In the Dragon Ball universe, the boundaries between man and machine are blurring, giving rise to beings of extraordinary power: the Cyborgs . These creations, combining flesh and technology, have marked the history of the saga, challenging our heroes and redefining the limits of what is possible. From the first models to advanced artificial intelligences , discover how these synthetic beings have evolved, going from terrifying threats to unexpected allies.
Cartoon Toi introduces you to a world where science pushes back the boundaries of humanity, where redemption is possible even for machines. Cyborgs rub shoulders with fascinating alien races, such as the inhabitants of the planet Namek , which is what makes Dragon Ball so rich.
The precursors of mechanical force
The Red Ribbon Army was the first to explore the potential of artificial beings in Dragon Ball. These creations, although initially conceived as weapons, quickly demonstrated unexpected complexity. They paved the way for a new era of half-man, half-machine characters.
C-8: The giant with a tender heart
C-8, nicknamed Octo, is the first cyborg to appear in the series. Created by Dr. Flappe for the Red Ribbon Army, he surprises with his peaceful nature. Despite his colossal strength, C-8 refuses to fight and befriends the young Goku.
His imposing appearance contrasts with his gentle and caring personality. C-8 plays a crucial role in the defeat of General White, choosing to protect the innocent rather than obey orders.
This first encounter with an artificial being marks a turning point. It shows that even the most fearsome creations can have a soul and make their own choices.
C-16: The protector of nature
C-16 appears much later, during the cyborg saga. Designed by Dr. Gero in the image of his deceased son, he is paradoxically programmed to kill Son Goku. However, C-16 turns out to be a lover of nature and animals.
His imposing stature and military design hide a calm and thoughtful personality. C-16 prefers birdwatching to fighting. However, he does not hesitate to spring into action to protect Earth and its inhabitants.
C-16's sacrifice against Cell leaves a lasting impression. His final speech to Gohan, encouraging him to protect life, triggers the young Saiyan 's transformation. C-16 thus proves that even a machine can have a profound impact on the fate of the world.
The Terrifying Cyborg Saga
The Cyborg Saga marks a dark turning point in the history of Dragon Ball Z. This story arc introduces formidable antagonists, combining advanced technology with raw power. The Cyborgs pose an unprecedented threat to our heroes, testing their limits like never before.
C-17 and C-18: Twins in the service of evil
C-17 and C-18, siblings transformed into cyborgs by Dr. Gero, embody a new form of threat. Their youthful appearance contrasts with their devastating power and unpredictable behavior.
These twins are distinguished by their nonchalant attitude towards destruction. They consider their actions as a mere game, which makes them all the more terrifying. Their strength surpasses that of the Super Saiyans, putting our heroes in a delicate position.
C-18, with her rebellious teenage looks, hides a colossal strength. Her brother, C-17, sports a laid-back demeanor that masks his ruthless nature. Together, they form a formidable duo, sowing chaos wherever they go.
C-19 and C-20 (Dr. Gero): The brains behind the project
Dr. Gero, a brilliant but evil scientist, is the architect of this cyborg army. In his quest for revenge against Goku, he transforms himself into C-20, accompanied by his creation C-19.
C-19, with his obese clown appearance, deceives his opponents. His ability to absorb energy makes him a formidable opponent. C-20, meanwhile, retains Dr. Gero's intelligence, making him a dangerous strategist.
Their appearance marks the beginning of an era of terror. Although quickly defeated, they pave the way for much greater threats, foreshadowing the arrival of the twins and Cell.
Cell: The Ultimate Artificial Evolution
Cell represents the pinnacle of Dr. Gero's experiments. This bio-android being combines the DNA of the greatest warriors with cutting-edge technology. His three-stage evolution makes him particularly menacing.
In his imperfect form, Cell resembles a humanoid insect. He relentlessly hunts down C-17 and C-18 to absorb them. His semi-perfect form, obtained after absorbing C-17, greatly increases his power.
Cell's perfect form, achieved after absorbing C-18, makes him the most powerful being in the universe at that time. His more human appearance hides a terrifying strength. His arrogance and thirst for combat push Cell to organize a tournament, putting the entire Earth in peril.
Cell embodies the perfect fusion of biology and technology. His ability to regenerate and use the techniques of all the warriors whose DNA he possesses makes him a near-invincible opponent. Only Gohan's heroic intervention will put an end to this ultimate threat.
Evolutions and Redemptions
The Dragon Ball universe continues to evolve, offering unexpected developments for its characters. The cyborgs, initially designed as antagonists, undergo surprising transformations. Some find redemption, others reach new heights of power, while new creations appear.
C-17: From threat to ally
C-17 undergoes one of the most remarkable evolutions of the series. Initially presented as a ruthless antagonist, he gradually becomes a valuable ally for the defenders of Earth.
After the events of the Cyborg saga, C-17 chooses to lead a peaceful life. He becomes a forest ranger, protecting nature and animals. This radical change is a testament to his ability to go beyond his initial programming.
His return in Dragon Ball Super marks a turning point. Recruited for the Tournament of Power, C-17 demonstrates impressive strength and strategy. His eventual victory and his selfless wish to restore all the erased universes cement his status as a hero.
Super C-17: Cybernetic Fusion
Super C-17 appears in Dragon Ball GT, representing a new threat born from cyborg technology. This entity is born from the fusion between Earth's C-17 and an alternate version created in Hell.
This fusion creates a being of colossal power, combining brute strength with advanced technology. Super C-17 can absorb energy attacks, rendering them ineffective against him. His ability to become stronger by absorbing energy makes him a formidable opponent.
Although non-canonical, Super C-17 illustrates the potential for cyborg evolution. He represents a perfect fusion of technology and ki power, pushing the concept of the cyborg to its climax.
C-21: Advanced Artificial Intelligence
C-21, introduced in the game Dragon Ball FighterZ, represents a new generation of cyborgs. Created from the DNA of Dr. Gero's wife, she embodies a more advanced and complex form of artificial intelligence.
C-21 is distinguished by her duality. She has a personality split between good and evil, with each facet struggling for control. Her evil form, capable of turning her enemies into treats to devour them, poses a unique threat.
Its sophisticated design and advanced abilities show the evolution of the cyborg concept in the Dragon Ball universe. C-21 raises ethical questions about AI and the nature of consciousness, adding philosophical depth to the saga.
This evolution of cyborgs from simple antagonists to complex and sometimes allied characters greatly enriches the Dragon Ball universe. It shows that even beings created for evil can choose their own path, while introducing new technological threats to maintain the suspense of the series.
Antagonists like no other
The Cyborgs of Dragon Ball are more than just antagonists; they represent the ongoing evolution of the series and its themes. Through their journey from C-8 to C-21, we explore questions of identity, free will, and the very nature of humanity. These half-man, half-machine beings remind us that strength lies not only in raw power, but also in the ability to change and grow. As technology continues to advance, who knows what new synthetic lifeforms the Dragon Ball universe has in store for us?