Analyzing Dragon Ball: Does Cell Max Surpass the Original Cell?

Dragon Ball and power scaling are closely linked, and the discussion about Cell Max adds an intriguing element. This antagonist was created as a nod to the series' iconic villain, Cell, and his epic battle with Son Gohan, when Gohan achieved Super Saiyan 2 for the first time in the manga.

While this is all very interesting, the question of which Cell is the strongest in the Dragon Ball franchise remains. The answer may seem obvious to those currently following the series, but it also provides an interesting opportunity for analysis when considering the potential and development of both Cells.

Explaining who is the strongest between the original Cell and Cell Max in Dragon Ball

In the world of Dragon Ball, it's undeniable that Cell Max surpasses the original Cell in terms of strength. In fact, many of the main characters now outclass the original Cell as well. For instance, Gohan had to tap into a new transformation just to compete with the likes of Goku and Vegeta in their Super forms. This is crucial to consider, as it highlights just how much stronger these iconic characters have become compared to Dr. Gero's creation.

There isn't much debate about these two characters, but the more intriguing question is, who has the greatest potential? Cell Max may be stronger now, but what if the original Cell had the ability to train and develop further? With Saiyan and Frieza cells in his body, he has an advantage over most characters in the series. On paper, the original Cell has the potential to become even stronger, thanks to the Zenkai boosts from his Saiyan biology and quick power growth from his Frieza biology.

Cell Max's role in the Dragon Ball franchise

It should be noted that Cell Max is a mindless monster; however, the original has the ability to rationalize, devise plans, and possesses a greater capacity for learning and evolution as the series progresses, giving him greater potential on paper.

Cell Max, featured in the Super Hero movie (Image via Toei Animation), has undoubtedly served as a source of fanservice in the Dragon Ball franchise, both in the movie and the manga.

Creating a character that resembles the villain Son Gohan defeated during the height of his popularity in the Super storyline suggests a lot about the intentions behind this antagonist. It highlights the importance of the Super storyline, where this character takes center stage.

While fanservice can be acceptable if done tastefully and with respect to the original version, it's widely believed that it was beneficial for the franchise to give characters like Piccolo and Gohan some time to shine, without always depending on Vegeta and Goku.

Final thoughts

Cell Max outmatches the original Cell due to appearing at a point in the story where characters are significantly more powerful than the latter. While this is a simple explanation, it's important to note that the original Cell likely had a higher potential for growth and could have become much stronger, given his Frieza and Saiyan genetics.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of Dragon Ball, I'm thrilled to see the franchise continuing to explore new storylines and introduce powerful villains like Cell Max. The idea of comparing Cell Max to the original Cell is exciting, and I believe that Cell Max is indeed stronger in terms of raw power. The fact that many of the main characters now surpass the original Cell's strength is a testament to the series' power scaling and the growth of its characters.

However, I also agree with the argument that the original Cell has greater potential for growth and development. His Saiyan and Frieza cells give him a unique advantage, and with proper training and experience, he could potentially surpass Cell Max in strength. Additionally, the original Cell's ability to rationalize, devise plans, and learn from his mistakes gives him an edge in terms of strategic thinking and adaptability.