Summary
Akira Toriyamacreated many memorable antagonists in his careeras a manga artist, and many of them have gone on to attain iconic status in the landscape of shonen manga and anime. However, there are a few whose influence was so significant that they serve as the foundation for the archetype of the modern anime villain, with one such example beingDragon Ball Z’s Perfect Cell.
Created as a Bio-Android by Dr. Gero, the version ofCell that was prominently featuredinDragon Ball Zwas from an alternate timeline, which forced him to travel back in time to absorb Android 17 and 18 to achieve his Perfect Form. A clever, versatile, and charismatic character, Perfect Cell was one of theDragon Ballfranchise’s most memorable antagonists, especially due to his epic final clash with Gohan.
1Near-Inexhaustible Regeneration
The Capacity To Recover From Virtually Any Injury
One of Perfect Cell’s signature abilities is his regeneration, which he attained due to the combination of DNA that was used to create him, blending traits from Saiyans, Namekians, and Frieza’s Race. As a result of this,Perfect Cell can not only recover frommost fatal injuries, but he also emerges stronger from every near-death experience.
This immense regenerative capability is always available to him, as long as even one of his cells survives, making it extremely difficult to defeat him entirely. Conversely, the physical strain of regenerating large parts of his body or entire limbs is considerable, as evidenced by the significant drop seen in Perfect Cell’s ki whenever he performs it. The physical toll is comparatively less than what Namekians have to endure, although it is not completely negligible.
2Wielding A Wide Arsenal Of Abilities
Using An Opponent’s Skills Against Them
Another consequence of his complex genetic makeup is the power to mimic the abilities of other characters inDragon Ball Z, ranging from Saiyans such as Goku and Vegeta to even Piccolo and Frieza. Even in his Imperfect Form, Cell was able to call upon techniques such as the Solar Flare, and his arsenal was augmented after he evolved to his Perfect Form.
From using various versions of the Kamehameha, Vegeta’s Big Bang Attack, Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon, or Frieza’s Death Beam, to even harnessing the high-speed movement afforded by Instant Transmission,Perfect Cell had a lot of tricks uphis sleeve. This was especially useful against the Z-Fighters, who initially struggled with devising countermeasures to their own techniques each time Perfect Cell used them.
3Intelligence And Strategic Acumen
A Clever Combatant Who Always Thinks Ahead
The extensive data that Perfect Cell had on the Z-Fighters played a huge role in his ability to develop effective tactics against each one of them, although his impressive intelligence also contributed to all of this. Throughout most of the Cell Saga, Perfect Cell seemed relatively unperturbed by the Z-Fighters' attempts to amass more power to best him in combat, as he always had a solution to whatever they could come up with.
Despite nearly being pushed onto the back foot occasionally — such as when Future Trunks revealed his Super Saiyan Third Grade Form — he was quick to regain the advantage by analyzing and exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses.Cell was also able to manipulate membersof the Z-Fighters to turn situations in his favor, such as when he convinced Vegeta to allow him to attain his Perfect Form.
4Arrogance Befitting His Strength
Embodying The Persona Of The Ultimate Being
Created to become the “perfect warrior,” Cell’s persona was partially defined by a smug arrogance, especially after he reached his Perfect Form. Believing himself to be the ideal life form, Perfect Cell’s main objectives were to fight strong opponents and eliminate all those he saw as “imperfect.” These motives were behind his choice to stage the Cell Games and find worthy adversaries.
Initially, Perfect Cell displayed many of the polite mannerisms and occasional sadistic tendencies seen in Frieza. He remained calm and composed even in the heat of battle since none of the Z-Fighters were able to challenge him for themajority of the Cell Games Saga. That being said, he did display signs of agitation in some instances, such as when Goku forfeited his battle against him, and when he revived himself after almost dying to return as the deranged Super Perfect Cell.
5The Perfect Foil For Gohan
A Rival Who Drew Out The Super Saiyan 2 Form
Although it was not explicitly highlighted for a huge part of the Cell Saga, the rivalry between Perfect Cell and Gohan is what made the climax of this story arc so effective. The contrast in their physical attributes as well as their personalities was also well-devised on Toriyama’s part, where the diminutive and compassionate Gohan was portrayed as the polar opposite of the hulking, sadistic figure of Perfect Cell.
Perfect Cell dominated a significant portion of the fight, even while holding back his full power against Gohan, hoping that the young Half-Saiyan would unleash enough strength to provide him with a worthy challenge. With the death of Android 16,Perfect Cell got his wish, but things did not pan out the way he expected, as Gohan unlocked the Super Saiyan 2 form and began to overpower him. In the end, Perfect Cell contributed heavily to Gohan’s development as a character and also played a part in one of the best Super Saiyan transformations in the entireDragon Ballfranchise.
