The ominous roster of Dragon Ball villains includes a name that is not only one of the most terrifying villains in Akira Toriyama’s universe but also in the whole of anime and manga industry. This character is called Cell, and he is the main antagonist of the Cell saga. His terrifying personality even scared the Saiyans for a bit.
Cell was created by Dr. Gero’s supercomputer, and he possessed the genetic traits and special abilities of Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, King Cold, Trunks, etc. Initially, it was believed that Cell was created to bring Dr. Gero’s plan to fruition, but as he developed a mindset of his own, he realized that he could rule the entire world with his terrifying strength.
Cell was indeed one of the best-written characters by Toriyama in Dragon Ball. However, he was never part of the initial storyline that the manga creator had in mind. Toriyama once revealed that his conversation with his former editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, forced him to create more characters for the Cell saga, and one of them was Cell.
Kazuhiko Torishima Was Not Happy About The Initial Androids
The second issue of the Shenlong Times booklet, which was translated by Kazenshuu, contained an interview between Toriyama and his editors. During the interview, Toriyama, while conversing with Torishima, pointed out that the former editor called him to whine about Android 19 and 20 and how they were not a good fit for the arc.
Toriyama revealed:
You’re terrible to say that, Torishima-san. Right around then was when Artificial Humans No. 19 and No. 20 appeared. You weren’t my editor or anything anymore, but you specifically called me to say, “I thought that the enemies had finally come, but aren’t these just a geezer and a fatso?” (laughs)
Toriyama explained that Kazuhiko Torishima believed that Android 19 and Android 20 would be the final enemies of the entire saga, but they were not at all what he expected. The Android saga was one of the most important sagas of the series, so Toriyama had to plan something big for it, and that’s when he came up with the idea of Android 17, 18, and finally Cell.
The Origin of Cell’s Character in Dragon Ball
Talking about the Android Saga, Akira Toriyama revealed that when he was criticized by Torishima for Android 19 and 20, he had no choice but to introduce Android 17 and Android 18, which was never part of the plan. However, even Android 17 and 18 were not liked by Torishima, and thus he brought out Cell.
Toriyama stated:
In truth, I hadn’t had plans for anyone but No. 19 and No. 20 to appear. But there was no helping it, so I brought out No. 17 and No. 18. Then you called me up and said “What, this time it’s just some brats?” So I brought out Cell. (laughs)
Torishima’s criticism of the initial Androids ultimately worked in favor of the series. Toriyama had no choice but to upgrade the level of villains he was introducing in Dragon Ball Z, and Cell came to be the perfect manifestation of an antagonist.
He became so popular that he was sometimes even featured in future arcs and was recently reintroduced in the story of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero through a stronger version called Cell Max.
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