Cell

Biodata

Power Progression

The story follows Cells in multiple timelines; these rows do not all describe a single uninterrupted life 321 346 357.

Background and history

Dr. Gero collected cells from powerful fighters using small spy machines. Although Gero gave up on the lengthy research, his computer continued it, producing Cell from material that included Piccolo, Goku, Vegeta, Frieza and King Cold 345. Cell says the computer’s directive was to create the strongest life-form and break humanity’s limits; he pursues a perfect form by absorbing No. 17 and No. 18 346 351.

An early Cell encounters Piccolo while feeding on humans. He reveals his origins during their fight, then uses Solar Flare to escape when Trunks arrives 344 345 346. After growing stronger, he attacks Piccolo and No. 17, but Naruto intervenes. Naruto later plans to absorb Cell as nutrients 351 352 353.

In a later timeline, Cell fights No. 16 and absorbs No. 17. Tien’s repeated New Kikoho holds him back temporarily, and Vegeta overwhelms his second form 358 360 362. Vegeta nevertheless lets him continue pursuing No. 18. Once perfect, Cell defeats Vegeta and Trunks, then announces a globally broadcast tournament against himself 364 365 368 369.

At the tournament, Cell fights Goku and then Gohan. After Gohan gains the upper hand, Cell attempts to self-destruct, but returns by regenerating from his core 375 376 377 379. During the final Kamehameha clash, Vegeta’s attack gives Gohan an opening; Naruto absorbs Cell’s core, ending the fight 380 381.

Appearance

Cell’s body changes substantially as he evolves 344 358.

• Imperfect form — green skin marked with black spots, scarlet eyes and a straw-like absorption tail 344.
• Later form — a more human-like physique, angular jaw, mouth in place of a beak, and deep blue eyes 358.

Personality

Cell is driven both by his programmed pursuit of perfection and by enjoyment of combat. He toys with opponents he believes are weaker, but becomes interested when Trunks and Goku can challenge him 346 368 373 374. He is willing to threaten Earth with a powerful Kamehameha, though he later says destroying it would make his tournament boring 374. When cornered by Gohan, he resorts to self-destruction 377.

Abilities and skills

Absorption and regeneration

• Drains human life essence through his tail to increase his strength; absorbing No. 17 and No. 18 drives his transformations 345 351 358 365.
• Regrows a severed tail using regenerative abilities he attributes to Piccolo’s cells 358.
• Can regenerate his entire body while the small core in his brain survives. Destroying that core is decisive in his defeat 379 381.

Inherited techniques and combat adaptation

• Uses Special Beam Cannon, Kamehameha and Solar Flare during his early confrontations 345 346.
• Uses a Four-Body Technique against Goku, creating four fighting bodies; Goku exploits the reduced effectiveness when they separate 374.
• Refines his fighting as he battles Goku, erasing an initial disadvantage in technique 375.

Relationships

• Dr. Gero — initiated the cell-collection project; his computer completed Cell after he abandoned the research 345.
• No. 17 and No. 18 — intended absorption targets required for Cell’s pursuit of perfection 351 358 359.
• Piccolo — first major opponent shown confronting Cell and the person who uncovers his origins 344 345.
• Vegeta and Trunks — opponents during Cell’s evolution; Cell defeats both after reaching his perfect form 362 368 369.
• Goku and Gohan — successive opponents at Cell’s tournament; Gohan ultimately overpowers him 373 376 377.
• Naruto — intervenes against an earlier Cell and later absorbs Cell’s core in the final battle 352 381.