The universe of Dragon Ball is well-known for its exquisite character designs. The creator, Akira Toriyama, has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary level of detail and thoughtfulness in his character designs. Among the characters, Cell particularly stands out due to his immense power as well as his distinct and intriguing physical attributes.
It’s a known fact that Cell was created by Dr. Gero by combining the DNA and cells from several significant and powerful characters of the series. To attain his ultimate and most powerful stage, this bio-engineered android is designed to continuously evolve by absorbing Androids 17 and 18. Due to this, Cell possesses some unique physical features that are convenient for his purpose of growth and perfection.
Especially, his wings have been a subject of debate and speculation among fans, sparking several theories about its design and functions.
The Interesting Quirk of Cell’s Wings
Reddit user ArtistSuccessful has put forth an interesting hypothesis on Cell’s wings, dissecting through its origin and purpose. It consists of some biological references with an added layer of complexity.
According to this theory, Cell’s wings resemble Elytra more than functional wings. Elytra are thick and hard, designed to protect the insect’s thin, soft, and transparent wings. If Cell truly had insect-like wings, those would be more visible and resemble the transparent structures seen in insects. The fact that Cell’s wings are hard and thick supports the theory that they are indeed Elytra, which serves a protective purpose rather than enabling flight.
It’s possible that Dr. Gero decided to include these Elytra in order to guarantee Cell’s adaptability and resilience. Dr. Gero might have created Elytra to provide Cell with an extra defense because he anticipated that it would be beneficial for fights. However, this also raises a question as to why he didn’t include an actual functional wing.
One possibility is that despite being a genius, Dr. Gero made an error or faced limitations in his genetic engineering process. Creating a perfect combination of DNA strands of multiple creatures is not a piece of cake. The presence of Elytra instead of functional wings might indicate an incomplete or flawed attempt to build insect flight capabilities. Dr. Gero might have been uncertain about Cell’s ability to master the ki-based flight technique and added the wings as a precautionary measure.
The Genius of Akira Toriyama
Akira Toriyama’s decision to assumably include such specific anatomical features as Elytra showcases his dedication to creating complex characters. Toriyama’s characters are often designed with biological and mechanical accuracy, representing a deep knowledge of anatomy and function. By giving Cell Elytra, Toriyama not only added a unique visual element but also casually referenced real-world biology, emphasizing the character’s depth and believability.
Furthermore, Toriyama’s ability to add such intricate details to his characters encourages fans to look beyond the surface and appreciate the ideas involved in their creation. It invites deeper engagement with the series, as fans speculate, analyze, and discuss these features.
Cell is a unique and intriguing character from Toriyama’s work, and it likely draws inspiration from real-world insect biology and genetics. As we continue to explore and uncover the layers of detail in Toriyama’s work, it becomes clear that his dedication to thoughtful character design is an important part of what makes Dragon Ball a truly beloved series.
You can watch Dragon Ball on Crunchyroll.
