Cell Games

Lore & Background

Perfect Cell designed this event to enjoy the fear he instilled in others, intending to destroy the planet once he won. The stakes were existential: if no one could defeat him, Earth would be destroyed. After easily dispatching Mr. Satan, Goku faced Cell but realized his opponent was stronger than himself. In a shocking turn, Goku nominated his son, Gohan, as the next opponent. This decision stemmed from Goku's belief that Gohan held untapped potential superior to his own, though Cell initially dismissed the boy as weak due to his pacifistic nature.

In Their Own Story

Cell gained the upper hand by tormenting Gohan, eager to provoke the boy's hidden rage. To escalate the conflict, Cell spawned miniature versions of himself known as Cell Juniors, who viciously attacked the Z-Fighters. The turning point arrived when Cell mercilessly killed Android #16, who had encouraged Gohan to fight back. This act shattered Gohan's restraint; his rage swelled until he transformed into a Super Saiyan 2, marked by crackling lightning and teal eyes. Gohan effortlessly slaughtered the Cell Juniors and began overpowering his father. As Gohan dealt catastrophic damage, Cell regurgitated Android #18, reverting to his Semi-Perfect form. In desperation, Cell attempted to self-destruct to wipe out the Earth.

Reader's Guide

The arc's climax hinges on Goku using Instant Transmission to teleport himself and the exploding Cell to King Kai's planet, sacrificing himself to save Earth. However, Cell survived via regeneration from a nucleus in his head, returning as Super Perfect Cell. He quickly killed Trunks and swatted aside Vegeta before firing a final Kamehameha at Gohan. Assisted by the spirit of his father, Gohan retaliated with his own massive energy blast. With Vegeta's help to hold Cell in place, Gohan's attack destroyed the cell nucleus, killing him permanently. The victory was ultimately claimed by Mr. Satan for public safety.

Did You Know?

• Cell summoned miniature versions of himself called 'Cell Juniors' to attack the heroes and provoke Gohan's rage.
• Goku used his Instant Transmission technique to teleport himself and a self-destructing Cell away from Earth, sacrificing his life in the process.
• Cell survived his own explosion by regenerating from a special nucleus located in his head, returning as Super Perfect Cell.
• Mr. Satan took credit for Cell's defeat after Gohan destroyed him, becoming a global hero despite not fighting the final blow.