The Dragon Ball series sets Goku and his friends against a new threat during each season. Goku has to train hard to defeat alien threats that threaten Earth.
During the Android Saga, Dr. Gero programmed two siblings to take out Goku. Android 17 and 18, siblings who are one year apart in age, proceeded to travel to Earth and fight the Z Fighters. Although their primary goal was to finish Goku, their motivations quickly began to change.
Android 17 and his sister were forced to become powerful beings at the cost of their humanity. They didn't want to fight Goku out of their free will, it was a command forced upon the siblings. The Android gleefully battled Goku, but eventually came to their senses. They began to think of Goku as a friend instead of an opponent. One of the Z Fighters, Krillin, fell in love with Android 18 and later married her.
The younger brother, Android 17, was forced to come to terms with his new body at the conclusion of the Cell Saga. While he laughed and challenged the Z Fighters, when their story arc concluded, he no longer considered Goku a threat. The surviving Androids were unlike other enemies in the Dragon Ball series. They now had a second chance at life. Since his organic structure was forever changed, Android 17 was forced to decide how to spend the rest of his days.
Many viewers have misconceptions regarding Android 17's character. Though he hasn't had a constant presence in the series like his sister, Android 17 was busy rebuilding his life.
Interesting in learning more about the Android 17? Our list compiles the most common things everyone gets wrong about Android 17.
Before you continue, be warned that our list contains massive spoilers for the entire Dragon Ball series.
25 Doesn't Care About Earth's Lifeforms
After the Cell Saga, Android 17 begins a career as a ranger. He has worked in Royal Nature Park and Monster Island, but in Dragon Ball Super, he is working in an unnamed location.
Rare animals live on the island, and it's Android 17's job to protect them.
The animals are under constant threat from poachers. Though they attack Android 17, he wants them to leave and never come back. He doesn't take lethal measures. When Goku assisted Android 17 in the task, he was surprised at 17's methods.
24 Ignores Goku’s Childish Interests
Any Dragon Ball series fan knows that Goku is obsessed with fighting. He loves the thrill of battle, whether he's involved or watching from the sidelines. Android 17 shares Goku's enthusiasm for combat. When he first met Goku, he considered fighting him part of "the game," and he was prepared to win at any cost. Android 17 is more reckless than his sister, but he finds careless acts exciting. Android 17 is much more heartless in his quest for battle.
23 Appears To Be The Oldest
Android 17 is quick to take charge in battle. When 16, 17, and 18 arrive to take care of Goku, the youngest brother jumps in the front lines. According to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, Android 17 is the youngest of the pair. Android 18 is the oldest of the siblings. She occasionally refers to him as "younger brother," but doesn't dare take him any less dangerous. While they have a one-year age difference, they often act as synchronized partners than leader and follower.
22 Doesn't Help Others
Dragon Ball is a series that focuses on action more than conversations. It's only natural that some characters may get hurt in the process. Krillin and Goku have met their ultimate ends multiple times on the show.
Android 17 has also faced elimination, but he now tries his best to help others.
During Dragon Ball Super's World Tournament, his sister's ankle is injured during battle. He has the knowledge to help her in the middle of the match, thanks to his experience as a park ranger.
21 Would Rather Go Slow
One of the basic powers most of the characters have is flying. Android 17 prefers to drive. He has stolen his fair share of vehicles and taken them on joy-drives with Android 18. Later in life, he used his skills to escape a motorcycle gang called the Toad Warriors.
During Dragon Ball Super, Android 17 now drives a tractor around his island home. He uses it to survey the land but isn't afraid to take to the skies if there's trouble.
20 Forgot Krillin’s Selfless Wish
Krillin once asked Shenron to turn Androids 17 and 18 back into humans. It was beyond the dragon god's power. Krillin decided to ask him to remove the bombs inside of the Androids instead, which was immediately granted. Android 18 was grateful, and it eventually led the pair becoming a couple.
Android 17 never forgot Krillin's kind gesture. In the manga, Android 17 is so appreciative, that he decides to enter the Tournament of Power as part of Universe 7 as thanks.
19 Has No Sibling Bonds
Android 17 didn't plan on letting down Team Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power. His sister, 18, was also part of the group. The siblings didn't fight together for years, but this could have fooled anyone.
When fighting years later during the Tournament of Power, the Android siblings battle in perfect harmony.
Their skills have not faltered over the years, and Android 17 only grew stronger. When one of the siblings is hurt, they also sensed the other's troubles. His bond with his sister continues to be one of the strongest in the series.
18 Doesn't Share His Sister's Fashion Sense
In most cartoons, characters wear the same outfit throughout the series. Android 17 is no different. He only has a few basic, everyday outfits. The reason Android 17 always wears the same clothing is because he likes his outfits.
In Dragon Ball GT, Future Android 17 mentions that he has several of the same shirts. He never has to fear to go into battle and to destroy his favorite shirt if he has plenty at home.
17 Always Knows His Opponent
Many characters in the series use Scouters to measure power levels. According to an interview in Saikyo Jump, the creator, Akira Toriyama, stated that he believed it was easier to gauge power levels with a number.
Not all characters need this piece of equipment. According to the anime series, Android 17 has a built-in power detector. He mistakenly believed he was stronger than Android 16. Android 17's ability may have been faulty. After 17 was proved wrong, he never tried to detect another character's power level again.
16 Always Battles Honorably
Most of the villains anxiously await for their opponents to reach full power. They want a fair fight. Android 17 doesn't fight with honor. He's happy to jump into battle while his opponents are in the middle of transforming. His impatience continues in Dragon Ball Super.
While Brianne, Sanka, and Suu are changing during the Tournament of Power, he attacks.
He doesn't wait until his opponents are at their peak power levels.
Goku and Toppo both lecture Android 17 on his poor sportsmanship.
15 Unable To Tame Terrible Beasts
Before leaving this world, Cell managed to create several Cell Juniors from his tail. The creatures act like children and love to play around. At first, they were destructive, but Android 17 took them under his wing. Android 17 taught them how to be more responsible and obedient.
The Cell Juniors were then transported to Monster Island. They were instructed to protect the inhabitants from poachers and never to attack rangers, who work to preserve the island. Android 17 may have seen his mischievous past in this children and is determined not to let them fall to the same fate.
14 Always Forgives Others
Android 17's memory may be as sharp as his fighting skills. Dr. Gero captured 17 and 18 when they were teenagers. He performed experiments on the young fighters, which would change their lives forever. Android 17 would never forget what Dr. Gero did to him. After awakening, Android 18 activated Android 16, against Dr. Gero's wishes.
Android 17's revenge was much worse. To avenge his former human self and his sister, 17 destroyed Dr. Gero. Android 17 knew their bodies would never be the same, and used Dr. Gero's "gifts" on the giver.
13 Is Overwhelmingly Selfless
Android 18 enjoys the finer things in life. She likes expensive clothes and pushes Krillin to buy their family a big house. Android 17 may seem different since he lives amongst nature and protecting animals. The younger Android has times where his greed shows.
To compete in the Tournament of Power, Android 17 insists he will use his wish to obtain a cruise ship.
Android 17 plans to take his wife and three children around the world. It's only until the end of the Tournament Arc that we learn his real intended wish to restore the other universes.
12 Doesn't Have The Stamina To Battle
Goku can turn into Super Saiyan God mode almost immediately. It doesn't mean that he'll retain this mode until the end of the battle. Once his power levels start to decrease, he'll return back to his original form.
Androids 17 and 18 have an almost limitless power supply. They can continue to fight until they win or get bored. The only way their power supplies can deplete is if they are quickly-outpowered by their opponent. Even Android 18 is only eliminated from the Tournament of Power because she's knocked out of the arena.
11 Lacks Self-Confidence
With enhanced speed, fighting skills, and almost limitless power, Android 17 believed he was an unstoppable force. The Androids managed to give the Z Fighters a tough battle. He thought no one could stop him. Once Android 17 saw Cell in action, he was proven wrong. Android 17 believed that he could win against Cell, even though many Z Fighters and his sister warned him. Android 17's pride bested the fighter, which had devastating results. Cell managed to absorb Android 17, causing him to lose the battle.
10 Wasn't On Dr. Gero's Priority List
Dr. Gero was an evil doctor who took his experiments to the next level. He abducted two teenagers and intended on using them to destroy Goku. According to the Dragon Ball Full Color Androids Saga, Lapis, who would eventually be known as Android 17, was the first to undergo the experiments.
Dr. Gero implanted a self-destructing explosive inside of the teen, along with a remote control. Bulma discovered their bodies were biologically enhanced to become almost unstoppable fighting machines.
9 Is Not A Survivor
Akira Toriyama gave insight on Android 17 in the manga Dragon Ball Full Color Androids Saga. Android 17 was once a typical teenager who enjoyed fighting and driving. Dr. Gero changed his life forever. Not only was Android 17 stronger, but he would age slower than most humans. Though Android 17 and 18 are both married to humans, they'll outlive their spouses and children by decades. For now, the siblings can enjoy the planet they've helped protect countless times.
8 Doesn't Miss His Human Side
Dragon Ball Super gave viewers more focus on Android 18 during the Tournament of Power arc. Android 17 is seen as emotionless, even though it's clear he loves his sister and nature. Their lack of most emotions is due to the experiments Dr. Gero forced him through. He now has problems expressing himself compared to when he was younger. At times, Android 17 states that he wishes he was still human so that he could feel some emotion. From the Android Saga of Dragon Ball Z, we at least know they find fighting amusing.
7 Loathes His Occupation
When we first met Android 17, he was a mischievous villain who loved to toy around with his enemies. In Dragon Ball Super, he has become serious about his new role as a Park Ranger. His job of protecting animals from poachers is essential.
Android 17 was so faithful to his career that he first rejected the proposal of joining Team Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power.
In the manga, he later accepted to repay Krillin's kindness. Android 17 would agree to help Goku in the anime, stating he was grateful for the Saiyan's help in protecting the animals.
6 Doesn't Miss His Humanity
Becoming an Android with limitless power may appear appealing to some. Androids 17 and 18 didn't have a choice. They were forced to become experimental fodder for Dr. Gero. Android 17 was particularly enraged by the evil act. He is shown to love nature and animals throughout the series. Being robbed of his humanity is why he is particularly angry to be an Android. Unfortunately, his fate is sealed. Shenron doesn't have the power to reverse Dr. Gero's experiments.