ahh ok some timing stuff is still bugging me but I think I finally got this out of my system for now. I wish I had time to just keep him going forever, goddammit but rubber guys are fun as hell to draw..
Unpopular opinion here: the Balckbeard pirates aren’t “”dishonorable”” in the small dick energy Don Krieg-way, they’re charismatic as hell, very similar to the Strawhat pirates, only they’re rotten and evil version of them.
Teach’s basically the dark mirror image of Luffy, only without his compassion and empathy. He has the same uncanny ability to recruit people when he needs it the most, like the way he made Shiliew save him and his crew after Magellan poisoned them? That’s what usually only Luffy can manages to inspire in people. Shiliew going ride or die with him in a day after Teach (indirectly) frees him from prison is also very similar to how Luffy and Zoro met.
It’s not accidental that the first time we met Teach we don’t see him as “Blackbeard”, the guy Ace chases, but just as himself, nameless. He outshines everyone else in the whole damn town, save the Strawhats, and seems like the only guy there worth the ink on the pages. He’s a lot like Luffy, he’s charismatic, he dares to dream big, he’s the only one who understands why Luffy and Zoro won that fight, even when Nami didn’t. And this is why, while the reader likes him so much only after a few panels, the way Luffy looks at him, unsmiling… it’s feels immediately off. Like something isn’t right. He took at one look at most of his crew and knew they were good people, his people skills are uncanny, yet he doesn’t seem to like Teach, and when they part way we still don’t understand why. The whole Mocktown scene is brilliant even by Goda standards.
And that scene in Impel Down where they pass each other and Teach asks him if the Sky Island existed… it’s also one of the best scenes in the anime imo, because it shows how staggeringly similar they are in everything but in their morality. Luffy’s here to save someone, Teach is here because of his ambition, and yet in that twisted moment they’re helping each other. The worst thing about the Ace affair wasn’t even that it was personal, the point is, it wasn’t, at all. Teach even urged Luffy to go and save him after admitting that he’d only done it to become a Shichibukai to get to Impel Down to etc, not because of a deep personal reason or revenge as what usually motivates Luffy to ruin someone. He just doesn’t care. This is what’s scary, not hatred. And determination it takes to wait decades on a ship just to get to one devil fruit!
Luffy’s pretty much the only other charater who has the same single minded ambition to become Pirate King, but unlike Teach, he doesn’t throw away his moral values for that. He couldn’t, even if he wanted to, because he’s deeply compassionate and good-hearted in nature. These are just as integral parts of him as his ambition and will, and these are what Teach lacks.
No wonder these two are the rising stars of the New Pirate Age.
Unpopular opinion here: the Balckbeard pirates aren’t “”dishonorable”” in the small dick energy Don Krieg-way, they’re charismatic as hell, very similar to the Strawhat pirates, only they’re rotten and evil version of them.
Teach’s basically the dark mirror image of Luffy, only without his compassion and empathy. He has the same uncanny ability to recruit people when he needs it the most, like the way he made Shiliew save him and his crew after Magellan poisoned them? That’s what usually only Luffy can manages to inspire in people. Shiliew going ride or die with him in a day after Teach (indirectly) frees him from prison is also very similar to how Luffy and Zoro met.
It’s not accidental that the first time we met Teach we don’t see him as “Blackbeard”, the guy Ace chases, but just as himself, nameless. He outshines everyone else in the whole damn town, save the Strawhats, and seems like the only guy there worth the ink on the pages. He’s a lot like Luffy, he’s charismatic, he dares to dream big, he’s the only one who understands why Luffy and Zoro won that fight, even when Nami didn’t. And this is why, while the reader likes him so much only after a few panels, the way Luffy looks at him, unsmiling… it’s feels immediately off. Like something isn’t right. He took at one look at most of his crew and knew they were good people, his people skills are uncanny, yet he doesn’t seem to like Teach, and when they part way we still don’t understand why. The whole Mocktown scene is brilliant even by Goda standards.
And that scene in Impel Down where they pass each other and Teach asks him if the Sky Island existed… it’s also one of the best scenes in the anime imo, because it shows how staggeringly similar they are in everything but in their morality. Luffy’s here to save someone, Teach is here because of his ambition, and yet in that twisted moment they’re helping each other. The worst thing about the Ace affair wasn’t even that it was personal, the point is, it wasn’t, at all. Teach even urged Luffy to go and save him after admitting that he’d only done it to become a Shichibukai to get to Impel Down to etc, not because of a deep personal reason or revenge as what usually motivates Luffy to ruin someone. He just doesn’t care. This is what’s scary, not hatred. And determination it takes to wait decades on a ship just to get to one devil fruit!
Luffy’s pretty much the only other charater who has the same single minded ambition to become Pirate King, but unlike Teach, he doesn’t throw away his moral values for that. He couldn’t, even if he wanted to, because he’s deeply compassionate and good-hearted in nature. These are just as integral parts of him as his ambition and will, and these are what Teach lacks.
No wonder these two are the rising stars of the New Pirate Age.
Damn I know… cried a lot about it here once, but here’s so much to it… like how Hachi’s and Camie’s takoyaki stand was already intoduced on ch 250-something’s cover… (go)oda, which demon you sold your soul to?
Luffy: dog. an absolute sunshine puppy that everyone lets get away with stuff bc have you seen him?? no one has the guts or the heart to be mad at him for an extended period of time. adopts people left and right. charms everyone into submission or at least alliance. also, for this very reason, when he gets mad about something it’s double terrifying. the absolute best boy.
Zoro: dog. he goes ride or die with luffy in like an hour. loyal to a fault. kind of lone wolfish undertones, as he likes to keep a distance unless he’s needed, but it’s just to watch over the other members. to outsiders he looks the most dangerous of the fold. way too happy to fight. since he naps in the most inconvinient places it’s hard to take him seriously once you stumble over him on deck. has the long-suffering patience of a she-wolf toward the kids chewing on his ear but is just as ready to cut a bitch if someone even looks funny at them.
Nami: cat. my girl literally has “cat” in her nickname. looks like a cat. acts like a cat. she’s the kind that when you look away for 0.029 seconds she eats your dinner and breaks 3 plates in the process but somehow you end up apologizing to her. you think you own your house but in fact, she does, and she knows it.
Usopp: a cat that looks like a dog, kinda acts like and definitely wants to be a dog. can’t deny his true nature of being dramatic and extra™ though. do you think a dog could have come up with Sogeking?? no way. very dog-like in his cheerful dumbassary and enthusiasm though. this contrast between his nature and behavior makes him even more dog-like in its effort.
Sanji: a scientifically perfect mixture of cat and dog, therefore is actually a fox. has the cunning wits and smooth attitude of a cat, with the charateristic flare of drama, but is in equal part a dumbass kindhearted doggo boy that no one has the heart to hurt. or if they do, they’ll probably change their mind and apologise later.
Robin: cat, and the big kind. smooth, clever and unbothered, looks like she could eat you whole, and she actually could. has the general vibe of a big cat just chillin’ on a tree in the jungle, probably amongst the ruins of an anctient civilisation, but in a very watchful way. you can immediately tell that she’s smarter than you but you aren’t mad about it, this is just how it is.
Franky: dog. he’s an absolute dad, what else could he be? came back to town to be a criminal boss and accidentally adopted the bothered youth of Water 7. made his hair work with a button so that he could entertrain the kids, not to mention all the canons on his body.
Brook: cat, with dog undertones. that funky and playful old family cat that’s matured enough to have a dog-like patience towards the kids and not to give a fuck about the Dignity™ of being a cat, but has the all the charateristic drama. that post-ts boa? the way he gave that last concert at Sabaody? the way he embraces the skeleton aesthetic? no dog could do this. strong Nekomamushi vibes, no wonder they like each other.
Jinbei: dog. he’s like a reliable family guard dog that already has the cat-like wisdom not to bark at the postman or ruin the flower bed. has dipomatic relations with both the local magpies and stray dogs/cats, and is universally well-liked and known in the area. would gleefully jump at anybody that threatens his family though.
Not sure why I needed to make this post to be honest but my undying love for The Three Musketeers just came back into mind during workout today and for some reason my brain started associated it with One Piece characters so here you go…
Luffy as D’Artagnan: A teenage boy that dreams of adventure. Starts his journey alone and riding a miserable horse/sailing a miserable boat. Young and atrociously optimistic about everything, with little respect for laws, ranks and common sense. Picks fight with literally anyone, sometimes just because he CAN. Will ruin your perfect plans by being carefree and obsessively hot-headed. Eventually wins at everything anyway because he’s able to surround himself with people that deeply care for him, is disgustingly lucky and works hard to achieve his goals too, let’s be honest. Doesn’t really listen to the advice people give him, except maybe Zoro/Athos whom he admires and respects from the bottom of his heart. Actually loves his friends enormously and feels lost without them.
Zoro as Athos: Badass, quiet, dark energy, a lot of class. The best blade of the country. Doesn’t say much but when he opens his mouth it’s always to say something important. Can make you shut up with a simple glance. Hates to be seen as a leader but everyone would follow his instructions in a heartbeat. Easily annoyed but for some reason tolerates Luffy/D’Artagnan pretty well. Has very little interest for things if they don’t include booze or fights. Drinks way too much, actually. Has a mysterious past involving a young lady that was supposedly dead but who resurfaces later in the story. A heart of gold hidden under way too many layers of self-inflicted restrictions and trials.
Sanji as Aramis: A good-looking, well-mannered, well-educated gentleman who hides himself behind very high moral standards but who can surprinsingly ditch them anytime he finds convenient. Has an accute sense of etiquette. Usually takes good care of himself and dresses rather smart. Pretends he doesn’t enjoy fighting but will launch himself into battle without hesitation. Has an excessive passion for women and is a skilled seducer who will work hard so chivalry never dies. Has strong personal values that he makes sure everyone respects. Is also incredibly bright and clever and can come up with brilliant ideas that would avoid a lot of troubles.
Usopp as Porthos: A man that loves to play pretend, dreams himself as a Lord, lies to give himself a better image. Sometimes even dresses up to impress his peers. Can be a bit pompous and vain at times but this is all just a way to deal with a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. A bit too gullible, but is actually very nice and caring, and above all funny. Enjoys parties, songs and all kinds of fun. All in all an excellent friend, loyal and brave, that you can always count on. Would throw himself in front of you to protect you from a rock fall (SOB).
Nami as Monsieur de Tréville: The true leader, the voice of reason that sometimes struggles to be heard but that everyone respects and follows eventually. Knows what’s best for the boys, including the fact that sometimes a bit of freedom is exactly what they need to achieve their goals. Is well-organized, knows how to draw proper plans and strategies, is down-to-earth and realistic. Would rather play by the rules and is very comfortable with by passing them when necessary. Is also a skilled fighter but would rather avoid a direct confrontation, using the way of diplomacy and a bit of cunning. Would definitely trash you if you push them though.
Robin as Milady de Winter: A brilliant, talented and ruthless spy who spent most of her life running away from awful people and making a name for herself. Skilled, intelligent, knowledgeable. Queen of cunning. She can manipulate people easily and has a terrifying patience and resolve. Would rather work in the shadows; has a very dark past, too. Can’t trust anyone and has always felt alone. Sometimes works for very disreputable people in order to achieve her goals. Knows what she wants and what she hates and won’t let go until she gets what she came for. Can kill in cold-blood, wipe her hands on your pyjamas and then walk away humming “Jingle Bells” like nothing happened. Actually cares a lot and only wishes for a safe place to live and nice friends to share her life with.
Chopper as Constance Bonacieux: Heartbreakingly cute and pure. Wouldn’t hurt a fly. Dreams of adventure and actually has a heart of courage but gets easily scared and tends to rely too much on others. Cares a lot for the people around them but is extremely naive and gullible and gets into trouble a lot because of it. Admires Robin/Milady a lot too. An innocent soul that must be protected at all costs.
That’s pretty much it for now… haven’t found anyone that would make a good Cardinal Richelieu to be honest, he’s such a complex character (my fav)… I’ll give it more thought later. Couldn’t find any suitable characters for the rest of the crew either or some that could fill the Comte de Rochefort, Duke of Buckingham, King Louis and Queen Anne roles yet but if you want to share your thoughts on it you’ll be more than welcome! 😀
chococum 