Absorption

Absorption takes several distinct forms depending on the user. Cell uses his tail to physically consume Androids 17 and 18 through a needle-like appendage, a process specifically designed by Dr. Gero to trigger his transformation sequence. Majin Buu takes a more versatile approach, tearing off pieces of his own body and using them to envelop targets before pulling them inside himself. Moro achieves absorption by directly consuming another being, as he did with Seven-Three to gain access to his copied abilities.

Transformation vs. Power Gain

For Cell, absorption triggers predetermined metamorphic stages. Absorbing Android 17 transforms him from his Imperfect to Semi-Perfect form, while Android 18 completes his Perfect form. Buu's absorptions are more fluid, physically altering his appearance to reflect whoever he has most recently absorbed while stacking their combat abilities onto his own.

Cell's pursuit of the Androids drives the entire middle portion of the Cell Saga. After absorbing Android 17 on the battlefield, his power jumps dramatically enough to overpower Android 16. Absorbing Android 18 (with Vegeta's arrogant assistance) completes his transformation and triggers the Cell Games arc.

Buu's Absorptions

Super Buu systematically targeted the strongest fighters available. Absorbing Gotenks and Piccolo simultaneously gave him access to Super Saiyan 3 power and Piccolo's tactical intelligence. His absorption of Ultimate Gohan made him the single most powerful unfused entity in Dragon Ball Z. Vegito allowed himself to be absorbed deliberately, using a barrier to rescue the trapped fighters from inside Buu's body.

Moro Arc

In the Dragon Ball Super manga, Moro consumed Seven-Three to gain his ability-copying powers, becoming vastly more dangerous in the process. This forced the Z Fighters to adapt their strategy entirely.

Absorption is not irreversible. Goku and Vegeta entered Super Buu's body and physically removed the absorbed fighters, causing Buu to revert to progressively weaker forms. Cell's absorption can also be undone through sufficient physical trauma, as demonstrated when Gohan's punch forced him to regurgitate Android 18. The technique's primary weakness is that it requires the user to get close enough to initiate the process, making it vulnerable to opponents who can maintain distance.