RJ Writing Ink

One Piece Chapter 1053 Review/Recap

So, clearly, I was wrong about the timing for One Piece going on break. As it turns out, it happens after this week’s chapter. Still, Oda knows how to satiate the fans when he takes his manga on break. This chapter of One Piece managed to give fans wham moment after wham moment. From the new bounties to big reveals, there are so many moments that made me go, “say what?”

Recap

Despite the Gorosei’s wishes to the contrary, the papers start printing the whole story of what happened in Wano Country. The fall of Big Mom and Kaido send shockwaves across the world. Luffy, Kid, and Law have had their bounties shoot up to 3 billion Berries each!

Meanwhile, in the basement of the Shogun’s palace, Robin locates another poneglyph, only to be joined by Tengu. However, Tengu’s true identity is that of Sukiyaki Kozuki, father of Oden and grandfather of Momonosuke and Hiyori. Despite Wano being told of his death, Orochi merely imprisoned him. He didn’t escape until after his son’s death. More importantly, Sukiyaki confirms something big to Robin: Pluton is in Wano.

In the Flower Capital itself, the festival celebrating the Alliance’s victory is in full swing, with all the Straw Hats (besides Jinbei) attending. Everyone in Wano’s eating, drinking, and making merry as they celebrate the end to the nightmare of Orochi and Kaido, with Luffy leading the revelry. The moment gets crashed, though, by Kid, who angrily reveals that Luffy is now one of the Yonko, along with…Buggy?!?!?

Oh, and Ryokugyu’s headed to the Flower Capital.

Review

This entire chapter was one big wham moment after another, so I’m going to have to break it all down.

Firstly, I was not expecting Sukiyaki to still be alive. I assumed, along with most people, that Orochi had poisoned him to an early grave. The fact that he had to outlive his son and daughter-in-law, and see his country fall to ruin, must have been heartbreaking. That said, I don’t agree with his decision to keep his survival secret from his grandchildren. They deserve to know they still have family.

Secondly, PLUTON IS IN WANO COUNTRY!! One of the Ancient Weapons that the World Government seeks to destroy or control is in Wano. This is a big shakeup, considering how it’s long been thought to be in Alabasta. Suddenly, I’m much more relieved that the World Government didn’t annex Wano. Thanks, Momonouske!

Also, Luffy’s bounty just doubled, and he’s now one of the Yonko. No surprise there; we all knew that would happen. But how did Buggy get made a Yonko? He’s way in over his head now! Plus, Kid and Law are way more deserving of Yonko!

Lastly, this chapter confirms that Ryokugyu has some plant-based Devil Fruit, and he managed to beat the snot out of the remaining Beast Pirates. He could be trouble for Luffy, but I’m not too worried. Yet.

Now is the time for the manga to go on break, though. Again, Oda deserves a vacation after writing his greatest arc to date.

I Give “The New Emperors” a 4.5/5

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Lightyear Review

One of the earliest memories I have as a kid was watching the original Toy Story on VHS. Or listening to the book version on cassette tape. The bottom line is that Toy Story was a big part of my childhood, and at its heart were Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Like most kids, I loved Woody and Buzz, but I think I liked Lightyear a little more.

Like many kids who dreamed of being astronauts, Buzz Lightyear seemed like the coolest as a kid. He was in video games, he had his own spin-off show; he was just awesome. So, when news came out that Pixar was making the actual movie that made Andy love Buzz, I was intrigued. Enough that I decided to see it two days early via the Andy Experience. Despite the review bombs, Lightyear manages to reach infinity…though not quite beyond.

Chris Evans Was a Good Fit. Change My Mind!

Firstly, it needs to be said that Chris Evans proved to be the best choice to voice Buzz. While fans complain about Tim Allen not coming back, Chris gives us a different kind of Buzz. While not as larger-than-life, Chris’ Lightyear is no less heroic. Early on, though, the film makes it clear that he’s not living up to his full potential.

Lightyear as a Flawed, Nuanced Character

Buzz Lightyear’s always been defined by his determination to finish his mission, no matter what version he is. However, the film reveals this determination comes at the cost of neglecting those around him. He thinks he can do things on his own, that he doesn’t need help, and that leads him to make mistakes that could be avoided. By the film’s halfway point, it costs him almost everyone he knew.

A hero’s only as good as the people helping them, and that’s essentially what Buzz learns in his character arc. It’s recycled from the cartoon’s pilot film, but it still works.

Good thing that Buzz’s team is pretty endearing. Sox is adorable and acts as this constant helping Buzz cope with his emotions. Izzy’s the one who really helps bring Buzz out of his emotional isolation. Darby makes for a good cynic. And Taika Watiti as Mo makes for good comic relief.

The character that proved to be just as interesting as Buzz, though, is Zurg. I can’t say too much about him without spoiling the big twist, but it was something that I did not expect. Good job, Pixar.

A Decent Flick for Toy Story Fans

So, the Lightyear movie isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it is still entertaining. It’s filled with callbacks and references to the Toy Story franchise, and does the character Justice. Pixar could make more films out of it if they wanted…but they probably shouldn’t. Or, at least make a movie finale to Woody’s Roundup.

I Give Lightyear 3.5/5