One Piece 432: Jack in the Box


Source: arnistotle.

A not-so-friendly warning. Major, and I mean, MAJOR SPOILERS beyond paragraph five. Do not, under any circumstance, read this if you have not reached the latest chapter of One Piece.

I love the fighting genre. The appeal of a kid building dreams and conquering the world taps into my inner child. The generous helping of a testosterone fest immediately charm this blogger into fits of schoolgirl giggling. The inexplicable level-ups, the constant tournament-style match ups, and the never-ending obstacles delight my senses.

Alas, many a series under this genre loses its appeal once the creator begins to rehash stale storylines and yawn-inducing panels. Yet One Piece steers clear away from dullness and heads into a gleeful excitement; Eiichiro Oda is teh god.

One Piece is a mix of clichés and the unconventional. A traditional shounen hero accumulates friends and defeats villains of upturning caliber. An overarching plot spans the entire series whilst breaking down several sagas into smaller arcs. At first glance, it reads as a typical shounen fare; yet a closer view proves otherwise. Oda, a gifted storyteller, pens marvelous dialogue along side inventive panels. Instead of a simple inclusion of humor, the funny is a main staple as important as the customary battles. Oda can also write emotional chapters; the dude has a knack with tearjerkers.

So what has compelled this blogger to once again pimp her favorite pirate show? Good question. And I ask, “Have you read until chapter 432?”

Jane Espenson — my favorite Buffy writer (yes, I am a geek!) — writes in her blog how contemporary television now rarely utilize the “Big Reveal”. Thankfully, this concept has yet to be embraced by the manga world, specifically Eiichiro Oda.

After the ordeal in Enies Lobby, the Straw Hat crew and company waltz back to Water 7. While Luffy and his shipmates linger in this town, another setback arises. A powerful marine docks into the shores and forces his way to see Luffy. And in a short nineteen-paged chapter, we learn four things.

1. The narcoleptic Garp is Luffy’s grandfather.

Omigod. Oda sets this little bit eons ago. The revelation shocks the OP fandom. Who would’ve thought Garp plays an important role in OP-dom? And blood related to Luffy, nonetheless. I wonder how many marines know this connection. I remember Aokiji casually mentioning Luffy’s gramps back in the Davy Back Fight arc. The look of fear in Luffy can be now explained. Grandpa Garp can almost pound sense into his grandson.

2. Coby and Helmeppo kick ass.

I already knew these two will eventually show signs of powering up; but the biggest surprise is Coby’s use of Soru. On one hand, this acquired skill highlights the degree of Coby’s ability. But on the other hand, it lessens the credibility of the CP9’s claim on the technique. Still, I can’t believe there would be a time where I’d actually admit that Coby and Helmeppo are now cool characters. (gasp!) BTW, is it too much to ask if we can have Coby meet up with Alvida and Helmeppo meet with Axe Morgan?

3. Shanks is one of the four emperors.

Now I understand why the elders were threatened by the mobilization of Shanks I had little doubt to his power but I pegged him as one of the Shichibukai. I may be an OP fan, but I cannot remember the who’s who in the upper ranks. Heh.

4. Dragon is Luffy’s dad.

First, Oda tells us Luffy’s grandfather. Then, he presents us Coby and Helmeppo. As if this weren’t enough, he gives clueage to Shank’s identity. And then, bam. He casually tells readers that Dragon is, in fact, Dragon-papa. And a revolutionary to boot. Boy, I would love to be a fly in the wall during one of the Monkey D. family gatherings.

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Oda is guided by the Angel of Continuity. He plots characters months — if not years — in preparation, as seen in this chapter. I love OP’s soap-like quality where everyone is connected somehow. And strangely, it makes sense.

Yes, I am increasingly biased towards One Piece. It is one of the simple joys in my manga life.