TheDragon Ball universe, created by Akira Toriyama, has been a staple of anime and manga culture for decades. With its rich tapestry of characters, epic battles, and intricate storylines, the franchise has captivated audiences worldwide. One of the most intriguing and enigmatic characters to emerge from theDragon Ball canon is Android 21. However, her status as a canonical character has been a subject of debate among fans and enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll delve into the world ofDragon Ball and explore the question: Is Android 21 a canon character?
The Origins of Android 21
To understand the context of Android 21’s canonization, it’s essential to revisit her origins. Android 21 was introduced inDragon Ball FighterZ, a fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco. The game was released in 2018 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and it marked a new era for theDragon Ball franchise in the world of gaming.
InDragon Ball FighterZ, Android 21 is a central character, serving as the main antagonist of the game’s story mode. She is a powerful android created by Dr. Gero, the same scientist who built the iconic Androids 17 and 18. Android 21’s design is reminiscent of Majin Buu, with a pink and blue aesthetic and an ability to transform into different forms. Her story is deeply connected to the events ofDragon Ball Z, and her character adds a fresh layer of complexity to the franchise’s narrative.
Canonization through the Ages
The concept of canonization in theDragon Ball universe is complex and multifaceted. The franchise has undergone numerous revisions, retcons, and adaptations throughout its history, making it challenging to define what constitutes canon. The original manga series, written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, serves as the foundation of the franchise’s canon. However, the anime adaptations, movies, and video games have all contributed to the rich tapestry of theDragon Ball narrative.
In the past, characters and storylines introduced in non-manga media, such as anime movies and TV specials, have been considered non-canonical. However, with the advent ofDragon Ball Super, the boundaries between canon and non-canon have become increasingly blurred. The anime series, which serves as a sequel toDragon Ball Z, has introduced new characters and storylines that are now widely regarded as part of the franchise’s canon.
The Impact ofDragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ has played a significant role in blurring the lines between canon and non-canon. The game’s story mode, which features Android 21 as the main antagonist, has been praised for its engaging narrative and faithfulness to the Dragon Ball universe. The game’s storyline has been designed in collaboration with Akira Toriyama, which has led many fans to consider it a canonized part of the franchise.
The game’s success has also led to increased recognition for Android 21 as a legitimate character within the franchise. Her character design, powers, and backstory have all been carefully crafted to fit within the existingDragon Ball narrative. This attention to detail has contributed to her growing popularity among fans, who now regard her as an integral part of the Dragon Ball universe.
The Case for Canonization
There are several compelling arguments in favor of Android 21’s canonization:
Collaboration with Akira Toriyama: The development team behindDragon Ball FighterZ worked closely with Akira Toriyama to ensure that the game’s story and characters align with the franchise’s canon. This collaboration lends credibility to Android 21’s character and storyline, suggesting that she is a legitimate part of theDragon Ball narrative.
Consistency with Existing Lore: Android 21’s character design, powers, and backstory are all rooted in the existingDragon Ball lore. Her connection to Dr. Gero and her ability to transform into different forms are nods to the franchise’s rich history. This consistency with existing lore strengthens her claim to canonization.
Integration with the Franchise’s Narrative: Android 21’s storyline inDragon Ball FighterZ is deeply connected to the events ofDragon Ball Z. Her character adds a fresh layer of complexity to the franchise’s narrative, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control.
Popularity and Cultural Impact: Android 21’s popularity among fans has been instrumental in solidifying her place within theDragon Ball universe. Her character has inspired countless pieces of fan art, cosplay, and fan fiction, demonstrating her impact on the franchise’s cultural landscape.
The Case Against Canonization
While there are strong arguments in favor of Android 21’s canonization, there are also counterarguments that should be considered:
Lack of Manga Appearance: Android 21 has not appeared in the originalDragon Ball manga series, which has traditionally served as the foundation of the franchise’s canon. Her absence from the manga raises questions about her legitimacy as a canonical character.
Video Game Origins: Android 21 was introduced in a video game, which may lead some to view her as a non-canonical character. However, as mentioned earlier, the boundaries between canon and non-canon have become increasingly blurred in theDragon Ball franchise.
Akira Toriyama’s Intentions: While Akira Toriyama was involved in the development ofDragon Ball FighterZ, his intentions regarding Android 21’s canonization are unclear. Toriyama’s silence on the matter has led to speculation and debate among fans.
The Future of Android 21
The debate surrounding Android 21’s canonization is ongoing, with fans and enthusiasts weighing in on both sides of the argument. As theDragon Ball franchise continues to evolve, it’s possible that Android 21’s status as a canonical character may be reevaluated.
In the meantime, Android 21 remains a beloved character within theDragon Ball community. Her intriguing backstory, formidable powers, and complex personality have captivated fans worldwide. Whether or not she is ultimately considered a canonical character, Android 21’s impact on the franchise’s narrative and cultural landscape is undeniable.
| Characteristics | Arguments For Canonization | Arguments Against Canonization |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration with Akira Toriyama | ✓ | |
| Consistency with Existing Lore | ✓ | |
| Integration with the Franchise’s Narrative | ✓ | |
| Popularity and Cultural Impact | ✓ | |
| Lack of Manga Appearance | ✓ | |
| Video Game Origins | ✓ | |
| Akira Toriyama’s Intentions | ✓ |
In conclusion, the question of whether Android 21 is a canon character remains a topic of debate amongDragon Ball fans and enthusiasts. While there are compelling arguments both for and against her canonization, her impact on the franchise’s narrative and cultural landscape is undeniable. As theDragon Ball universe continues to evolve, Android 21’s status as a canonical character may be reevaluated, but for now, she remains an integral and beloved part of the franchise’s rich tapestry.
Who is Android 21?
Android 21 is a fictional character in the popular Dragon Ball franchise. She is a powerful android created by Dr. Videl, a brilliant scientist, and the wife of Gohan, Goku’s son. Android 21 was introduced in the Dragon Ball FighterZ video game as the main antagonist, and since then, she has gained a significant following among fans.
Android 21’s design and abilities make her a unique and intriguing character. She has the ability to absorb and assimilate the cells of other fighters, making her incredibly powerful. Her mysterious past and complex personality have sparked a lot of interest among fans, who are eager to learn more about her.
What is the debate about Android 21’s canonization?
The debate about Android 21’s canonization revolves around whether she is an official part of the Dragon Ball canon or not. While she was introduced in the Dragon Ball FighterZ game, which is considered part of the franchise’s media, her status as a canonical character is unclear. Some fans argue that she is not officially part of the canon because she was not created by Akira Toriyama, the original creator of Dragon Ball.
However, others argue that her inclusion in the game and other official media makes her a part of the franchise’s overall narrative. The debate has sparked a lot of discussion among fans, with some calling for her official recognition as a canonical character. The mystery surrounding her canonization has only added to her enigmatic character, making her even more fascinating to fans.
Is Android 21 a part of the Dragon Ball Super storyline?
Android 21 is not explicitly mentioned in the Dragon Ball Super storyline, which is considered part of the franchise’s canon. However, some fans believe that she could be connected to the storyline in some way, possibly as a character who exists outside of the main narrative.
While there is no concrete evidence linking Android 21 to the Dragon Ball Super storyline, some fans have speculated about her potential connection to the series. Her abilities and powers could make her a formidable foe or even an ally to the Z-Warriors. The lack of information about her past and her true intentions has sparked a lot of speculation among fans.
What role does Android 21 play in the Dragon Ball universe?
Android 21 plays a significant role in the Dragon Ball universe as the main antagonist of the Dragon Ball FighterZ game. She is a powerful and formidable foe who seeks to destroy the Z-Warriors and dominate the world. Her abilities and powers make her a force to be reckoned with, and her complex personality adds depth to the storyline.
As a character, Android 21 represents a unique and intriguing aspect of the Dragon Ball universe. Her mysterious past and complex personality make her a fascinating character to explore, and her abilities and powers make her a compelling addition to the franchise’s narrative. Whether or not she is officially recognized as a canonical character, Android 21 has left a significant impact on the Dragon Ball universe.
How does Android 21’s canonization affect the Dragon Ball franchise?
Android 21’s canonization could have significant implications for the Dragon Ball franchise. If she is officially recognized as a canonical character, it could open up new possibilities for storytelling and character development. It could also lead to a reevaluation of the franchise’s narrative, potentially incorporating new characters and plotlines.
On the other hand, if Android 21 is not officially recognized as a canonical character, it could limit her role in the franchise’s narrative. However, it could also allow for more creative freedom in exploring her character and backstory, potentially leading to new and interesting storylines.
What do fans think about Android 21’s canonization?
Fans are divided about Android 21’s canonization, with some strongly advocating for her official recognition as a canonical character. Many fans see her as a unique and fascinating addition to the Dragon Ball universe, and believe that she deserves to be recognized as an official part of the franchise’s narrative.
Others are more skeptical, arguing that her introduction in a video game rather than in the original manga or anime series makes her a non-canonical character. However, despite the debate, Android 21 has become a beloved character among many fans, who are eager to learn more about her and see her play a larger role in the franchise’s narrative.
What’s next for Android 21 in the Dragon Ball universe?
The future of Android 21 in the Dragon Ball universe is uncertain, but fans are hoping to see more of her in upcoming games, anime series, and manga. Some speculate that she could play a significant role in future storylines, potentially as an ally or foe to the Z-Warriors.
Others believe that she could be explored in spin-off media, such as video games or movies, allowing for more in-depth storytelling and character development. Whatever the future holds, Android 21 has left a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball universe, and fans are eagerly awaiting her next move.