Android 8, also known as #8, holds a special place in the hearts of many Dragon Ball fans. His gentle nature and surprising strength in Dragon Ball Z stand in stark contrast to the typically ruthless androids of the series. However, his absence from Dragon Ball Super leaves many wondering about his fate and why he wasn't included in the later storylines. This article delves into the reasons behind Android 8's exclusion and explores the differences between his portrayal and the androids featured in Dragon Ball Super.
Why Isn't Android 8 in Dragon Ball Super?
This is a frequently asked question among fans. The simple answer is that Dragon Ball Super focuses on a different set of antagonists and power scales compared to Dragon Ball Z. The series shifts the narrative focus towards larger-than-life cosmic threats, gods, and universes, leaving little room for characters like Android 8, whose story arc felt concluded within Dragon Ball Z. His power level, while significant in his own arc, pales in comparison to the God-level threats presented in Dragon Ball Super. His inclusion might have felt jarring and out of place in the context of the significantly higher stakes.
What Happened to Android 8 After Dragon Ball Z?
While not explicitly stated, it's heavily implied that Android 8 continued his peaceful life after his appearance in Dragon Ball Z. He’s shown to be content with his simple life, and the series' focus shifts away from him. There's no canon information on his subsequent activities, allowing fans to speculate and imagine his continued peaceful existence.
Are there any similarities between Android 8 and the Androids in Dragon Ball Super?
While the androids of Dragon Ball Super, particularly Android 17, showcase a degree of free will and moral ambiguity, they fundamentally differ from Android 8. Android 17, for instance, displays a capacity for both violence and heroism, a complexity absent in Android 8's purely benevolent personality. While both are artificial beings, their motivations and character arcs are vastly different. Android 8's gentle nature and complete lack of homicidal intent set him apart from almost all other androids across the entire series.
How does Android 8's power compare to the Androids in Dragon Ball Super?
This is a complex question, and a definitive answer is difficult to provide due to the massive power scaling shifts across the Dragon Ball series. Android 8's strength, impressive during his time, is likely dwarfed by the power levels seen in Dragon Ball Super. Characters in Dragon Ball Super routinely display feats of strength that eclipse anything Android 8 was capable of.
What makes Android 8 so unique compared to other Androids?
Android 8's unique appeal lies in his subversion of the typical android archetype. Unlike most other androids designed for destruction, Android 8 possesses a genuinely kind heart and a strong moral compass. This unexpected personality trait makes him a memorable and beloved character, significantly different from the cold, calculating, or ruthlessly violent androids common in the series. His inherent goodness and peaceful nature stand in stark contrast to the android menace, creating a fascinating paradox.
Conclusion: A Beloved Character's Absence
Android 8's absence from Dragon Ball Super doesn't diminish his importance within the wider Dragon Ball narrative. His unique character arc and surprising benevolence make him a fan favorite, despite his limited screen time in the later storylines. His story serves as a compelling counterpoint to the generally more ruthless artificial beings prevalent throughout the franchise. Ultimately, his omission highlights the evolving power scales and narrative shifts within the series, a change that unfortunately left no space for the gentle giant, Android 8.
