Yes, Android 18 was indeed originally human. Before her transformation, she and her twin brother, Android 17, were ordinary individuals with the names Lazuli and Lapis, respectively.
The Transformation of Lazuli
Android 18, originally known as Lazuli, was a regular human before being abducted and modified by the sinister scientist Dr. Gero. Dr. Gero, the former chief scientist of the Red Ribbon Army, sought to create powerful beings to exact revenge on Goku. He extensively modified both Lazuli and Lapis, converting them into powerful androids. Despite their designation as "androids," they are technically enhanced human beings, or "cyborgs," rather than fully mechanical robots.
Her modifications included:
- Enhanced Physical Abilities: Greatly increased strength, speed, and durability far beyond human capabilities.
- Perpetual Energy Reactor: Fitted with an internal device that grants her effectively infinite stamina and energy, allowing her to fight without tiring.
- No Ki Signature: Her energy signature is undetectable by conventional means, making it difficult for Z-Fighters to sense her presence.
These modifications made her one of the most formidable threats the Z-Fighters ever faced, possessing immense power that could rival even Super Saiyans. Her human origins are a crucial aspect of her character, differentiating her from purely mechanical creations and adding depth to her motivations and eventual integration into human society.
| Original Name | Android Name | Relationship | Key Modification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lazuli | Android 18 | Twin Sister | Perpetual Energy Reactor |
| Lapis | Android 17 | Twin Brother | Perpetual Energy Reactor |
Android 18's journey from a human named Lazuli to a powerful android, and her subsequent life as a wife and mother, highlights a unique blend of scientific alteration and enduring humanity within the Dragon Ball universe.
