Meet Cell: A Character of Dragon Ball Super Manga

Dragon Ball Super brought back many iconic characters, and while Cell hasn’t had as prominent a role as some others, his presence and influence have lingered in fans’ hearts. Cell is one of the most dangerous and intelligent villains in the Dragon Ball universe, a genetically engineered warrior with the DNA of powerful fighters. Originally introduced in Dragon Ball Z, Cell’s characteristics, abilities, and ambitions make him one of the most interesting antagonists in the series. 

This blog will delve into the character of Cell as he appears in Dragon Ball Super, his design, abilities, motivations, and how he impacts the story. 

1. Cell’s Origin and Background 

The cell was created by Dr. Gero, a scientist working for the Red Ribbon Army. Dr. Gero collected cells from several powerful fighters, including Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and even Saiyan DNA. These cells gave Cell a range of abilities from these warriors, making him an all-powerful character from the start. Unlike Goku or Vegeta, Cell was engineered specifically for combat and destruction, not for personal growth or protecting others. This background sets Cell apart as a character who was created purely to be a nearly unstoppable force. 

In Dragon Ball Z, Cell goes through three forms—Imperfect, Semi-Perfect, and Perfect Cell—each of which represents his progress toward becoming the ultimate fighter. By the time he reaches his Perfect form, Cell is incredibly powerful, matching and even surpassing Goku and other fighters. However, he was eventually defeated in Dragon Ball Z by Gohan in one of the series’ most iconic battles. 

2. Cell’s Personality and Motivations 

In Dragon Ball Super, although Cell doesn’t reappear as he did in Dragon Ball Z, his personality and motivations remain relevant in fans’ discussions and flashbacks. Cell is one of the few villains who truly enjoyed fighting, much like Saiyan characters. However, unlike Goku, who fights to protect or to improve himself, Cell fights for power and to prove his superiority. He considers himself the “perfect” being, and his actions often show this sense of pride and arrogance. 

Cell’s purpose was to challenge the strongest fighters, not just as an enemy but as a representation of the ultimate challenge. His desire to become perfect led him to absorb Androids 17 and 18, and once in his Perfect form, he saw himself as the peak of evolution. In the Dragon Ball universe, this motivation adds depth to Cell’s character, making him more than just a villain but a complex fighter with a strong desire to be the best. 

3. Cell’s Influence on Dragon Ball Super 

While Cell doesn’t play a major role in the Dragon Ball Super storyline, his legacy and influence remain evident. Fans hoped for a revival of Cell similar to Frieza’s, but Cell’s impact is still felt through various references and connections to his original story. For instance, Dr. Gero’s creations, including Android 17 and 18, continue to play essential roles in the Dragon Ball Super series. Android 17, for example, becomes a key fighter in the Tournament of Power, showcasing how far the Androids have come since their initial encounter with Cell. 

Cell’s influence also shines in the genetic experimentation theme, which reappears with new antagonists in Dragon Ball Super, like Moro and Granolah. These villains share a bit of Cell’s genetic manipulation background, keeping the concept alive in the series even if Cell himself does not physically appear. 

4. Cell’s Abilities and Powers 

Cell’s unique composition makes him one of the most versatile fighters in the Dragon Ball universe. Thanks to the DNA from powerful fighters, he possesses abilities like the Kamehameha wave from Goku, the regenerative powers of Piccolo, and even the ruthlessness and cunning of Frieza. In his Perfect form, Cell was nearly unbeatable, making him one of the most formidable foes in Dragon Ball Z. 

One of Cell’s defining abilities is his regeneration. As long as a single cell of him survives, he can regenerate from severe injuries, which was seen during his fight against Goku and Gohan. His ability to grow stronger after regeneration echoes the Saiyan trait of getting stronger after every near-death experience. This aspect adds an interesting layer to Cell, making him a character who is nearly impossible to permanently defeat without precise planning and execution. 

Cell can also manipulate his ki energy and sense the energy of others, which allows him to track his enemies or hide his power level when necessary. This talent made him a clever and cunning fighter who could strategize during battles, something not every villain in the Dragon Ball universe possesses. 

5. Cell’s Impact on the Fighters of the Dragon Ball Universe 

Cell’s appearance in Dragon Ball Z and influence in Dragon Ball Super pushes the main characters, especially Gohan, to surpass their limits. Gohan’s rage against Cell, particularly during their final confrontation, allowed him to reach Super Saiyan 2, a transformation that became pivotal for future battles. This moment was one of the most emotional and iconic in Dragon Ball Z, and it deeply impacted Gohan’s character, encouraging him to keep improving even after Cell’s defeat. 

In Dragon Ball Super, Gohan’s desire to protect his family and train harder can be traced back to the trauma and responsibility he felt after defeating Cell. The villain’s presence is felt not just through references but through the growth and motivation he instilled in Gohan and others. 

6. Why Fans Want Cell to Return in Dragon Ball Super

Despite not having a major appearance in Dragon Ball Super, Cell remains a fan-favorite villain. Fans have expressed strong interest in seeing Cell make a comeback, especially with the revival of other major characters like Frieza. Cell’s absence is felt because he represents a type of villain who is calculated, strategic, and immensely powerful. If Cell were to return, fans believe he could offer a fresh and exciting challenge for Goku, Vegeta, and others, especially with new transformations and powers introduced in Dragon Ball Super. 

A return of Cell could also provide an opportunity to see how he would match up against the new Super Saiyan forms and Ultra Instinct. Seeing how Cell would adapt to these newer powers and strategies would make for an exciting and intense storyline. 

7. Conclusion: Cell’s Lasting Legacy 

In the world of Dragon Ball, Cell stands out as one of the most unique and memorable villains. His character was created to be the ultimate fighter, combining abilities from some of the strongest warriors. While he may not have made a full return in Dragon Ball Super, his influence is felt throughout the series. His legacy, especially in the way he pushed Gohan and the other Z Fighters to their limits, lives on. 

Whether or not Cell will appear in future installments of Dragon Ball remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he will always be remembered as a key figure in the series. His determination to be the “perfect” being, his complex personality, and his powerful abilities make him one of the most interesting characters in the Dragon Ball universe. Fans will always look back on Cell as one of the greatest villains, hoping that one day, he may rise again to challenge the heroes of Dragon Ball once more.