Tag Archives: One Piece

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 26: Adventure on Kami’s Island by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 26: Adventure on Kami’s Island   

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 5, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Luffy and the others not only manage to evade the Blackbeard pirates, under Marshall Teech, but they find themselves in the Knock Up Stream! Huzzah! They’re sailing on a sea of clouds! Chopper thinks he spied a ship but it disappeared –  however there is a bull running right toward them! Then out of nowhere an old man in a suit of armor appears, calling himself the Sky Knight. He saves them from the bull, for which they are grateful. He refers to them as Blue Sea people, because they come from the Blue Sea, rather than the White Sea. He warns them of guerillas who will target them, but he can protect them – for a price. He offers one whistle for 5 million extols. Of course, they have no idea what he is talking about. When he learns that they actually came via the Knock Up Stream (apparently there are other ways to get to Skypiea), he is impressed and gives them one whistle, warning them to use it wisely.

The ship arrives at Heaven’s Gate and its wizened old inspector, Amazon. She demands an entrance fee of one billion extols per person. Nami asks what if they have no money (which they don’t) and Amazon says they can pass. Seems suspicious but on they go, only to find themselves on the famous Lobster Express of the White Sea, even as Amazon reports to her superior that seven people have illegally entered Godland Skypiea!

Our fearless group arrives on the shore of a beautiful island and immediately begin to explore their surroundings. There they meet an angel named Conis, and Sanji is instantly smitten! (Is anyone surprised?) Then her father arrives. He resembles a slug and he’s riding on a strange small vessel they call a waver. Chopper and Luffy attempt to ride the waver but fail. Then Nami takes over and she’s off! She quickly disappears, even as Luffy and the others are invited to eat with Conis and her father. But when Luffy learns of a place where no one is allowed to go, it’s inevitable that he will want to go there… especially if, as they suspect, Nami is headed there too! What challenges await them there?

So Skypiea, the island in the sky, exists! Is anyone really surprised? Although it’s best not to examine the mechanics of such a place too closely and simply accept it for what it is! I have to confess that with the ever growing cast of characters, sometimes it’s hard to remember who’s who. Even so, things are getting really interesting. Another great volume, looking forward to the next one!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 25: The 100 Million Berry Man by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 25: The 100 Million Berry Man     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 5, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Luffy and crew are seeking the way to the sky island known as Skypiea. They travel to the east coast of Jaya Island to speak with a man with big dreams – Mont Blanc Cricket. On arrival, they are impressed by his huge home, until they discover it is just a façade for a much smaller building. Is this a warning about the kind of man he is? There they find a children’s book called Noland the Liar. Sanji remembers hearing the story as a child in the North Sea. They are confronted by Mont Blanc Cricket himself – the Last Boss of the Monkey Mountain Allied Force! Thinking they’re after his gold, he attacks! Turns out the monkeys they ran into previously are under Cricket’s command. They learn that Cricket is a descendant of Noland the Liar, and he is determined to clear his family name!

Cricket tells Luffy and the others what he knows about the island in the sky, beginning with a strange phenomenon known as the Imperial Cloud, when “day suddenly turns into night.” Then he explains about the Knock Up Stream, which is their only chance of getting up to the sky island, but sounds very risky! Usopp is all for giving up the attempt, but is Luffy swayed by the danger involved? Of course not! According to legend, they need to find the South Bird in order to find the Knock Up Stream, which is located to the South. Unfortunately, their compass won’t work there, which is why they need to rely on the South Bird! Good luck in finding it!

Of course, as with any enterprise Luffy is involved in, there are challenges to be overcome. The Knock Up Stream only appears so often, as Mont Blanc Cricket tells them they need to find the bird before sunrise! Which, of course, entails trying to locate it in the dark! In the meantime, the two monkeys have offered to repair the Merry Go before they will need her to find Skypiea. Luffy and the others break up into teams, to have a better chance of locating the mysterious bird, but time is not on their side!

Meanwhile, back in Mocktown, the pirates are beginning to figure out just how valuable Luffy is! And some familiar figures make an reappearance.

This volume of One Piece is certainly action packed. Luffy is fixated on the idea of going to the island in the sky – and what Luffy wants, he usually gets! I thought it was hilarious that when anyone mentioned Noland the Liar, people would look at Usopp! I have no doubt this island exists and that they will get there! Seeing some old friends was the icing on the cake! Another great volume, looking forward to more!

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 24: People’s Dreams by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 24: People’s Dreams

Version 1.0.0

  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 5, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Now that Sir Crocodile has been defeated, and Alubarna can begin to heal, and the Marines under Captain Smoker and Tashigi head on their way, the Straw Hat gang face a new challenge, in the form of a stowaway.  None other than Nico Robin! Most surprisingly, she wants to join the crew! There is some resistance to the idea from the members of Luffy’s crew – until mention is made of Nico having some of Crocodile’s gems and opinion is swayed to her side.

As they continue their journey, the crew sees something rather extraordinary – a ship that is falling out of the sky. Literally out of the sky. How is that even possible? To Nami’s dismay, the log pose is pointing upward and not moving! Nico tells her it’s been captured by a sky island!

Luffy runs across a map – of the sky island, Skypiea! They decide to search the ship that fell from the sky for records of the floating island. Of course, that ship sank to the bottom of the ocean. Luffy, Sanji, and Zolo become deep sea divers in order to explore the wreck. But they hadn’t figured on encountering Masira, the Salvage King, who has his eye on the wreck as well. And oh, he’s a monkey.

Luffy and the others are conflicted regarding their next destination. If they go anywhere else other than the island in the sky, the log post will reset and they will be unable to get to Skypiea. Luckily Nico Robin has a solution to that problem, so it’s on to Jaya Island! When they arrive on the island, they find themselves in a place that seems prone to violence, especially between two rival pirate gangs!

Nico Robin’s presence was a surprise, not sure how I feel about that, not sure if she will stay with them any length of time or not. Naturally, Sanji is on board with her joining the crew.  lol The idea of a sky island is intriguing, if true, but how does that even work? Guess we’ll find out. The monkey was also a surprise. I’m sure we’ll see him again.

Another great volume of One Piece, looking forward to the next!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 23: Vivi’s Adventure by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 23: Vivi’s Adventure       

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 1, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/232 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Just when they think they have disabled the bomb that threatens the people of Alubarna, things get worse. Turns out it has a built-in fallback position in the form of a timer! Now Luffy et al have to scramble to try to overcome this new obstacle. It doesn’t help that the Marines are there and so is Baroque Works. And Crocodile, of course. And the rebels. That’s a lot between them and victory!

Once the danger from the bomb has been handled, there are new questions – such as how can the Straw Hat pirates get past the Marines and sail away? And will Princess Vivi sail with them, as she has been invited by Luffy to join the crew.

This volume sees the end of the Alabasta arc, time to move on. It’s a very satisfying ending, and we can see clues as to what is coming. I am sure we have not seen the last of the Marines – esp Captain Smoker and Tashigi. A blast from the past appears having assumed a new role – you’ll never guess who! And the scene in the bath is hilarious! I’m ready to move on with Luffy and the others. Great volume!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 22: Hope!! by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 22: Hope!!         

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 6, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

As Princess Vivi faces down Crocodile, who has taken possession of the Palace, the Kicking Claw Force arrives! Dedicated to the kingdom, they will do whatever it takes to defeat him!  Meanwhile, Zolo’s battle is done and he has emerged victorious! Sanji is pushing forward himself, along with Chopper and a heavily bandaged Usopp riding on a camel.

Another country has now been heard from in the form of Koza, the rebel leader. Vivi doesn’t want news of the impending explosion to get out, knowing it will only serve to cause chaos. Listening to Vivi’s impassioned plea, Koza tells the rebels not to fight and shed more blood. But his efforts are met with unexpected results.

Just when all seems lost, who should arrive on the scene, to Crocodile’s amazement, but none other than Luffy himself! You just can’t keep a good man down! Crocodile maintains that Luffy will never beat him, he is far out of the boy’s league, he is one of the seven warlords of the sea. Luffy replies, “If you’re one of the seven warlords of the sea, then I am the eighth warlord of the sea!” Brave words but can he back them up?

As Luffy and Crocodile battle, Ms. All Sunday, aka Nico Robin tells Cobra he’s going to miss the rest of the fight, and to take her to the ponegliff…. Now!

The tension rises!  A bomb is set to go off and destroy the square and kill a lot of people – but no one knows where it is! One way or another, it seems as though people will die – can Luffy and his crew prevent this from happening!  Onward to the next volume!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 21: Utopia by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 21: Utopia     

Version 1.0.0

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Sanji has to contend with Mr 2 Bon Clay and his Oh Come My Way nonsense. The swan attempts to cripple Sanji with laughter, but when that doesn’t work, he uses his ability of mimicry to imitate Nami’s face. Can Sanji cause pain to someone who looks just like his beloved Nami?

Princess Vivi has arrived in Alubarna and has made her way to the palace, where she calls for Chaka and tells him her plan – she wants to destroy the palace! He can’t believe she means that, but she is entirely serious. Can she convince him to go along with her idea?

A disturbing surprise awaits Princess Vivi and Chaka as they approach the Palace – the Crocodile is already there! How can they get him out?

Nami and Zolo split up – Nami to deal with Ms. Doublefinger and Zolo to face Mr. 1.  Nami knows she isn’t much of a fighter, so she approached Usopp before they reached Alabasta to ask him to make her a weapon. He gave her one, but she isn’t sure he understood what she wanted and now she doubts whether this so-called weapon will work against Ms. Doublefinger. But she is out of options!

Mr. Crocodile presents an ultimatum to Vivi and thus reveals his true objective! Meanwhile, Zolo has a bit of a problem with Mr. 1 – seems as though the guy is made of steel! How is he supposed to cut through that?  Will this be an exercise in futility, or will words of wisdom from the past serve him in good stead?

We’re getting closer and closer to the end of this arc, but there are still burning issues, even as the fights continue. Where is Luffy? When will Vivi come face to face with Koza? Will this be the end of the evil Baroque Works once and for all? I know that new adventures lie ahead, and I am more than ready for them. Looking forward to the next volume.

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 20: Showdown at Alubarna by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 20: Showdown at Alubarna   

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 3, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Luffy and the Crocodile are having a showdown in the desert, as everyone scrambles toward Alubarna. The Crocodile is a tough customer, but Luffy refuses to give up, no matter what. Is it possible he’s met his match? Captain Smoker announces he has other business to attend to and tells Tashigi to decide for herself what she wants to do. What is he up to?

Vivi and the rest of Luffy’s crew utilize a huge crab named Pincers to navigate the desert, but a problem arises when they reach the Sandora River. Oddly enough, this crab doesn’t like water! What are they to do? Looks like a job for Karoo and the Supersonic Duck Squad!  The Rebels are also on the move, but Baroque Works is determined that Vivi and Koza not cross paths. Wonder why?

As Usopp and Sanji race to Vivi’s aid, she encounters someone who looks like Usopp. But luckily she knows the difference.   The real Usopp and Vivi, along with Chopper, come face to face with Mr. 4 and Merry Christmas, and Usopp becomes engaged in a game of Whack a Mole! When things take a turn for the worse, though, he decides to flee…

There is a lot going on in this volume, not gonna lie. I found it confusing at times to remember who is where and doing what. Nonetheless I think we’re approaching the end of this arc, hopefully on to bigger and better things. I imagine we’ll lose Vivi after this, as she will be needed to take care of her kingdom. Perhaps things will work out with her and Koza and they will do this together. I admit I didn’t care for her at first, as a member of Baroque Works, but her real identity and personality have come out and she is much nicer than I thought. Another great volume, on to the next!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 19: Rebellion

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 19: Rebellion   

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 7, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Luffy and his crew are making their way to Alabasta, slowly but surely. Since Luffy ate all the bait they need for fishing, they are using Karoo, to Vivi’s shock! When they pass through a steam cloud caused by an underwater volcano, they are surprised to find they have gained an unexpected passenger.  He’s a bit of an oddball and claims to have also eaten the devil fruit. Only when a ship draws near and takes him off do they find out he is Mr. 2 Bon Clay of Baroque Works!

They reach Alabasta at last, only to find, to their alarm, a whole lot of Baroque Works ships behind them! They anchor the ship and Luffy takes off immediately, having smelled a restaurant.  Vivi is dismayed to spot Mr 3’s ship in the harbor. Apparently he isn’t dead after all. Not only that, but Captain Smoker is there as well. Luffy finds food, but then Smoker finds him. Off Luffy goes, Smoker in hot pursuit! Another unexpected arrival turns out to be Ace, Luffy’s older brother! Brother, what?

Meanwhile, Mr. 11 has been captured by a group who calls themselves the “billions”. They see an opportunity to make a name for themselves – at 11’s expense.  As Luffy and the others reunite, Vivi sends Karoo with an important message for her father. Of course, everyone wants to know about Luffy’s brother, who apparently has also eaten the devil fruit. What are the odds? For something that is supposed to be a rarity, they seem to find a lot of people who have partaken of it. Ace invites Luffy and his friends to join Whitebeard’s pirates, but of course he declines.

They set course for Yuba. Vivi intends to reason with the leader of the rebels, intent on avoiding future bloodshed. She is determined to rid her country of Baroque Works as well.  In the meantime, those same people are meeting at their headquarters, at the Spiders Café.

Luffy and the others arrive at Erumalu the Green City – but it isn’t very green!  Vivi explains that it was once upon a time, but that rain hasn’t fallen there in three years!  She also tells them about the King’s Miracle, which provided water to Alubarna – but at a high price. It’s gonna be a long, hot, and dry trip to Yuba across the desert sands!

We’ve finally reached the crux of the Alabasta arc and things are falling into place. We have Luffy and the others who are fighting for Princess Vivi, who is fighting both Baroque Works and the rebel forces. We’re seeing the assembled Baroque Works now, in all their “glory”. They have some real characters among them, that they do. There is backstory for Vivi, which yields very interesting information, especially in light of an unexpected reveal. And let’s not forget Captain Smoker, who is hot on Luffy’s heels! Things are really happening, looking forward to the next volume!

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 18: Ace Arrives by Eiichiro Oda

Leave a reply

One Piece, Vol 18: Ace Arrives     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 3, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/232 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Luffy and his crew are making their way to Alabasta, slowly but surely. Since Luffy ate all the bait they need for fishing, they are using Karoo, to Vivi’s shock! When they pass through a steam cloud caused by an underwater volcano, they are surprised to find they have gained an unexpected passenger.  He’s a bit of an oddball and claims to have also eaten the devil fruit. Only when a ship draws near and takes him off do they find out he is Mr. 2 Bon Clay of Baroque Works!

They reach Alabasta at last, only to find, to their alarm, a whole lot of Baroque Works ships behind them! They anchor the ship and Luffy takes off immediately, having smelled a restaurant.  Vivi is dismayed to spot Mr 3’s ship in the harbor. Apparently he isn’t dead after all. Not only that, but Captain Smoker is there as well. Luffy finds food, but then Smoker finds him. Off Luffy goes, Smoker in hot pursuit! Another unexpected arrival turns out to be Ace, Luffy’s older brother! Brother, what?

Meanwhile, Mr. 11 has been captured by a group who calls themselves the “billions”. They see an opportunity to make a name for themselves – at 11’s expense.  As Luffy and the others reunite, Vivi sends Karoo with an important message for her father. Of course, everyone wants to know about Luffy’s brother, who apparently has also eaten the devil fruit. What are the odds? Ace invites Luffy and his friends to join Whitebeard’s pirates, but of course he declines.

They set course for Yuba. Vivi intends to reason with the leader of the revels, intent on avoiding future bloodshed. She is determined to rid her country of Baroque Works as well.  In the meantime, those same people are meeting at their headquarters, at the Spiders Café.

Luffy and the others arrive at Erumalu the Green City – but it isn’t very green!  Vivi explains that it was once upon a time but that rain hasn’t fallen in three years!  She also tells them about the King’s Miracle, which provided water to Alubarna – but at a high price. It’s gonna be a long, hot, and dry trip to Yuba across the desert sands!

We’ve finally reached the crux of the Alabasta arc, and things are falling into place. We have Luffy and the others who are fighting for Princess Vivi, who is fighting both Baroque Works and the rebel forces. We’re seeing the assembled Baroque Works now, in all their “glory”. They have some real characters among them, that they do. There is backstory for Vivi, which yields very interesting information, especially in light of an unexpected reveal. And let’s not forget Captain Smoker, who is hot on Luffy’s heels! Things are really happening, looking forward to the next volume!

Book Review: One Piece: Shokugeki no Sanji

Leave a reply

One Piece: Shokugeki no Sanji   

Author: Yuto Tsukuda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: March 12, 2024

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/232 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

When a famous gourmand, known as “the tongue that spans the seas”, arrives at the Baratie, she is instantly disdainful of all that she sees and questions how good the food can possibly be. She makes ridiculous assumptions concerning the head chef as well as Sanji and the others. Sanji offers to make a dish for her, but under one condition – if she is pleased by what he cooks, she must clean her plate. Game on!

The crew of the Go Merry run across a castaway adrift on the ocean and bring him aboard, although he is less than thrilled and feels they should have left him. Finding a wedding invitation, Sanji surmises that the man is a chef from a nearby island whose only daughter is getting married and he has gone in search of some special seafood he could make for the occasion, but after catching the Draconic Super-fillet salmon, he got caught in a squall. However the weather is the least of his concerns – once he has the beautiful fish, he is unable to properly filet it! Sanji offers to help, but will this task prove to be beyond even his amazing culinary skills?

In the kingdom of Alabasta, a feast is being held to honor the heroes who saved the kingdom! But with Luffy’s enormous appetite and the chef’s staff being temporarily short-handed, a problem is about to arise. Sanji wants to help, but he doesn’t want to intrude. So he introduces himself and says he wants to see how such a large kitchen works, and he is willing to do anything, such as peel potatoes. They quickly take advantage of his generosity!

Sanji finds himself a hostage of the inhabitants of Kamabakka Queendom – an island comprised of drag queens! They challenge him to earn the rights to the 99 recipes of attack cuisine. But this will be no easy task. Challenge accepted!

Sanji – who now goes by Sangoro – is looking for a powerful samurai to join his crew, so decides to use his culinary skills to attract candidates. But as he and Usopp brainstorm, he discovers a soba noodle vendor who seems to have the market cornered. Sanji is never one to resist a challenge, so he challenges them, but soon learns they do have a monopoly on the best buckwheat flour. Can Sanji work around such a problem?

This volume takes the character of Sanji from Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece and features him in his own set of stories taken from various points in the original manga. It’s not hard to see that these stories were done by the creators of Food Wars, as the style is unmistakable.  I love Sanji, so buying this was inevitable. They did a wonderful job with five interesting stories featuring Sanji, as well as a bonus story. If you love One Piece, particularly Sanji, as well as Food Wars, this book is for you.