TV-Series
Description
Android 16 is a fully mechanical android created by the scientist Dr. Gero. Unlike Androids 17 and 18, who were originally human modified at a cellular level, Android 16 was built from scratch using synthetic technology. His design was based on Gevo, Dr. Gero's deceased son who was a high-ranking soldier in the Red Ribbon Army. Despite his immense power and the destructive potential of the bomb installed inside him, Gero gave Android 16 a gentle personality, as he did not want his son's likeness to be destroyed in battle. This inherent gentleness, combined with unfinished programming, led Gero to deem Android 16 a failure and a prototype that should not be activated, fearing he might even turn against his other creations.
In terms of personality, Android 16 is characterized by his calm, quiet, and remarkably peaceful nature. He speaks in a monotone voice and often remains silent, but his actions reveal a deep appreciation for life, particularly a strong affinity for nature and animals, which he is often seen allowing to perch on his shoulders. His primary programmed motivation is to kill Son Goku, a mission inherited from Dr. Gero's vendetta against the Saiyan who destroyed the Red Ribbon Army. However, aside from this cold and distant attitude toward his target, Android 16 does not tolerate needless evil or destruction, viewing an existence like Cell's as a true threat to the planet and its life. He also believes that his fellow androids, 17 and 18, are not inherently evil.
Within the story, Android 16 is activated by Android 18 after Dr. Gero is killed. He joins 17 and 18 in their search for Goku but often refuses to fight anyone else unless absolutely necessary. His role becomes pivotal with the arrival of the bio-android Cell, who seeks to absorb Androids 17 and 18 to achieve his perfect form. In stark contrast to his usual pacifism, Android 16 takes a stand to protect his companions, engaging Cell in battle. He manages to tear off Cell's tail to prevent him from absorbing anyone else and unleashes his most powerful attack, the Hell Flash, though these efforts prove futile as Cell regenerates and ultimately absorbs 17. After being severely damaged by Cell, Android 16 is taken to Capsule Corporation, where Bulma repairs him. During these repairs, Bulma discovers and removes the powerful self-destruct bomb inside him, unwilling to take the risk of its activation.
Android 16's key relationships are central to his development. He shares a brother-like bond with Android 17, who treats him as a companion. His most significant relationship, however, is with Goku's son, Gohan. Despite being programmed to kill Goku, Android 16 recognizes Gohan's gentle heart, which mirrors his own love for life and nature. This connection reaches its climax during the Cell Games. After Cell creates Cell Juniors to torment the Z-Fighters, a badly damaged Android 16 attempts to self-destruct against Cell, only to discover his bomb has been removed. Cell retaliates by crushing his body, leaving only his head intact. In his final moments, Android 16 has Mr. Satan throw his head near Gohan. He delivers a poignant speech, urging the terrified boy to release his restraints and anger for the sake of protecting the life and the world he loves. This act directly triggers Gohan's emotional breakthrough, allowing him to transform into a Super Saiyan 2 and defeat Cell.
Regarding abilities, as a complete machine, Android 16 generates no ki that living beings can sense, giving him an element of stealth, though he himself cannot sense ki and instead relies on a built-in power radar. He possesses tremendous physical strength and durability, ranking as one of the strongest purely mechanical androids, second only to Cell in his era. He is capable of flight and has several unique offensive techniques. He can detach his forearms to launch his fists as rocket-propelled projectiles at an opponent. His signature and most devastating attack is the Hell Flash, where he picks up his enemy, tucks his exposed arm cannons under his armpits, and fires a massive, explosive energy blast capable of causing widespread destruction. He also houses a powerful internal self-destruct mechanism, though its potential is never realized in the main storyline as it is removed by Bulma.
In terms of personality, Android 16 is characterized by his calm, quiet, and remarkably peaceful nature. He speaks in a monotone voice and often remains silent, but his actions reveal a deep appreciation for life, particularly a strong affinity for nature and animals, which he is often seen allowing to perch on his shoulders. His primary programmed motivation is to kill Son Goku, a mission inherited from Dr. Gero's vendetta against the Saiyan who destroyed the Red Ribbon Army. However, aside from this cold and distant attitude toward his target, Android 16 does not tolerate needless evil or destruction, viewing an existence like Cell's as a true threat to the planet and its life. He also believes that his fellow androids, 17 and 18, are not inherently evil.
Within the story, Android 16 is activated by Android 18 after Dr. Gero is killed. He joins 17 and 18 in their search for Goku but often refuses to fight anyone else unless absolutely necessary. His role becomes pivotal with the arrival of the bio-android Cell, who seeks to absorb Androids 17 and 18 to achieve his perfect form. In stark contrast to his usual pacifism, Android 16 takes a stand to protect his companions, engaging Cell in battle. He manages to tear off Cell's tail to prevent him from absorbing anyone else and unleashes his most powerful attack, the Hell Flash, though these efforts prove futile as Cell regenerates and ultimately absorbs 17. After being severely damaged by Cell, Android 16 is taken to Capsule Corporation, where Bulma repairs him. During these repairs, Bulma discovers and removes the powerful self-destruct bomb inside him, unwilling to take the risk of its activation.
Android 16's key relationships are central to his development. He shares a brother-like bond with Android 17, who treats him as a companion. His most significant relationship, however, is with Goku's son, Gohan. Despite being programmed to kill Goku, Android 16 recognizes Gohan's gentle heart, which mirrors his own love for life and nature. This connection reaches its climax during the Cell Games. After Cell creates Cell Juniors to torment the Z-Fighters, a badly damaged Android 16 attempts to self-destruct against Cell, only to discover his bomb has been removed. Cell retaliates by crushing his body, leaving only his head intact. In his final moments, Android 16 has Mr. Satan throw his head near Gohan. He delivers a poignant speech, urging the terrified boy to release his restraints and anger for the sake of protecting the life and the world he loves. This act directly triggers Gohan's emotional breakthrough, allowing him to transform into a Super Saiyan 2 and defeat Cell.
Regarding abilities, as a complete machine, Android 16 generates no ki that living beings can sense, giving him an element of stealth, though he himself cannot sense ki and instead relies on a built-in power radar. He possesses tremendous physical strength and durability, ranking as one of the strongest purely mechanical androids, second only to Cell in his era. He is capable of flight and has several unique offensive techniques. He can detach his forearms to launch his fists as rocket-propelled projectiles at an opponent. His signature and most devastating attack is the Hell Flash, where he picks up his enemy, tucks his exposed arm cannons under his armpits, and fires a massive, explosive energy blast capable of causing widespread destruction. He also houses a powerful internal self-destruct mechanism, though its potential is never realized in the main storyline as it is removed by Bulma.