The continuation of Android 17’s existence within the Dragon Ball narrative stems from a combination of plot developments and character revisions enacted by the series creator. Initially depicted as a ruthless antagonist, his character underwent significant transformations facilitated by narrative devices common within the franchise. These narrative choices explain his presence in later storylines.
The re-introduction of formerly deceased characters is a recurring theme, frequently enabled through supernatural means such as the Dragon Balls themselves. Characters’ revivals often serve crucial narrative functions, driving plot advancement, offering opportunities for character development, or facilitating powerful team-ups. Android 17’s case reflects this trend, providing a chance to explore previously untapped aspects of his persona and contributions to the overall story.
The following sections will delve into the specific circumstances surrounding his revival and subsequent role within the Dragon Ball Super storyline, examining the in-universe explanations and highlighting the impact of his participation on the series’ broader narrative arcs.
1. Dragon Balls
The Dragon Balls, artifacts central to the Dragon Ball narrative, directly influence the explanation regarding Android 17’s continued existence. Their capacity to grant wishes serves as a critical plot device enabling character revival and the alteration of previously established fates.
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Revival Mechanism
The Dragon Balls facilitate resurrection. Wishes, made either by individuals or groups, can restore life to those who have perished, regardless of the cause of death. This includes characters eliminated through conventional means or by extraordinary circumstances, encompassing Android 17 who initially died due to Super Buu.
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Unspecified Wish Dynamics
The specifics of the wish leading to Android 17’s revival remain largely unspecified within the canonical narrative. While the precise wording is not explicitly depicted, the general desire for restoration of life to those killed by Cell or his actions is commonly accepted as the catalyst. This ambiguity allows for narrative flexibility but confirms the Dragon Balls’ involvement.
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Limitations and Exclusions
The Dragon Balls’ powers possess inherent limitations. A character can only be revived once by the same set of Dragon Balls, unless special circumstances or additional power enhancements are introduced. This limitation, while present, does not preclude Android 17’s initial resurrection, as his death predated any subsequent revival attempts.
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Contextual Narrative Integration
The utilization of the Dragon Balls for revival is consistently integrated within the overarching narrative framework. Character resurrections influence subsequent plot developments, altering character dynamics, and creating opportunities for new storylines. Android 17’s revitalization provides the basis for his later involvement in the Tournament of Power and his role as a park ranger, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of wish fulfillment.
In summation, the Dragon Balls directly explain the means by which Android 17 was brought back to life. While the exact details of the wish remain ambiguous, their restorative capabilities underpin his return and subsequent contributions to the Dragon Ball Super narrative.
2. Wish Fulfillment
Wish fulfillment, a pivotal element within the Dragon Ball universe, directly addresses the inquiry regarding Android 17’s continued existence. The narrative structure relies heavily on the concept of wishes, granted through powerful artifacts, to alter reality and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Android 17’s revival is a direct consequence of wish fulfillment’s influence.
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Restorative Wishes and Resurrection
The Dragon Balls, when assembled, enable the granting of any wish within their power limits. A prevalent use of this ability involves restoring life to individuals who have perished. Wishes of this nature, often broad in scope, can resurrect multiple characters simultaneously, as seen after the defeat of villains such as Cell. Android 17’s return is likely attributed to such a restorative wish, undoing his death at the hands of Super Buu.
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Indirect Influence on Fate
Wish fulfillment can exert indirect influence on character fates. For instance, a wish to prevent a catastrophic event or to empower a specific individual can indirectly safeguard the lives of others, including those previously considered deceased. While Android 17’s revival is more directly linked to a resurrection wish, the potential for indirect influence highlights the pervasive nature of wish fulfillment in shaping character destinies.
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Narrative Necessity and Character Development
Wish fulfillment frequently serves narrative necessity, resolving plot inconsistencies or creating opportunities for character development. Android 17’s revival provided the narrative with a means to explore his character beyond his initial antagonistic portrayal. His subsequent role as a park ranger and participation in the Tournament of Power demonstrate the narrative benefits of his restored existence.
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Limitations and Narrative Consistency
Despite its power, wish fulfillment operates within established narrative constraints. Certain wishes may be beyond the Dragon Balls’ capabilities, and resurrections are often subject to limitations. These limitations, while present, do not negate the fundamental role of wish fulfillment in explaining Android 17’s revival. Instead, they maintain a degree of narrative consistency, preventing wish fulfillment from becoming an unrestrained plot device.
In conclusion, wish fulfillment, specifically the restorative power of the Dragon Balls, directly explains how Android 17 was brought back to life. This mechanism not only facilitated his return but also provided opportunities for character development and narrative expansion, enriching the Dragon Ball Super storyline.
3. Character Redemption
Character redemption significantly contributes to the explanation of Android 17’s continued existence within the Dragon Ball narrative. While his initial demise stemmed from his actions as an antagonist, his subsequent revival presented an opportunity for narrative transformation. This arc of redemption, where a character transitions from villainous to heroic, necessitates continued presence within the story, thus justifying his return.
Android 17’s role as a dedicated park ranger, protecting wildlife from poachers and other threats, exemplifies this redemptive arc. His commitment to preserving nature showcases a fundamental shift in his values and priorities, contrasting sharply with his earlier destructive tendencies. This change in character provides a compelling reason for his continued involvement in the series, especially when threats to the planet emerge. The Tournament of Power further solidifies this redemption, as he fights alongside the Z Fighters to protect his universe from erasure.
The incorporation of character redemption into Android 17’s story enriches the overall narrative, demonstrating that individuals are capable of growth and change. His revival and subsequent heroic actions underscore the Dragon Ball franchise’s thematic focus on self-improvement and the potential for even former antagonists to become valuable allies. Therefore, understanding the element of character redemption is essential for comprehending the full scope of his renewed existence and his importance within the Dragon Ball Super storyline.
4. Plot Convenience
Within narrative structures, the concept of “plot convenience” describes instances where events occur primarily to facilitate the advancement of the storyline, often without rigorous internal justification. This element, while sometimes criticized, serves a functional role in shaping character arcs and directing the narrative toward desired outcomes. Regarding Android 17’s continued existence, plot convenience contributes to explaining his return, albeit through less explicit narrative explanations.
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Relevance to Power Scaling
Android 17’s resurgence as a fighter on par with Goku and Vegeta in Dragon Ball Super is, in part, attributable to plot convenience. To participate effectively in the Tournament of Power and contribute meaningfully to the story’s stakes, his power level needed significant, and relatively sudden, augmentation. This enhancement, while not entirely unexplained, relies on a degree of narrative expediency to ensure his viability as a major player.
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Facilitation of Team Dynamics
Android 17’s inclusion on the Universe 7 team in the Tournament of Power hinges on his availability and willingness to participate. His redemptive arc and newfound desire to protect Earth are presented, but his seamless integration into the team and his cooperative relationship with characters he was once antagonistic toward reflect a degree of plot convenience. This integration streamlines the narrative and allows for dynamic team-based combat scenarios.
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Narrative Expediency in Resurrection
While the Dragon Balls offer an in-universe explanation for character resurrection, the specific timing and circumstances surrounding Android 17’s revival lack detailed exposition. His return occurs relatively off-screen, with the audience primarily informed of his existence through later developments. This narrative expediency allows the story to bypass the complexities of his reintroduction and focus on his contributions to subsequent arcs, emphasizing plot convenience as a contributing factor.
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Simplification of Character Motivation
Android 17’s transition from a rebellious android to a dedicated park ranger involves a significant shift in character motivation. While his experiences in the intervening years are hinted at, the depth of this transformation remains somewhat simplified. Plot convenience dictates that his character evolution aligns with the narrative’s needs, allowing him to serve as a reliable and heroic figure without excessive exploration of the nuances behind his changed perspective.
In summary, while not the sole explanation, plot convenience plays a role in understanding the circumstances surrounding Android 17’s continued existence. It facilitates his integration into the narrative, justifies his power level, and streamlines his character motivations. While potentially open to criticism, this element serves to advance the overarching storyline and maximize Android 17’s contributions to the Dragon Ball Super narrative.
5. Cell’s Defeat
The demise of Cell, a bio-android created by Dr. Gero, is indirectly connected to the later explanation of Android 17’s survival. Cell, in his Perfect Form, absorbed both Android 17 and Android 18 to attain his ultimate power. His defeat at the hands of Gohan created the conditions for the restoration of those he had consumed. While Cell’s elimination did not automatically restore Android 17 to life, it removed the immediate threat that had led to the android’s absorption and presumed death. The subsequent opportunity for revival, utilizing the Dragon Balls, arose directly from the resolution of the Cell Games saga.
Specifically, the Dragon Balls were used to revive all those killed by Cell. Given Android 17’s apparent death following his absorption, he was included within the scope of this restorative wish. The removal of Cell as a persistent menace provided the temporal and narrative space for the characters to regroup, assess the losses incurred, and utilize the Dragon Balls to rectify the damages caused by Cell’s destructive rampage. Had Cell remained undefeated, the resources and focus would have remained on containment or further conflict, potentially precluding the opportunity for a large-scale restoration.
In summary, Cell’s defeat is a necessary precursor to understanding Android 17’s survival. It eliminated the direct threat, facilitated the utilization of the Dragon Balls for restorative purposes, and ultimately created the conditions necessary for the android’s eventual return to the Dragon Ball narrative. The cause-and-effect relationship underscores the importance of Cell’s defeat as a critical component explaining how Android 17 is alive.
6. Narrative Demand
Narrative demand, the necessity for a character or event to exist to serve the unfolding plot, significantly explains Android 17’s continued presence in the Dragon Ball universe. His initial demise, while narratively impactful at the time, created a vacuum that later required filling. The evolving storyline, particularly in Dragon Ball Super, presented opportunities where his unique skill set and transformed character could contribute significantly. His resurrection, therefore, can be partly attributed to the narrative’s need for a powerful, morally ambiguous character capable of playing a pivotal role.
The Tournament of Power arc provides a pertinent example. The need for strong and diverse fighters to represent Universe 7 directly created a demand for Android 17’s inclusion. His immense power, coupled with his newfound commitment to protecting Earth, made him an ideal candidate. Including him not only strengthened the team but also allowed for exploration of his character arc, providing a counterpoint to other fighters with more established motivations. Furthermore, his strategic thinking and ability to work effectively in a team dynamic added crucial elements to the tournament’s overall narrative.
In conclusion, Android 17’s survival is not solely attributable to in-universe mechanisms like the Dragon Balls but is also influenced by the narrative’s evolving requirements. The demand for a character with his specific attributes contributed to his revival and subsequent integration into the Dragon Ball Super storyline. This highlights how narrative considerations, alongside established plot devices, shape character destinies and drive the overall direction of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following addresses common inquiries regarding Android 17’s continued existence within the Dragon Ball narrative, offering concise and informative responses based on established lore.
Question 1: Was Android 17 definitively killed by Super Buu?
While Android 17 was absorbed by Super Buu, the narrative does not explicitly depict his death. Absorption implies a state of suspended animation or integration, rather than immediate cessation of life. Upon Super Buu’s defeat, the absorbed individuals were released, albeit in a presumed deceased state, creating the need for subsequent revival.
Question 2: What specific wish restored Android 17 to life?
The precise wording of the wish that revived Android 17 remains unspecified. The general consensus points towards a wish to restore all individuals killed by Cell, which would have encompassed Android 17 due to his absorption by Perfect Cell prior to Cell’s self-destruction.
Question 3: Is Android 17’s power level consistent with his initial portrayal?
Android 17’s power level in Dragon Ball Super represents a significant increase compared to his initial appearance in Dragon Ball Z. This augmentation can be attributed to latent potential unlocked through training and personal growth, consistent with the series’ theme of continuous improvement. The specific mechanisms behind this increase remain largely unexplained, relying on established conventions of power escalation within the franchise.
Question 4: Why was Android 17 not revived earlier if the Dragon Balls existed?
The timing of Android 17’s revival is likely dictated by narrative necessity. The focus of the storyline following Cell’s defeat shifted towards other threats and character developments. His resurrection was deferred until a later point when his unique skills and transformed character could contribute meaningfully to the unfolding plot, specifically during the Tournament of Power.
Question 5: Does Android 17’s redemptive arc contradict his initial characterization?
While Android 17 was initially depicted as a rebellious and destructive force, his character arc reflects the Dragon Ball franchise’s thematic emphasis on personal growth and the potential for change. The intervening years between his initial appearance and his re-emergence allowed for character development and a shift in priorities, culminating in his role as a dedicated park ranger and protector of Earth.
Question 6: Is there an alternate timeline where Android 17 remained deceased?
Alternate timelines, such as the one depicted in the History of Trunks, provide examples where Android 17’s actions led to different outcomes, including his definitive death. However, these timelines exist as separate and distinct realities, not directly impacting the canonical timeline where he was eventually revived.
In conclusion, Android 17’s survival is a confluence of in-universe mechanics, narrative necessity, and character development. Understanding these contributing factors provides a comprehensive perspective on his continued presence within the Dragon Ball narrative.
Analyzing Android 17’s Resurrection
Understanding Android 17’s continued existence requires a critical examination of contributing narrative elements.
Tip 1: Acknowledge the Dragon Balls’ Influence: Understand that restorative wishes are a recurring plot device. The Dragon Balls offer a convenient method for character revival, particularly after large-scale conflicts. Accepting this premise is foundational to comprehending subsequent developments.
Tip 2: Evaluate the Significance of Cell’s Defeat: Cell’s defeat created a window of opportunity. His elimination allowed for the use of the Dragon Balls to restore those he had harmed, including Android 17. Without Cell’s demise, such a restoration would have been unlikely.
Tip 3: Recognize the Role of Character Redemption: Appreciate the transformative power of redemption arcs. Android 17’s shift from antagonist to protector provides a narrative justification for his continued involvement. Consider how this change influences his actions and motivations.
Tip 4: Account for Narrative Demand: Assess the storyline’s requirements. The need for a strong and versatile fighter in Dragon Ball Super directly influenced Android 17’s resurrection. Analyze how the narrative demands shaped his character and role.
Tip 5: Consider the Element of Plot Convenience: Acknowledge instances where plot convenience facilitates the story. Some aspects of Android 17’s revival, such as the timing and extent of his power increase, may rely on narrative expediency.
Tip 6: Investigate Timeline Variations: Be aware of alternate timelines. These timelines offer contrasting scenarios where Android 17’s fate differed. Examining these variations provides context for understanding his canonical survival.
These considerations emphasize the interplay between in-universe mechanics, character development, and narrative requirements in explaining Android 17’s presence in the Dragon Ball Super storyline.
By critically evaluating these aspects, a more nuanced understanding of Android 17’s resurrection can be attained, enriching the overall comprehension of the Dragon Ball narrative.
How is Android 17 Alive
This exploration has examined the multi-faceted explanation of how Android 17 exists within the Dragon Ball Super narrative. While initially deceased, the convergence of Dragon Ball wish fulfillment, the ramifications of Cell’s defeat, the impact of character redemption, the influence of plot convenience, and the demands of the unfolding storyline, all contributed to his re-emergence. Each element played a critical role, weaving a complex tapestry of events that restored him to life and integrated him into subsequent narrative arcs.
The saga of Android 17 serves as a case study in how narrative demands can reshape previously established character fates. His story invites continued reflection on the interplay between predetermined destinies and the adaptive nature of long-running fictional universes. As the Dragon Ball universe continues to evolve, the mechanisms that brought Android 17 back to life serve as a testament to the power of narrative flexibility and the enduring appeal of redemptive storytelling.
