Arc Information
| Original Run: |
20 May 1992 – 21 July 1993 (62 weeks; spent 6 weeks on break) |
| Corresponding: |
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 140 – 194 (55 episodes; 1 TV special)
Dragon Ball Chapters 357 – 420 (64 chapters; approx. 1.2 chapters per episode) |
| Filler Content: |
85% Canon / 15% Filler |
| Rating Shares: |
Average: 20.3%
Maximum: 24.9% (Episode 177)
Minimum: 16.6% (Episode 163) |
Arc Synopsis
The ultimate life-form Cell, who came from the future, begins to absorb humans across the globe. After merging with God, Piccolo confronts first-form Cell and the two battle in Ginger Town. The battle grounds were left in shambles by Piccolo’s power, which was beyond imagination, but Cell escapes. In an attempt to prevent Cell from achieving his perfect-form, Piccolo challenges No. 17 to a one-on-one battle. However, during this battle, Cell drew near to the battle ground, and ultimately ended up absorbing No. 17. Having changed into his second form, Cell stretched his evil hand toward No. 18 in order to become complete. However, through the great efforts of No. 16 and Tenshinhan, No. 18 was able to escape from Cell’s grasp.
In order to absorb No. 18, Cell explored the nearby islands. Meanwhile, Vegeta and Trunks completed their training in the Room of Spirit and Time. From there the two of them quickly head off to battle Cell. Second-form Cell was like a child before the powered up Vegeta. The bitter Cell discovers No. 18 and provokes the proud Vegeta, who allows Cell to absorb No. 18. Vegeta fights the now perfect-form Cell, but is done in before Cell’s overwhelming strength.
With Vegeta defeated, Trunks shows his true power. However, his transformation relied on power, but sacrificed speed. Because of this, he could not defeat Cell. With Trunks admitting that he has lost, Cell announces to him the opening of the Cell Games. After completing their training, Goku and his family rest before the battle with Cell. And then, on the appointed day, Goku and the other warriors gather one after the other at the tournament grounds. As the battle was about to start, Mister Satan appeared. Being beaten all too quickly, he retreats.
With all his allies watching, Goku stepped up to the Cell Games arena. At first glance it looked like an even battle, but while Goku was fighting desperately, Cell was calm and composed. Gauging Cell’s true strength, Goku willingly surrendered and entrusted everyone’s fate to Gohan. Ignoring his allies’ concerns, Gohan radiated a gigantic ki. However, Goku’s miscalculation was that Gohan had no taste for battle. Loosing his temper at Gohan, who wouldn’t fight seriously, Cell gives birth to the Cell Juniors and has them attack Goku and co. With his friends in jeopardy, Gohan finally lets loose!
Before Gohan, who had let loose his true power, Cell quickly found himself no match for the young Saiyan. Having lost his perfect-form from Gohan’s attack, Cell tries to kill Gohan and take out the Earth by blowing himself up. Realizing the danger Goku transports Cell to Kaiō’s planet, but is caught in the explosion and dies. As everyone was gripped with sorrow, Cell, who had managed to revive into his perfect-form, once again comes after Gohan. Gohan injures his arm protecting Vegeta, but with Goku’s encouragement he defeats Cell!
Episode List (140 — 194; TV special)
邪悪の卵を発見！！恐怖するトランクス
Jāku no Tamago o Hakken!! Kyōfu Suru Torankusu
The Discovery of an Evil Egg!! A Terrified Trunks
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Kazuya Hisada · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
かつてない敵に向けて…超ナメック星人誕生！！
Katsute Nai Teki ni Mukete… Sūpā Namekku-seijin Tanjō!!
To Face an Unprecedented Foe… A Super Namekian is Born!!
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Daisuke Nishio
カメハメ波！？悟空の気を持つモンスター
Kamehameha!? Gokū no Ki o Motsu Monsutā
The Kamehameha?! The Monster Who Possesses Goku’s Energy
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Minoru Maeda · Storyboard: Daisuke Nishio · Director: Jun’ichi Fujise
憎悪と破壊の生命体！！奴の名は人造人間セル
Zōo to Hakai no Seimeitai!! Yatsu no Na wa Jinzōningen Seru
A Life Form of Evil and Destruction!! His Name is Artificial Human Cell
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
ピッコロ痛恨の大失敗！セルが街に放たれた！
Pikkoro Tsūkon no Dai-Shippai! Seru ga Machi ni Hanatareta!
Piccolo’s Grievous Mistake! Cell Escapes Into the City!
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
セル誕生の秘密！研究所の地下に何がある！？
Seru Tanjō no Himitsu! Kenkyūjo no Chika ni Nani ga Aru!?
The Secret of Cell’s Birth! What Lies Below the Laboratory?!
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Daisuke Nishio
悟空闘いへの目覚め！超サイヤ人を超えろ！！
Gokū Tatakai e no Mezame! Sūpā Saiya-jin o Koero!!
Goku Awakens to Battle! Go Beyond the Super Saiyan!!
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Kazuya Hisada · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
修行を急げサイヤ人！精神と時の部屋で…
Shugyō o Isoge Saiya-jin! Seishin to Toki no Heya de…
Hasten Your Training, Saiyans! In the Room of Spirit and Time…
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Mitsuharu Miyamae
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi
天を裂く激烈光弾！！ピッコロＶＳ人造人間１７号
Ten o Saku Gekiretsu Kōdan!! Pikkoro Tai Jinzōningen Jūnana-Gō
The Gekiretsu Kodan that Split the Heavens!! Piccolo vs Artificial Human No. 17
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
この日を待っていた！！セル・完全体への序曲
Kono Hi o Matte Ita!! Seru · Kanzentai e no Jokyoku
How I Have Waited For this Day!! Cell’s Prologue to Perfection
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Daisuke Nishio
捨て身の反撃及ばず！ピッコロ燃え尽きる！！
Sutemi no Hangeki Oyobazu! Pikkoro Moetsukiro!!
The Suicidal Counterattack Proves Ineffective! Piccolo’s Flame Burns Out!!
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Kazuya Hisada · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
残された唯一の望み…無言の戦士１６号立つ！！
Nokosareta Yuītsu no Nozomi… Mugon no Senshi Jūroku-Gō Tatsu!!
One Final Remaining Hope… The Silent Warrior No. 16 Takes Action!!
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Kenji Matsumoto · Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama
Storyboard: Kazuhito Kikuchi · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
１７号を飲み込んだ…変身セルは超グルメ
Jūnana-Gō o Nomikonda… Henshin Seru wa Chō-Gurume
No. 17 is Swallowed… The Transforming Cell is a Super Gourmet
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
明日はオメエを叩きのめす！！悟空の挑戦状
Ashita wa Omē o Tatakinomesu!! Gokū no Chōsenjō
Tomorrow I am Going to Pulverize You!! Goku’s Challenge
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Daisuke Nishio
全てオレが片付ける！！新生ベジータ親子出現
Subete Ore ga Katazukeru!! Shinsei Bejīta Oyako Shutsugen
I’ll Finish Everything!! A Reborn Vegeta, Father and Son, Sally Forth
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Minoru Maeda · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
いきなり全開！！光り輝くベジータの超パワー
Ikinari Zenkai!! Hikarikagayaku Bejīta no Chō-Pawā
Suddenly Full-Throttle!! The Radiant Vegeta’s Super Power
Scenario: Uetake Sumio · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Kazuya Hisada · Director: Jun’ichi Fujise
セルよひざまずけ！オレは超ベジータだ！！
Seru yo Hizamazuke! Ore wa Sūpā Bejīta da!!
On Your Knees, Cell! I am Super Vegeta!!
Scenario: Uetake Sumio · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi
危険なプライド！！完全体セルへの挑戦
Kiken na Puraido!! Kanzentai Seru e no Chōsen
Dangerous Pride!! A Challenge to Cell’s Perfect Form
Scenario: Takao Koyama · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
オレ悩んじゃう！！クリリンの18号破壊工作
Ore Nayanjau!! Kuririn no Jūhachi-Gō Hakai Kōsaku
I’m So Distraught!! Kuririn’s Handiwork in Destroying No. 18
Scenario: Takao Koyama · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
全宇宙に衝撃！！セル、完全体へ驚異の進化
Zen’uchū ni Shōgeki!! Seru, Kanzentai no Kyōi no Shinka
A Shock to the Entire Universe!! Cell, A Spectacular Evolution Toward His Perfect Form
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Kenji Matsumoto · Animation: Naoki Miyahara
Storyboard: Kazuhito Kikuchi · Director: Takahiro Imamura
戦闘力無限大！！セルという名の破壊神誕生
Sentō-ryoku Mugendai!! Seru to Iu Na no Hakaishin Tanjō
An Infinite Battle Power!! The Birth of the God of Destruction is Named Cell
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masahiro Shimanuki · Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi
超ベジータ危うし！！完全無欠の恐怖が迫る！！
Sūpā Bejīta Ayaushi!! Kanzen Muketsu no Kyōfu ga Semaru!!
Super Vegeta in Peril!! An Absolutely Perfect Terror Closes In!!
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Jun’ichi Fujise
超サイヤ人の限界突破！！嵐を呼ぶトランクス
Sūpā Saiya-jin no Genkai Toppa!! Arashi o Yobu Torankusu
Breaking Through the Boundaries of the Super Saiyan!! Trunks Summons a Storm
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Daisuke Nishio
父を救え！！天をも焦がすトランクスの怒り
Chichi o Sukue!! Ten o mo Kogasu Torankusu no Ikari
Save Your Father!! Trunks’ Fury, Which Scorches Even the Heavens
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
絶望の未来！！地獄を生き抜いた男トランクス
Zetsubō no Mirai!! Jigoku o Ikinuita Otoko Torankusu
A Future of Despair!! Trunks, the Man Who Lived Through Hell
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Minoru Maeda · Director: Kazuhito Kikuchi
超トランクスに弱点！！セル、衝撃の爆弾発言
Sūpā Torankusu ni Jakuten!! Seru, Shōgeki no Bakudan Hatsugen
Super Trunks Has a Weakness!! Cell, A Shocking Bombshell Declaration
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Masahiro Hosoda
悟空に迫る大決戦！！新天下一武道会の謎
Gokū ni Semaru Daikessen!! Shin-Tenka’ichi Budōkai no Nazo
A Final Battle Closes in on Goku!! The Mystery of the New Tenka’ichi Budōkai
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masahiro Shimanuki · Director: Jun’ichi Fujise
１００％！！死を呼ぶセルゲーム独占生放送
Shichōritsu Hyaku Pāsento!! Shi o Yobu Seru Gēmu Dokusen Namahōsō
Ratings 100%!! The Cell Games Call for Death With an Exclusive Live Broadcast
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi
悟空と悟飯…ヒーロー親子究極のレべルアップ
Gokū to Gohan… Hīrō Oyako Kyūkyoku no Reberu Appu
Goku and Gohan… The Hero Father and Son’s Ultimate Level-Up
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Daisuke Nishio
悟空の余裕！？休んで待とうセルゲーム
Gokū no Yoyū!? Yasunde Matō Seru Gēmu
Goku’s Composure?! Just Rest and Wait for the Cell Games
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
戦士の休息…少女と嘘と悟飯の決意
Senshi no Kyūsoku… Shōjo to Uso to Gohan no Ketsui
The Fighter’s Relax… The Girl, The Lie, and Gohan’s Decision
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masahiro Shimanuki · Director: Hiroki Shibata
秘められた力！！悟飯が赤ン坊だった頃
Himerareta Chikara!! Gohan ga Akanbō Datta Koro
The Hidden Strength!! When Gohan Was a Baby
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
神様を探し出せ！！悟空、大瞬間移動
Kami-sama o Sagashidase!! Gokū, Dai-Shunkan-Idō
Find a New God!! Goku, the Great Instant Movement
Scenario: Uetake Sumio · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
デンデの初仕事！！ドラゴンボール復活だ
Dende no Hatsu Shigoto!! Doragon Bōru Fukkatsu da
Dende’s New Occupation!! The Dragon Balls are Revived
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Masahiro Hosoda
悟空に難問！？神龍球をとり戻せ
Gokū ni Nanmon!? Doragon Bōru o Torimodose
Goku’s Perplexing Problem?! The Dragon Balls are Taken Back
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Keisuke Masunaga · Director: Daisuke Nishio
セルに挑む者たち！！決戦の幕開け
Seru ni Idomu Mono-tachi!! Kessen no Makuake
Cell’s Standing Challenge!! The Opening to the Decisive Battle
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Masahiro Shimanuki · Director: Kazuhito Kikuchi
絶望への反抗！！残された超戦士・悟飯とトランクス
Zetsubou e no Hankō!! Nokosareta Chō-Senshi · Gohan to Torankusu
Defiance in the Face of Despair!! The Remaining Super-Warriors: Gohan and Trunks
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Hiroshi Washizaki
Animation: Minoru Maeda · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
ちょっと待った！！サタン軍大暴れ
Chotto Matta!! Satan Gun Ōabare
Wait Just a Minute!! The Great Satan Army Arrives
Scenario: Uetake Sumio · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Hiroki Shibata
勝負だ悟空！！超緊迫セルゲーム
Shōbu da Gokū!! Chō-Kinpaku Seru Gēmu
Goku’s Bout!! The Super-Tense Cell Games
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Ichirō Hattori · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
地球直撃！！セルの特大カメハメ波
Chikyū Chokugeki!! Seru no Tokudai Kamehameha
A Direct Hit to the Earth!! Cell’s Huge Kamehameha
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
敗北か死か！？悟空、逆転の秘策
Haiboku ka Shi ka!? Gokū, Gyakuten no Hisaku
Lose or Die?! Goku, A Secret Turnabout Plan
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Keisuke Masunaga · Director: Daisuke Nishio
死闘に決着！！悟空の降参宣言！？
Shitō ni Ketchaku!! Gokū no Kōsan Sengen!?
The End of the Desperate Struggle!! Goku Surrenders?!
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masahiro Shimanuki · Director: Atsutoshi Umezawa
最強を継ぐ者…その名は悟飯
Saikyō o Tsugu Mono… Sono Na wa Gohan
Someone Who Will Succeed the Strongest… His Name is Gohan
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Kazuhito Kikuchi
怒れ悟飯 眠れる力を呼び起せ
Ikare Gohan Nemureru Chikara o Yobiokose
Get Angry, Gohan — Release the Dormant Power Within
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Yūji Hakamada · Director: Masahiro Hosoda
ちっちゃな脅威！！セルジュニア来襲
Chitcha na Kyōi!! Seru Junia Raishū
Miniature Threats!! The Cell Juniors Attack
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Hiroki Shibata
１６号無惨！！動き出した怒りの超悟飯
Jūroku-Gō Muzan!! Ugokidashita Ikari no Son Gohan
The Tragedy of No. 16!! Super Gohan’s Anger Explodes
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Keisuke Masunaga · Director: Mitsuo Hashimoto
吹き荒れる真の力！！セルジュニア粉砕
Fukiareru Shin no Chikara!! Seru Junia Funsai
Anger Exploding Into Power!! The Cell Juniors are Destroyed
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Tadayoshi Yamamuro · Director: Yoshihiro Ueda
セルをｋｏ！！たった２発の超鉄拳
Seru o Nokku Auto!! Tatta Nihatsu no Chō-Tekken
Cell is Knocked Out!! Taken Down With Two Super Punches
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Daisuke Nishio
セルに異変！！崩された完全体
Seru ni Ihen!! Kuzusareta Kanzentai
Cell’s Disaster!! The Destruction of His Perfect Body
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masahiro Shimanuki · Director: Kazuhito Kikuchi
バイバイみんな！！悟空最後の瞬間移動
Bai Bai Min’na!! Gokū Saigo no Shunkan-Idō
Bye-Bye Everyone!! Goku’s Last Instant Movement
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Shōji Tokiwa
Animation: Yūji Hakamada · Director: Masahiro Hosoda
白昼の悪魔！！恐怖はより完璧に
Hakuchū no Akuma!! Kyōfu wa yori Kanpeki ni
The Nightmare is Reborn!! An Absolute and Perfect Terror
Scenario: Aya Matsui · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Hiroki Shibata
悟空から悟飯へ…父の魂は伝わった
Gokū kara Gohan e… Chichi no Tamashī wa Tsutawatta
From Goku to Gohan… A Father’s Spirit is Passed Down
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi
戦いは終った…ありがとう孫悟空
Tatakai wa Owatta… Arigatō Son Gokū
The Fight is Over… Thank You, Son Goku
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Shōji Tokiwa
Animation: Keisuke Masunaga · Director: Kazuhito Kikuchi
オラあの世で修業する！！笑顔の別れ
Ora Ano-yo de Shugyō Suru!! Egao no Wakare
I Will Carry On in the Afterlife!! Farewell with a Smile
Scenario: Katsuyuki Sumisawa · Art: Chigusa Yokoyama
Animation: Yūji Hakamada · Director: Daisuke Nishio
新しい日々…父さん！ボクがんばる
Atarashī Hibi… Tōsan! Boku ga Ganbaru
A New Day Will Come… Father! I’ll Hang in There
Scenario: Takao Koyama · Art: Kenji Matsumoto
Animation: Yukio Ebisawa · Director: Masahiro Hosoda
もう一つの結末！！未来はオレが守る
Mō Hitotsu no Ketsumatsu!! Mirai wa Ore ga Mamoru
End it All Again!! I Will Protect the Future
Scenario: Hiroshi Toda · Art: Tomoko Yoshida
Animation: Masayuki Uchiyama · Director: Hiroki Shibata
