Few antagonists have had as much of an impact on the vast and diverse world of anime as Cell from Dragon Ball Z, created by Akira Toriyama. Even though Frieza is frequently associated with his brutal dictatorship and genocidal impulses, Cell’s distinct and horrifying worldview sets him apart from the usual villain stereotype.
Cell is a bio-engineered android created by Dr. Gero by combining the DNA and cells from several significant and powerful characters of the series including Frieza. Cell is specifically made to endlessly evolve by absorbing Androids 17 and 18 in order to reach his ultimate and most potent stage. Through this process, each of his form obtains terrifying increases in total physical strength, durability, and speed. Utilizing his tail to collect bio-energy from any living thing, he may also intensify his power.
But what makes him fearsome is not merely his abilities, but the philosophy behind his persona.
The Philosophy behind Cell’s Evil in Dragon Ball Z
In the Dragon Ball Z universe, Cell has been motivated by one purpose since the beginning of time: to achieve absolute perfection. The pursuit of perfection involves more than just winning battles or being physically stronger; it also involves the meticulous and systematic elimination of all chaos, disorder, and imperfection.
From this perspective, we can see a more complex side to him, one that goes beyond simple villainy and resonates more with the controlling side of the human psyche.
Cell is the personification of absolute order, and this order seeks for excessive regulation. Cell seeks to eliminate all disoriented characteristics of a person or society cruelly, leaving just the best parts intact. Thus, Cell can be defined as,
The Sterile, Regulated, Rigid Perfection.
These three characteristics represent Cell perfectly throughout the story of Dragon Ball Z. Cell envisions perfection as existing outside of all forms of imperfection or uncertainty. This yearning for perfection extends physical cleanliness and touches on the very essence of existence.
Cell uses strict control and regulation as a means of attaining perfection. He carefully takes in other entities, eliminating any flaws and absorbing their strengths into his own body.
Additionally, in Cell’s viewpoint, perfection is rigid and unchanging. Once attained, there is no possibility for development or modification, resulting in an oppressive feeling of stagnation.
The Existential Horror and Legacy of Cell
Cell is not only terrifying because of his capabilities, but also because of the potential he has to become even more powerful by absorbing more and more beings that will eventually lead him to universal domination. One the other hand, Cell’s philosophy highlights an element of existential horror that is rarely showcased in anime villains.
His pursuit of perfection embodies the loss of individuality, illusion of perfection, and moral ambiguity. It raises profound queries about the very nature of existence and meaning of true perfection.
Cell stands as one of the most interesting and disturbing villains in anime history thanks to his dreadful philosophy. His goal of “sterile, regulated, rigid perfection” serves as a terrifying reminder of the existential horrors that can lurk beyond the surface of our search for perfection.
By exploring his persona, Dragon Ball Z transforms Cell from a simple antagonist to a representation of the more evil aspects of human ambition, making him a villain that genuinely surpasses most anime antagonists.
You can watch Dragon Ball Z on Crunchyroll.
