Android 17
Android 17, originally a human named Lapis, is a major character in the Dragon Ball series created by Akira Toriyama. He and his twin sister, Android 18, were forcibly modified into bio-cyborgs equipped with perpetual energy reactors by Dr. Gero of the Red Ribbon Army. Initially introduced as a headstrong and defiant youth who treated fights like games, he later matures into a dedicated wildlife park ranger, husband, and father. In Dragon Ball Super, he joins the Universe 7 team for the Tournament of Power, proving himself to be a strategic, highly reliable fighter.
Overview
Android 17, originally a human named Lapis, is a major character in the Dragon Ball series created by Akira Toriyama. He and his twin sister, Android 18, were forcibly modified into bio-cyborgs equipped with perpetual energy reactors by Dr. Gero of the Red Ribbon Army. Initially introduced as a headstrong and defiant youth who treated fights like games, he later matures into a dedicated wildlife park ranger, husband, and father. In Dragon Ball Super, he joins the Universe 7 team for the Tournament of Power, proving himself to be a strategic, highly reliable fighter.
Appearance
Android 17 is a slender young man with sharp facial features, slanting blue eyes, and shoulder-length straight black hair parted in the middle. He wears a black short-sleeved t-shirt featuring the Red Ribbon Army logo over a white long-sleeved undershirt, paired with black gloves and earrings. He ties an orange bandana around his neck and wears a waist holster containing a handgun that he rarely fires. Because his body consists primarily of organic material modified at the cellular level, his youthful physical appearance remains largely unchanged despite the passage of time.
Personality
Strong-willed and independent, Android 17 deeply detests being controlled or taking orders from anyone, which fueled his burning hatred for Dr. Gero. In his early years, he possessed a cocky, game-like attitude toward fighting and loved non-essential activities—such as hijacking a car for a leisurely road trip instead of flying—earning him a reputation for being childish from his sister. Despite his early arrogance, he lacked bloodlust against innocent bystanders in the main timeline. Over time, he matures into a calm, pragmatic, and dependable man who values nature and deeply cares for his family and allies, while retaining a dry, witty sense of humor.
Abilities
Equipped with an internal perpetual energy reactor, Android 17 possesses infinite stamina and energy reserves, meaning he never tires or runs out of power. Because he is a cyborg, his energy cannot be detected by standard ki-sensing abilities. His organic foundation allows him to survive on water alone and rapidly increase his combat strength through training. He excels at generating powerful green energy barriers capable of deflecting high-output attacks, and he utilizes his unlimited reserves for relentless offensive pressure, precise energy blasts, and calculated defensive sacrifices.
Background
Originally a young human, he was abducted and modified by Dr. Gero to assassinate Son Goku. Sealed away due to his rebellious nature, he was reactivated when Gero grew desperate. 17 quickly turned on his creator, destroying his remote control and killing Gero. While seeking out Goku alongside 16 and 18, he engaged Piccolo in a fierce battle, only to be ambushed and absorbed by Cell. After Cell's defeat, he was resurrected via the Dragon Balls, and his internal self-destruct device was removed. Years later, he settled down as a wildlife ranger on a remote island, married an zoologist, and raised three children before being recruited for the Tournament of Power.
Relationships
Android 18 is his twin sister, with whom he shares a strong sibling bond despite operating independently. Through her, Krillin is his brother-in-law, a relation 17 deeply respects for having used a Dragon Ball wish to remove the explosive from his body, and Marron is his young niece. He harbored intense hatred for his creator, Dr. Gero, whom he unceremoniously executed. Though he once fought Piccolo in a battle to the death, the two reconciled amicably upon meeting years later. During the Tournament of Power, he also formed a powerful alliance with Son Goku and earned the respect of allies like Frieza and rivals like Jiren.
Trivia
His original human name, Lapis, combines with his twin sister's name, Lazuli, to form the blue semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. This detail was officially revealed by series creator Akira Toriyama in supplemental release materials. In the Majin Buu arc of the anime adaptation, he briefly appears to contribute energy to Son Goku's Spirit Bomb, remarking that it was nice to hear his voice again despite the two having never formally met at that point in the story—a detail later explained as him retaining memory of Goku's voice through Gero's data or his time absorbed within Cell.
