As a child, Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming King of the Pirates. But his life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, an enchanted Devil Fruit that gave him the ability to stretch like rubber. Its only drawback? He’ll never be able to swim gain—a serious handicap for an aspiring sea dog! Years later, Luffy sets off on his quest to find the “One Piece,” said to be the greatest treasure in the world…
Inside the perilous sea gates of the so-called Judicial Island, members of Luffy’s crew are imprisoned in the Tower of Justice, due to stand trial in a highly biased court full of World Government warmongers. Luffy’s quest to save his friends seems doomed…until he joins forces with a powerful consortium of shipwrights and street fighters. It's an explosive battle on the courthouse steps for Luffy and his Straw Hat pirates!
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)
The crew and their allies have arrived at Ennies Lobby, the judicial center of the World Government. If they want to save Robin, they’ll have to get to her before she passes through the Gates of Justice – and convince her to LET them save her.
I saw this arc mentioned recently as a “save the girl” plot – and it is, but with two differences from the usual tropes. 1) There is absolutely no romance here; friendship is the only motivation on all sides. 2) Robin isn’t helpless. Well, she kinda is once she’s in the seastone handcuffs that block her powers. But she’s normally scary powerful – she’s here because she was convinced to damsel herself. And in this set of volumes we get to understand why.
Oda does NOT waste time showing how despicable the World Government is. I mean, we already had a LOT of hints. But we’ve got some pretty influential people in the present-day timeline saying the quiet parts out loud: Director Spandam straight up announcing he’s in favor of fishman genocide because they aren’t inclined to go along quietly with things, and Lucci admitting that he doesn’t give a damn about any ideology of justice – he just works for CP9 because that makes it legal to hurt people! (And haven’t we all met a cop or other official who gives off that vibe?)
And then, of course, there’s Robin’s backstory – which involves not only a book burning, but turning her whole island into an example to the world not to study things the government has deemed forbidden. Leaving Robin, from the age of 8 to 28, on the run as the last person who knows the truth, never able to trust anyone, her experiences clashing with the giant Saul’s statement that she will surely find friends, that “no one is born into this world to be alone”, and struggling with her mother’s desperate wish that she just live. She tells the Straw Hats that she’s sure they would get tired of taking on the burden of being friends with her. Luffy’s response? And then he shouts back up to Robin that they need to hear her answer. Resulting in the iconic Robin line:
(Neither are REALLY spoilers, since they’re already all over the internet and even if you’ve seen them, they still land in context. But still – in case anyone likes to not know climactic moments)
I forgot to mention Kokoro in the earlier installments, but this strange old lady who drinks like a fish (wink, nudge) and her rather chaotic granddaughter Chimney play an increasingly important role. She was the one who got the Straw Hats the prototype sea train that brought them to Ennies Lobby (Having been the secretary of Tom’s Workers and also Tom’s…Wife? Platonic bestie who maybe co-parents Franky and Iceberg? It honestly isn’t at all clear, which is rare for M/F relationships in media).
One of the fun things about ‘One Piece’ fights is how the interests or professions of characters are often worked into their fight choreography. We saw that in the last collection with Sanji bringing out the chef knives to take on the guy with a fight suit made of noodles. Here, the way the shipbreakers and shipwrights use things like ropes, hammers, and spikes to restrain the giants is equally clever and entertaining.
The fights with the CP9 agents somehow alternate between incredibly tense and ridiculous. For example, Zoro and Usopp having to fight a wolf-man and a giraffe-man while accidentally handcuffed together makes me laugh out loud every time: “Zoro: Don’t break that form! You’re my sword now!” Usopp (holding sword and trying to keep his whole body stiff as Zoro swings HIM around): Get me a lawyer. I’m definitely gonna sue you one day!!”
Likewise, the fact that Sanji gets his ass kicked by the sexy lady agent is not at all surprising given that he’s a horny simp who literally cannot hit a woman to save his life. But then Nami – after calling his chivalry idiotic but kind of admirable – goes up there to take care of things, and: “Kalifa: I ate the bubble-bubble fruit. I…can create bubbles anywhere on my body! Nami: Wow, so sexy! I wish I had a secretary like that! (pause) Cripes, I’m talking like a dirty old man!” Oh, I UNDERSTAND, girl! That dominatrix-librarian look is something. But keep it together – you’re our only hope!
Incidentally, I don’t know how I feel about the running joke where Kalifa calls EVERYTHING she doesn’t like ‘sexual harrassment’ (because it feels like diminishing a serious issue)…but Spandam getting SO unnerved by what is obviously her trolling him IS kinda funny.
I also find it both hilarious and frustrating how many ‘One Piece’ fans get into power-scaling arguments (eg., is Zoro stronger than Sanji, or vice versa?), given that Oda DELIBERATELY MAKES FUN OF THAT ANIME TROPE RIGHT HERE! Specifically, by having the CP9 agents rank themselves by kicking their most ball-shaped member…never mind that that’s not relevant to the key fighting styles of most of them!["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
#40: Gear- ★★★★★ #41: Declaration of War - ★★★★★ #42: Pirates vs CP9 - ★★★★★
This arc is amazing! THAT scene. The power-ups and tricks. Robin's story. SOOOOO good. And I hear it gets better from here on... I cannot wait. That ending and what it foreshadows
Impresionante la emoción que impregna todo este arco, donde conocemos el pasado de algunos de los nakamas de Luffy y cómo su amistad se hace más fuerte cuando fuerzas externas los tratan de separar. Este fragmento del arco argumental de Water Seven en particular tiene muchos momentos gloriosos que quedarán grabados en mi memoria por mucho tiempo, sino por siempre. Qué bien narrado está el ataque a la fortaleza desde varios puntos al mismo tiempo, Oda la rompe con su estructura y demuestra su absoluta y genial calidad narradora. Me encantó todo y quedó clavado en un tremendo cliffhanger que promete una batalla final demoledora.
As you can see I am really enjoying this saga of One Piece. Enies Lobby arc is no different. It has been just amazing so far and I can't wait to see its conclusion. Like, I know that Luffy's crew is about to win, but still... we still gotta see how they'll win. Anyway, this has been a ride. I love the key chase which is driving the plot right now, but I also love the Robin stuff and the bad guys are just really funny. Honestly, I can't really say much here without giving away the key plot-points.
Overall, these volumes were really good and I can't wait to see how the arc of Enies Lobby unfolds. I have a feeling that the good part of it is still waiting to be read.
From now on, there will be SPOILERS!!
Okay, finally, I can talk about the things that I loved in these volumes without worrying about spoiling what happens in them.
Firstly, I will talk about the villains. They are (for some reason) very funny. The pigeon guy is actually kinda whatever but I love that they call him the pigeon guy. Long nose is hilarious, especially after turning into a giraffe and fighting with wolf dude over it. The woman is funny when interacting with Sanji who can't kick her because she's a woman or something (I loved that part). The frog guy and the wolf dude are kinda whatever and the horn fella... actually, I kinda forgot that he existed (I only remember that Luffy kicked his butt). Though my favorite's gotta be the leader government dude since everybody agrees that he's weak and unable to do anything. He's just really funny in general. Except for that one time when he was kicking Robin and Franky... I kinda wished that Sanji would show up out of nowhere and kick his ass... literally.
As for the crew... I love their entrance with that unstoppable train and the way they used it. It's also neat to see them cooperate with the Franky family and the Carpenters. Among those I especially love Paulie and his loyalty to the cause.
As for the singular characters... I will talk about Franky first. I just love this dude and the way he refuels himself by drinking cola. I am just really happy that he gets along with the crew and helps them in this fight against the government. I hope that he's okay though... after getting hit by a giant monstrous Chopper form.
Now let me just briefly cover each member of the crew:
1. Luffy I love his fight with Blueno. It was funny when the horned guy made a door on his face, but Luffy won in the end either way so that's fine. I didn't know that this gear thing appeared so soon in the manga but it's fine by me. It was also really funny how he became tiny in the end after destroying that metal door. And don't even get me started on his words for Robin... it was just so wholesome when he told her that she can't leave and how they came to rescue her so if she wants to die she can die later.
2. Zoro He didn't really have much to do here, but I really liked the part where he got stuck together with Usopp because of the handcuffs.
3. Sanji Okay but can we just comment on the fact that he cannot fight that bloody woman because he was taught never to kick a woman. How respectful of him... it's even better though when Nami yells at him because of it.
4. Nami It's funny when she yells at Sanji and I love her fighting with the bubble woman but that's kinda it for her.
5. Chopper Again, the focus was not on him, but he was cute and good at what he does. It was cool how he was the one who helped everyone to collect keys for the handcuffs and I just hope he'll be okay after turning into that monster.
6. Usopp I love this mask. Seriously. It was just so funny it fell off and he just ran to it in panic so that Chopper wouldn't see who was beneath it. And the flag shooting moment was badass... Unfortunately, I already know what's gonna come out of this war thing (at least I know some things which are not good).
7. Robin Ah yes, the star of this saga. And this arc in particular. I love how she wants to live because of Luffy and the crew and her backstory is also really sad. I almost cried myself when I saw those kids bullying her and how Olvia didn't want to tell her that she's her mother because she wanted to protect her. This girl has really been through a lot and I just hope that her life will be better from now on since she'll be in the crew's company.
The Straw Hats must save Nico Robin. The truth is out, the distance she has placed between her and the rest of the crew; her betrayal and actions have all been to protect them - She has made a deal with the World Government and CP9 to protect The Straw Hats - by giving herself up.
Now Luffy and the rest of the gang have made it to Enies Lobby and must face the mysterious powers of CP9. Can they beat this team of assassins? Can they stop the dreaded Buster Call, and can they make it away from the government forces, you need to read to find out.
These three volumes are an excellent addition to the series as a whole. The best part, by far, is learning about Robin's backstory. In line with the rest of his characters, Oda gives Nico Robin a past that is full of pain and tragedy. No spoilers but it hits hard.
Probably the best arc of the series it is so satisfying when Sniper King (Ussop) shots down the flag of the World Government and the war begins. Luffy had already plowed through 1000 guards in an amazing action sequence that lands him in front of Robin telling her to tell him she wants to live and the action starts and the gear 2 is tested against Rob Lucci.
Series: One Piece #40-42 Rating:4 stars - It was really good
We continue the Water Seven arc with the Staw Hats and Franky Family breaking into Enies Lobby to rescue Robin and Franky. We learn the truth about why Robin has had a bounty on her head since she was a child. This also starts the Straw Hats v CP9 members. It will be interesting to see how Luffy defeats Lucci and rescues Robin.
Been told i should do progress updates on my journey through one piece manga, so ill start at the height of Enies Lobby (much further on in the anime). This is a great arc in the pre timeskip and reading it just reminded me why, perfect mix of comedy drama and action. I adore this and water 7 so much. Also robins backstory is still heartbreaking
Essa é uma resenha padrão para a minha leitura de one piece já que o app só conta como lidos os livros com resenha vou deixar esse texto aqui. Perdão a qualquer pessoa que queira ler uma resenha sobre o mangá, mas está sendo uma boa experiência e eu recomendo que leia, vale muito a pena.
Oda's character backstories might all be uniformly tragic and maybe they do follow a template, but no one does it better.
When I was young discovering this, the battles excited me the most. Now they're at the bottom of my list. This is arc REALLY utilises a lot of its cast, despite there being so so many spinning plates and toy soldiers.
Amazing, absolutely amazing, I love Water Seven! These 3 volumes are SO good! I was crying with Robin’s backstory and can’t believe the depth of feelings this manga creates. I am constantly blown away by the creativity of the story even if there are pervy moments. I love learning more about these characters and seeing them grow. Need volume 43 now!
This one gets an easy 5 stars thanks to volume 41, truly one of the best volumes yet. Robin's compelling as heck backstory culminating in that intensely emotional moment!! Luffy being the strong, loyal leader who never gives up on his crew!! I just love it. Excited for the next volume, really hope to see the crew kick major butt (specifically Luffy with Lucci).
I'm having an absolute blast with Water Seven! Nico Robin is one of my favorite crew members, so it was exciting to get her backstory in this volume. I also appreciate how Oda keeps the story's many fights unique and interesting, by choosing which crew members will fight together, as well as what abilities they can use and are up against. I'm excited to see how this story arc will end!
One of the best volumes of the series so far. It is action packed, emotional, and filled with story that expands the world of One Piece. I know Robin now, who she is and what she is after. Her backstory is heartbreaking and will surely be important in the future. Poor Chopper, hope he is okay.
The emotional beats in this set of volumes coupled with the impossibly creative action and character interactions, will remind any one piece reader why they love reading this odyssey of a story. This was a particularly good omnibus with no real weak ones so far.
Finally, One Piece is again great. Yeah, it never got *bad*, but this sure is a step up from the last few arcs that, in my opinion, felt a bit too dragged.
Lots of things happening, great new characters, great fights.
These volumes were so good. I loved learning about Robin's backstory, and really the parallel's of the library of Alexandria in a way. Knowledge can be power, and those who fear power will seek to destroy it or take it from others.
Well damn. So we finally got this gear 2 scene that Luffy randomly practiced behind the scenes. And we get Robin's backstory. Heartbreaking stuff. I guess the World Government seem to be the true baddies in here.
Me tiene pegada a las páginas, este arco es emocionante sin parar y la backstory de Robin me dejó llorando, no exactamente por lo que le pasó, sino por la alegría de encontrar por fin a unos amigos fieles.
I loved this. it's probably one of my favorites in a while. I love the humor for this series but when they are actually emotional it's very impactful. I cried during robins backstory and feel like I can really appreciate her character more now.