TV-Series
Description
Android 16 is a completely mechanical android created by the scientist Dr. Gero. He is a large, powerfully built figure with a red mohawk, gold hoop earrings, and icy blue eyes. His design is based on Dr. Gero's deceased son, a fact that influenced his creator to handle him with particular care, though the doctor ultimately deemed 16 a "failure" and kept him deactivated for an extended period due to his gentle nature.
Despite his intimidating size and his primary programming directive to kill Goku, Android 16 possesses a calm, quiet, and deeply kind personality. He speaks in a monotone voice and rarely shows emotion, but he has a profound love for nature, forests, and small animals, often letting birds perch on his shoulders. This inherent gentleness and lack of malice are what led Dr. Gero to consider him a failure as a weapon of revenge.
Android 16's primary motivation is initially to fulfill his core programming by hunting down and destroying Goku. However, as the story progresses, his actions are driven more by a desire to protect his fellow androids, 17 and 18, and to safeguard the natural world he cherishes. He is activated by Android 17 after the twins rebel against and kill Dr. Gero. Joining them on their search for Goku, 16 remains largely silent and observant, even refusing to fight at times to simply watch birds instead.
His pivotal role in the story is as a defender of Androids 17 and 18 against the bio-android Cell, who seeks to absorb them to achieve his perfect form. 16 proves to be a formidable fighter, powerful enough to match and even briefly overpower Cell in his semi-perfect state. After being severely damaged by Cell, he is repaired at Capsule Corporation by Dr. Brief and Bulma, who also discover and remove the powerful bomb installed inside him. Unaware of this removal, 16 later attempts to use the bomb to destroy Perfect Cell during the Cell Games. When this fails, Cell destroys his body, leaving only his head intact.
In his final moments, Android 16's head is thrown to the young warrior Gohan by Mr. Satan. He gives a heartfelt speech, encouraging Gohan to release his inner anger and fight to protect the planet and the life he loves, as it is not a sin to fight for a just cause. Cell then crushes his head, destroying him completely. This act of cruelty, combined with Android 16's final words, finally triggers the rage within Gohan, allowing him to transform into a Super Saiyan 2 and ultimately defeat Cell.
Key relationships include his creator, Dr. Gero, whose programming he was built to follow; Android 17 and 18, whom he sees as companions to protect rather than just fellow models; and Gohan, a kindred gentle spirit who he ultimately inspires to unleash his full power. He also has a brief but significant connection with Mr. Satan, who unwittingly aids him in his final act.
Android 16 is a purely mechanical being who does not possess organic components like his successors. As a result, he does not emit a ki signature that can be sensed, though he has a built-in radar to locate and analyze the power levels of others. His notable abilities include flight, immense superhuman strength, and unique attacks made possible by his mechanical body. His signature technique, Hell's Flash, involves detaching his forearms to reveal powerful cannons that release a massive, torrential energy blast. He can also launch his fists as Rocket Punches. He had a built-in self-destruct bomb of tremendous power, though it was removed without his knowledge, preventing him from using it in battle.
Despite his intimidating size and his primary programming directive to kill Goku, Android 16 possesses a calm, quiet, and deeply kind personality. He speaks in a monotone voice and rarely shows emotion, but he has a profound love for nature, forests, and small animals, often letting birds perch on his shoulders. This inherent gentleness and lack of malice are what led Dr. Gero to consider him a failure as a weapon of revenge.
Android 16's primary motivation is initially to fulfill his core programming by hunting down and destroying Goku. However, as the story progresses, his actions are driven more by a desire to protect his fellow androids, 17 and 18, and to safeguard the natural world he cherishes. He is activated by Android 17 after the twins rebel against and kill Dr. Gero. Joining them on their search for Goku, 16 remains largely silent and observant, even refusing to fight at times to simply watch birds instead.
His pivotal role in the story is as a defender of Androids 17 and 18 against the bio-android Cell, who seeks to absorb them to achieve his perfect form. 16 proves to be a formidable fighter, powerful enough to match and even briefly overpower Cell in his semi-perfect state. After being severely damaged by Cell, he is repaired at Capsule Corporation by Dr. Brief and Bulma, who also discover and remove the powerful bomb installed inside him. Unaware of this removal, 16 later attempts to use the bomb to destroy Perfect Cell during the Cell Games. When this fails, Cell destroys his body, leaving only his head intact.
In his final moments, Android 16's head is thrown to the young warrior Gohan by Mr. Satan. He gives a heartfelt speech, encouraging Gohan to release his inner anger and fight to protect the planet and the life he loves, as it is not a sin to fight for a just cause. Cell then crushes his head, destroying him completely. This act of cruelty, combined with Android 16's final words, finally triggers the rage within Gohan, allowing him to transform into a Super Saiyan 2 and ultimately defeat Cell.
Key relationships include his creator, Dr. Gero, whose programming he was built to follow; Android 17 and 18, whom he sees as companions to protect rather than just fellow models; and Gohan, a kindred gentle spirit who he ultimately inspires to unleash his full power. He also has a brief but significant connection with Mr. Satan, who unwittingly aids him in his final act.
Android 16 is a purely mechanical being who does not possess organic components like his successors. As a result, he does not emit a ki signature that can be sensed, though he has a built-in radar to locate and analyze the power levels of others. His notable abilities include flight, immense superhuman strength, and unique attacks made possible by his mechanical body. His signature technique, Hell's Flash, involves detaching his forearms to reveal powerful cannons that release a massive, torrential energy blast. He can also launch his fists as Rocket Punches. He had a built-in self-destruct bomb of tremendous power, though it was removed without his knowledge, preventing him from using it in battle.