Chapter 1: Romance Dawn

[we_are]

Well I was going to do the first five chapters when I realized the first chapter was 54 pages! With a lot packed in! So let us get to unpacking this bad boy.

 The manga opens like the anime does in a scene we've learned to skip over despite it's inherent importance. That is, the last words of Gol D. Roger who purposefully starts the next great pirate age. For what reason? Who knows. Let's just appreciate a moment how much he looks like Ace.

 

Ultimately, though, despite being the catalyst for the story that we know, the first chapter has little to do with Roger.

 

To refresh, the beginning of any story sets the mood, theme and promises for later on. What are we going to read? How are we going to feel? It also sets up the character of

 

Shanks.

 

Wait, what?

 

Yes, Shanks.

 

Luffy's personality is there as well and very strong. But it is Shanks we are first introduced to, since it is Shanks who acts as Luffy's catalyst. Of course, naturally, our opening is Luffy stabbing himself in the face. This sets up two things.

First is character. Luffy is impetuous and does things without hesitating. But he also acts with conviction.

Second is a major theme. Every action has a consequence. We'll see more of this later.

 

But then we go to the bar where we hear that Luffy wants to be a pirate! He really really wants to! And the other Redhair pirates encourage him!

 

(Note that it is Yasopp that says, 'be happy to face anything')

 

Through them, we learn what a pirate's life is like. (and what we are going to be reading) about Freedom! Adventure! A pirate's life is great! Luffy is ecstatic!

 

And then it's Shanks who puts the hole in that balloon

So why does he say that? Well Oda is a clever bastard and hints at things rather than outright saying them. In other words, a good writer. Shanks doesn't want his guys to sell Luffy on this idea that a pirate's life is all fun and games. He knows how dangerous and unpredictable the sea can be. He sailed the Grand Line with Roger, after all.

 

This brings up another subtle theme. Know what you're getting into.

Related to the first theme: Every action has a consequence

 

The second theme implies that you should really know the consequence and accept them before you dive in. Which is also why Shanks refuses to even take Luffy on a little pleasure sail. Firstly, because the seas can be unpredictable, even in the East Blue; and secondly, he doesn't want Luffy to get the wrong idea about a pirate's life. (and it's Ben that tells him this. A good first mate knows his captain's mind)

 

The next page is cute in really subtle ways, especially in terms of characterization. First that Luffy says what he's going to do and is confident that he's going to do it.

 

Second is Makino's obvious affection for him. You can just hear the 'Oh, Luffy,' but also, it seems, faint worry?

And then Higama comes in. Don't remember him? Well that's alright he (probably) won't show up again. But he is the mountain bandit leader.

 

Though he was polite when he came in; even saying 'excuse me', he's here to start shit with some pirates and everyone knows it. He considers himself the local badass and automatically gets right up in Shanks' space to try and cause insult. Also notice how Oda snuck the DF in there? Just like, oh don't mind me just eating this fruit that will probably have no impact whatsoever.

 

Yeah, we're on to you, Odacchi. (and yet I am constantly surprised -sob- ). But it also adds a third theme.

 

Don't judge things by appearances. Never judge things by appearances. The fruit looks insignificant but it isn't. Shanks looks insignificant, but he isn't.

 

Higama looks significant, but who even remembers his name? Also I really love this shot. It's like from Luffy's perspective as he'd be about this short and it just shows Shanks' casual style, which has echoes in Luffy's later style.

 

Ahem, at any rate, the next bits are the same as the manga. Higama tries to pick a fight by breaking more shit and just causing a lot of mess for Makino to pick up. Aside from Shanks not fighting back which is, coincidentally, the fourth theme:

 

Know the battles worth fighting.

 

It shows what a humble and good natured guy Shanks is to want to clean up the mess that wasn't his to begin with. Though in a way he takes responsibility for his presence at the bar. Higama makes a worse mess, and does that piss Shanks off? Hells to the yes it does.

See him protecting the hat there? Isn't that adorbs? But yes. He is angry. But as Higama leaves he just laughs it off as do his crew which pisses off Luffy to no end-- but before getting into that, let's back up. Why not fight? The guy was a huge asshole?

Firstly, he was just an asshole and no one got hurt. If someone had got hurt I am sure Shanks would have been livid.

Secondly, if they had fought, there would be a chance that Makino would get hurt in the scuffle and the bar would be even more torn up.

 

Time for some Shanks expressions spam!

Dat laugh.

Shanks: Aww, cutie <3

This panel is great for characterization because you can tell that Shanks really really cares for Luffy and just thinks he's the most adorable thing ever.

 

 

That expression right there. (also Yasopp. Lawl) You can see him saying 'oh shit!' A little pissed, a lot afraid and why?

It's not that he cares about the loss of the fruit, but the loss of Luffy's dream. There is a kind of faint agony there. (I love OP expressions okay?)

But also remember? Actions have consequences and make sure you know what you're getting into

 

 

Then some time has passed and there is a cut to Luffy who says he is still mad at Shanks and doesn't miss them even though they've left for a time. Also, telling to his nature, that even though he can't swim, he will still be a pirate that “doesn't fall in the water” Another part of Luffy's character, when he says something he will find a way to do it, no matter how ridiculous it is.

 

And we also have another subtle hint about Shanks' nature and the life of pirates from the mayor.

 

The captain may seem a reasonable person... it is the unspoken but... what is it about Shanks that we don't know? Also the reputation f the town will be pulled into question. (And Garp will be furious)

 

Jus gon leave this in here because Makino gets it and Luffy looks ridic adorable pouting around that glass. And Higama is back. Joy. Well we all know how this turns out. Higama tries to beat the crap out of Luffy, but doesn't succeed because Luffy is rubber so kicks and punches don't hurt. This also shows Luffy's determination to see a thing through. He is determined to get an apology from the guy for what he did to Shanks. Higama is having none of it.

 

There is also the first hint of sacrifice as the mayor offers to pay money for Luffy's life (and the sign of cowardice of villagers being afraid and unwilling to help. I wonder if that's why Luffy hates it when people don't stand up for themselves)

 

And then, appearance de Shanks.

 

DOOM

 

The badass has arrived, looking kind of scary in that hat.

 

And yet he has this expression. Smiling, yes, in control, yes, but you can see the tension there as if he is secretly terrified that Luffy will be killed and he can do nothing to stop it. Subtle, Oda, is subtle. Though I believe his expression and words are to ease the tension so Luffy won't worry. Shanks is good at easing tensions. And then one of the bandits pulls this:

 

 

This is both another instance of actions have consequences. As well as filling in the mayor's line. Shanks may seem reasonable...but...he is also a pirate and from a time when the seas were a harsher place. He will make you pay consequences if you threaten violence. (Also that he trusts his nakama to catch his back)

This is also where being a pirate really starts to come into play. It is a dangerous life. Shooting people is part of it. In order to get into that kind of life you have to be prepared for this sort of thing happening.

 

Oh and fifth theme. Guess what it is.

 

Not even gonna comment on that one. It speaks for itself. Also note, it seems, the very beginning of Conquerors Haki.

Ben fights for Shanks, showing that he doesn't feel these guys are worth Shanks' time.

Ben appreciation month. Aw, yeah.

Actions=Consequences. Also, Shanks is not taking your shit. A line once crossed cannot be uncrossed. And then Higama flees with Luffy and we have the greatest moment of Shanks badassitude that has ever

 

 

Er...well maybe not. But hey, Shanks is human. This is a great point of characterization. He can be badass, but he can also lose his shit and panic and not know what the hell to do next. And he doesn't lose any badass points because they were not located in awesome stoicness but doing what needed to be done. Also, Ben. ILU Ben. That is a first mate who has already been past long suffering to just bemused.

 

 

And then Higama takes Luffy out to sea, wanting to kill him just because his pride was injured. Boots him overboard and then gets the theme of know what you're getting into in spades:

 

Keerunch! Goodby Higama!

 

Actions=Consequences+ Know what you're getting into and probably the ultimate

 

The Sea Is Unpredictable.

 

Yeah. The sea monster came right the hell out of nowhere. But that was kind of Shanks' point.

And, speaking of Shanks. Have some haki.

Damn, boi! Work it! Also pretty terrifying tbh.

And then we have this guy:

He just got his arm bit off, is probably in a terrible amount of pain but he's worried mostly about Luffy's feelings and trying to get him to stop crying. This is a huge sacrifice he's made just for Luffy's safety. The safety of the next generation (and also mirrors Zeff and Sanji but we'll get to that when we do)

 

Higama is not the only one who learns the actions=consequences. Luffy learns a pretty hardcore lesson, too. He's he one who provoked the fight with Higama over the slights to Shanks (who he still vehemently defended despite being mad at him) and these are the consequences of it. A few words were not worth fighting over. Not that it excuses Higama for being an asshole and trying to kill a seven-year-old, but even on land in the One Piece world, even the smallest actions can cause devastating consequences.

 

Then Shanks is leaving for good. Luffy tells Shanks that he's going to learn to be a pirate on his own and make his own way. Shanks says he doesn't have what it takes and Luffy says:




And so Shanks passes the torch to the next generation and basically coronates Luffy as the next King of the Pirates (you know he will be) and tells him to return it when he becomes great.

 

Flash Forward 10 years and Luffy is as we see him today, setting off on a rowboat with some food, a barrel and a great attitude. He uses everything he's learned in the 10 years-- everything he's learned. All the strength he's built up through his own effort rather than being sheltered by older pirates-- to punch the sea monster into oblivion.

 

For those of you who teeldeer'd, let us sum up.

 

The themes that have been set in motion are:
Action=Consequences
Know what you're getting into
Don't judge by appearances

Pick your battles

Protect nakama/friends

This is a wild and dangerous world we're stepping into but a hell of a lot of fun.

 

For characters we've learned

Luffy: Says what he's going to do and generally does it no matter how impetuous it is. Gets mad for the sake of the people that he cares about and has a good heart even if he makes stupid decisions. Is determined to do what he set out to do even if he doesn't know how to do it.

 

Shanks: For the most part easy going and laid back. He enjoys having a good time and teasing Luffy because he's a bit of a troll. He is not enamored with conflict and will laugh off what is not important but is not afraid to hit when he has to and hit hard. He'll sacrifice himself for people he cares about and sometimes has no idea what to do (and I headcanon that when things get tense and he's not entirely in control, he panics a lot inside but goes forward anyway) He believes in Luffy's strength and determination and also implicitly trusts his crew to get his back.

 

Shanks is basically the model pirate. This is what Oda is saying is the example of what a good man should be, a good pirate should be, and serves as a model for Luffy to follow on his own journey.

 

Questions I have: Where is Garp? Who does Luffy stay with if not Garp? The mayor? Someone else? Does he live alone?

 

Do you have questions? Comments? Want to open a dialogue? Comment!

Bit of Business; Because it's frankly insane to comment on the manga and anime separately, I will be commenting on arcs, mooshing them together and talking about them at the same time --though I will bring up when things are different. Also for the East Blue Arc I'll review arc by arc (and not chapter by chapter or ep by ep.) Though we'll see what happens when we reach the Grand Line.

Comments

/never logs out of rp accounts derp derp derp

[the_true_historian]

A+ I like the laid back style of this analysis, and the pictures help to parse it and make it a lot more fun to read/view. Sorry it took so long to get to reading it but I really enjoyed it! ^_^

[we_are]

ROBIIIIIN!


A'thank you for reading and commenting.

[rainsometimes]

Awesome first post! This is one of the best, most thorough looks at the start of One Piece with close attention to themes we'll revisit in the future that I've read. Bodes very well for the rest of this read-through!

There is also the first hint of sacrifice as the mayor offers to pay money for Luffy's life

Ohh yes. (Also foreshadows the use of money as ransom in the Arlong Park - and a certain moment in the Drum arc where Luffy follows wisdom over pride at Vivi's advice.) Plus, this lets us know for sure that while the mayor is no fighter and is a big grump, he's also a responsible man who's truly concerned for the wellbeing of the people in his town, very much including Luffy. He's a good guy despite his skepticism even towards the Shanks brand of pirates.


By the way, maybe I should ask about this: do you have any kind of spoiler policy when it comes to comments on these posts? How much is it safe to reveal? (I don't think Dreamwidth does spoiler cuts, but there's always white text...)

Re manga and anime differences: apart from the ones with Luffy's and Zoro's backstories appearing later than the manga, and the famous one with Sanji's backstory, the ones I recall the best have to do with Usopp's introduction. (Well, I guess I would!) There were several points that were quite notably different from the manga there.

[we_are]

Spoil all you like. This is kind of a "Sophmore" course, meaning I expect people to be well-versed in the OPverse since it takes a more holistic approach. u.u d

[shindahotaru.livejournal.com]

First of all - awesome post, awesome style of analyzing. I could agree on everything, it's great to read someone else's thoughts on this as well and have them match my own.

There's one thing I would like to point out: I hear/read so many people that are convinced that Shanks solemnly wants himself to become the next pirate king and that he's a real rival to Luffy reaching the "throne". I don't agree on that part, though he might make it look like it (but hey, that's just firing Luffy up even more, to know that he's got a serious rival), but as you put it so perfectly, "basically coronates Luffy as the next King of the Pirates". I believe that he's not so much interested in becoming the pirate king himself but would rather have Luffy be it for many reasons, i.e. that he's so much younger. From all his actions and his words, I don't believe that Shanks would REALLY stand in Luffy's way for his own benefit. He'd maybe do to test Luffy but never because he wants the "throne" himself.
But maybe that's just my little headcanon.

[we_are]

Thanks for the comment!

And pfh, yeah no. Shanks doesn't want any part of it. Because for one, if he wanted it? It would be so easy for him to get it. He knows where the one piece is, and he knows what it is. He sailed with Roger after all. Anyway, Shanks would rather bop around the Grand Line/New World getting drunk and living it up. He's a yonkou because he's the kind of guy who doesn't like seeing people he cares about get hurt. (much like someone else we know -coff-) But otherwise he couldn't care less about power and all that jazz. Just give him rum in one hand and the occasional tsun tsun Mihawk to tease and he's good to go.

[shindahotaru.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome!

Thanks for agreeing on this with me. A lot of people are stubborn about this and don't want to believe the obvious but that goes for so many other things in One Piece as well.
There isn't much for me to add, you've said it all already. And as yonkou, doesn't he have the best view on watching his favorite rookie/little friend achieving his life goal? Not to mention how he could help out in case there was really grave danger that Shanks' support is needed more than anyone else's. (Similar to how he talked to Whitebeard about Ace, even though they're enemies and there was a lot of tension between them.)

And I really like that weird relationship he has with Mihawk, it shows a different side to Mihawk that he's acquainted (or whatever you might call it) to someone like Shanks.

[allendsmeat]

I think maybe Shanks' yonkouhood (to coin a phrase) is more complicated than even that. I agree with what you said, but to put a finer point on it, Roger left a lot behind when he died. Who knows who or what he decided to protect or look after. So I think-- in a sense that Shanks as a yonkou is sort of looking after/preserving/carrying on the will of Roger as a pirate. The real person as opposed to some mythological title. Since, after all, he never called himself the Pirate King. That's why he patrols where he does and why he keeps up the relationship with Whitebeard-- though it's impossible to be a yonkou and not have some relationship with him.

That's all theory of course. The reality of the whole situation is still very much a mystery.

[allendsmeat]

And this is my RP account, woops ahahahaha. /coff/ BUT NOW YOU KNOW.

[shindahotaru.livejournal.com]

You sure love Luffy's expression but who doesn't lol

But you've got a really good point there though and I agree. There's so much more to Shanks' role in this whole thing, not only in Luffy's life, that we don't know about and I can't wait to find out more. Also, what great impact becoming and being the pirate king really has on the world and the person.

Looking forward to this blog!

[doomsdayblaze.livejournal.com]

Hey! Got linked to your blog from reddit's /r/onepiece community when trying to learn about the "son-in-a-box" pun with Gaimon :) Looking forward to reading up and learning about your insights!

[we_are]

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have fun reading. :)