The Dragon Ball series has primarily focused on the adventures of Goku. Fans were amazed by the power of the Saiyan race. They continued to watch as Goku and the Z Fighters took on a new foe. One of the most destructive enemies the Z Fighters would face was Dr. Gero's Androids 16, 17, and 18.
Android 18 was the only female on Dr. Gero's android force at the time, but she displayed her power level at every opportunity. She gave the Saiyans and their friends a tough fight. As Android 18 began interacting with the team, they began to grow on her. Though Android 18 was considered "bad," like many villains, she turned a new leaf. After a devastating defeat, she learned her lesson and was ready to help instead of hurt others.
After meeting Krillin, Android 18's life drastically changed. Her existence became protecting their daughter Marron and her husband. Unlike other married female characters in the series, she wasn't ready to retire. Android 18 realizes that she can't rely on the Z Fighters to finish all of her battles. Her strength would continue to shine through Dragon Ball Z, Super, and countless media outside of the TV series.
Our list compiles some of the lesser-known facts about Android 18. Though she was once villainous, Android 18 has turned over a new leaf. Her story continues to be misunderstood, years after her initial appearance.
Before continuing on, be warned that our list contains spoilers for the Dragon Ball Z and Super series.
25 A Separate Identity
Dragon Ball fans have known Android 18 by her title for decades. Many don't realize that she was once a normal teenage girl with a separate identity.
According to the Dragon Ball Full Color Androids Saga manga, Android 18's real name is Lazuli.
Her brother, 17, was formerly Lapis. Both names together form Lapis Lazuli, a blue stone. They aren't blue in appearance but share the same striking blue eye color. Most fans and characters in the series know her only as Android 18.
24 Almost Used A Wish For An Unusual Request
When the Z Fighters are in dire need of help, they seek out the seven Dragon Balls. They often use the guidance of Shenron to give advice in future battles, such as the fight for the fate of Earth against the God of Destruction, Beerus. Android 18 was once had the chance to have a wish granted. She intended to use the wish to request a gift for Krillin. After speaking to Bulma, she decided against it. Bulma made Android 18 realize what Krillin really wanted was to spend time with her and Marron.
23 It Doesn’t Grow Back
While Android 18 is partly robotic, there are parts of her humanity she retains. While battling Future Trunks in "The History of Trunks" he slices her hair. She angrily tells him "that doesn't grow back." Fans may have noticed that she retains the same hairstyle during the entire series, but now there's a reasonable explanation. All of the Androids have kept the same style, perhaps out of fear that a drastic haircut is permanent. Dr. Gero many not have considered hair to be as important as other cybernetic enhancements.
22 Is Style Conscious
Android 18 changes her outfit several times throughout the series. During her debut, she wears a jean jacket, then dons a black vest with a pearl necklace. During Dragon Ball Super, she opts for a magenta pink tracksuit.
Android 18 may not be fully human, but she cares about her appearance.
When she was staying in the Kame House, she noticed Chi-Chi's cheongsam dresses. Android 18 critiqued Chi-Chi's "poor sense of style." Thankfully, Chi-Chi never found out about the insult.
21 Cares More Than He Thinks
When Krillin first met the Androids, he assumed 17 and 18 were in a relationship. He quickly developed feelings for 18 and felt jealous that she already had a boyfriend. Android 18 also feels jealous when women flirt with Krillin.
When a scared Nain hugs Krillin in Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly, Android 18 pushes them out to safety. She also reacts negatively when Zangya calls Krillin "cute" in the Budokai Tenkaichi video game. Though others may flirt with Android 18 or Krillin, they only have eyes for each other.
20 Cheap Tactics Won’t Work On Her
Android 18 is half-robot and half-human, so some fighters my assume water will short-circuit her. Water won't hold Android 18 back from protecting Earth. Bulma was the brilliant mind that discovered the Androids were mostly human. After she researched the Android's blueprints while they were under Dr. Gero's control, they're not as robotic as they seem. Their DNA was enhanced, but they retained most of their humanity. Android 18 can still enjoy a day at the beach with her family, alongside her robotic brother, Android 17.
19 Enemies Can’t Sense Her Attacks
The Dragon Ball series has proved that almost anyone can harness the power of ki. Krillin and Videl, who are entirely human, learned how to fly and use ki blasts. Android 18 has similar powers but does not have ki-based energy.
Dr. Gero's cybernetic adjustments have permanently changed her skillset.
This is why Goku and Trunks are unable to track the Androids using their "Ki Sense." Enemies cannot detect Android 18's movements, but unfortunately, this means her allies can't help her if she's in trouble.
18 Can Fall Under A Baby’s Control
Dr. Gero enhanced the Androids to the point where they were almost undefeatable. Though they eventually choose the side of good instead of bad, they aren't completely invincible. Android 18 may be hard to take down in a physical battle, but she is vulnerable to mind control.
In Dragon Ball GT, Baby puts 18 under his control. She is forced to follow his every command. Thankfully, she is later cured with Sacred Water. Mind control doesn't often occur within the series, but there's no guarantee it will never happen to her again.
17 Clones Can Pose A Problem
Android 18 is considered to be one of the most powerful Z Fighters who doesn't need to rely on a Super Saiyan mode. She often appears as a playable character in various Dragon Ball video games.
In the Xenoverse series, the fighters are forced to fight clones of their friends and loved ones. Android 18 has to battle against a clone of her husband, Krillin. Though Android 18 puts up a cold appearance, she genuinely cares for her family. She admits that it will be difficult to fight him, but has to protect Earth.
16 An Unbreakable Sibling Bond
Android 17 and 18 are so close that their relationship is easy to misunderstand. They are close because they're brother and sister, not because they are romantically involved.
During the World Tournament in Dragon Ball Super, both fighters backed each other up during each round. During one intense moment, Android 17 was attacked by surprise. He was almost launched out of the arena, which is an automatic disqualification.
Android 18 made it to his side quickly enough to launch her brother back into the arena.
She sacrificed her spot on the team to preserve his.
15 Can Take Down A Prince
The Z Fighters have proven themselves as warriors throughout the decades. They always manage to find a way to take down Earth's threat, which once included Android 18. She made it clear that no Super Saiyan would hold her back. Other fighters may underestimate her strength upon first glance.
Android 18 is so strong that she damaged Vegeta's arms in battle. He tried his best to defeat her and lost. She took pity upon her opponent and abandoned him to take on the rest of the Z Fighters. Android 18 considered Vegeta a distraction to her primary goal, Goku.
14 Power Levels Continue To Rise
Androids 17 and 18 caused havoc in the future for two decades. Their power levels in the main series gave the Z fighters plenty to worry about. Although Android 18 has no interest in returning to her villainous past ways, she is even more powerful now. Android 18 hasn't focused on training like her friends, but she is always ready to take down a new threat. As the series progresses, her power levels only grow. It explains why she has become almost invincible in the future Earth timeline.
13 Older Than She Appears
During the Android Saga, both Androids 17 and 18 were introduced simultaneously. They both had similar features, such as chin-length hair and Red Ribbon crests on their clothing.
Android 17 commanded Android 16 and 18, so many assumed he was the eldest.
According to the Dragon Ball Full Color Androids Saga manga, Android 18 is one year older than Android 17. Android 17 may take charge, but Android 18 watches over him because she is the eldest sister. Android 18 knows that she can show her strength by her fighting abilities and not by commanding her Android brothers in battle.
12 Dealt With A Tough Fate Twice
Android 18 defeated most of the Z Fighters by herself before being defeated by Cell. Other enemies have taken her out for good throughout the series. Android 18 and Marron were first eliminated after Buu began turning innocent bystanders into chocolate. After the transformation was complete, he ate his rewards.
Thanks to a wish, Android 18 and Marron were restored. The mother-daughter pair would also be taken out when Frieza destroyed the Earth in Dragon Ball Super. Whis reversed the terrible act before the destruction became permanent.
11 Doesn’t Lack Emotions
Android 18 and Krillin have a strong marriage. She adores both her husband and daughter with all her heart. Being an android doesn't affect her emotions.
When Krillin meets his end in Dragon Ball GT, she was devastated. She cries over losing her husband, but at the same time, she is enraged at the cause of her pain. Her brother, Android 17, was responsible for the terrible act. Android 18 doesn't let her grief hold her back. When she reencountered Android 17, she fights with Goku to avenge her late husband.
10 Nothing Can Hold Her Back
Android 18 has had many cybernetic and organic enhancements to make her a powerful fighter. Some may believe that she can only gain more abilities by being modified. Android 18 has the capability of training to hone her skills.
Android 18 isn't limited to machine upgrades.
Unfortunately, we don't often see Android 18 training or sparring, unlike the other Z Fighters. She doesn't have as strong an interest as Goku and no rival to best, like Vegeta. Android 18 is content with her fighting ability as it stands and will fight when she chooses.
9 Her Alternative Future Is Bleak
There are alternative versions of every character on the show. Future Trunks uses Bulma's time travel ship to return to the past. He asks for help to take out Future Android 17 and 18. Future Goku and the other Z Fighters are unavailable. Trunks couldn't take out the enemies alone, so their villainous reign lasted for two decades.
The Android siblings enjoyed destroying what remained on Earth. After the future was demolished, they continued to hunt for any survivors. Thankfully in the present version of Earth, the Androids have made peace with the Z Fighters.
8 Her Growth Has Halted
According to the Daizenshuu 7, both Androids 17 and 18 were abducted when they were teenagers. Dr. Gero was seeking new experimental material, and they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Their bodies were enhanced with cybernetic materials, but since he modified their DNA, they primarily remain human. Android 18's aging has almost halted, as she retains the same physical appearance from when she was a teenager. Mentally, Android 18 has grown, and she now enjoys life as a housewife with Krillin.
7 Saved From A Bad Ending
The Dragon Balls can bring forth Shenron to grant a wide variety of wishes. There are some wishes beyond his powers, but he can provide advice. The mighty dragon cannot restore life to machines, which is why Android 16 could never be restored.
Since Android 17 and 18 are mostly human, Shenron can bring them back to life.
This was once necessary after a villainous act by Buu. Thanks to a wish by Porunga, Android 18 was magically restored, only remembering the moment she was (temporarily) destroyed.
6 Enjoys The Luxuries In Life
Android 18 may be robotic, but she retains some human-like qualities. She enjoys expensive items and will jump on opportunities to become richer. After she was invited to join the Tournament of Power, she only accepted if Hercule would multiply the prize money. Since Hercule has "won" the tournament for years, he accepted. Android 18 lost the match against Hercule on purpose. She knew that she would win much more money by losing than winning. The title of "The World's Champion" meant nothing compared to the Zeni.