One Piece, Vol. 18 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next eleven chapters (156–166) of the on-going manga series.
This tankōbon begins the Arabasta Arc. En route to Alabasta, the Straw Hats encounter Baroque Works agent Mr. 2 Bon Clay and he shows them his ability to impersonate the voice, face and body of any person whose face he touches with his right hand.
In Alabasta, Monkey D. Luffy goes to find something to eat. He encounters his older brother Portgas D. Ace and Captain Smoker of the Whitebeard Pirates, who chases him through the town. With Ace's help, Luffy escapes.
The top Baroque Works agents meet at a cafe in the desert. From there they are brought to a city, Rainbase, to meet Mr. 0. The Straw Hats cross the desert to the oasis of Yuba, where the rebel army reportedly has its headquarters. They find a ghost town, plagued by sandstorms.
Nefeltari Vivi tells a story about herself and her childhood friend, Koza. In Rainbase, Crocodile reveals himself and his master plan to conquer Alabasta to his agents. When Mr. 3 reports his failure to kill Vivi and the Straw Hats, Crocodile feeds him to one of his oversized crocodiles.
Although Luffy is discouraged, Vivi's passion for the cause inspires him to persevere.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Eiichirō Oda. For the most part, it is written and illustrated rather well. The narrative begins a new story arc as the Straw Hats, with Kureha's assistant Tony Tony Chopper, finally arrive at Arabasta, which is on the verge of civil war. Vivi must reach the rebels and tell them the real cause behind the conflict, but Crocodile, leader of Baroque Works and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, will not just stand by and watch.
All in all, One Piece, Vol. 18 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems really intriguing and I can't wait to read more.