Honestly, if you told a fan back in the 90s that a park ranger would eventually save the entire multiverse, they’d have laughed in your face. It sounds like bad fanfiction. Yet, Dragon Ball Super 17—the version of Android 17 we met during the Universal Survival Saga—became exactly that. He didn't just return; he redefined what it means to be a relevant character in a show that usually only cares about Saiyans.
He’s different now.
💡 You might also like: Guidance Jhene Aiko Lyrics: Why the Modern Healing Anthem Hits Different
Back in Dragon Ball Z, 17 was just a rebellious teenager with infinite energy and a bad attitude. He was a plot device to get Cell to his Perfect form. Fast forward to the Tournament of Power, and he’s the most pragmatic, tactical, and surprisingly selfless fighter on the roster. While Goku and Vegeta were screaming their lungs out to reach new heights of hair color, 17 was out here playing 4D chess with barriers and ki blasts.
The Power Scaling Headache: How Strong is Dragon Ball Super 17?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the power scaling. Fans lost their minds when 17 traded blows with Super Saiyan Blue Goku. People called it "bad writing." But if you actually look at the context provided in the manga and anime, it’s not as crazy as it seems.
Android 17 didn’t just sit on a porch for a decade. He spent years protecting Monster Island from high-level poachers and, more importantly, training against Cell Juniors. You remember those blue terrors that gave the Z-Fighters nightmares? Seven of them survived and lived on his island. Training against seven creatures with the DNA of Frieza, Goku, and Vegeta for years is a hell of a workout.
Unlike humans or Saiyans, Android 17 has infinite stamina. He doesn't gas out. In a tournament setting where every second counts, that’s a massive "cheat code." While everyone else was managing their ki reserves, 17 was spamming barriers like they were free. Because they basically were.
Why the Barrier is the Best Move in the Franchise
Most Dragon Ball attacks are just bigger versions of a laser beam. 17’s barrier is different. He uses it offensively, defensively, and as a support tool. We saw him trap opponents inside them, use them as stepping stones in mid-air, and even coat his fists in barrier energy to bypass defenses. It’s the kind of creative fighting the series desperately needed.
✨ Don't miss: The Real Story of Taking Alpha's Twins Away: What Fans Keep Getting Wrong
During the fight against Aniraza, it was 17’s willingness to dive headfirst into a giant energy ball—relying on his barrier—that saved Universe 7. He isn't trying to out-muscle people. He's trying to out-think them.
The Moral Evolution of Lapis
We should probably talk about his name. Most people just call him 17, but his human name is Lapis. His sister, 18, is Lazuli. Together, they make Lapis Lazuli. It’s a nice touch by Akira Toriyama that reminds us these aren't just robots; they are cyborgs with human foundations.
In Dragon Ball Super, 17 has a family. He has a wife (an oceanographer, apparently) and three kids, two of whom are adopted. This change is vital. It’s why he didn't just wish for a boat originally—he wanted to take his family on a cruise. His motivation isn't "fighting for the sake of fighting" anymore. It's protection.
That shift in mindset changed his fighting style. He’s cold, yes. He’s calculated. But he’s also the only person who had the presence of mind to stay hidden while Jiren and Goku beat each other into the dirt.
🔗 Read more: Lil Dicky Ex Boyfriend: What Most People Get Wrong
The Win No One Expected
When the dust settled in the Tournament of Power, 17 was the last man standing. Not Goku. Not the "Legendary Assassin" Hit. Not the God of Destruction candidate Toppo.
The moment he wished for the restoration of all the erased universes, he proved he was the most "human" person there. The Grand Minister even hinted that the Zeno-sama duo expected a selfish wish, and if the winner had made one, everything would have stayed erased. In a weird way, Dragon Ball Super 17 saved the entire multiverse because he grew out of his teenage angst.
What Dragon Ball Super 17 Means for the Future
Moving into the Moro Arc in the manga, we saw 17 and 18 team up again. It was a nostalgic trip, but it also highlighted a new reality: the Androids are the perfect counter to energy absorbers. Since their energy is artificial, Moro couldn't just suck them dry like he did to Goku and Vegeta.
This makes 17 a permanent fixture in the "God Tier" of the series. He’s the safety net.
If you're looking to understand why he’s so beloved now, it’s because he represents "the win for the little guy." Well, a little guy who can kick a hole through a mountain, but still. He doesn't have a transformation. He doesn't have a prophecy. He just has a job, a family, and a really effective shield.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're diving back into the series or looking to grab some merch, here’s how to navigate the 17 hype:
- Watch the Pacing: If you want to see his best tactical moments, focus on episodes 127 through 131 of Dragon Ball Super. That's where his "MVP" status is cemented.
- Manga vs. Anime: Check out the manga version of the Tournament of Power. 17’s role is slightly more understated but his power level feels more grounded. He uses more "ranger" skills, like using the environment to his advantage.
- Figure Collecting: Look for the S.H. Figuarts Android 17 (Universe Survival Saga) version. It includes the "Ranger" armband and better articulation than the older Z-era figures.
- Gaming: In Dragon Ball FighterZ, 17 is a high-speed, mix-up character. He’s difficult to master because he relies on "recalls" and "rekka" movements, which mirrors his unpredictable nature in the show.
Android 17 proved that in a world of gods and aliens, sometimes the most dangerous person in the room is the one who’s just doing his job. He didn't need a new form to be relevant; he just needed a brain and the will to use it.