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One Piece Chapters 1136 & 1137 Review/Recap

I apologize for not getting this out sooner, but my schedule has kept me busy since the new year. Thus, I decided to review the two latest chapters of One Piece as one, big review. Fortunately, fans have had plenty of time to stew on the revelation behind two major pieces of information that Oda dropped in each chapter. Firstly, Luffy and the Straw Hats learn from the Giants that there’s a deeper reason behind the many names of Joy Boy. Secondly…all those theories about Shanks having an evil twin brother have turned out to be true. And his name…is Shamrock.

Recap-Chapter 1136

The big welcome party for the Straw Hats is in full swing as the Giants are quick to befriend the crew members…and Road basically becomes Nani’s newest manservant. In the midst of their celebration, though, the topic of the Sun God comes up once again. Except this time, the Giants start arguing over whether the Sun God Nika was a savior or destroyer. The reason behind that is that their ancient texts claim that the world was already destroyed twice, with each time involving Nika in some form. Many Giants aspire to become the next Sun God Nika, including Loki.

When Luffy asks if Loki is really a good person, though, everyone says he isn’t and proceeds to list all the horrible things he did until Shanks captured him. Zoro’s perceptive enough to figure out what Luffy is up to, so he pulls Luffy aside and lets him know letting Loki go is a bad idea. However, since he can’t talk Luffy out of it, he decides to go with him. And Nami tags along to make sure they don’t get lost or cause two much trouble. With Road serving as their guide, they head to the abandoned castle of King Harald to find the keys to Loki’s chains.

Down in the Underworld, though, Loki already has company in the form of the two God’s Knights. They keep trying to force him to join their ranks, but all he does is spit in their faces. Even when they threaten to kill his wolf companion, he refuses to yield. In fact, he says that he will swallow that rage and use it feed his fire when he escapes and burns the world down.

Chapter 1137

In the next chapter, the Romance Dawn trio (Luffy, Zoro, and Nami) and Road break into the abandoned castle. There, they see the ruins of the battle where Loki supposedly slew his father, even coming across skeletal remains of Giants. Road explains how this deeply affected Elbaph, especially Hadrujin, Loki’s half-brother. Furthermore, it’s revealed that Hadrujin’s mother was a Giant from another land, leaving her unable to become Queen. Yet Road follows him for the same reasons the Straw Hats follow Luffy: they support his dreams.

In the Underworld, Gunko, the bandaged knight, keeps trying to beat Loki into submission with her Devil Fruit powers. Loki’s Observation Haki lets him see every attack coming, but his restraints mean he can’t defend himself. However, Loki still refuses to bow to their demands. Seeing that this is getting nowhere, her companion, captain of the God’s Knights Figarland Shamrock, decides to change tactics. Ordering Gunko to contact Mariejois, Shamrock proclaims that the World Government will bring Elbaph to heel, no matter what it takes.

Review

To all those who guessed that the mystery knight is Shanks’ evil twin, pat yourselves on the back. Chapter 1137 all but confirms that Shamrock is, in fact, Shanks twin brother. Which also means that Shanks is a Celestial Dragon by birth. Given how Roger was said to have found him in a chest after the God Valley incident, it’s likely Shanks was abandoned by Garling. Thank goodness for that, because it means that Shanks grew up away from the rot of the World Government. In contrast, Shamrock grew up amidst all the filth and corruption and buys into their delusions of godhood.

These two chapters confirm the worst fears that many fans have been having. In an attempt to prevent the Giants from getting involved in the coming war, the World Government is trying to conquer Elbaph. It’s likely they hoped to recruit Loki and use him as a means of bringing the Giants to heel, but they underestimated how much he would hate the Celestial Dragons. Which is natural, considering how the Sun God is the enemy of the so-called rulers of the world.

Luffy might just the latest incarnation of Nika

Chapter 1136 was a very important chapter in regards to the mystery of the original Joy Boy. If what the Giants say about their records are accurate, then the original Joy Boy may not have been the first person to wield the power of Nika. Someone else might have done so even further in the past, making Luffy simply the newest in a line of people who gained Nika’s powers. The fact that the Giants can’t agree on whether Nika is a hero and warrior of liberation, or bringer of destruction supports this idea. Luffy’s predecessors have likely been both saviors and destroyers of the world, just as he could end up becoming one. Then again, one’s destroyer could easily be another’s liberator. The World Government might see Luffy as the harbinger of the apocalypse, but that’s because he could tear down the corrupt regime they’ve used to enslave the world. To everyone else, that’s called being a hero.

In the end, what Luffy decides to do will likely be what decides how the world will look once the dust has settled. Given his track record of making places better everywhere he goes, though, his ultimate decision will likely be for the best. However, none of that will mean anything if the World Government gets control of Elbaph.

Shamrock Needs to be Stopped

It’s obvious to everyone reading why the World Government wants to take control of Elbaph. The Giants are among the strongest fighters in the world. If they went out in full force, they could give the Celestial Dragons some serious trouble. Shamrock and Gunko are likely only the first wave to a full-scale invasion, and the timing couldn’t be worse. With so many of the Giants becoming pacifists, Warland could fall. They’ll enslave the Giants, the ones who, in my opinion, have a major role to play in the coming war. Worse, they will seize the books from Ohara and destroy them for good, making the sacrifice of Robin’s mother and mentor be for nothing. In other words, Luffy is going to have to fight the God’s Knights. And if Shamrock is as strong as Shanks is, then Luffy will be in for his toughest battle yet.

Bring it on. Any chance to humiliate the Celestial Dragons is a chance worth taking. Shamrock is going to regret leaving Mariejois. As for Loki, if he isn’t as bad a person as everyone says he is, his chance to prove it may be coming soon.

I Give “The Country that Awaits the Sun” and “Shamrock takes the Stage” a 4.5/5 each

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One Piece Chapter 1135 Review/Recap

Ever since their introduction, fans have been speculating about the strength of the God’s Knights. They’re the elite guards that serve the despotic residents of Mary Geoise, with their leader recently taking Saturn’s place among the Elders. Oda has yet to show readers the true extent of the God’s Knights’ strength, but most fans agree that they’re dangerous. However, that might be about to change. At the end of the last chapter of One Piece, two figures arrived in Elbaph, including one who looks like Shanks. It’s not clear yet, but many fans believe these two are God’s Knights. And their presence in Warland spells trouble for everyone!

Recap

In the Owl Library, Saul introduces Robin, Bonney, Chopper and Lillith to Bibelot the owl, the head librarian. He has the power to enlarge any book that enters the library so the Giants can read it, much to everyone’s joy.

Meanwhile, Luffy tries playing with the Giant kids on a swing, only to make them cry and earn a scolding from Nami. Just as Luffy and Usopp lament how let down they are, Colon, the Giant kid from the tavern Shanks was at, charges in and attacks him. After a quick spar, Luffy’s overjoyed to know that not all the kids are spineless. In addition, it’s revealed that Colon is half-Giant, with Ripley the teacher his mother and a human pirate his father. At any rate, the Straw Hats meet back at the library with the other half of the crew getting some Elbaph outfits. Everyone splits up to do various things while the main group heads to the banquet held in honor of their arrival.

The Straw Hats and Giant Warriors celebrate together, with Luffy and Usopp overjoyed at seeing the version of Elbaph they always dreamt of. They’re also surprised to see that the oldest Giant, Jarul, has a sword in his head (LOL)!

Elsewhere, in the Aurust Castle, the two intruders (God’s Knights) are met by the guards. They ask to know where Loki is, only to be ordered to leave. In response, the bandaged woman hits one of the guards with…something that makes them keel over in pain. This time, they’re not asking for Loki’s location; they’re ordering it from them.

Review

At the moment, it’s still mere speculation that the intruders are God’s Knights, but the evidence does support this. Firstly, they arrived in Elbaph via a summoning circle similar to what the Elders used at Egghead. Secondly, one of them looks like Shanks when he seemingly appeared in Mary Geoise during the Levely. As to why they are looking for Loki, that’s remains up in the air.

If these two are indeed God’s Knights, and the theory about Loki being misunderstood is true, it’s possible they seek to apprehend him for setting back the WG’s plans for Elbaph. However, if they are God’s Knights, then they could pose a significant problem for the Giants and Straw Hats. And with the crew having split off into separate groups or partying, the timing couldn’t be worse! Elbaph might be the Straw Hat’s last safe harbor before the final war brewing on the horizon, so they need this time to prepare for what’s to come. That being said, I think the Straw Hat’s could handle the God’s Knights if they really are here.

At Least Colon is a Warrior

Identities of the intruders aside, it’s nice to know that there’s at least one Giant kid who’s got the warrior mindset. I’ve seen fans speculate about who Colon’s father might be, but I’m clueless about who it might be. However, I don’t mind not knowing. All I know is that that kid’s going places when he’s older!

This chapter managed to drop a lot of minor pieces of lore, but the one that stood out to me is the reveal that Jarul’s the oldest Giant in the world. At 408 years old, he’s possibly one or two generations away from the events of the Void Century. Due to their lives spanning centuries, many fans think that the truth of what happened during that century was passed down among the Giants. If that’s true, then Jarul might know more about what happened than anyone alive. So, we could be in for some more major lore dropping in the near future! That is, assuming Elbaph makes it through whatever’s about to happen intact.

Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Happy new year, everyone!

I Give “Camaraderie Cups” a 4/5

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One Piece Chapter 1134 Review/Recap

So far, the island of Elbaph has been like a dream for One Piece fans. A kingdom of Giants existing within a massive tree, filled with mighty warriors and beasts. The Straw Hats arrival in Elbaph should be a good thing. With the final battle for the fate of the world on the horizon, the Giant power of the Giants could be the deciding factor in who wins. However, there have been hints that something is wrong with Warland. This chapter, those hints have become even more pronounced.

It should also be noted that this chapter’s color image is special. Earlier this month, Kazuki Yao, the seiyuu for Franky, announced his retirement from the role. His replacement has already been picked out, but seeing him leave after 20 years is still bittersweet, as many fans would hope the cast could see the series through to the end. In honor of his work, Oda saw fit to dedicate the cover image for this chapter to him. Enjoy your retirement, Yao-Sama. You have earned it.

Recap

As the chapter begins, Luffy introduces himself to Saul, talking like he’s a Yakuza boss, for some reason. Once he drops that, though, the introductions are nothing short of heartfelt and joyous. In addition, Lilith speaks to Saul and explains how she’s Vegapunk’s Satellite before revealing that she brought a perfect clone of the original Doctor with her. Her plan is to build a new lab in Elbaph to grow the clone, and restore Kuma’s humanity, much to Bonney’s joy.

It’s also revealed that the area they’re in is home to the largest library and school in Elbaph. Saul takes Robin off on her own to see the Owl Library, where all the books saved from Ohara now reside. And for some reason, they grew to be giant-sized. Robin is so overcome with emotion, she starts crying tears of joy!

Why are the Giant Kids so Lame???

Elsewhere, Luffy, Usopp and Zoro meet some of the Giant children, only to discover that they’re not training to be warriors. As their teacher explains, their late King Harald spread the idea that they should be peaceful traders rather than warriors. Luffy and Usopp see that as lame considering what they know about the Giants.

Back in the Underworld, Loki’s conversing with someone called Moss over a Transponder Snail, talking about things like fear and defeating your enemies. Moss remarks that Loki has a streak of kindness in him, but all that does is set Loki off. As this is going on, a bolt of black lightning strikes a nearby castle. In a magic circle similar to the one the Five Elders used at Egghead, two figures appear. One is covered in bandages, while the other looks like Shanks when he met the Elders at the Reverie!

Review

Once again, something seems to be wrong with the country that the Straw Hats are visiting. It’s understandable that the Giants could change their ways in the last century, and wanting to be peaceful and friendly is normally a good thing. However, this changed mindset comes at the worst possible time. There’s a war to decide the survival of the entire world on the horizon, and it’s likely the Giants have a key role to play in it. So why are they choosing to lay down their arms now? It can’t be a simple case of bad timing, and many fans seem to think so.

In a thread I found on Twitter, one fan theorizes that the late King Harald was being manipulated by the Five Elders. It points out Mother Caramel (the one who raised Big Mom) and how she spread her ideas of peace. In truth, though, she was an agent of the World Government. The theory concludes that the World Government manipulated King Harald into disarming the Giant Country, and that that was the real reason Loki killed his father.

Is Loki Really Evil, or Just Misunderstood?

If all of this is true, then it recontextualizes what Loki did. Could Loki have learned about his father being a puppet, and thus killed him, only for his actions to be misunderstood? It’s possible. Plenty of Oda’s characters have been shown to be misunderstood before. However, that doesn’t change the cold, hard, truth: the Giants might not be ready for war in time. Which means the Straw Hats will have to set things right, like they usually do.

Lastly, there’s also the arrival of Shanks’ evil twin. Many theorized that the Shanks meeting with the Five Elders was an imposter who looks like him, and it seems like they were right. If this fake Shanks is part of the God Knights, then his arrival in Elbaph could spell disaster for everyone. I dont know what they’re doing, but things are about to get crazy.

It’s unfortunate that we have to wait until the new year to learn what comes next, but Oda has already done enough for us. It’s time that he enjoys the holidays! So, on that note, have a merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever holiday you celebrate!*

*I wrote this the week before the holidays and didn’t have a chance to publish it until now. Sorry!

I Give “The Owl Library” a 5/5

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