Book Review: One Piece, Vol 25: The 100 Million Berry Man by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 25: The 100 Million Berry Man    

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 5, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy and crew are seeking the way to the sky island known as Skypiea. They travel to the east coast of Jaya Island to speak with a man with big dreams – Mont Blanc Cricket. On arrival, they are impressed by his huge home, until they discover it is just a façade for a much smaller building. Is this a warning about the kind of man he is? There they find a children’s book called Noland the Liar. Sanji remembers hearing the story as a child in the North Sea. They are confronted by Mont Blanc Cricket himself – the Last Boss of the Monkey Mountain Allied Force! Thinking they’re after his gold, he attacks! Turns out the monkeys they ran into previously are under Cricket’s command. They learn that Cricket is a descendant of Noland the Liar, and he is determined to clear his family name!

Cricket tells Luffy and the others what he knows about the island in the sky, beginning with a strange phenomenon known as the Imperial Cloud, when “day suddenly turns into night.” Then he explains about the Knock Up Stream, which is their only chance of getting up to the sky island, but sounds very risky! Usopp is all for giving up the attempt, but is Luffy swayed by the danger involved? Of course not! According to legend, they need to find the South Bird in order to find the Knock Up Stream, which is located to the South. Unfortunately, their compass won’t work there, which is why they need to rely on the South Bird! Good luck in finding it!

Of course, as with any enterprise Luffy is involved in, there are challenges to be overcome. The Knock Up Stream only appears so often, as Mont Blanc Cricket tells them they need to find the bird before sunrise! Which, of course, entails trying to locate it in the dark! In the meantime, the two monkeys have offered to repair the Merry Go before they will need her to find Skypiea. Luffy and the others break up into teams, to have a better chance of locating the mysterious bird, but time is not on their side!

Meanwhile, back in Mocktown, the pirates are beginning to figure out just how valuable Luffy is! And some familiar figures make an reappearance.

This volume of One Piece is certainly action packed. Luffy is fixated on the idea of going to the island in the sky – and what Luffy wants, he usually gets! I thought it was hilarious that when anyone mentioned Noland the Liar, people would look at Usopp! I have no doubt this island exists and that they will get there! Seeing some old friends was the icing on the cake! Another great volume, looking forward to more!

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 24: People's Dreams by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 24: People’s Dreams    

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 5, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Now that Sir Crocodile has been defeated, and Alubarna can begin to heal, and the Marines under Captain Smoker and Tashigi head on their way, the Straw Hat gang face a new challenge, in the form of a stowaway.  None other than Nico Robin! Most surprisingly, she wants to join the crew! There is some resistance to the idea from the members of Luffy’s crew – until mention is made of Nico having some of Crocodile’s gems and opinion is swayed to her side.

As they continue their journey, the crew sees something rather extraordinary – a ship that is falling out of the sky. Literally out of the sky. How is that even possible? To Nami’s dismay, the log pose is pointing upward and not moving! Nico tells her it’s been captured by a sky island!

Luffy runs across a map – of the sky island, Skypiea! They decide to search the ship that fell from the sky for records of the floating island. Of course, that ship sank to the bottom of the ocean. Luffy, Sanji, and Zolo become deep sea divers in order to explore the wreck. But they hadn’t figured on encountering Masira, the Salvage King, who has his eye on the wreck as well. And oh, he’s a monkey.

Luffy and the others are conflicted regarding their next destination. If they go anywhere else other than the island in the sky, the log post will reset and they will be unable to get to Skypiea. Luckily Nico Robin has a solution to that problem, so it’s on to Jaya Island! When they arrive on the island, they find themselves in a place that seems prone to violence, especially between two rival pirate gangs!

Nico Robin’s presence was a surprise, not sure how I feel about that, not sure if she will stay with them any length of time or not. Naturally, Sanji is on board with her joining the crew.  lol The idea of a sky island is intriguing, if true, but how does that even work? Guess we’ll find out. The monkey was also a surprise. I’m sure we’ll see him again.

Another great volume of One Piece, looking forward to the next!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 23: VIvi's Adventure by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 23: Vivi’s Adventure      

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 1, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/232 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Just when they think they have disabled the bomb that threatens the people of Alubarna, things get worse. Turns out it has a built-in fallback position in the form of a timer! Now Luffy et al have to scramble to try to overcome this new obstacle. It doesn’t help that the Marines are there and so is Baroque Works. And Crocodile, of course. And the rebels. That’s a lot between them and victory!

Once the danger from the bomb has been handled, there are new questions – such as how can the Straw Hat pirates get past the Marines and sail away? And will Princess Vivi sail with them, as she has been invited by Luffy to join the crew.

This volume sees the end of the Alabasta arc, time to move on. It’s a very satisfying ending, and we can see clues as to what is coming. I am sure we have not seen the last of the Marines – esp Captain Smoker and Tashigi. A blast from the past appears having assumed a new role – you’ll never guess who! And the scene in the bath is hilarious! I’m ready to move on with Luffy and the others. Great volume!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 22: Hope!! by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 22: Hope!!      

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 6, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

As Princess Vivi faces down Crocodile, who has taken possession of the Palace, the Kicking Claw Force arrives! Dedicated to the kingdom, they will do whatever it takes to defeat him!  Meanwhile, Zolo’s battle is done and he has emerged victorious! Sanji is pushing forward himself, along with Chopper and a heavily bandaged Usopp riding on a camel.

Another country has now been heard from in the form of Koza, the rebel leader. Vivi doesn’t want news of the impending explosion to get out, knowing it will only serve to cause chaos. Listening to Vivi’s impassioned plea, Koza tells the rebels not to fight and shed more blood. But his efforts are met with unexpected results.

Just when all seems lost, who should arrive on the scene, to Crocodile’s amazement, but none other than Luffy himself! You just can’t keep a good man down! Crocodile maintains that Luffy will never beat him, he is far out of the boy’s league, he is one of the seven warlords of the sea. Luffy replies, “If you’re one of the seven warlords of the sea, then I am the eighth warlord of the sea!” Brave words but can he back them up?

As Luffy and Crocodile battle, Ms. All Sunday, aka Nico Robin tells Cobra he’s going to miss the rest of the fight, and to take her to the ponegliff…. Now!

The tension rises!  A bomb is set to go off and destroy the square and kill a lot of people – but no one knows where it is! One way or another, it seems as though people will die – can Luffy and his crew prevent this from happening!  Onward to the next volume!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 21: Utopia by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 21: Utopia     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Sanji has to contend with Mr 2 Bon Clay and his Oh Come My Way nonsense. The swan attempts to cripple Sanji with laughter, but when that doesn’t work, he uses his ability of mimicry to imitate Nami’s face. Can Sanji cause pain to someone who looks just like his beloved Nami?

Princess Vivi has arrived in Alubarna and has made her way to the palace, where she calls for Chaka and tells him her plan – she wants to destroy the palace! He can’t believe she means that, but she is entirely serious. Can she convince him to go along with her idea?

A disturbing surprise awaits Princess Vivi and Chaka as they approach the Palace – the Crocodile is already there! How can they get him out?

Nami and Zolo split up – Nami to deal with Ms. Doublefinger and Zolo to face Mr. 1.  Nami knows she isn’t much of a fighter, so she approached Usopp before they reached Alabasta to ask him to make her a weapon. He gave her one, but she isn’t sure he understood what she wanted and now she doubts whether this so-called weapon will work against Ms. Doublefinger. But she is out of options!

Mr. Crocodile presents an ultimatum to Vivi and thus reveals his true objective! Meanwhile, Zolo has a bit of a problem with Mr. 1 – seems as though the guy is made of steel! How is he supposed to cut through that?  Will this be an exercise in futility, or will words of wisdom from the past serve him in good stead?

We’re getting closer and closer to the end of this arc, but there are still burning issues, even as the fights continue. Where is Luffy? When will Vivi come face to face with Koza? Will this be the end of the evil Baroque Works once and for all? I know that new adventures lie ahead, and I am more than ready for them. Looking forward to the next volume.

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 19: Rebellion by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 19: Rebellion     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 7, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy and his crew are making their way to Alabasta, slowly but surely. Since Luffy ate all the bait they need for fishing, they are using Karoo, to Vivi’s shock! When they pass through a steam cloud caused by an underwater volcano, they are surprised to find they have gained an unexpected passenger.  He’s a bit of an oddball and claims to have also eaten the devil fruit. Only when a ship draws near and takes him off do they find out he is Mr. 2 Bon Clay of Baroque Works!

They reach Alabasta at last, only to find, to their alarm, a whole lot of Baroque Works ships behind them! They anchor the ship and Luffy takes off immediately, having smelled a restaurant.  Vivi is dismayed to spot Mr 3’s ship in the harbor. Apparently he isn’t dead after all. Not only that, but Captain Smoker is there as well. Luffy finds food, but then Smoker finds him. Off Luffy goes, Smoker in hot pursuit! Another unexpected arrival turns out to be Ace, Luffy’s older brother! Brother, what?

Meanwhile, Mr. 11 has been captured by a group who calls themselves the “billions”. They see an opportunity to make a name for themselves – at 11’s expense.  As Luffy and the others reunite, Vivi sends Karoo with an important message for her father. Of course, everyone wants to know about Luffy’s brother, who apparently has also eaten the devil fruit. What are the odds? For something that is supposed to be a rarity, they seem to find a lot of people who have partaken of it. Ace invites Luffy and his friends to join Whitebeard’s pirates, but of course he declines.

They set course for Yuba. Vivi intends to reason with the leader of the rebels, intent on avoiding future bloodshed. She is determined to rid her country of Baroque Works as well.  In the meantime, those same people are meeting at their headquarters, at the Spiders Café.

Luffy and the others arrive at Erumalu the Green City – but it isn’t very green!  Vivi explains that it was once upon a time, but that rain hasn’t fallen there in three years!  She also tells them about the King’s Miracle, which provided water to Alubarna – but at a high price. It’s gonna be a long, hot, and dry trip to Yuba across the desert sands!

We’ve finally reached the crux of the Alabasta arc and things are falling into place. We have Luffy and the others who are fighting for Princess Vivi, who is fighting both Baroque Works and the rebel forces. We’re seeing the assembled Baroque Works now, in all their “glory”. They have some real characters among them, that they do. There is backstory for Vivi, which yields very interesting information, especially in light of an unexpected reveal. And let’s not forget Captain Smoker, who is hot on Luffy’s heels! Things are really happening, looking forward to the next volume!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 18: Ace Arrives by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 18: Ace Arrives               

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 3, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/232 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy and his crew are making their way to Alabasta, slowly but surely. Since Luffy ate all the bait they need for fishing, they are using Karoo, to Vivi’s shock! When they pass through a steam cloud caused by an underwater volcano, they are surprised to find they have gained an unexpected passenger.  He’s a bit of an oddball and claims to have also eaten the devil fruit. Only when a ship draws near and takes him off do they find out he is Mr. 2 Bon Clay of Baroque Works!

They reach Alabasta at last, only to find, to their alarm, a whole lot of Baroque Works ships behind them! They anchor the ship and Luffy takes off immediately, having smelled a restaurant.  Vivi is dismayed to spot Mr 3’s ship in the harbor. Apparently he isn’t dead after all. Not only that, but Captain Smoker is there as well. Luffy finds food, but then Smoker finds him. Off Luffy goes, Smoker in hot pursuit! Another unexpected arrival turns out to be Ace, Luffy’s older brother! Brother, what?

Meanwhile, Mr. 11 has been captured by a group who calls themselves the “billions”. They see an opportunity to make a name for themselves – at 11’s expense.  As Luffy and the others reunite, Vivi sends Karoo with an important message for her father. Of course, everyone wants to know about Luffy’s brother, who apparently has also eaten the devil fruit. What are the odds? Ace invites Luffy and his friends to join Whitebeard’s pirates, but of course he declines.

They set course for Yuba. Vivi intends to reason with the leader of the revels, intent on avoiding future bloodshed. She is determined to rid her country of Baroque Works as well.  In the meantime, those same people are meeting at their headquarters, at the Spiders Café.

Luffy and the others arrive at Erumalu the Green City – but it isn’t very green!  Vivi explains that it was once upon a time but that rain hasn’t fallen in three years!  She also tells them about the King’s Miracle, which provided water to Alubarna – but at a high price. It’s gonna be a long, hot, and dry trip to Yuba across the desert sands!

We’ve finally reached the crux of the Alabasta arc, and things are falling into place. We have Luffy and the others who are fighting for Princess Vivi, who is fighting both Baroque Works and the rebel forces. We’re seeing the assembled Baroque Works now, in all their “glory”. They have some real characters among them, that they do. There is backstory for Vivi, which yields very interesting information, especially in light of an unexpected reveal. And let’s not forget Captain Smoker, who is hot on Luffy’s heels! Things are really happening, looking forward to the next volume!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 17: Hiriluk's Cherry Blossoms by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 17: Hiriluk’s Cherry Blossoms     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: March 4, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

King Wapol, the ne’er-do-well, pretend pirate has returned to Drum Island and intends to retake his throne, and especially his castle. He is very angry that Doctor Kureha has moved in behind his back. Not only that, there is a pirate flag, symbol of the late Doctor Hiriluk, flying there. That has got to change. Luckily, Luffy has no intention of allowing this idiot to besmirch the banner, and neither does the reindeer Tony Tony Chopper, who has some very amazing abilities of his own! Unfortunately, Wapol is not without his own secrets. Turns out, he ate some devil fruit too – the munch munch fruit – and he can eat anything!

Below, in the village, it turns out that Dalton is not dead, just injured, and Usopp offers to carry him up the mountain to the castle, to seek the doctor’s help. But to Usopp’s dismay, Zolo grabs Dalton and heads toward the mountain. Usopp has no choice but to follow, angrily, as he shouts, “I was about to get serious!” Luckily, before they get too far, another mode of transportation becomes available! Onward they go!

Nami decides that three days in bed is long enough, so she gets up, only to encounter King Wapol, who has entered the castle. She flees from him, and he is too fat to follow. But he has a very unique cure for that which involves eating himself. Suddenly, he’s a whole lot thinner than he was!

Once the situation on Drum Island is resolved, it’s time to head toward Alabasta, to save Princess Vivi’s kingdom!  Little are they aware that someone else is on their way, none other than the top member of Baroque Works, Sir Crocodile!

I think the biggest take-away from this volume of One Piece is the growth of and addition to the crew of Tony Tony Chopper. The reindeer man learns to open himself to others, particularly Luffy and his crew, and he comes to realize that there is a whole other world waiting to be explored, places where he can use his medical talents. And that he is worthy of having friends! I think he will make a fine addition to the story and look forward to seeing more of them. Another great volume of One Piece!

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 15: Straight Ahead!!! by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 15: Straight Ahead!!!     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: August 7, 2007

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Pretending to be Mr 3, Sanji has a strange conversation via snail phone with someone who calls himself Zero. He must be the leader of the Baroque Works! Sanji lies and says the Straw Hats are dead, no need to send anyone else to do the job. But will Zero believe him, or will he want some kind of evidence? Both men are unaware that their conversation is being overheard via a listening device by none other than Captain Smoker of the Navy!

A joyous Sanji reunites with his friends. Usopp is rather angry, though. “He wasn’t around when we needed him, but he has the nerve to show up now?” Sanji tells them about his conversation with Zero. And also how he happened to find the Eternal Pose for Alabasta. Huzzah! Now they can leave! If not for that, they would have to stay there a year until their own Pose resets. They bid a fond farewell to Broggy and Dorry and off they go!

To their horror, they discover that Nami is burning up with fever!  Oh dear! She needs a doctor and she needs one now! Plans to head toward Alabasta have to be shelved in favor of locating the nearest island with a doctor! What’s this up ahead? Is that someone standing in the middle of the ocean… on the water! Gasp! How can that be? No, there’s a submersed ship beneath the figure, and up it pops, and with it Captain Wapol of the Tin Tyrant Pirates! Surely this can’t be good?

After the encounter with Wapol and his crew, they sail on, and everything starts to grow colder. Viv explains that they are approaching a winter island. As they near the island, they spot people on the shore, obviously waiting for them. A rather large man tells them to go away, before the people fire on them! Luffy’s first impulse is to respond with anger, but cooler heads prevail and they apologize profusely and beg for help for their friend Nami, who is terribly ill and needs a doctor.

Luffy and his crew are allowed to land. They’re taken to Big Horn Village. The big man’s name is Dalton. He’s the Protector of the island. Unfortunately, there’s only one doctor on the island, and she’s a witch who lives in the castle far away on the hill. They have no way of contacting her, so Luffy decides he’ll take Nami to the witch. Sanji volunteers to go with them, while the others remain behind and wait. Dalton warns them to watch out for the Lupins.  Dalton tells them that they were once called the Drum Kingdom and they were ruled by the worst king ever, whose name was Wapol. That name rings a bell! Wasn’t that the pirate they encountered? Dalton realizes that he is still looking to find his way back to the island, and woe betide everyone should that occur!

A lot to unpack in this volume, a whole lot going on.  From finally being able to leave the island, Nami getting sick, the encounter with the strange pirates, and then their frosty reception on the Winter island, never a dull moment. Sanji’s conversation with Zero is hilarious. Naturally, he’ll figure out at some point that the Straw Hats are not dead and the search for them will recommence.  Will they get to the witch doctor in time to save Nami? Will they live to get to the witch doctor? Have to wait until the next volume to find out!

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 14: Instinct by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 14: Instinct        

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 3, 2007

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Princess Vivi is appalled that the giant Dorry was tricked into drinking exploding ale, but she assures him they had nothing to do with that! Luffy is forced to overpower him, for the giant’s sake as well as their own, and now he is angry that this happened to Dorry. Meanwhile, Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine seem to be in trouble with their superiors over their failure. But they can redeem themselves by obtaining the heads of the two giants, Broggy and Dorry, which are worth 100 million berries each!

Luffy, Vivi, Zolo, and Usopp end up running into each other, only to learn that Nami has disappeared and Usopp thinks a dinosaur ate her! Turns out that the two bosses are Mr. 3 and Ms. Goldenweek – he works in wax and she is an artist of gravity. Mr. 3 interferes in the giant’s battle and helps to bring one down and capture the other. Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine capture Vivi, Zoro, and Nami and bring them to Mr. 3, who intends to make them part of his huge candelabra!

Luffy arrives with Usopp and Karoo, but it’s unclear whether his presence is more of a hindrance than a help. Can he use the powers of the wax against their owner? And will Miss Goldenweek overcome him with her Colors Trap ability? Meanwhile, back at the ship, Sanji is wondering what is taking everyone so long, and maybe the girls need him to rescue them. He decides to search for them and runs across the other wax camp, now abandoned. Naturally, he decides to have some tea.  Unexpectedly, though, he hears a phone ring. In the middle of the jungle? Of course he answers it and receives a surprising reply from the other end.

These Baroque Works people just seem to keep coming out of the woodwork! Apparently, the lower their number, the higher in the hierarchy they are. And now we meet Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek (It seems the number system just applies to the men, although each is partnered with a woman). The lower the number also translates to greater abilities, it seems, as well.  Zolo’s suggestions as to how they should accept the inevitable and pose as candles are hilarious, but Nami is not so quick to embrace that particular Fate - not even the suggestion they cut off their legs.

This volume contains a mix of comedy, tragedy, and mystery.  Always something in the Grand Line, am I right? Looking forward to the next volume!

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 13: It's All Right! by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 13: It’s All Right!       

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 2, 2007

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Who would have thought that the first stop on the Grand Line would turn out to be an island filled with Pirate hunters! After a large welcoming feast, everyone is passed out, except for Zolo, who is battling against the members of Baroque Works. Ms. Wednesday has a giant duck which she rides, although not very well. And the bird seems to be directionally challenged. A bloated Luffy finds himself outside, but is too sleepy to make sense of anything and decides to take a nap even as two more agents join in the battle – Mr 5 and Ms Valenine! They announce that someone is missing from the kingdom of Alabasta! Turns out, someone is not who they appear to be!

Luffy awakens to find, to his dismay, that Zolo is battling the hosts who fed him so well. Fed up with this behavior, Luffy challenges Zolo to fight him! When Nami finds out that they are being offered a billion berries to escort the princess of Alabasta to her home, she forces them to quit fighting so they can help her. Igaram offers them the Eternal Pose that should guide them to Alabasta. However, on their way out of town, they discover Ms All Sunday on their ship, and she has been up to no good. The princess swears she hasn’t revealed the top boss’ identity… until she does. Oh dear, are they in trouble now?

The next stop on their journey is an island called Little Garden, but they are hard put to understand where the name comes from as it resembles a jungle more than a garden! The animals here seem to be a bit… big.  Luffy and Ms Wednesday decide to explore a bit, as Luffy yearns for adventure. Sanji challenges Zolo to a hunt, so off they go, leaving Usopp and Nami on the boat. They quickly learn the reason behind the island’s name. Apparently, it’s a location trapped in time, and here be dinosaurs and giants! Two giants, actually, who are in the middle of a battle that has spanned one hundred years!

Now that our heroes have reached the Grand Line, I am sure they will have many exciting adventures ahead of them and this is just the first. If this is any indication, things are gonna get wild! Will everybody become friends and have a feast with the animals Zolo and Sanji kill? Gotta wait till the next volume to find out!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 12: The Legend Begins by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 12: The Legend Begins       

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 3, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

Buggy the Clown and Captain Alvida have both reappeared in Luffy’s life! And they are both after him! He narrowly escapes being blown up on the scaffolding where Gold Roger met his end.  Now everyone is trying to escape from the Marines under the command of Captain Smoker!  The storm that Nami warned them about is about to strike! As they race back to the ship, Zolo finds himself face-to-face with an irate Master Chief Tashigi, upset because she unwittingly helped him pick out his swords and he is a pirate! Since everybody seems to be after Luffy, and Luffy is headed to the Grand Line, then everybody has decided to travel there. Even if that’s out of the marines’ jurisdiction. But Smoker doesn’t seem to care.

As they get closer to the Grand Line, Nami is disturbed by what she sees on the charts. Namely, that the entrance to the Grand Line is up a mountain! How does that even work? Things get worse when they find themselves inside the Calm Belt and have to row rather than use their sails. There is a reason they have to stay in the canal leading to the Grand Line, and they quickly discover what that is!

Just as they’re about to pass through the Grand Line, Luffy spots what he thinks is a mountain, which makes no sense. Except it isn’t a mountain, it’s a giant whale! Determined to fight the whale, Luffy jumps on him. But then he discovers his friends and his ship are missing and he demands the whale give them back! Luffy spies a trap door on the whale and heads inside to find the insides are not what he expected. There seems to be a canal in there, and more. Luffy runs across two strangers – Ms. Wednesday and Mr. 9 - just as they are about to blast open a door, and all three find themselves inside the same place where his friends are.  There’s also an old man there, who id very determined to keep the strangers from capturing the whale and taking it back to their village for food. He tells them the whale’s – whose name is Laboon – sad story.

Luffy gives the whale a reason for living, and then amiably agrees to take the strangers home, to the dismay of the others. Just as they reach the island where their village, Whiskey Peak, is located, the two bid them farewell and jump ship.  They sail the Merry Go into the harbor where, to their delight, they are warmly welcomed by the mayor and citizens of Whiskey Peak. A celebration is held in their honor that includes much food, much drink, and many girls for Sanji to flirt with. But all is not as it appears to be, and Zolo is the only one to realize that. Can he defend them against a whole village that is determined to kill them?

Just because Luffy and his crew have reached the Grand Line doesn’t mean their adventures are about to end, does it? Certainly not! In fact, they are just beginning, since I know there are like a hundred more volumes to come lol Not to mention, the Grand Line isn’t a single place, and Gold Roger gave no clue as to where the treasure is. I still have my theories about what the One Piece is and also about Gold Roger and who he really is, but I won’t speculate right now, since that is all it is, speculation.  I know we’re bound to run across Buggy and Smoker and Alvida at some point. I didn’t recognize Alvida, to be honest. Where’s that gum gum fruit she ate? Sign me up lol I really like the story drawings at the beginning of each chapter, with Koby and Helmeppo. I suspect we’ll see them again too, and Vice Admiral Garp. I found Ms. Wednesday and Mr. 9 rather creepy. In fact, the whole village is creepy. Who knew they’d find an entire village of pirate hunters? Good thing Zolo has more common sense than the rest of them.

Another great volume, look forward to the next!

 

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 11: The Meanest Man in the East by Eiichira Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 11: The Meanest Man in the East     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 5, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy is still battling Arlong. He’s finding the Fishman hard to defeat! Breaking his teeth does no good because sharks just grow new ones! The fight carries inside his headquarters, into the chart room. And this is where Arlong makes his mistake when he talks about using Nami for her cartography skills. Incensed at the idea that Arlong has been using his friend, Luffy goes berserk and destroys Arlong park! At just that moment, the crooked Marines arrive. When they learn of Arlong’s defeat, the leader, Captain Nezumi, attempts to take all the gold for himself, but nobody is having that and they deliver to him the smackdown of his life! The disgruntled Captain Nezumi informs the navy of the existence of a dangerous pirate and his four henchmen, and a bounty is placed on Luffy’s head –higher than that of most other pirates!

Luffy and the others have celebrated their victory with the villagers, and now it’s time to go. But where is Nami?  Sanji is horrified to think she might not be coming, but she is, of course. She just has one more thing to do.  Back on the high seas once more, headed toward the Grand Line, Luffy is delighted to discover that he has a price on his head. He feels as though he’s really arrived now and been officially recognized as a pirate. The others tell him that isn’t really good, especially such a high bounty, because it puts a target on their back! People will be coming after them now, strictly for the money.

As they pass by a particular island, Nami informs them that this where the infamous pirate Gold Rogers was executed, in a town called Roguetown. Would Luffy like to go there? Of course he would! Once ashore, the crew scatters to do their own thing. Nami looks for clothes she doesn’t intend to buy, and Zolo needs swords. He goes to a shop that sells them, but when the owners finds out how little he has to spend on two swords, he isn’t very enthusiastic about his presence… until he notices the sword Zolo carries and tries to cheat him out of it. Luckily, a knowledgeable young lady who happens to be in the shop gives Zolo much needed advice and helps him search for two swords in his price range. Wait, is he actually going to take the cursed sword?

Oh oh, Luffy is in trouble when a couple of unexpected blasts from his past show up on the island and he finds himself on the same execution stand where Gold Rogers met his end.  On top of everything else, Nami says that a huge storm is on the way and it’s going to hit the island!

Finally, we see the end of the evil Arlong (or at least I presume so). I love the way Luffy stands up for people, especially the ones he cares about. For one so young, he is very mature in ways, but very immature in others. I loved the scene between Mihawk and Shanks. If you watch the live anime, you’ll see that the actor playing Mihawk got him to a tee! If you haven’t watched it yet, you should, it’s great! I sure didn’t expect to see those two return and I would never have recognized one of them if she hadn’t mentioned her name.  It turns out that Zolo’s new friend works for the naval captain, Smoker. This can’t be good, can it?

Another great volume of One Piece, looking forward to the next!

 

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 10: Let's Stand Up! by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 10: Let’s Stand Up!     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 4, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy and the others reach the island where Nami has absconded to. Luffy is convinced that she is not the bad person she appears to be, that there must be a reason why she is working with Arlong the Fishman and his pirate crew. When they learn what her true motives are, and how she is working to buy back Coco Village from Arlong’s tyranny, Luffy knows what he has to do -defeat Arlong and free them all!

Luffy, Sanji, Zolo, and a reluctant Usopp head to Arlong Park, where the fishmen are dismissive of them. The fight begins, with their terrible leader nowhere in sight. Unfortunately, Luffy finds himself in quite the predicament when he ends up stuck in the cement, unable to move. To make matters worse, Arlong shows up, and manages to cut out Luffy, cement and all, and hurl him into the water! Oh dear, as everyone knows, those who eat the devil fruit cannot swim! Can they save Luffy from drowning? Matters aren’t helped when Usopp runs off, followed by one of Arlong’s men.

Sanji dives into the water to rescue Luffy but he is attacked by one of the fishmen and has to do battle. Meanwhile, Nojiko (Nami’s sister) and Mr. Genzo have come to the rescue. Nojiko holds Luffy’s head above water, having stretched his neck, while Mr. Genzo presses on his chest to help him breathe. Even so, how long can Luffy hold out like this?

Usopp, in fear for his life, manages to convince his attacker that he is dead, but his conscience gets the better of him, thinking of Luffy and the others, and he decides to stand up to him, come what may! Nami decides the same thing and heads into the fray! Once Luffy is rescued, it’s time that he and Arlong tangle!

This volume of One Piece is about standing up for yourself and for your friends and doing the right thing. Nami has been with Arlong and his nefarious crew for a long time, albeit for good reasons, but she’s also been isolated and abused, becoming mistrustful of people. She learns to let go of that thanks to Luffy, who believes the best of everyone. Usopp, despite his bravado and wild tales, has essentially considered himself to be a coward, afraid to step in, afraid to be hurt. But Luffy has shown him that friends fight for friends, and he is finding his backbone at last.

Luffy’s a good kid, and a good friend and captain. He does not allow injustice to go unpunished, especially when it concerns his friends. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops as the story goes along. Great volume, look forward to the next!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 1: Romance Dawn by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 1: Romance Dawn

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 1, 2003

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Just before Gold Roger, the “King of the Pirates”, is beheaded for his crimes, he’s asked for the whereabouts of his treasure. His reply—that it’s still out there in the world somewhere, and free to the person who finds it—triggers the start of a great era of piracy!

A pirate ship has made its base in a small harbor village for the past year. A young boy in the village, Monkey D. Luffy, is determined to be a pirate and go with them on pirate adventures. When they refuse to take him seriously, he shows them he means what he says by stabbing himself beneath his eye! Although they are amazed that he’s done that, nothing changes. Pirate Captain “Red Hair” Shanks reminds him that a pirate has to be able to swim, and Luffy can’t do that—he has a tendency to sink like a stone. Luffy refuses to give up on his dreams, no matter how nicely the pirates try to let him down. He is determined that he shall learn to swim!

When a big blustery mountain bandit named Higuma comes into the tavern and tries to rile up the pirates, they refuse to fight, to Luffy’s dismay. He pegs them as cowards and yells at them. However, when he tries to storm away, he makes a startling discovery—because he stole and ate the gum-gum fruit the pirates took from an enemy ship, his body is now rubbery and stretchy! Furthermore, as the captain informs him to his chagrin, now he’ll never be able to swim!  Oh no!

Luffy has a lot to learn about what constitutes true courage!

Ten years later, his real adventures begin.

Still determined to become the king of the Pirates, Luffy sets out in a small boat, with no real sense of direction but a whole lot of determination. An encounter with a whirlpool leaves him in the company of the pirates of the dread lady pirate Iron Mace Alvida. Here he meets Koby, a timid young man who’s been enslaved by her against his will, and only wishes to join the Navy. Luffy befriends Koby and instills in him a courage and fortitude he’s sorely lacking. After they leave her, Luffy confides that he is assembling a super pirate crew in order to seek Gold Roger’s treasure, known as “One Piece”. He’s heard about a really good swordsman who’s imprisoned at the naval base, named Roronoa Zola, and he’s determined to add him to his crew. Koby is a bit skeptical.

They reach the naval base, which is under the command of Captain Morgan, and his despicable, cruel, effeminate son Helmeppo.  Zolo is a prisoner, tied to a post in the naval yard. But when Luffy approaches him for possible recruitment, he says forget it, it’s only for a month, he can tough it out. Luffy soon discovers that things are not as they appear to be.

 

Can Luffy rescue Zolo? And even if he does, can he convince him to join his pirate crew? What of the despotic Captain Morgan and his horrible son? Can Luffy help Koby attain his lifelong dream of being in the navy, or will their acquaintanceship put an end to Koby’s chances?

First off, I know, I’m slow at getting to this. That being said, I wasn’t sure what to expect, despite the fact that it’s a long-running series. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. I quickly discovered that it’s really quite funny and very entertaining, and I’m looking forward to reading more.

Monkey D. Luffy is quite the character, and a fitting hero for this series. His ability to be rubbery at will, and also to withstand bullets, is pretty cool, and not something you see in your average hero. He’s young and enthusiastic and determined—traits which will carry him a long way. Eiichiro Oda doesn’t play to stereotypes. The pirate captain Shanks isn’t what you’d necessarily expect in a pirate, and neither is his crew. I like the artwork, it matches the story well, even to the exaggeratedly big mouth that Luffy has, a common characteristic I notice in Oda’s characters.

This book is rated for teens, but I think it would be enjoyed by all ages. It’s first and foremost an adventure tale, so there will be fights, but it’s not what I’d call particularly gory. If I have any complaints with the artwork, it would be that his girls tend to look more like boys. But that’s not really a complaint so much as an observation.

I enjoyed the first volume and look forward to reading more. Yes, I know he’s up to like 100 now. Guess I’ll be reading for a while!

One Piece, Volume 9: Tears Review

One Piece, Volume 9: Tears  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 3, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/208 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

“Sawtooth”Arlong and his pirate gang have held Coco village captive for years, extracting tribute on a yearly basis in exchange for allowing them to live. When foolhardy Usopp challenges that rule, the village is angry with him, fearing that he is endangering their safety. Nami appears to see what’s going on, lugging her precious berries. If she can collect 100 million of them, the pirates have promised to sell her the village, and she is determined to make her goal, no matter how she has to do it.

Synopsis:

Meanwhile, Zolo has been busy in Arlong Park. Hearing the trumpet blast, he gets a ride from an obliging octopus, as Luffy and the others are confronted by Momoo, the giant sea cow.

Returning to the Park, with Usopp in tow, Sawtooth is dismayed at what he finds. Especially when he learns how the perpetrator has been able to escape his vengeance. Usopp is in quite a quandary, and begs for his life. In order to prove that she is trustworthy and one of them,  and to allay their suspicions that she aided Zolo, Nami has no choice—she has to kill Usopp.

After Luffy and Sanji land on the island, a wild-eyed Johnny tells them of Usopp’s demise. Meanwhile, a navy ship has appeared off the shore of Arlong Park. Has it come to aid the villagers against the pirates? When Nami confronts Luffy and the others, they don’t want to believe her perfidy, despite Johnny’s eye-witness account of her murder of Usopp, especially the smitten Sanji. She tells them they need to go, this is none of their business and they aren’t wanted here, but Luffy decides he needs a nap and lies down in the middle of the road to take one.

As they wait to see what’s going down with the navy ship, Nojiki tells them Nami’s story, and why she’s doing what she is.

  

Commentary:

This volume of One Piece has a lot going on, filled with non-stop action as the pace of the plot definitely picks up. Not that it was slow before, but now it’s rushing headlong toward a denouement. I love the intricacies of the characters and how their plots wind about one another and intertwine. I did Eiichiro Oda does a marvelous job of twisting everything about, meshing it all together.

I also love how he doesn’t make Luffy the main character in everything, although he is the main character. He treats it more as an ensemble piece, and in this volume, we see a bit more of Usopp, and a whole lot more about Nami, finding out what makes her tick and what her motivations are.

We go back to when Nami and Nojiki were foster sisters being raised by a single mother, Belle Mere, and of what happened to them, and to the village, when the pirates descended on them years before. This goes a long way to understanding Nami, and I really enjoyed it, as I hadn’t thought much of her before on the basis of her previous actions, which have been sometimes despicable. But now everything makes perfect sense, and I have compassion for her.

As for Usopp, he may be a bit of a fool, but his heart is in the right place, even if sometimes he’s a coward, but he means well, and I like him pretty much. This is a series that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, even though it’s labeled teens. A good story is a good story, and this is definitely one of those. I enjoy the artwork, I think it fits well with the writing, and I’m enjoying this series. I heartily endorse it.

One Piece, Volume 8: I Won't Die Review

One Piece, Volume 8: I Won’t Die  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 10, 2005

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/192 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Luffy, Sanji, and Gin survive Don Krieg’s poisonous gas attack. Luffy stands up to the pirate, proclaiming, “I won’t die.” And he means it! He attacks, and actually succeeds in bringing Krieg down on one knee, a feat never before accomplished! But can he handle Krieg’s Mighty Battle Spear?

Synopsis:

As Chef and Sanji watch the battle between Luffy and Krieg, Chef comments on Luffy’s toughness. “In the end, it’s not about weapons,” he says, “grit counts more than steel.” The fight continues. Whatever Krieg throws at him, Luffy comes back with his usual tenacity, and using the weapons in his own gum gum arsenal.

After Krieg is defeated, Gin takes his leave, deciding to stay with Krieg, but his parting words for the unconscious Luffy state that he expects their paths to cross again on the Grand Line.

Sanji tells Luffy he can’t join his crew, but Luffy doesn’t believe him. Sanji asks him if he’s ever heard of the All Blue? The cooks on the Baratie start behaving strangely (even for them), claiming that Sanji’s cooking is horrible. It’s obvious they have ulterior motives, especially when the Crap Geezer asks Luffy to take Sanji with him.

Luffy and Sanji leave the Baratie and sail on in order to catch up with Nami. Along the way, Luffy learns about the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and how dangerous they are. Hawkeye Mihawk, who defeated Zolo, is one of them, and the other six are even worse. They head toward Arlong Park, home of the fish men, led by “Saw Tooth” Arlong. Yosaku thinks that is where Nami is headed, judging by her interest in a wanted poster containing information on pirates and bounties. Sanji, being obsessed with Nami, is all for following her.

Meanwhile, Zolo and Usopp are also hot on Nami’s trail, and make a couple of new friends.

Commentary:

Most of this volume is taken by the battle between Luffy and Krieg, which is pretty good, unless you don’t like battles, of course. We see some interesting moves on both sides. Naturally, Luffy prevails. He’s the hero. Then it’s time to move on.

The floating restaurant was a cool idea, but it’s time for the action to resume in other directions, and to catch up with Nami, Zolo, and Usopp.

As the series progresses, we see more and more of Luffy’s qualities, especially his loyalty to his friends, and his never give up attitude. He’s a good role model for people of all ages. I like the depth the author gives his characters, as well as the humor, and the action.

By the time the series is done, I know I won’t remember all of these characters, there are so many of them, but a few will stick with me for a long time to come: Luffy, Zolo, Shanks and Usopp among them.

Luffy’s indefatigable good humor and buoyant spirits, and his willingness to take risks to achieve his goals make this an enjoyable series for everyone.

One Piece 7: The Crap-Geezer Review

One Piece, Volume 7: The Crap-Geezer  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 6, 2005

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Sanji shows that he’s more than cook when he defends the Baratie with a tremendous kick, deflecting the fish-head, to the amazement of his crew! His action re-energizes the sea cooks, who vow to fight for their floating restaurant to the end against the scurvy knaves that comprise Don Krieg’s pirate crew. So of course Krieg has to throw them a curveball—in the form of his second unit commander, Invincible Pearl.

Synopsis:

Pearl, as his name implies, is a huge fellow covered in shields with pearl centers, and wears a pearl on his head. As he leaps onto the Baratie, he takes down two of the cooks with his Pearl Surprise move. One of Krieg’s men attempts to take the knife from one of the dying men but Sanji puts a stop to that with a swift kick. “A chef’s knife is his soul,” he tells him. “A crap-bum like you had better not touch it.”

Pearl boasts to Sanji that he’s been invincible in 61 battles to the death; in fact, he’s never even been injured, and has never lost a single drop of blood in battle. Meanwhile, Luffey is clinging for his life to a mast—if he drops into the ocean, he’s a dead man; since eating the devil fruit, he can’t swim a stroke and would sink like a stone. Luckily, Krieg’s maneuver drops him onto the Baratie, right on top of Pearl, drawing blood, to the pirate’s surprise. When Krieg’s crew see the blood, they immediately try to calm Pearl down, fearful of the consequences. Because of experiences as a child, when Pearl feels threatened, he sets himself aflame. Under the circumstances, being on a ship, afloat at sea and all, this is not a good idea.

The sea cooks back down from the human wall of flame, but not Sanji. “Moron,” he says, “you can’t be a cook if you’re afraid of fire!”  Things are starting to look up when Sanji finds himself on the wrong end of a gun barrel, being pointed at him by Gin, the pirate whose life he saved when he was starving!

Gin offers Sanji the opportunity to get off the ship, but he refuses, even when Chef Zeff taunts him, calling him eggplant head.  Luffy tries to intervene, but to no avail. He certainly doesn’t understand Sanji’s attitude, and neither does anyone else. Especially when Pearl pounds him with some of his best moves. Still the stubborn chef refuses to go. But there is method to his madness, and he finally explains why he refuses to let the Baratie be taken away from the ornery one-legged Chef Zeff. It all began nine years before…

When Sanji is done with his tale, everyone understands the debt he owes Zeff, and why he won’t allow anything else to be taken from him. Still, Luffy thinks Sanji is being ridiculous, and he sees only one way out of the situation—he intends to sink the Baratie himself. He tells Sanji it’s not worth dying over, and what use is Zeff saving his life if he’s going to just throw it away?

Don Krieg steps in and he and Luffy get into a battle of words, Luffy adamantly proclaiming himself the best pirate there is. Finally it comes down to Gin and Sanji. Can Gin kill the very man that showed him incredible kindness? Well, he is a ruthless pirate, after all…

Commentary:

The battle over the Baratie continues as we meet yet another of Krieg’s crew in the form of Invincible Pearl. Despite his record, Pearl’s a blowhard and not very likeable, but he’s an interesting villain. The backstory involving Chef Zeff and Sanji explained a lot about the latter’s loyalty to the crap-geezer, as he calls him. Sanji is a very interesting character, one I suspect we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the future. In this volume, Luffey doesn’t play as big a part as usual, but when he does, he’s generally very brave, but often in the way, in misguided attempts to assist.

This is a fun series for all ages, and there’s lots more fun ahead. Sticking with it for the long haul!