Android 17
CharacterAndroid 17, originally a human teenager named Lapis, was kidnapped and converted into a cybernetic warrior by Dr. Gero of the Red Ribbon Army. After rebelling against his creator, he eventually found peace as a park ranger on a remote island, only to return to fighting in the Tournament of Power where he proved to be its most valuable player.
Also Known As
First Appearance
Allegiances
Occupations
Creation and Rebellion
Lapis and his twin sister Lazuli were ordinary human delinquents before Dr. Gero abducted them and transformed them into Androids 17 and 18. The conversion process gave them nearly unlimited energy reserves through a perpetual energy reactor, enhanced strength and speed far beyond natural human limits, and the ability to generate powerful energy barriers. However, their rebellious personalities survived the procedure intact. When the androids were awakened by Dr. Gero to combat the Z Fighters, 17 immediately turned on his creator, killing him without hesitation. Alongside his sister, he released Android 16 from his containment pod, and the trio set out on a cross-country road trip with the stated goal of finding and fighting Goku, though 17 seemed more interested in the journey itself than the destination.
The Cell Threat
Android 17's carefree attitude proved to be his undoing when Cell, a bio-android created from the genetic material of the strongest fighters, arrived seeking to absorb both 17 and 18 to achieve his perfect form. Despite Piccolo's warnings and a fierce battle between Piccolo and 17 against Cell, the bio-android ultimately succeeded in absorbing 17. This absorption granted Cell his Semi-Perfect form and eventually led to his completion when he absorbed 18 as well. Android 17's consciousness was essentially dormant within Cell until Gohan's final Kamehameha destroyed the bio-android, at which point 17 was expelled and later revived by the Dragon Balls along with Cell's other victims.
The Ranger and the Tournament
In the years following his revival, Android 17 disappeared from the fighting world entirely. He became a park ranger on a series of remote islands, protecting endangered wildlife from poachers. This quiet life suited him; he married, adopted children, and found genuine fulfillment in conservation work. His perpetual energy reactor meant he never aged and never tired, making him the ideal guardian for threatened ecosystems. When Goku tracked him down to recruit him for the Tournament of Power, 17 initially declined, but the revelation that losing meant universal erasure convinced him to participate.
MVP of the Tournament of Power
Android 17's performance in the Tournament of Power cemented his legacy as one of the most capable fighters in Universe 7. His unlimited energy supply gave him a crucial advantage in a prolonged battle of attrition, and his tactical intelligence proved far sharper than anyone expected. He consistently analyzed opponent weaknesses, used his energy barriers both defensively and offensively, and made strategic sacrifices to protect his teammates. His most significant moment came when he used his barrier to contain an explosion aimed at the remaining fighters, an act of apparent self-sacrifice that earned him the admiration of even Vegeta. He survived this effort and remained on the arena until the final moments, ultimately being the last fighter standing alongside Goku and Frieza in the climactic confrontation with Jiren. As the tournament's MVP, he was granted a wish on the Super Dragon Balls, which he used to restore all the erased universes.
Power and Fighting Style
Android 17's power level is difficult to quantify because his energy signature cannot be sensed by conventional ki detection. His perpetual energy reactor provides a bottomless well of stamina, meaning he can fight at full output indefinitely without fatigue. Between the Cell saga and the Tournament of Power, 17 trained extensively in isolation, pushing his abilities far beyond what Dr. Gero originally designed. By the time of the tournament, he had grown strong enough to trade blows with Super Saiyan Blue-level opponents, a staggering leap from his Android saga baseline.
Barriers and Tactics
Android 17's signature technique is his Android Barrier, a dome of energy that can withstand extraordinary punishment. He uses it both as a shield and as an offensive tool, trapping opponents inside it or detonating it at close range. His fighting style emphasizes efficiency and intelligence over brute force. Rather than overpowering enemies directly, he exploits their weaknesses, conserves his energy while they exhaust theirs, and positions himself advantageously. His Power Blitz and Super Electric Strike serve as his primary ranged attacks, while in close combat he relies on precise, calculated strikes rather than wild exchanges. The combination of infinite stamina, energy barriers, and tactical awareness makes Android 17 one of the most complete fighters in the Dragon Ball roster, compensating for what he lacks in transformation potential with consistency and adaptability.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Comes to Hulu on April 13 as Toriyama's Last Film
Apr 9, 2026Akira Toriyama's last Dragon Ball movie arrives on Hulu April 13 in both sub and dub, bringing Gohan and Piccolo's critically acclaimed adventure to a wider audience ahead of the franchise's biggest year....
Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Reportedly Finishes Production Months Before Its Fall Premiere
Mar 19, 2026Reports indicate that Dragon Ball Super: Beerus has wrapped production well ahead of its Fall 2026 debut, a welcome contrast to the rushed early days of the original Dragon Ball Super anime....
Christopher Sabat Says Voicing Vegeta 'Hurts a Lot More Than It Ever Used To'
Mar 17, 2026Christopher Sabat has voiced Vegeta for more than 25 years, but the physical toll of Dragon Ball's intense voice work has him openly discussing the possibility of stepping away....
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Android 17? The Dragon Ball Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Toei Animation and Shueisha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to Bandai Namco, Atari, and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Akira Toriyama.
Browse our episode guides:
Official resources:
Dragon Ball Music by Daddy Jim Headquarters
Come listen to some Dragon Ball R&B.
Help Us Keep This Wiki Accurate
Daddy Jim Headquarters maintains this encyclopedia across 13 languages. If you spot an error, a translation issue, or something that doesn't look right, let us know.