The pairing in question represents a non-canonical relationship combining two characters from the Dragon Ball franchise: Krillin, a human martial artist, and Android 17, a cyborg. This particular combination is a work of fan fiction, exploring a connection between the characters beyond their established interactions within the series’ official narrative. This notion creates narratives that delve into possibilities not explored by the original creator.
The popularity of such character pairings stems from a desire to explore unconventional relationships and character dynamics. Fan-created content can provide new perspectives on familiar characters, filling gaps in the canonical narrative or reimagining existing interactions in novel ways. Such creations often reflect fans’ interpretations and desires regarding character development and interpersonal connections within the larger fictional universe.
Understanding this specific pairing requires an examination of both characters’ individual arcs within the Dragon Ball universe, including Krillin’s role as a steadfast friend and martial artist, and Android 17’s transformation from a destructive antagonist to a more neutral and even protective figure. The following sections will delve into the elements that contribute to its presence within fan-created works and the broader context of fan fiction within the Dragon Ball fandom.
1. Fan-created content
The existence of “krillin x android 17” is fundamentally predicated on fan-created content. Without the agency of fans to explore alternative narratives and relationships, this pairing would not exist outside the confines of the official Dragon Ball canon. Fan fiction, fan art, and other forms of creative expression provide the platform for this relationship to develop and gain traction within the fandom. The cause is the desire for more nuanced character interaction than displayed in source material, the effect being the generation of stories which reinterpret established characters.
The prevalence of the relationship in fan-created content underscores its importance as a theme. The appeal may lie in the inherent contrast between the characters, or in the potential for exploring unexpected connections. Sites like Archive of Our Own (AO3) host numerous works featuring this pairing, illustrating its sustained popularity within the online fan community. These works range from short character studies to multi-chapter narratives, indicating a depth of interest and commitment from creators and readers alike. This highlights the practical relevance of understanding “krillin x android 17” for studying audience interpretation and its impact on media culture.
In summary, the “krillin x android 17” pairing is intrinsically linked to the phenomenon of fan-created content. It exemplifies how fans can take established characters and narratives in new directions, driven by their own interpretations and desires. While challenges remain in understanding the motivations behind specific pairings, recognizing the significance of fan-created content is essential for analyzing audience engagement with media franchises and how these fans reshape properties to their liking.
2. Character reinterpretation
Character reinterpretation forms a cornerstone of the “krillin x android 17” pairing. Within the official Dragon Ball canon, Krillin and Android 17 possess distinct personalities and trajectories. Krillin is often portrayed as a loyal friend and supportive, though sometimes apprehensive, member of the Z Fighters. Android 17, initially a destructive antagonist, undergoes a transformation to become a more reserved and protective park ranger. This pairing necessitates a reimagining of these established characteristics, often exaggerating certain traits or introducing new dimensions to their personalities. This reinterpretation is a primary cause for the pairing’s divergence from canon.
The appeal of “krillin x android 17” frequently involves a specific type of character reinterpretation. Android 17, in particular, is often portrayed with a greater degree of emotional vulnerability or a hidden depth, while Krillin may be depicted as more assertive or understanding than generally showcased in the original material. A clear example is seen in fan fiction where Android 17’s past trauma is explored, leading to a depiction of a character struggling with repressed emotions. Krillin, in turn, is presented as a figure capable of providing support and acceptance. The pairings importance arises from providing a space to explore such non-canonical character development, demonstrating the impact of subjective interpretation within fandoms.
Understanding the element of character reinterpretation is practically significant for grasping the wider implications of fan-created works. It allows for a greater insight into the creative processes behind the generation of fan content. This also highlights the challenges of defining a definitive interpretation of any character when engaging with fandom works. Ultimately, the “krillin x android 17” pairing serves as a tangible illustration of how established characters can be reshaped and re-contextualized to fulfill fan desires and narrative explorations. It proves the agency that the audience has over existing franchises.
3. Unconventional dynamics
The relationship, “krillin x android 17,” inherently embodies unconventional dynamics. These dynamics arise from the stark contrasts in the characters’ backgrounds, personalities, and established relationships within the Dragon Ball canon. Exploring these dynamics offers insight into the pairing’s appeal and the motivations driving its creation and consumption within fan communities.
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Contrasting Personalities
Krillin, the often-underestimated human martial artist, is characterized by his loyalty, bravery, and, at times, insecurity. Android 17, initially a ruthless and rebellious cyborg, later develops a more stoic and protective demeanor. This fundamental difference in personality, from outward expressions of emotion to underlying motivations, creates a tension that fan-created works often exploit. The dynamic allows for exploration of how individuals with contrasting personalities can find common ground or challenge each other’s perspectives.
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Differing Backgrounds
Krillin’s history is rooted in traditional martial arts training and his close friendships with the Z Fighters. Android 17’s origins lie in scientific experimentation and a forced transformation into a cyborg designed for destruction. The disparity in their backgrounds provides a fertile ground for exploring themes of trauma, redemption, and the search for identity. Fan narratives often delve into the impact of these vastly different experiences on their individual worldviews and their potential for mutual understanding.
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Established Relationships vs. New Connections
Krillin’s relationship with Android 18 is a central element of the Dragon Ball narrative. This creates a pre-existing dynamic that the “krillin x android 17” pairing challenges. The creation of a new connection between Krillin and Android 17 allows for exploration of themes such as infidelity, forbidden love, or alternative relationship dynamics. This dynamic also prompts the reader or viewer to consider the complexities of human relationships and the potential for unexpected connections to form.
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Power Imbalance and Shifting Roles
Android 17, possessing superior strength and abilities, initially holds a position of power relative to Krillin. However, in many fan-created works, this power dynamic is subverted or re-interpreted. Krillin’s resourcefulness, emotional intelligence, or unwavering loyalty can be presented as strengths that counterbalance Android 17’s physical prowess. This shifting of roles allows for exploration of themes of vulnerability, dependence, and the challenges of navigating relationships where power dynamics are not always clearly defined.
These unconventional dynamics, fueled by the characters’ contrasting personalities, differing backgrounds, and challenges to established relationships, contribute significantly to the appeal of “krillin x android 17.” The pairing offers a space for exploring complex themes and unconventional relationships that deviate from the established narrative, showcasing the diverse possibilities that fan creators can envision. The significance arises through its engagement with the unconventional.
4. Narrative possibilities
The pairing fundamentally expands the narrative possibilities within the Dragon Ball universe. The pre-existing canon offers a limited framework for the characters’ interactions, restricting potential storylines. The pairing allows exploration of uncharted territory, driven by creative liberty and a desire to see established characters in novel scenarios. This is a core component of the pairing’s existence and popularity, serving as the driving force behind fan-created content. A cause can be the perceived lack of deep exploration of individual emotional lives within the original series, the effect being fan-made storylines that highlight the emotional vulnerability of its characters.
Examples of narrative possibilities that have materialized include explorations of Android 17s trauma as a captive experiment, his developing feelings of companionship toward Krillin, and challenges to Krillins established relationship with Android 18. In several fan works, for instance, Krillin confronts his past insecurities through a relationship with Android 17, whose own past is similarly complex. These stories would be impossible within the constraints of the canon. Furthermore, the narrative framework may permit discussion of themes such as identity, prejudice, and acceptance. Narrative possibilities is important because it allows audience to develop content based on the existing franchise.
Understanding the connection between narrative possibilities and the pairing is practically relevant for analysing the cultural phenomenon of fan fiction. It allows observers to gain insights into fan motivations, the extent to which audiences can reinterpret pre-existing stories, and how a fandom may take over a popular franchise. The potential and challenge in this connection is in finding new avenues of expression and creating works that resonate deeply with others in the community. “krillin x android 17” is one example through which fan works may reimagine the world and characters that others have come to know and love.
5. Canon divergence
Canon divergence is an inherent characteristic of “krillin x android 17.” The pairing deviates significantly from the established narrative and character relationships within the Dragon Ball canon. This departure is not accidental but rather a deliberate act of reimagining and recontextualizing elements of the original work, illustrating the transformative power of fan creativity.
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Altered Relationships
The most obvious point of divergence lies in the established relationship between Krillin and Android 18, who are married and have a child within the canonical storyline. The existence of “krillin x android 17” necessitates either the dissolution or marginalization of this established pairing, or the exploration of non-traditional relationship dynamics such as polyamory. This divergence fundamentally alters the characters’ interpersonal connections and challenges the established social structures within the Dragon Ball universe.
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Character Trajectory Deviations
Canon divergence often entails altering the trajectories of both Krillin and Android 17. The pairing might necessitate re-evaluating their motivations, personality traits, and future actions beyond what is depicted in the original series. For example, Android 17, in canon, becomes a dedicated park ranger. Fan narratives exploring “krillin x android 17” may delve into previously unacknowledged emotional vulnerability or inner conflict, leading to actions incongruent with his established role. Similarly, Krillin may exhibit more assertive or unconventional behavior than generally shown.
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Timeline Disruptions and Alternate Universes
To accommodate the pairing, many fan-created works introduce alternate timelines or parallel universes where the events of the original series unfold differently. These deviations allow for the removal of canonical constraints and the creation of new circumstances that facilitate the relationship. For example, a timeline where Android 18 is never activated, or where Krillin’s relationship with her does not develop, provides an avenue for the “krillin x android 17” pairing to emerge organically.
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Thematic Reinterpretations
Canon divergence also allows for reinterpretations of core themes within Dragon Ball. The pairing allows for a focus on themes of acceptance, understanding, or exploring alternative forms of love and companionship. This reinterpretation can offer a fresh perspective on the established narratives, shifting the focus from battles and power scaling to more intimate and emotionally driven storylines. In this sense, canon divergence is important for adding depth.
The multifaceted nature of canon divergence within “krillin x android 17” illustrates the creative potential of fan-generated works. By intentionally departing from the established narrative, fans can explore new themes, develop characters in unexpected directions, and challenge the boundaries of the original story. The pairing is important to the fan creativity of the dragon ball universe.
6. Relationship exploration
Relationship exploration is a central tenet of the “krillin x android 17” phenomenon. The pairing allows fans to investigate interpersonal dynamics beyond the constraints of the Dragon Ball canon, where the characters’ interactions are limited. The creative impulse drives the exploration of alternative connections between Krillin and Android 17, fostering narratives that focus on the complexities of human or cyborg relationships. The cause stems from the perceived untapped potential for emotional depth. The effect is the construction of fan works delving into the psychological and emotional compatibility of two disparate characters.
The exploration often revolves around specific themes, such as the impact of trauma, the potential for healing, or the subversion of traditional relationship roles. For instance, a fan-created narrative might focus on Android 17’s struggle to reconcile his past as a weapon of destruction with his desire for a peaceful existence, with Krillin acting as a source of empathy and understanding. Conversely, it’s used to further explore the idea of consent, communication and commitment, which might be lacking from mainstream media. The importance of Relationship exploration within this context arises from the opportunity to address nuanced emotional landscapes not typically explored within the action-oriented framework of the source material. These narratives often feature challenges, such as societal prejudice against androids or internal conflict stemming from past actions, providing a rich landscape for character development and emotional growth.
Understanding this intersection is practically significant. It provides insight into the motivations driving fan-created content, highlighting the desire for deeper character development and more nuanced relationship dynamics. Exploring the dynamics of “krillin x android 17” highlights that relationship exploration is at the core of why fans create and engage in media beyond mainstream entertainment. Finally, it underscores the enduring appeal of character pairings that challenge conventional notions of love, friendship, and connection.
7. Character contrast
Character contrast is a fundamental aspect influencing the appeal and dynamics of “krillin x android 17.” The pairing’s inherent interest arises from the distinct differences in personality, background, and abilities between the two characters. This contrast serves as a catalyst for narrative tension and provides fertile ground for exploring unconventional relationships.
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Moral Alignment and Personal Values
Krillin is generally portrayed as a morally upright and compassionate character, driven by a strong sense of justice and loyalty to his friends. Android 17, initially conceived as a destructive force, undergoes a transformation but retains a degree of detachment and pragmatism. This contrast in moral alignment introduces potential for conflict and growth within their relationship. Fan narratives can explore the challenges of reconciling these differing values or the ways in which they can complement each other.
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Emotional Expression and Vulnerability
Krillin is generally more open with his emotions, readily expressing fear, joy, or concern for others. Android 17 tends to be more reserved and stoic, often masking his true feelings behind a cool exterior. This difference in emotional expression can create both barriers and opportunities for intimacy. Fan works often delve into the process of Android 17 learning to trust and open up to Krillin, while Krillin learns to understand and appreciate Android 17’s more subtle emotional cues.
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Physical and Technological Nature
Krillin is a purely human character, relying on martial arts skills and training to overcome challenges. Android 17 is a cyborg, possessing enhanced strength, speed, and energy projection capabilities. This physical and technological disparity influences their interactions and roles within a relationship. The imbalance introduces possible dynamics of power and dependence. Narratives can examine the ways that humanity and technology intersect.
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Societal Integration and Acceptance
Krillin is generally well-integrated into human society, having formed close bonds with numerous friends and allies. Android 17 faces prejudice and distrust due to his past as a destructive android. This difference in societal integration can create external challenges for their relationship. Narratives explore themes of acceptance, prejudice, and finding belonging. How an android, who has done wrong, can find understanding and acceptance within the society he threatened.
These facets of character contrast, encompassing moral alignment, emotional expression, physical nature, and societal integration, contribute to the multifaceted nature of “krillin x android 17.” These contrasts drive the core of these non canonical works. They allow for exploration of complex themes and relationships that transcend the limitations of established character roles and narrative boundaries. They provide depth by diving into the characters history to create something new.
8. Fandom imagination
The “krillin x android 17” phenomenon is intrinsically linked to fandom imagination. Without the capacity of fans to envision alternative scenarios and relationships, this particular pairing would remain non-existent. The cause is the inherent human desire to explore possibilities beyond established narratives, the effect being the creation of fan fiction, art, and other creative works that reimagine the characters’ interactions and relationships. This creative expression demonstrates fandom imagination’s role in shaping and expanding existing fictional universes.
The importance of fandom imagination as a component is apparent in its power to challenge established norms and conventions. This power allows for exploration of themes or relationships otherwise absent from the source material. This exploration promotes the proliferation of fan content. This manifests in several fan works, ranging from short character studies to extended multi-chapter narratives, each with its original theme and narrative. This creative process is not constrained by canon. It operates on the possibilities proposed through the collective fandom’s interpretation of the characters and their potential relationships. This process is critical for studying audience reception and impact on media culture.
The concept is practically significant, because it allows for the deeper analyses of fan motivations. Understanding the role of fandom imagination provides insights into how audiences engage with and contribute to the narratives they consume. The concept creates the potential for creative expression. The concept challenges conventional interpretations of established characters. “krillin x android 17” embodies the power of collective fandom creativity, proving that pre-existing franchises are open for interpretation and re-imagining by their fans.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding “krillin x android 17”
The following section addresses common questions and misconceptions concerning the non-canonical pairing, focusing on its origins and its prevalence within fan-created content.
Question 1: What exactly is “krillin x android 17?”
The term refers to a non-canonical romantic or sexual pairing between the characters Krillin and Android 17 from the Dragon Ball franchise. The relationship does not exist within the official storyline but is a creation of fan fiction and fan art.
Question 2: Why does this pairing exist despite not being canon?
The pairing arises from fans’ desire to explore alternative relationships and character dynamics not present in the original series. It reflects a creative interpretation of the characters and their potential interactions.
Question 3: Is there a particular reason these two characters are often paired together?
Possible reasons include the contrast in their personalities and backgrounds, the potential for exploring unconventional relationship dynamics, and the opportunity to challenge established character relationships within the Dragon Ball universe.
Question 4: Where can examples of this pairing be found?
Examples of this pairing are primarily found on fan fiction websites such as Archive of Our Own (AO3) and fan art platforms. These sites host numerous works exploring the relationship in various forms.
Question 5: Is this pairing considered controversial within the Dragon Ball fandom?
Like any non-canonical pairing, its reception is subjective. Some fans may embrace the creativity and alternative interpretations it offers, while others may disapprove due to its deviation from the established storyline and character relationships.
Question 6: How does “krillin x android 17” contribute to a broader understanding of fan culture?
The pairing provides insight into the creative processes of fandom, the motivations behind fan-generated content, and the ways in which audiences actively engage with and reshape existing narratives. It demonstrates the transformative power of fan imagination.
In summary, “krillin x android 17” exemplifies the freedom and creativity within fan communities, highlighting how established characters and narratives can be re-imagined and re-contextualized to fulfill fan desires and explorations.
The next section will delve into potential criticisms and defenses of such pairings within a wider fan culture context.
Guidance Based on Analysis of “krillin x android 17”
The following recommendations are derived from a comprehensive analysis of the “krillin x android 17” phenomenon within fan culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding audience engagement and transformative works.
Tip 1: Acknowledge the Power of Fandom Imagination: Recognize that fan-created content is not merely derivative but a powerful force that shapes and expands existing narratives. This necessitates approaching fan works with an understanding of the creative liberties inherent within the fandom.
Tip 2: Respect Canon Divergence: Understand that fan pairings, like “krillin x android 17,” inherently diverge from established canon. Appreciate this divergence as an opportunity for exploring alternative themes and character dynamics, rather than viewing it as a rejection of the original source material.
Tip 3: Analyze Character Reinterpretation: Recognize that fan pairings often involve a reinterpretation of established character traits and motivations. Understanding these re-interpretations provides insights into fan perspectives and desires regarding character development.
Tip 4: Consider Unconventional Dynamics: Acknowledge that pairings like “krillin x android 17” frequently explore unconventional relationship dynamics that challenge traditional norms. Appreciate the exploration of complex themes and challenging societal expectations.
Tip 5: Explore Narrative Possibilities: Embrace the expanded narrative possibilities that fan pairings unlock. Understanding these possibilities allows for a deeper engagement with the themes, characters, and relationships within the original work.
Tip 6: Understand Motivations: Seek to understand the motivations behind creating and consuming such pairings. Appreciate the value of audience generated works. In summary, a comprehensive examination of the fandom offers an analysis of fan motivation.
Adhering to these recommendations fosters a more nuanced understanding of fandom engagement and facilitates appreciation for the transformative power of fan-created works, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of audience reception and creative expression.
krillin x android 17
The exploration of the non-canonical pairing highlights the complexities of fandom engagement and the transformative power of audience creativity. Fan-created content around “krillin x android 17” allows for character reinterpretation, exploration of unconventional dynamics, and challenges to established narratives. The coupling offers an opportunity for re-evaluating canonical information.
The presence of such content demonstrates the evolving relationship between audiences and media franchises. The pairing illustrates how fandom becomes more than just the audience but an active element in the creation process. It allows for reinterpretation and re-imagining of previously established concepts. Further investigation into fan culture is an ongoing endeavor, critical to understanding the dynamic relationship between media and its consumers.
