Android 17 in Dragon Ball GT: A Deep Dive into the Character and Controversy
Android 17, a character initially introduced as a formidable antagonist in Dragon Ball Z, experienced a significant transformation throughout the Dragon Ball saga. His role in Dragon Ball GT, however, remains a point of contention among fans. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Android 17‘s portrayal in Dragon Ball GT, examining his character arc, the controversial Super 17 saga, and the overall impact on the Dragon Ball universe. We’ll explore how this iteration of Android 17 differs from his previous appearances and the reasons behind the divisive reactions.
The Evolution of Android 17: From Villain to Protector
Before delving into Dragon Ball GT, it’s crucial to understand Android 17‘s journey in Dragon Ball Z. Created by Dr. Gero to kill Goku, Android 17 and his twin sister, Android 18, initially embodied chaos and destruction. However, after being absorbed by Cell, Android 17 was eventually revived and lived a peaceful life as a park ranger, protecting wildlife on a remote island. This drastic change showcased a capacity for good that many fans appreciated. This transformation laid the groundwork for potential future character development, which Dragon Ball GT attempted to explore, albeit with mixed results.
Android 17’s Introduction in Dragon Ball GT
Android 17‘s presence in Dragon Ball GT is primarily centered around the Super 17 arc. Unlike his previous appearance, Android 17 is not initially presented as a direct antagonist. Instead, he is manipulated by Dr. Myuu, a scientist seeking revenge against Dr. Gero and the Red Ribbon Army. Dr. Myuu uses his technology to create a Machine Mutant version of Android 17, essentially a duplicate, which is programmed to merge with the original Android 17, resulting in the creation of Super 17.
The Super 17 Saga: A Point of Contention
The Super 17 saga is widely considered one of the weakest arcs in Dragon Ball GT. The storyline is criticized for its convoluted plot, inconsistent power scaling, and the seemingly forced reintroduction of Android 17 as a villain. Many fans felt that the character’s established redemption arc was disregarded, and the Super 17 transformation felt unnatural and unearned.
The Creation of Super 17
The creation of Super 17 involves a complex process. Dr. Myuu’s Machine Mutant Android 17 is designed to resonate with the original Android 17‘s energy signature. This resonance allows the two androids to merge, resulting in a significantly more powerful being. The new entity, Super 17, possesses immense strength and energy absorption capabilities, making him a formidable opponent for Goku and the Z Fighters. [See also: Power Levels in Dragon Ball GT: A Critical Analysis]
Super 17’s Abilities and Weaknesses
Super 17’s primary ability is his energy absorption. He can absorb virtually any energy-based attack, making him immune to many of the Z Fighters’ signature techniques. This ability initially gives him a significant advantage in battle. However, Super 17 has a critical weakness: while absorbing energy, he is vulnerable to physical attacks. This weakness is ultimately exploited by Android 18, who distracts him while Goku delivers the final blow. This reliance on a weakness, rather than a demonstration of Goku’s strategic prowess, further contributes to the saga’s negative reception.
Character Inconsistencies and Fan Reactions
One of the major criticisms of Android 17‘s portrayal in Dragon Ball GT is the perceived inconsistency with his established character. After finding peace and embracing a protective role in Dragon Ball Z, his sudden reversion to villainy felt forced and out of character. Many fans argued that the writers failed to adequately explain his motivations or provide a compelling reason for his cooperation with Dr. Myuu. This perceived character assassination led to widespread disappointment and contributed to the overall negative perception of the Super 17 saga.
The Impact on Android 18
Android 17‘s transformation into Super 17 also had a significant impact on his sister, Android 18. Distraught by her brother’s actions and the threat he posed, Android 18 played a crucial role in his defeat. Her involvement in the battle, driven by her love and loyalty to her brother, provided a brief moment of emotional resonance in an otherwise lackluster arc. However, even her actions were not enough to redeem the saga in the eyes of many fans. [See also: The Relationship Between Android 17 and Android 18: A Sibling Bond in Dragon Ball]
Alternative Interpretations and Potential Explanations
Despite the widespread criticism, some fans have attempted to offer alternative interpretations of Android 17‘s actions in Dragon Ball GT. Some argue that he was under Dr. Myuu’s complete control and lacked the free will to resist. Others suggest that the merging process with the Machine Mutant Android 17 corrupted his mind and amplified his negative impulses. While these interpretations offer a potential explanation for his behavior, they are not explicitly stated in the anime and remain speculative.
The Non-Canon Status of Dragon Ball GT
It’s important to note that Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon within the official Dragon Ball timeline. Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, was not directly involved in the production of Dragon Ball GT, and the series is therefore considered a side story or an alternate timeline. This non-canon status allows for greater flexibility in storytelling, but it also means that events and character portrayals in Dragon Ball GT may not align with the established continuity of the main Dragon Ball series. The portrayal of Android 17 is a prime example of this divergence.
The Legacy of Android 17 in Dragon Ball Super
Fortunately, Android 17‘s character was revisited and redeemed in Dragon Ball Super. In Dragon Ball Super, Android 17 retains his peaceful demeanor and continues his work as a park ranger. He plays a crucial role in the Tournament of Power, demonstrating his strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to his friends and family. His performance in the tournament solidifies his status as a valuable member of the Z Fighters and effectively erases the negative impression left by his portrayal in Dragon Ball GT. This redemption arc was welcomed by fans who felt that his character had been unfairly treated in the previous series. The Android 17 we see in Super is a testament to the character’s potential and a far cry from the manipulated villain of Dragon Ball GT.
Android 17’s Role in the Tournament of Power
During the Tournament of Power, Android 17 showcases his strategic thinking and impressive combat skills. He proves to be a valuable asset to Team Universe 7, contributing significantly to their victory. His selfless actions and unwavering determination earn him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans. The tournament effectively rewrites the narrative surrounding Android 17, replacing the negative memories of Dragon Ball GT with a positive and empowering portrayal. [See also: Top 10 Moments from the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super]
Conclusion: Re-evaluating Android 17’s Dragon Ball GT Arc
Android 17‘s portrayal in Dragon Ball GT remains a controversial topic among Dragon Ball fans. While the Super 17 saga is widely criticized for its weak plot, inconsistent characterization, and disregard for established continuity, it’s important to consider the non-canon status of Dragon Ball GT. Ultimately, the redemption of Android 17 in Dragon Ball Super has helped to mitigate the negative impact of his Dragon Ball GT appearance, allowing fans to appreciate the character’s potential for good and his contributions to the Dragon Ball universe. Despite the missteps in Dragon Ball GT, Android 17 has solidified his place as a beloved and important character in the Dragon Ball franchise. The story of Android 17 is one of redemption and growth, even if that journey had a detour through the less-favored terrains of Dragon Ball GT. He represents the idea that even those who start on a path of destruction can find their way to a better future, a message that resonates with many fans of the series. The evolution of Android 17 is a fascinating case study in character development, showing how a villain can become a hero, even if the path is not always smooth or well-received. And while Dragon Ball GT‘s version of Android 17 may not be the most popular, it serves as a reminder of the importance of consistent character writing and the impact that non-canon material can have on a franchise.
