Android 17, the fan-favorite character from the Dragon Ball universe, has a surprisingly complex age depending on how you look at it. Unlike many characters with straightforward age progressions, his lifespan is intertwined with artificial creation and periods of inactivity. This article will break down his age, addressing common queries and clarifying the timelines involved.
What is Android 17's Chronological Age?
This is the trickiest question to answer definitively. Dr. Gero created Android 17 sometime before the Cell Saga. While the exact date isn't explicitly stated in the Dragon Ball canon, it's safe to assume he was created in his late teens or early twenties, given his appearance. This puts his creation around 7 years before the Cell Games saga, placing him roughly at the age of 19-20 when he was first activated.
However, he spent a significant amount of time deactivated after his defeat by Super Saiyan Trunks, before being resurrected in Dragon Ball Super. During this time, he was essentially biologically "frozen." This means his chronological age simply continues to increase during his inactive years.
Adding up the years between his creation, his active period fighting, his inactive period, and his active period as a park ranger (and participation in the Tournament of Power), his chronological age in Dragon Ball Super would place him well into his thirties or even forties. Precise numbers are elusive given the inconsistent time jumps and lack of specific dates in the series.
How Old is Android 17 in Dragon Ball Super?
Android 17's age in Dragon Ball Super is a matter of ongoing fan discussion. While no precise number is given, considering the events that have occurred since the Cell Games saga, his age would be significantly higher than his initial activation age. Based on the general timeline of the series, a reasonable estimate places him firmly in his thirties or forties by the time of the Tournament of Power.
What is the Difference Between Android 17's Biological Age and Chronological Age?
This is a key distinction. His biological age reflects how his body has aged. While he experienced some biological aging due to exposure to the sun, his time spent inactive significantly slowed this process. During the period of inactivity, his biological age remained relatively stagnant. Therefore, his biological age could be considerably younger than his chronological age. The series doesn't offer enough information for a precise comparison but the difference is notable.
Does Android 17 Age Differently Than Humans?
Android 17's aging process isn't directly comparable to a human's. He is, after all, an android. While he appears to age to some degree, it's a slower process than natural human aging. The prolonged periods of inactivity seem to further slow down any apparent aging processes, making his biological age a complicated subject to gauge with complete accuracy.
Is Android 17 Older Than Android 18?
Android 17 and Android 18 were created simultaneously, meaning they started at roughly the same biological age. Hence, they are essentially the same age chronologically, regardless of their respective periods of inactivity or apparent biological aging.
In conclusion, pinning down a precise number for Android 17's age is difficult. His story involves periods of inactivity that complicate a simple chronological calculation, making a range of ages plausible. However, considering all factors, a reasonable guess places him in his thirties or forties during the events of Dragon Ball Super.
