Cell

Lore & Background

Cell is a Bio-Android created by Doctor Gero's supercomputer using cell samples from Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, King Cold, and Frieza. This genetic splicing grants him the superhuman abilities of all these warriors, including telepathy, telekinesis, and signature attacks like the Kamehameha. Distinct from other androids, Cell can generate ki similar to organic users, mask his presence, and absorb bio-energy via his tail. His specific design allows him to evolve by absorbing Android #17 and #18 to reach his final stage, gaining monstrous boosts in strength, durability, and speed. Embedded Saiyan cells allow him to imprint on near-death experiences to grow stronger and memorize new techniques, such as Goku's Instant Transmission.

In Their Own Story

The Cell from the future arrived in the present timeline by regressing into an egg after killing his alternate version of Trunks. Hatching into a larval form, he absorbed thousands of people before locating Android #17. After breaking Piccolo's neck and being held off by Android #16, Cell absorbed #17 to become Semi-Perfect Cell. He dispatched #16 but failed to absorb #18 due to Tien Shinhan's intervention. Later, after overwhelming Vegeta with newfound power, Cell tricked him into allowing the absorption of #18, achieving his final, human-like Perfect form. He hosted the Cell Games, defeating Mr. Satan and Goku before facing Gohan. When Cell mercilessly killed Android #16, Gohan snapped into Super Saiyan 2, regurgitating #18 and reverting Cell to his previous form. Desperate, Cell self-destructed, killing himself on King Kai's planet via Instant Transmission, but regenerated from the nucleus in his head as "Super Perfect Cell." He was finally destroyed when Gohan overpowered him with a Kamehameha, destroying his cell nucleus.

Reader's Guide

Cell serves as the primary antagonist of his titular arc, defined by his ability to continuously evolve through absorption. His journey begins as an insect-like Imperfect form that grows stronger by absorbing human energy and specific androids. The transition to Semi-Perfect Cell occurs upon absorbing Android #17, while the final Perfect form requires Android #18. In this state, he hosts a global tournament where he spares defeated fighters to find a worthy opponent, intending to destroy Earth upon winning. His unique physiology allows regeneration from a nucleus in his head, enabling him to return stronger after near-death experiences like self-destruction. Ultimately, his defeat relies on Gohan's rage-induced transformation and the destruction of this regenerative core. In later appearances, he is seen in Hell causing trouble with Frieza and King Cold before being imprisoned.

Did You Know?

• Akira Toriyama expressed regret over Cell's design because drawing the little spots on his body was tedious.
• The ability for Cell to transform was not initially planned; it was added after editor Yū Kondō described the first form as "ugly."
• In the English Funimation dub, Dameon Clarke based Perfect Cell's voice on Terence Stamp's General Zod from Superman II.
• Cell can absorb bio-energy from any living creature using his tail to increase his power.
• Norio Wakamoto described voicing the first form of Cell as a "pain" due to the raspy, monster-like tone required.