for what is right, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Goku’s victory over Super 17, while controversial in its execution, still represents a triumph of good over evil and a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Saiyan spirit. The creation of Super 17 also highlights the complex relationship between science and power in the Dragon Ball universe, where technological advancements can be both a source of great progress and a catalyst for unimaginable destruction. This theme is explored throughout the Dragon Ball franchise, and the Super 17 saga serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
Conclusion
Super 17, while a divisive figure in Dragon Ball GT, remains a significant character in the franchise. His unique abilities and the circumstances surrounding his creation make him a memorable, if flawed, villain. Understanding Super 17 requires acknowledging the context of Dragon Ball GT and its place within the broader Dragon Ball universe. Despite the criticisms, Super 17 has left his mark on the Dragon Ball fandom, inspiring debate and discussion among fans. [See also: Dragon Ball GT Review and Analysis]
