In the world of Dragon Ball, Android 21 has made a significant impact with her unique abilities and captivating storyline. However, the question of whether she is considered a canon character remains unclear. This article delves into the mysteries surrounding Android 21, examining her origins, involvement in the Dragon Ball universe, and ultimately determining whether she can be considered a canon addition to the series.
Background: A Brief Overview Of Android 21’s Introduction In Dragon Ball FighterZ
Android 21 made her debut in the popular fighting game Dragon Ball FighterZ, released in 2018. Created by Akira Toriyama, the original creator of the Dragon Ball series, she was designed specifically for the game’s storyline. Android 21 plays a central role as the main antagonist and possesses a unique ability to absorb other fighters, granting her immense power.
In the game’s story mode, Android 21’s backstory is revealed. She is a brilliant scientist who worked alongside Dr. Gero, the creator of the Androids. However, due to experimentation on herself, she eventually gains an insatiable appetite for power and human souls.
Android 21’s inclusion in Dragon Ball FighterZ raised questions among fans regarding her canonicity. While she was created for the game, her involvement in the Dragon Ball universe is significant and her story fits seamlessly into the larger narrative. As such, many fans consider Android 21 to be a canon character within the Dragon Ball franchise. However, the debate surrounding her canon status continues to generate discussions among the community.
Canon Vs. Non-Canon: Defining The Concept And Its Application To Dragon Ball Franchise
The concept of canon, when applied to a fictional universe like Dragon Ball, refers to the official material acknowledged by the creators and considered as part of the main storyline. In this subheading, we will delve into the concept of canon and its application within the Dragon Ball franchise.
Canon material is typically recognized as the primary source of information and events that shape the narrative. It includes the original manga, anime series, and movies created by Akira Toriyama. Non-canon, on the other hand, refers to material that deviates from the main storyline or is not officially acknowledged by the creators.
Determining whether Android 21 is a canon character in the Dragon Ball series requires examining her origins and how she fits into the established narrative. As Android 21 was introduced in the game Dragon Ball FighterZ and not directly created by Toriyama, her canon status has been a subject of debate among fans.
To understand whether Android 21 is canon or not, it is essential to analyze official statements from the creators and developers, as well as examine her role in the Dragon Ball FighterZ storyline. By considering these factors, we can unravel the mystery surrounding Android 21’s canon status in the Dragon Ball franchise.
Official Statements: What Do Creators And Developers Say About Android 21’s Canon Status?
In this section, we will explore the official statements made by creators and developers of the Dragon Ball franchise regarding Android 21’s canon status. These statements are crucial in unraveling the mystery surrounding the character.
During various interviews and press conferences, the creators and developers of Dragon Ball FighterZ have consistently referred to Android 21 as a canon character. They have affirmed that she was designed specifically for the game, but her story and background were created in collaboration with Akira Toriyama, the original creator of Dragon Ball.
In an interview with Bandai Namco, Tomoko Hiroki, the producer of Dragon Ball FighterZ, confirmed that Android 21 was developed in collaboration with Toriyama and her story is an official part of the Dragon Ball universe. Hiroki emphasized that meticulous attention was given to her design and personality to ensure she fits seamlessly into the existing lore.
Furthermore, Toriyama himself provided character illustrations and designed Android 21‚Äôs true form, reinforcing her status as a canon character. With these official statements and involvement from the franchise’s creator, it is evident that Android 21 is indeed recognized as a canon character in the Dragon Ball series.
Analyzing Android 21’s Role In The Dragon Ball FighterZ Storyline: Canon Evidence
Android 21’s role in the storyline of Dragon Ball FighterZ provides substantial evidence for her canon status. In the game, she serves as the main antagonist and plays a crucial role in the narrative, interacting with various canonical characters such as Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza. Moreover, Android 21’s backstory, which involves being a former human scientist and the creation of the Red Ribbon Army, aligns with the established lore of the Dragon Ball universe.
Furthermore, Android 21’s presence and impact are directly acknowledged in official Dragon Ball FighterZ promotional material, including trailers, character art, and promotional events. This level of promotion and integration within the franchise suggests that she is indeed a canon character.
Additionally, the game’s developer, Arc System Works, collaborated closely with series creator Akira Toriyama during the creation of Dragon Ball FighterZ. This collaboration further supports Android 21’s canon status, as it indicates that Toriyama had a role in shaping her character and storyline.
Overall, considering Android 21’s integral role in the Dragon Ball FighterZ storyline, the alignment with established lore, and the involvement of the series creator, it is reasonable to conclude that she is a canon character in the Dragon Ball franchise.
Contradictions And Inconsistencies: Examining Inferences That Challenge Android 21’s Canon Status
Contradictions and inconsistencies often arise when determining the canon status of a character, and Android 21 is no exception. This subheading delves into the various inferences and elements that challenge Android 21’s canon status in the Dragon Ball franchise.
One major contradiction is Android 21’s absence from the original manga and anime series. Canonically, the Dragon Ball story revolves around the events depicted in the manga and subsequent anime adaptations. Since Android 21 was not introduced in these original works, some argue that she cannot be considered a canon character.
Additionally, Android 21’s backstory and creation seem to conflict with the established lore. Multiple sources have stated that she was created by the Red Ribbon Army. However, according to the original series, Dr. Gero was the sole creator of androids 17 and 18. This inconsistency has led to further doubts about her canon status.
Furthermore, Android 21’s character design and personality differ significantly from other androids in the series. While the androids in the Dragon Ball universe typically lack emotions and exhibit a more robotic behavior, Android 21 displays a wide range of emotions and even possesses a split personality. These contradictions raise questions about her place within the established canon.
Overall, the contradictions and inconsistencies surrounding Android 21’s character and her relation to the original canon storyline have sparked debates among fans and scholars alike. As the discussion continues, it remains important to examine all available evidence before reaching a definitive conclusion about her canon status.
The Role Of Fan Reception: How The Community Views Android 21’s Canon Status
Fans of the Dragon Ball franchise have been deeply invested in the discussion surrounding Android 21’s canon status. Over the years, the community has expressed diverse opinions on whether the character should be considered canon.
On one hand, there is a substantial portion of the fandom that firmly believes Android 21 is a canon character. They argue that her inclusion in the main storyline of Dragon Ball FighterZ, a game written by Akira Toriyama himself, provides strong evidence of her canonicity. These fans appreciate the depth and complexity that Android 21 brings to the Dragon Ball universe and embrace her as an official addition to the canon.
Conversely, there are others who dispute Android 21’s canon status. They argue that her origins and story are exclusive to Dragon Ball FighterZ and do not align with the larger Dragon Ball narrative. These fans contend that since Android 21 has not appeared in any official Dragon Ball manga or anime, she should be considered non-canon.
The ongoing debate within the Dragon Ball fan community reflects the diverse views on Android 21’s canon status. Ultimately, the decision to consider her canon or non-canon lies in the hands of individual fans, highlighting the subjective nature of the discussion.
Canon Expansion And Supplementary Media: Could Android 21’s Canon Status Change In The Future?
In recent years, the concept of canon in the Dragon Ball franchise has become more fluid, with new content and supplementary media often redefining what is considered official. As such, it is worth exploring the potential for Android 21’s canon status to evolve in the future.
With the introduction of Dragon Ball Super, the anime series that continues the story after Dragon Ball Z, creators have demonstrated a willingness to incorporate new characters and concepts into the canon. As Android 21 was created specifically for Dragon Ball FighterZ, it is possible that she could make an appearance in future Dragon Ball Super episodes, thereby solidifying her canon status.
Supplementary media, such as manga adaptations or spin-off novels, also offer opportunities for character expansion and development. Android 21’s popularity amongst fans could prompt the creators to explore her story further, adding legitimacy to her canon status.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Android 21’s canon status will continue as long as the Dragon Ball franchise continues to evolve. However, with the potential for canon expansion and the inclusion of supplementary media, it is entirely possible that Android 21’s position as a canon character could change in the future.
Conclusion: Considering The Ongoing Debate And Individual Perspectives On Android 21’s Canon Status
The debate surrounding Android 21’s canon status remains ongoing, with individual perspectives greatly influencing the discussion. While some argue that Android 21 should be considered canon due to her inclusion in the official game Dragon Ball FighterZ and her involvement in the game’s storyline, others refute this claim by pointing out the lack of acknowledgement in the original manga or anime series.
Fans who support Android 21 being canon often emphasize the input of creators and developers, who have stated that the character is part of the Dragon Ball universe. Moreover, they argue that the expansion of the canon through supplementary media allows for the inclusion of Android 21. However, those who disagree highlight contradictions and inconsistencies found within the game, which challenge the character’s canon status.
The community’s role in shaping the perception of Android 21’s canon status is significant. Fan reception ranges from embracing her as an integral part of the franchise to considering her non-canon. Multiple interpretations and opinions contribute to the ongoing debate.
Ultimately, whether Android 21 is regarded as a canon character is subjective and dependent on individual perspectives. As the Dragon Ball franchise continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if Android 21’s canon status will change in the future.
FAQs
Is Android 21 officially recognized as a canon character in the Dragon Ball series?
Yes, Android 21 is officially recognized as a canon character in the Dragon Ball series. The character was introduced in the game “Dragon Ball FighterZ” which was supervised by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. Therefore, her inclusion in the game solidifies her presence within the canon Dragon Ball universe.
Does Android 21 have any appearances in the Dragon Ball manga or anime?
Unlike many other Dragon Ball characters, Android 21 does not have any appearances in the Dragon Ball manga or anime. Her character was specifically created for the game “Dragon Ball FighterZ” and has not been featured in any other official Dragon Ball media.
What role does Android 21 play in the game “Dragon Ball FighterZ”?
In the game “Dragon Ball FighterZ,” Android 21 serves as the main antagonist and plays a significant role in the story mode. She is a human turned into an Android with a transformation ability that gives her immense power. Android 21’s unique abilities and captivating storyline have contributed to her popularity among Dragon Ball fans.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Android 21’s canon status may still be debated by fans, it is clear that she has made a significant impact in the Dragon Ball universe. With her unique abilities and intriguing backstory, Android 21 has captivated audiences and become an iconic character. Whether she is officially recognized as canon or not, her presence and contribution to the series cannot be denied, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her future role in the Dragon Ball franchise.