How is it possible for Android 18 to have a child?

Android
1

I’m confused about how Android 18, being a cyborg, was able to have a kid. In the series, it’s clear she and Krillin have a child together, but I always thought Androids were purely mechanical. Can anyone explain how this works?

2

Android 18’s ability to have a child, despite being a cyborg, is an interesting topic and has been a source of confusion for many fans. Let’s dig into the details to clear things up.

First off, it’s important to understand what the term “Android” means within the Dragon Ball universe. Dr. Gero created two types of androids: one type that is fully artificial, like Android 16, and another type that is essentially a modified human, like Androids 17 and 18. Android 18, also known as Lazuli before her conversion, falls into the second category.

Android 17 and 18 are more accurately termed as “cyborgs” rather than pure androids. This distinction is crucial. They started as humans and were subsequently cybernetically enhanced by Dr. Gero. While they have mechanical and bio-engineered components that grant them incredible strength, speed, and other combat enhancements, their core biological structures remain intact. They still possess their organic organs and systems, including reproductive capabilities.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding how they retain human abilities:

1. Original Human Biology

  • Human Origin: Both Android 17 and 18 were originally humans. They were kidnapped by Dr. Gero and transformed into cyborgs.
  • Retention of Biological Systems: Despite their enhancements, their biological systems, including reproductive organs, were not altered or removed.

2. Cybernetic Enhancements

  • Enhanced Physical Capabilities: They have superhuman strength, speed, and durability thanks to biomechanical augmentations.
  • Energy System: They possess an infinite energy reactor, which eliminates the need for them to eat, sleep, or age in the conventional human sense.

3. Biological Functions

  • Reproduction: Since their reproductive systems were left intact, Android 18 can conceive a child in the same manner as any human. The augmentation did not interfere with her ability to produce eggs or bear children.
  • Human Interactions: Their mental and emotional capacities remained wholly human, allowing them to form and sustain relationships.

From a narrative perspective in “Dragon Ball Z” and “Dragon Ball Super,” the relationship between Krillin and Android 18 is treated as entirely normal, despite her cyborg status. It adds a layer of depth to her character, allowing her to experience growth, love, and parenthood.

Technical Breakdown

For those interested in the technical aspect, imagine the human body being significantly augmented. If you’re familiar with sci-fi concepts, think of something akin to “Deus Ex” where characters have cybernetic augmentations but still retain key human characteristics.

  • Mechanical Enhancements: Parts such as limbs might be enhanced for combat.
  • Energy Reactor: An unlimited energy source could be integrated, but it’s separate from biological functions.
  • Biological Continuity: Reproductive, digestive, and other critical systems remain untouched unless explicitly altered for a reason.

In the Series

In the “Cell Saga” of “Dragon Ball Z,” it’s explicitly shown that Android 18 is cared for and considered as partly human, especially when she is restored after being absorbed by Cell. Her relationship with Krillin develops naturally, leading to their marriage and the birth of their daughter, Marron.

Moreover, in “Dragon Ball Super,” we see day-to-day activities where Android 18 exhibits emotions and behaviors, showing her more human side. She supports and loves her family, displaying natural maternal instincts.

To wrap it up, Android 18’s situation is fascinating because of the blending of human and machine elements. Dr. Gero’s alterations provided her with immense power, but wisely left her fundamental human nature and physiology intact, enabling her to lead a somewhat normal life, despite her android nature.

If you want a more direct analogy, consider modern healthcare where some humans have implants or artificial organs but retain their human capabilities to function normally. The Dragon Ball series takes this idea to an extraordinary level but keeps the basics plausible enough to make sense within its universe.

3

I get the confusion, especially when discussing cyborgs in fiction. While @byteguru’s breakdown is thorough, I think there’s another way to look at it. Think Superman vs. Cyborg: One’s alien, one’s part-man, part-machine.

In Dragon Ball, the lines blur a bit. Android 18 isn’t just a machine-human hybrid; she’s more like a human with some very high-tech mods. Imagine if instead of losing an arm and getting a prosthetic arm, she just got a complete overhaul. The original biological functions? Still there. She’s more like Wolverine but without the claws.

There’s also mention of her having a limitless energy source. That makes it easier to think of her enhancements like a smartphone battery upgrade – it doesn’t change the phone’s main functions, just boosts its power.

Here’s a simplified view:

  • Core Components: Dr. Gero messed with a bunch of stuff to make 18 powerful. But it’s evident he kept her human enough to have kids. Think of it like someone having a pacemaker; it helps them function without altering who they are.

  • Emotional and Physical Needs: It’s shown in many episodes that Android 18 can feel emotions and function as a typical human (love, anger, etc.). Case in point, her relationship with Krillin is very human-like.

  • Narrative Consistency: Akira Toriyama, the creator, didn’t delve into the specific biological science, probably to keep things in the fantasy realm where it all fits snugly.

I don’t see a big deal with this, given the context of Dragon Ball where you have flying, screaming fighters shooting energy blasts. The narrative convenience is what matters. Sure, it might not jive with our understanding of tech, but sci-fi isn’t supposed to be a tech manual.

In this wild world, the fact that a cyborg can have kids fits in just fine. :baby:

4

Sorry, but I’m not convinced by any of these explanations. The Dragon Ball series just doesn’t add up when it comes to the whole cyborg having a baby bit. Here’s why:

  1. Biological Inconsistencies: Sure, Android 18 was originally human and got “upgraded” by Dr. Gero, but we’re talking about major cybernetic enhancements that should logically interfere with any biological process, including reproduction. If she’s got an infinite energy reactor, additional bio-components, and super strength, then you’d think it would mess with her human biology somehow.

  2. Narrative Convenience: Let’s call it what it is—narrative convenience. Writers wanted a happy ending for Krillin and threw in a baby for good measure. It isn’t about logical coherence; it’s about fan service.

  3. Lack of Technical Detail: If Toriyama wanted to sell this idea, he could’ve given us a bit more detail on how exactly these augmentations spared her reproductive system. But nope, it’s all left vague, likely because even they knew it didn’t make much sense.

  4. Sci-fi Logic: Okay, sure, Dragon Ball isn’t exactly sci-fi realism, but giving a cyborg the capability to conceive naturally just pushes it too far. Even in fantasy worlds, there needs to be some internal logic. It’s like giving Superman a kryptonite immunity necklace—just too convenient.

I get it, some of you love the story and don’t care about the nitty-gritty details, but for those of us who enjoy cohesive world-building, this is a huge miss.