Dragon Ball Z is filled with intriguing characters, but few are as tragic and underrated as Android 16 and, by extension, his creator, Dr. Gero. As a former Red Ribbon Army scientist, Gero was capable of many feats of genius, some of which led to the creation of androids. Android 16 was created in the likeness of Gero’s son, Gevo, and as a weapon that could be used against Goku to avenge the defeat of the Red Ribbon Army. However, 16 defied his programming and became gentle and peaceful, admiring the world around him.
In a post on Reddit, user Cheripi artcreates a comic inspired by Pluto Naoki Urasawa recreates Dr. Gero’s relationship with Android 16. In this touching and tragic scene, Gero reflects on his real Gevo and all the little details that made him unique. As they sit eating, Gero remembers Gevo’s habits, and in response, 16 readily agrees to behave the same way. However, by the end of the comic, Gero comes to the grim realization that if 16 was the exact opposite of Gevo and admittedly loved Gero, it would probably mean his son hated him.
Android 16 is a direct reflection of Dr. Gero’s son, Gevo
When Gevo is killed in battle, Dr. Gero takes it upon himself to create many androids.
When cutting, The connection between Dr. Gero and Android 16 is one of the most tragic Dragon Ball Z. Gero’s obsession with getting revenge on Goku eventually led him to create a series of androids, which eventually led to the creation of the most unique of them all, Android 16. Unlike the others, 16 was modeled as a mirror image of his real son, Gevo, who died in battle during while serving in the Red Ribbon Army. Even though 16 was intended to be a weapon, its gentle nature was very different from what Gero had imagined.
Connected
The fan art taps into the emotional depth created by Dr. Gero and Android 16, as Gero’s attempt to immortalize his son before he turns 16 deepens the tragedy at the heart of their story. This reminds fans that Hero, despite being a villain, is also a grieving father.which makes him more likable in the eyes of the audience. Dr. Gero’s memories of Gevo in this fanart and 16’s willingness to adhere to these traits show a futile attempt to bridge a gap that can never be fully closed. Despite the fact that they are drawn sitting opposite each other, the distance between them is noticeable.
Dr. Gero’s reflection on Gevo reveals deep inner sadness
And Android 16’s attempt to comply increases the distance between them
Android 16’s conformity and willingness to submit to Gevo’s image, as well as Gero’s ongoing monologue about Gevo’s traits, reveal hidden feeling of overwhelming regret. The very act of simulating 16 years after his son died shows fans that he never got over his death. This fact is emphasized in the fanart as Gero lists seemingly mundane habits, however when revisited it becomes clear that this is an expression of Gero’s unspoken longing. No matter how closely 16 tries to imitate Gevo, he will never truly become one, adding to the loss that Dr. Gero is unwilling to fully confront.
As for Android 16, by trying to emulate Gevo’s habits, he exposes the inherent sadness of his existence. Android 16 was never designed to be itself, but instead a direct reflection of someone else which he can never live up to. In the anime, character 16’s storyline is defined by his journey to autonomy, starting with a gun and growing into a character with a love for nature and humanity. This fanart uses this idea found in Dragon Ball and applies this to his connection with Gero, where he realizes he is not what Gero really wants and can never be.