Over three decades ago, Dragon Ball introduced Android #16, who quickly became a pivotal character in the beloved Cell Saga. As the second fully artificial android in this storyline, #16’s demise was a crucial turning point that inspired Gohan to attain his powerful Super Saiyan 2 form. This transformation ultimately enabled Earth’s defenders to triumph over the formidable Perfect Cell. While it has long been acknowledged that Android #16 was modeled after Dr. Gero’s son, fans have never had a complete view of what his original human form looked like.
Recently, however, this mystery has been unveiled. Fans have created numerous interpretations of the character known as Gevo, but without an official reference, these versions have primarily stemmed from speculation. In the newly released Volume #24 of Dragon Ball Super, the series’ illustrator Toyotarou provided the first official depiction of Gevo.
Toyotarou Unveils the First Official Illustration of Android #16’s Human Form
Android #16: A Reflection of Dr. Gero’s Son
In the latest illustration, Gevo is portrayed as an elite Red Ribbon soldier, equipped with a weapon and clad in his uniform. His appearance closely resembles Android #16, with the main difference being his lack of the android’s imposing physique. Tragically, Gevo met his end at the hands of another soldier during a battle, leading Dr. Gero to model Android #16 after him, resulting in the creation of the only android distinguished by a gentle demeanor.
Gevo made a fleeting appearance in the 2022 film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, though only his facial features were visible, which left little to differentiate him from #16. While it remains ambiguous whether Gevo possessed the same gentle nature as Android #16, given his significant role in the Red Ribbon Army, it’s unlikely. Interestingly, he might have shared a passion for birdwatching, introducing a whimsical connection between his human life and the android’s character. The unfolding narrative continues to enrich the expansive lore of Dragon Ball.
Toyotarou’s Recent Focus on Dragon Ball Lore
Reviving Underrepresented Characters in Recent Works
The recent chapter release of Dragon Ball Super, titled “The Birth of Saiyaman X,”marked the end of a long hiatus and focused on Trunks’ storyline as he navigates his superhero fascination. While some fans expressed disappointment over the chapter’s lack of narrative progression, it adeptly built on existing lore and revisited characters who had been largely forgotten, including Olibu. Olibu is a character originally from Dragon Ball Z’s Otherworld Tournament arc and served as a student of King Kai.
Although the future of the Dragon Ball series remains uncertain, Toyotarou seems dedicated to rediscovering and developing characters from its rich history, such as Olibu and Gevo. With over 40 years of acclaimed releases, the Dragon Ball franchise possesses a robust catalog of characters and narratives ready for exploration. The latest volume of Dragon Ball Super underscores that the creators are keen on revisiting and expanding these beloved stories. As fans anticipate the official confirmation of the series’ return, they can find plenty of new content to delve into in the meantime.