Who does not remember Krillin from his first appearances in Dragon Ball? Krillin looked like a Chinese monk introduced in the story for comic relief. Originally trained at the Orin Temple, Krillin was constantly looked down upon and bullied at the temple. Krillin’s original intention in training with Master Roshi was to defeat his bullies and attract girls, so maybe that’s why Krillin didn’t have a nice personality at first. We can see how Krillin frequently cheats and deceives in order to succeed in his trainings by Goku’s side, whom Krillin considered his rival back in those days.

Yet, by the time of their first World Martial Arts Tournament, they were best friends. We can see through Goku’s encouraging ways that all that Krillin needed to change his selfish and jealous character was to have more confidence in himself. And so, as Krillin’s training progresses and he becomes more powerful, Krillin sheds the jealousy and selfishness for self confidence, allowing women into his life. His first long term girlfriend was called Maron, who, although beautiful, was described once as “being emptier than a party balloon”.

Fortunately for Krillin and for us, the love of his life was not a party balloon, but a lady who shows some parallels with his own story. Thus it is more amazing when Krillin offers to spare her life when he destroyed the control Bulma built to shut her down. Android 18 was supposed to be a highly dangerous enemy! This show us that Krillin really became a good-natured guy. His gesture surely paved the way for his wife-to-be to change too, as we will see in the next reason.

There was upon a time, in a faraway fairy land, a beautiful and delicate princess who… Forget that. This is Dragon Ball, so leading ladies are tough. So, there was once a time a sister and a brother, who were minor delinquents, had the misfortune to attract the attention of a crazy scientist called Dr. Gero. The twins were kidnapped and thus Lazuli became Android 18, the result of the obsessive experiments of Dr. Gero, who was seeking to destroy Goku at all costs.

An entire section of Dragon Ball Z is named after the Android’s attack, so we can notice how powerful they are. Since Android 18’s appearance on episode 128, we could see that this blue eyed blond lady is cold and deadly. However, Android 18 and her fellow mates were considered failures by their creator because they retained their rebellious character and free will. So, she remained a dangerous character until she was regurgitated by Cell.

Although Android 18 is the complete opposite to the kind and motherly Japanese traditional feminine figure, she becomes the perfect mate for Krillin. Just think about it, Android 18 is practical, down to earth and a skillful warrior as he is. Android 18 even convinces Krillin to participate in the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament together and later, she even helps Goku to defeat Boo. Taking into account that she was programmed to kill Goku, this turn of events show us that Android 18 definitely had a change of heart, starting her “career” as protector of our planet.

On one side, we have a guy who likes pretty girls. On the other, we have a pretty girl who is cool and rebellious. Of course Krillin was impressed by their enemy since the first time he laid his eyes on Android 18. Who can forget that awkward but interesting kiss she gives him in Dragon Ball Z episode 136? Krillin went to find the Androids to request them not to kill Goku, as their master, Dr. Gero, was dead already. But they considered the quest a funny game, so they didn’t listen to him. Here we should notice that, although Krillin is terrified to meet them, he goes anyway and doesn’t retreat when Android 18 kisses him wishing him good luck in a playful way.

Also, we should remember when Gohan kicked Cell so hard, that he regurgitated Android 18. Krillin made sure she was safe for the rest of the battle. When Gohan makes fun of the fact that Krillin has a crush on Android 18, Krillin blushes and hits him in a comical way. You can tell that something is boiling under the surface. So yes, Android 18 and Krillin had something between them despite being enemies in the beginning.

Goku (in his usual naivety) was surprised when he found out in Dragon Ball Z episode 208 that Krillin and Android 18 married and settled down while he was in the realm of the dead. Well, these things happen, what they were supposed to do throughout all those years? :p

This couple could probably be considered as the most normal among the Z warriors. They settled into relative normalcy. First, they tend to wear normal clothes, and Krillin even lets his hair grow. They also did not train their daughter Marron to be a fighter, but nevertheless, they let her watch the World Martial Arts Tournaments. Cute Marron even cheers for her parents when they fight and gives them the courage to go on, especially whenever the Earth is in danger again.

So, Krillin and Android 18 take Marron with them when they go to look for the Dragon Balls (talk about family outings). They were also in the fight against Buu. There is even an OVA for Dragon Ball Z called Yo! Son Goku and his friends return!, where two brothers called Abo and Cado go to the Earth to find Tarble, Vegeta’s brother. These two crashed into one of Mr. Satan’s feasts, just where there were vulnerable adults and kids (including Marron) around. We can see that in their active life, Krillin and Android 18 they had lots of motivation to protect their daughter, one of the few people in the world who can make Android 18 smile. 

Usually, when people marry they devote themselves to their families and disappear from the face of the Earth. Or the man becomes the breadwinner and the woman fades in the domestic background. Or at least that is the impression they give us.

Well, in Krillin and Android 18’s case, they remained competitive and active as warriors. This is especially notable in Android 18’s case, as ladies in Dragon Ball tend to be less skillful fighters than the men. But this lady doesn’t shy away from getting her hands dirty! Android 18 might not do inspirational speeches on fighting for the sake of the Earth, but her actions speak tones. Android 18 will kick asses for the sake of her family every time that it’s required, even against her own revived brother as seen in Dragon Ball GT, episode 44.

Should we also remember that Krillin dies quite a lot of times during the Dragon Ball saga? As we well know, there are several methods to revive people on this story, so whenever Krillin dies, Android 18 will do what she has to do to bring him back to life. The opposite is also true, as seen when Buu transformed Android 18 into chocolate and ate her. Krillin did what was needed to revive his wife. So, we can see that although being warriors brings suffering to the family, this couple does anything to stick together and succeed in helping to save the Earth.