Thursday, February 2, 2023

Character Analysis: White Blood Cell U-1446

 

Background

An anthropomorphic white blood cell living in a human body. As a member of the neutrophil division of white blood cells, he acts as a first responder to any incoming pathogens or bacteria. He’s stated to have graduated from a rigorous schooling course in the bone marrow and was inspired by a basophil cell whom he thought died in the line of duty(though later turned out to be alive). His official designated name in the series is U-1146.


1146 is known to be an exceptionally brave individual, having put his life on the line to protect red blood cells even as a child. Particularly his eventual friend Ae3803. He also serves as the leader of his own designated white brigade, a unit comprising 4 members.


Like real world neutrophils he also underwent various other stages in life before reaching maturity.  Starting as a myeloid stem cell, then myeloblast, then myelocyte, band cell, then neutrophil.


How old 1146 is isn’t clear. It’s implied that cells in the Cells at Work franchise experience time at a different rate than the human they’re living in, though it’s still suggested in many stories that they live longer than their real world counterparts. Particularly with events or experiences extending beyond the scope of a normal cell's lifespan.

That said, the age of the host  1146 live is also vague. The most we can say for sure is that they were stated to be at least over a dozen years old.

Equipment

White blood cell uniform

A basic white work uniform. It’s modeled after a military combat suite and is white to represent purity.  White can get replacement suits from locations in the bone marrow if needed.


L-selectin

A protective vest that allows white blood cells too sick to vertical or horizontal surfaces. It acts as a cellular adhesion measure to keep white blood cells from being sucked out wounds or falling off high vantage points, such as “marginating pools”.


Grapple cords

In the series “Cells at work Black”, white blood cells are also shown to have grapple cables that can extend or tether them to high places.


Receptor hat

All white blood cells in the human body are given a “receptor” hat that activates an alarm in the presence of nearby bacteria or infected cells. While this can be used to alert 1146 to imminent danger, it only gives him the general proximity of his target, meaning he can still be tricked or taken off guard by craftier opponents. The receptor in the hat is connected directly to components on the undervest of the white blood cells main uniform.


Communicator 

A handheld communication device 1146 can use to  talk with his companions and comrades. Typically he uses it for calling for backup in battle.


Hydrolyzing enzyme spray 

A specialized spray that breaks down the bodies of bacteria and other pathogens. It’s used more commonly for cleanup than during mid combat.


Arsenal

Russian anti terror Knives

White blood cells primarily carry 6 Russian anti terror knives as their main form of weaponry. They also carry a multitude of throwing knives for long range combat.


Throwing knives


Straight Sword 

A giant Straight sword 1146 used during a play for younger cells.


Riot Shields

White blood cells in the series “Cells at work:Baby”, have been seen using defensive riot shields.


Katanas 

The white blood cells in the “Code Black” and “Illegals” spin offs have been seen using katanas.


Automatic weapons and rocket launchers

The white blood cells in the “Code Black” have wielded automatic weapons.


Misc


Abilities

Phagocytosis

White blood cells possess the ability to phagocytize their opponents. A method of consuming and analyzing their matter for presentation to other cells.


Transmigration

The ability to to travel between cellular walls without the need for direct pathways. In the series this is typically represented by various white blood cells traveling between underground tunnels, vents or other small openings. Though in some cases it's also shown white blood cells can outright phase through solid objects.


Self-regeneration

Most cells have the power of self-regeneration, allowing them to heal from damage taken without the need for external treatment.

Feats

Strength



Speed


Endurance

Scaling

Other white blood cells

1146 should be comparable to other white blood cells.


Red blood cells

As red blood cells have no combat ability in the Cells at Work franchise, white blood cells should be physically superior to them.


Red blood cell AE3803 and AA2153

1146 should also be superior to the red blood cell protagonists of the main Cells at Work and Code Black manga series. Particularly the former, since he’s been responsible for saving her life multiple times.


Other cells

While technically weaker than some immune cells, 1146 should be in a similar ballpark of power to most cells due to his combat role in the body.


Bacteria

Naturally since 1146 kills bacteria for a living, he should scale to them.


Cancer

Finally 1146 was capable of putting up a decent fight against the series main villain, Cancer, though he often needed some aid in these confrontations. Regardless he delivered the killing blow both times, so he should downscale from most forms of cancer shown throughout the series.


Experience

Bacteria


Viruses


Cancer


General Training


Weaknesses

Like most human cells 1146 can’t survive outside of a host body for long periods of time.


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