Android 18 is a favorite among Dragon Ball fans. In fact, she may be one of the most loved and recognizable characters in modern anime. She's cool, confident, and self-assured. Even in battle, she finds a way to slip in a sarcastic remark. When Goku calls her cute in the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament, she retorts "Took you a while idiot!" in Japanese. She is focused and determined, taking it upon herself to kill Gero, the creator of the androids. At the end of the series, Android 18 joins the Z Fighters. She becomes a better wife to Krillin, and even becomes a mother to their daughter, Marron.
Surely cosplayers love Android 18 for her headstrong character and impressive development over the series. Although cosplayers note her iconic, yet simple look: a blue denim vest, a black and white striped t-shirt, and short blonde hair. Some cosplayers wear different outfits in the series, or make their own creative variations. In no particular order, here are some awesome Android 18 cosplays every fan has to see (artists and photographers are credited, if something is not credited please contact us):
10 Android 18 by akanksha_solanki
Let's start with a classic Android 18 from cosplayer Akanksha, or akanksha_solanki. It's simple, yet captures the essence of the character. All the classic components of a spot on Android 18 are present in this cosplay, fit with a blonde bob wig to match her hairstyle. The laidback pose and coy expression stays true to the personality of the character as well. And how can we overlook the pink edit of the energy blast? We hope she won't blow up any planets with those.
9 Track Suit Android 18 by danielledenicola
This look is based on Toriyama's current design of Android 18. In the Universe Survival Saga of the anime, Android 18 wears a pink tracksuit identical to Gohan's during Frieza's invasion of Earth. And we have to say, danielledenicola nails it. Paired with the signature hairstyle and bright blue eyes, Danielle looks she walked straight out of the anime. Not pictured is the back of the jacket, which bears the number "18."
8 Playboy Bunny 18 by alyssalorinacosplay
The Playboy mansion has found their newest bunny. Alyssa, or alyssialorinacosplay, uses the additions of a bowtie and bunny ears to illustrate this original concept. However, she wears Android 18's classic denim vest and short blonde hairstyle. The color scheme of the Playboy outfit also sticks to the character, with a black leotard and white tights to depict the white and black striped sweater.
7 Cell Games Saga Android 18 by moonchild_77
Throughout the Cell Saga, Android 18 changes her outfit. She swaps denim for black mini vest with a golden triangle pin, a white short sleeve undershirt, and a pearl necklace. She wears jeans instead of a skirt, and black flats instead of brown cowboy boots. Italian fitness model Giulia Valeriani, on Instagram as moonchild_77, pulls off this new look flawlessly. She even wears blue colored contacts, but they look so realistic! Guilia has done a casual look of the character, showing off versatility. It's no surprise it's her most popular cosplay, and is the top result of the #android18cosplay Instagram tag.
6 Battle Worn Android 18 by kasuzame
From the anime accurate cosplay to the touchdown pose , this shot of kasuzame is nothing short of epic. While Julia is known for cosplaying normal Android 18, we like this version because it's unique and tells a story.The battle worn look is actually in the canon, after her clothes get ripped up from a battle with Vegeta. The awesome lighting and effects were accomplished the photographer (haji_steppe), giving it a grungy yet kind of sci-fi feel. Even though Android 18 hates when her hair or clothes get messed up during battle, it makes for an awesome cosplay rendition.
5 Genderbent (Rule 63) Android 18 by castlecosplay
Who says guys can't pull off Android 18? Viral cosplayer Charlie Castle, known as castlecosplay (and also known for his hilarious cosplay memes) shows us. It sticks to the signature style of Android 18, substituting the skirt for jeans and the blonde bob for a shorter haircut. The full photo shows him levitating like the character, which makes for a great recreation shot, but we can't confirm that he isn't a modified cyborg as well.
4 Dragon Ball Super Android 18 by Queen_Azshara
DeviantArt user Queen_Azshara rocks one of the less cosplayed outfits of Android 18. Here, Melissa is wearing the ensemble from Dragon Ball Super. Some elements such as the pearl necklace remain in tact, but she wears purple sleeves as oppose to the black and white striped sleeves. It's casual, but it's another version we don't often see. This cosplay gives us a refreshing change from the usual, and the effects on the eyes are a neat touch.
3 Android 18 by yourfavoritesenpaii
We love this fresh take on Android 18 by Taylor, aka yourfavoritesenpaii. In the full picture on Instagram, the outfit is perfect, down to the brown cowboy boots. Another picture shows off the Red Ribbon logo on the back of the vest, showing her attention to detail. She uses natural blonde curls instead of the bob, giving it a fresh yet still recognizable flair. The awesome Android 17, aka roygbiv96, by her side makes this look like a scene straight from the anime. We do not want to mess with these siblings.
2 Cyberpunk Android 18 by ohmysophii
What an awesome take on Android 18! aka ohmysophii, looks incredible as a cyberpunk version of our favorite android. Here she's pictured with a cyberpunk Bulma (terminacosplay on Instagram), and their costume designs are based off of this artwork by Rock Xiao. And both cosplayers made the costumes themselves! The color palette and hairstyle keeps elements of the characters, but the design is totally unique and new.
1 Hijab Style Android 18 by queenofluna
If you haven't seen the gorgeous creativity of queenofluna, then you're living under a rock. Saraswati is known for incorporating her hijab to cosplay superheroes, Disney princesses, and anime characters. She has the recognizable denim vest and striped sweater combo, while wearing a yellow hijab to emulate Android 18's blonde hair. Her makeup is also on point, and the wide blue lenses make her eyes look more like the cartoon. Do yourself a favor and scroll through her Instagram to see more of her makeup and cosplays using her hijab. She's a total chameleon.