Cell, an iconic villain in the Dragon Ball universe, has left an indelible mark on the franchise despite his limited appearances. First introduced in the Imperfect Cell Saga of Dragon Ball Z, this biological android was the creation of Dr. Gero, a scientist affiliated with the notorious Red Ribbon Army. Over the course of several sagas and a movie, Cell underwent multiple transformations, each time attaining new heights of power and leaving a lasting impact on the heroes of Earth.
Larva Cell: The earliest and most primitive form of Cell is the Larva Cell, characterized by his infancy in the android development process. In this stage, Cell is still growing into his android identity and is presumed to be infused with genetic material from Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and King Cold. This form is a result of a failed attempt to travel back in time, leading to deformation and the need to shed his larval shell upon arrival.
Imperfect Cell: The Imperfect Cell marks the first encounter with the Z Fighters. Absorbing people on Earth, Cell evolves from his larval form into Imperfect Cell during the Imperfect Cell Saga. This bug-like form, distinct from his later humanoid appearances, roams Earth seeking to absorb Android 17 and achieve greater power. Despite being formidable in this state, Imperfect Cell ultimately absorbs Android 17 and embarks on further transformations.
Semi-Perfect Cell: Semi-Perfect Cell emerges after absorbing one of the android twins, Android 17 in the anime. This form exhibits increased muscle mass and a bulkier face compared to the Imperfect Cell. While powerful enough to defeat Piccolo and Tien, Semi-Perfect Cell faces the challenge of Goku’s intervention, preventing potential battles with Super Vegeta and Goku after his recovery from the Viral Heart Disease.
Perfect Cell: The culmination of Cell’s intended form is the iconic Perfect Cell, achieved after absorbing both Android 17 and Android 18. Boasting extreme power and a cocky demeanor, Perfect Cell defeats Super Vegeta easily and becomes the main antagonist during the Perfect Cell Saga. His creation of the Cell Games adds a unique twist to the narrative, leading to his ultimate destruction in pursuit of an interesting challenge.
Power-Weighted Cell/Cell Super Saiyan Third Grade: During the battle with Future Trunks, Perfect Cell adopts the Power-Weighted form to mimic Trunks’ Super Saiyan Third Grade transformation. The ability to replicate this form, with its added mass and potential influence from Piccolo’s genes, showcases Cell’s adaptability and genetic versatility.
Super Saiyan Cell: A variation of Perfect Cell, the Super Saiyan Cell appears during the Cell Games Saga. This form sees Cell surrounded by yellow energy, resembling the aura of Super Saiyans. Cell engages in battles, including a notable confrontation with Goku.
Cell Jr.: Created during the Cell Games Saga, Cell Jr. are smaller, blue versions of Cell with considerable power. Designed to provoke Gohan’s anger, they engage in battles with the Z Fighters but are ultimately defeated by Gohan in his Super Saiyan 2 form.
Self-Destruction Cell: In a desperate attempt to survive against Gohan, Cell enters the Self-Destruction form. Inflating himself into a powerful bomb, he is teleported to King Kai’s planet by Goku, resulting in a devastating explosion that claims several lives, including Goku and Android 17.
Super Perfect Cell: Surviving his own explosion due to remnants of his nucleus, Cell returns in the form of Super Perfect Cell. This form, even more potent than Perfect Cell, is defeated only by Gohan’s ascension to Super Saiyan 2, aided by Goku from the afterlife in a Father-Son Kamehameha.
Cell Max: A new addition to Cell’s forms, Cell Max appears in the film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Created by Dr. Hedo, Dr. Gero’s grandson, at the behest of the Red Ribbon Army’s leader, Magenta, Cell Max is an upgraded android. Released prematurely, this colossal form proves challenging even for Piccolo in his Orange Piccolo form, necessitating Gohan’s transformation into Gohan Beast for victory.
While Cell Max seems to mark the end of Cell’s form evolution, the unpredictable nature of the Dragon Ball universe leaves room for surprises. Whether Cell returns in a new form or through some unforeseen circumstance, the legacy of this iconic villain remains an integral part of the Dragon Ball saga.
