Eiichiro Oda (尾田栄一郎, Oda Eiichirō) is a Japanese manga artist, best known as the creator of the manga and anime One Piece.
As a child, Oda was inspired by Akira Toriyama's works and aspired to become a manga artist. He recalls that his interest in pirates was probably sparked by the popular TV animation series titled Vicky the Viking. He submitted a character named Pandaman for Yudetamago's classic wrestling manga Kinnikuman. Pandaman was not only used in a chapter of the manga but would later return as a recurring cameo character in Oda's own works.
Please also see: 尾田荣一郎 (Chinese, simplified) 尾田榮一郎 (Chinese, traditional)
Solid backstory, I liked seeing the soon to be heart pirates meet and interact together. It makes them feel like a true family. Some of the dialogue was god awful, but overall I’d recommend this one :)
“I left the shop, staring at the lettering on my hands. The reason for my choice wasn't that profound. I wanted it because, as a doctor, I always wanted to remind myself that death was close at hand. I wanted to know at all times that I had the power to keep people alive, to keep those I cared about from dying. It was important to me to remember that the lives and deaths of those I was working with were in my hands.”
Trafalgar Law, the surgeon of death, has always been one of the more expanded upon characters that exist among the many within the One Piece world from his introduction in The Sabaody Archipelago Arc. However, it was not until later arcs, Punk Hazard and Dressrosa, that he put on full fan favorite display, including a glimpse at his backstory.
So this novel feels almost like a director's cut of that already seen backstory, an extension of more heart and bonds being made. It’s not bad, and I had a lot of fun. It’s mostly telling the tale of Law's crewmates about how they meet and the origin of the polar tang and their eventual embargo out to sea for the grand line. There are some new characters and some nice expansions on old.
If you're new to one piece, I wouldn’t recommend this. Yes, it’s a prequel, but half a one. I’d recommend making it through Dressrosa before fully exploring more of Law, but if you're a fan of his character or just the world as a whole, it’s a quick, easy read for existing fans.
I will admit that this review will lack much substance. Consider the review to be a mirror for the novel.
This isn’t the first story I have read that expands on Oda’s world, but I do believe it will be the last. I find the narrative style to be focused on telling, far more than showing. Often, it feels like everything is drawn out unnecessarily long and ultimately lead nowhere.
I feel very disappointed in this novel, and others like it.
Thank you NetGalley and VIZ Media for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read almost all of the one piece spin off stories now and this one is my absolute favourites. It was heartwarming and did justice for a beloved character in the series. I found it intriguing and teared up near the end. It was a sweet tale showing how the heart pirates formed and is a must read for any One Piece fans!
I really wanted to like this book, but there are just too many flaws to ignore:
1. It’s written as if for a young reader, where the writing is more simplistic than what is found in the manga. I understand that it’s meant to be accessible, but the writing is elementary level and wasted a lot of words describing things that could have been “shown” and not “told” a lot faster
2. Law is one of my favorite characters, and I understand that we’ve never actually seen what the inside of his head is like, but this was way too sunshine and rainbows for the young man that flips the bird to Captain Kidd at their first meeting. I’d have understood it a bit more if you saw how he steeled himself from strangers and opened himself to those who proved themselves worthy, like it comes across in the manga, but it just hit as super out of character here.
3. There are straight errors in the book compared to cannon in the manga. The one that sticks out most obviously upon having just finished: in the epilogue the crew is described as having a “large man” who would presumably be Jean Bart. But the Heart Pirates aren’t even on the Grand Line as of the epilogue and Jean Bart joins in Saobaody.
I could forgive one of these flaws on its own, but all three added up to me wanting to read faster just to be done with the experience sooner.
Ahh, I really enjoyed this book, despite the writing not being the best probably due to translation.
As an official Law lover, I had so much fun rummaging through his past and learning lore we haven't been told before. We get to see how he lives after the tragic death of Cora (still not over it), and how he meets Bepo, Penguin and Shachi. I loved their interactions and the found family atmosphere they had, especially when they were living together. The character Wolf was a grumpier, more scientifically eccentric version of Corazon, he became a father figure to the boys and was even the benefactor of the famous Polar Tang. We even get to see how and why Law got the 'DEATH' tattoos, and why he chose the name 'heart pirates'. It was all so sweet, and I still love how Law is actually really caring, considerate and protective behind the awkward, stoic exterior.
Law's secret softie personality shone through the pages, I know how people see a character varies depending on their feelings, past and understanding, but I love seeing how Law isn't as cold as he seems, he just has people to protect, freedom to find and goals to accomplish. So many quotes in this book really summed him up, I'm definitely going to have to reread to share them with everyone. I mostly adored reading from his POV, seeing his inner thoughts and justifications.
I think anyone who wants more of Law's backstory will enjoy this, despite it not being perfect (a common theme in most manga written novels), I enjoyed learning so much, and seeing the beginnings of Law's piracy and his journey to the captain of the Heart Pirates and the Surgeon of Death.
4/5 🌟
EDIT: I reread this book again at the end of December/ finished January, and still enjoyed it so much, Law is such a relatable character for me and his backstory adds so much more depth and emotion to his character.
whilst we are in purgatory waiting for law to come back into the manga you know i would have to read this. i had fun!!! not sure if its an issue on the translation, or if its just aiming for a very young audience, but the writing style was very simplistic and in places repetitive (i did find it hilarious how in the opening law took a whole two pages to recall his entire sad life story, as if anyone who is picking this up isn't already comPLETELY aware of the unending torment that is his life)
there was also a bit at the start where law is deeply worried about going into town and revealing who he is in case doflamingo comes after him, then about a chapter later he's signing his name into the local police station. at least he kept the ope-ope fruit largely underwraps i suppose!!
but that being said, i had a blast. there were a lot of jokes that genuinely got a laugh (near the beginning law is rolling his eyes at penguin, bepo and shachi all squabbling over getting a third portion at dinner, whilst law is quietly making his way through his fourth. #MYspoiledprincess) bepo also threatening to hang himself because law was rude to him was also such an unexpected bout of dark humour i spat out my drink
i also just enjoyed the majority of the character work. law is very unintentionally funny (wolf trying to thank him for saving his life and law is like 'i guess you could reward me with fish for dinner???') and also largely operating in a state of high functioning panic attack.
the only part of this i really took a huge issue with was how easily he kept telling everyone he was from flevance. that seems CRAZY but i guess when you also have the secret 'd' in the name and the magical immortality devil fruit then you can pick and choose which bombs to drop
if you're a law fan, this will do it for you. if you aren't die then im not sure what you are looking to get out of this.
please let him come back soon oda. its been 84 years
Lo primero: tengo que admitir que, obviamente, yo ya era súper fan del personaje, pero después de leer el libro, lo soy aún más. Aquí vemos a un Law mucho más alegre, buscalíos y expresivo de lo que nos tiene acostumbrados en el manga.
La historia empieza justo después del asesinato de Corazón y termina con un joven Law echándose a la mar a bordo del recién bautizado Polar Tang, junto con Sachi, Penguin y Bepo. Está escrito en el tono analítico habitual de Law, pero me ha gustado ver cómo funcionan sus pensamientos a pesar de que de cara al exterior se haga el tipo duro y pasota, como de costumbre. Es un arco cortito, abarca lo que será alrededor de uno o dos años. Por lo demás, es un libro cortito y bastante ameno de leer, me ha gustado mucho (aunque, repito, es una opinión muy personal porque soy muy muy fan del personaje).
Si hay un defecto que buscarle al libro es que me ha parecido breve, me habría gustado saber algo más de la historia de Torao, por ejemplo la narración de cómo consigue a Kikuri o del resto de sus tatuajes (aquí vemos la historia de los tatuajes de sus dedos que tanto nos pirran a sus fans). Sin embargo, me ha encantado descubrir el por qué del nombre de su tripulación y el cómo conoció a Bepo, Sachi y Penguin y cómo sobrevivió tras escapar de Doflamingo, y también el cómo empezó a utilizar sus poderes, tanto para su trabajo de médico cirujano (por ejemplo, para curarse a sí mismo de la enfermedad del plomo) como para luchar.
Pero me habría gustado tener alguna de esas ilustraciones "extra" que Oda suele añadir a sus mangas, la verdad, me habría gustado ver a los cuatro jóvenes Heart y a Wolf, el hombre que los adopta y los cría (y que, sinceramente, espero que se reencuentre con ellos en algún punto de la historia de Oda).
Simplemente como apunte, cogí la edición en inglés porque me dijeron que la traducción al castellano es bastante deficiente, y quería leerlo a gusto.
Law is my absolute most favorite character, so naturally I both needed and loved this book. I will take any chance I can to learn more about him and give myself reasons to love this character.
Some things that I will critique on were that is was a bit fast paced. I feel that it kind of rushed through events, and I wish it slowed down a bit, maybe even be more descriptive with a lot of things. But then again, most of One Piece is manga/graphic novels, so I understand the reason for this.
Another thing is that I feel the dialoge was a bit awful, but I feel that it added a little humor to the book much like how One Piece is. So I made an exception to this.
The last thing that I wish the author did better - and the think I feel most strongly about - is that Law feels too trusting and openly happy. I understand that he's still just a young kid and he deserves to live a happy childhood - but it's pratically a stark contrast from the anime. If there was a bit more trust building - mainly between Law and Wolf - and a bit more rebelliousness from Law, I feel like it would've made a big difference.
Despite this, I absolutely loved the book. I was literally squealing and kicking my feet when I recognized things, like when they first revealed the Polar Tang (Which makes me hate Blackbeard even more now knowing he destroyed something that Wolf made). But yeah, I highly recommend this book for One Piece fans - specifically those who have finished Dressrosa - especially if your favorite character is Law, like with myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Viz Media, and Eiichiro Oda for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! One Piece: Law’s Story takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the origins of Trafalgar D. Water Law, one of the most intriguing characters in the One Piece universe. This standalone story allows us to witness the formative years of a young man who, despite his fierce independence and cold demeanor, is driven by a deep desire for freedom and revenge. What truly stands out in Law’s Story is how it blends the larger-than-life adventure of the One Piece world with a deeply personal story of Law’s transformation. The novel captures the emotional weight of his tragic past, his loss, his loneliness, and the shadow of his grim history, showing how these shape him into the pirate we know and love. It’s not just a tale of swashbuckling; it’s one of healing, growth, and the unexpected bonds formed in the most unlikely of circumstances. The pacing is well-balanced, with enough action to thrill One Piece fans, but it’s the quieter, more reflective moments that truly elevate the narrative. Ultimately, One Piece: Law’s Story proves that in a world filled with pirates and grand adventures, the heart of the story lies in the people we meet along the way and the journeys that change us forever.
Rating: 5/5 Even if you aren’t a Law fan, you will be after this!
I came for the angst, but I stayed for the Found Family. 😭
This is Law’s journey immediately after Corazon. It's a beautiful, messy look at him healing from survivor’s guilt, mastering medicine, and slowly letting Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin into his heart. It gives major ASL-raised-by-Naguri vibes! Law is such an adorable dork who tries so hard to act cool. I used to think he was just stoic, but he’s actually a total smol bean.
This book makes his actions later on hit so much harder. Even when he’s happy with his crew, he can’t escape the pressure of being the one who lived while Cora-san died. He feels the need to repay his debt and live a life Cora approves of. It makes the win at Dressrosa so much more feels.
I also totally get why he saved Luffy in the Paramount War now! A shocking aspect of Law’s character is his drive to save others. His pride and mission as a doctor dictate that he must help, so even though Luffy was a rival pirate, Law prioritised his life. It’s not just about the "Will of D"; this book showcases his deep, personal pride in being a doctor.
ALSO can I just say I'm glad he found happiness and his life wasn't inflicted w pain right after Corazon. Boi does he deserve it <3
Law is one of my favourite characters in ONE PIECE. I've attempted to keep my bias out of this review, but it may have coloured my experience haha!
First, if you're new to OP, and have no basis on who Law is as a person, I recommend reading through the manga or watching the anime--at least the Punk Hazard & Dressrosa arcs--to get a better grasp of his character. Secondly, whether this be a translation issue or simply bad writing, the dialogue can be quite off putting. Typically, these manga soft-novels are easy reads, although poorly written, and are notorious for not being completely accurate to canon. Despite these things, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this. The Heart Pirates are one, big, found family. Bepo is near and dear to my heart. We all know that as stoic as Law is, he's a sucker and a softie in a lot of aspects, and we can see that in a number of events in the narrative.
I'll keep it spoiler free for other Law enjoyers, but yeah, if you're a fan of OP (Law specifically), this is an easy read. Nothing too complicated, could even go so far as to say perhaps lacking a bit of substance. I kept my expectations neutral and simply let myself have fun with it.
Law is one of my favorite One Piece characters so any crumb I can get of him, I’m gunna eat it up. I always enjoy seeing a goofy side to these characters who have gone so much and had fun reading about the beginnings of the Heart Pirates. The prose was very simple and everything felt even more straightforward but overall I had fun with this read.
“But if you sit around terrified of what could happen next, you’ll never move forward in your lives! You’ll spend the rest of your years trembling in fear of having contact with anyone in the world. That’s no way to live.”
“The reason for my choice wasn’t profound. I wanted it because as a doctor, I always wanted to remind myself that death was close at hand. I wanted to know at all times that I had the power to keep people alive, to keep those I cared about from dying. It was important to me to remember that the lives and deaths of those I was working with were in my hands.”
OH, LAW, MY BELOVED! I went in expecting a more in depth view on the previously known backstory of Traffy, and boy, was I BEYOND thrilled to find a completely unheard of story. This takes place right after Corazon tragically is killed by Doflamingo. I loved getting an in depth and personal account of how he (Trafalgar Law) learns to use his devil fruit abilities, it was very insightful and extremely cool to get that first hand account of what it feels like/how it works. We see how Traffy first meets his crew, and also where he gets his first tattoos (D.E.A.T.H. across his fingers) and why he choose the tattoos which was awesome to read about. Law had always been my favorite unofficial Straw Hat member (right beside Sabo, can't pick a favorite between those two) so I adored seeing more about his character, and seeing how he finally got around to becoming a pirate of his own
A quick read! Laws my fav character so of course I was gonna grab a book about his back story. I did like the story itself, everything felt very in character. However, my biggest gripe was the prose. They were rather simplistic and concise. To be fair, I just finished reading a heavily stylized book so that could also be affecting my opinion. Additionally, considering other Japanese translated fiction i’ve read, haveing shorter, choppier sentences might be a norm for writing in japanese.
Otherwise I loved the book and would recommend to anyone who’s a fan of law.
(shame he made the whole thing up so people would feel bad for him)
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for this ARC!
This book follows the story of Trafalgar Law, well before he is introduced properly in the One Piece manga. We learn about what happened in the time between his time with the Donquixote Family to when he is revealed on the Sabaody Archipelago. This was a short read (only 240 pages), but it felt like the story flew past with how exciting the action was. I am a big fan of Law and One Piece in general, so I would recommend this book to anyone that is also a fan of the series!
Taking place immediately after the flashback with Law and Corazon in the main series, this book continues Law's story. With his new powers, he finds a way to figure out how to deal with the white lead disease he has. He meets an old man named Wolf who takes him in, and it's on this island that Law eventually meets Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin. This story gives Law more time to come into his own, overcome some more obstacles with his soon-to-be crew, and we find out the origin of where the Polar Tang came from and the naming of his crew. It's a solid backstory for any fan of Law.
I’ve been so excited for this book, I loved reading it! The writing was really simple (not a compliment). I don’t remember Ace’s story novels being like that, but it’s been years since I read it so who knows! Outside of not being a huge fan of the writing style, the story was very sweet, especially towards the end! I love Law, so learning a bit more about his past and how he met his crew was satisfying.
"That's how all power works- it can be good or evil, depending on the person who wields it. And the Trafalgar Law I know would use his power to make people's lives better." - Wolf, pg. 108
Trafalgar Law is my favorite One Piece character outside the Straw Hats and it was amazing to read what happened to him after Corazon died and how he became the beloved character we know today. It was cool to see how he learned to use his devil fruit abilities and how he came to trust others.
In this light novel, we learned more about Law's story after Cora saved him. We learned about how he cured his White Lead disease, how he met Bepo, Sachi, and Penquin, the meaning behind his DEATH tattoos, and so much more. Definitely a must-read for Trafalgar Law fans and ONE PIECE fans who want to learn more about him.
One of my best reads. The narrative style is great — and the only thing better is the content itself. Law is one of my favorite characters, so getting to know more about him and his crew was truly a treat! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially to fans.
Even though the writing wasn’t the best, which is most likely because of translation issues, I still love this book. I am a huge Law fan and I loved seeing this glimpse into his past and his meeting Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin. It was exactly what I needed, and it delivered perfectly.
Pros: Good backstory and shows characters' softer sides.
Cons: Much of the story is too drawn out, unnecessarily, as it does not add to the ultimate plot. i.e. descriptors. Some of the dialogue is just terrible, though this could be from a somewhat crude translation.
i love law and this warmed my heart a Lot but i’m not the biggest fan of the writing style. don’t get me wrong i will be reading and purchasing every one piece novel bc i can’t get enough of it (also oda please bring our boy back)
4.5 stars realistically. loved seeing the first meeting of the main members of the crew and Law just further cements himself as a top 5 maybe top 3 One Piece character to me