RJ Writing Ink

One Piece Chapter 1081 Review/Recap

I’ve been saying for years now: the Blackbeard Pirates will be Luffy’s greatest obstacle. Two powerful crews that started around the same time and have turned the world upside down? Oda doesn’t write coincidences like that. We’ve gotten glimpses into the Blackbeard Pirates power post time-skip before, but these last two chapters give us our best look yet. More importantly, they show us how Kuzan, a former Marine Admiral, decided to join his former enemies. 

Recap

Just as it looks like Koby’s about to reach the safety of Garp and the Marines, those plans get derailed by the arrival of Kuzan, the former Navy Admiral Aokiji. Then things transition to a flashback to a year ago, with Aokiji roaming the New World in a slump. That’s when the Blackbeard Pirates try picking a fight with him, so he freezes them all solid, save for Blackbeard himself. Blackbeard’s not willing to risk his crew, and Kuzan doesn’t want to fight, so the two sides end up standing down. Then, they start getting drunk together. 

Kuzan starts venting his regrets about losing to Akainu, what happened at Ohara, and more. Blackbeard explains that they’re hunting for the Road Poneglyphs, including the one held by the “Man marked by flames.” Then, Blackbeard gets the idea to invite Kuzan to join his crew, saying that he can live life by his own rules with them.

In the present day, Garp demands Kuzan let Koby and Hibaru (who he froze) go, with Kuzan refusing to back down against his mentor. As a result, the Hero of the Marines and the former Admiral begin to clash!

Meanwhile, on Winner Island, the battle between Blackbeard and the Heart Pirates ends. Law’s defeated, his submarine’s sinking, and the Heart Pirates are at their mercy. However, Bepo somehow manages to go Sulong in the day, distracting the Blackbeard Pirates long enough for him and Law to escape. Despite wanting to go back for his crew, Bepo refuses, putting his faith in them. Thus, the Heart Pirates suffer a humiliating defeat.

Review

Like I said, the Blackbeard Pirates are going to be Luffy’s greatest challenge. Not only do the majority of them now have Devil Fruits, but they now have a former Admiral among their ranks. And with the Heart Pirates defeat, they have two of the four Road Poneglyphs. 

As bad as things look for Law and the Heart Pirates, though, I do not think this is the end for them. Oda’s spent so much time focusing on Law up to this point, so I doubt he would kill him off so suddenly. My best guess, Law will have to regroup with his crew and restart their efforts, or just go to Luffy. As for how Bepo pulled that off, I think he used one of Chopper’s Rumble Balls. They might let the Minks go Sulong for a brief time.

What most concerns me, though, is Kuzan. I understand he left the Marines behind, but joining the Blackbeard Pirates seems like a sudden shift. Did he really lose that much faith in the Marines, or is he working an angle? That will be something to keep an eye on.

Overall, another banger of a chapter, and an important one, at that. The Blackbeard Pirates are also hunting for the “Man marked by Flames.” We don’t know who they are yet, but I have some ideas. I won’t share them yet, though! 

I Give “Kuzan, Tenth Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates,” a 4/5

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One Piece Chapter 1039 Review/Recap

We all knew going into the Wano Arc that beating Kaido wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, it would likely be the toughest fight that Luffy and the others have partaken in thus far. Then Big Mom and Kaido joined forces, and I knew that this would be a battle for the ages. The two Yonko have been ridiculously powerful enemies, but I think that one of them may be down for the count. This week, Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid might have brought Big Mom down. Or at least taken her out of the fight long enough for Luffy to do his thing.

Recap

Following Law’s devastating internal attack on Big Mom and Kid ramming her with a metal bull, the Yonko’s left reeling from the damage. Unfortunately, the two pirates start arguing about whose going to be the one to take her down, giving Big Mom enough time to heal herself using her own powers, then counterattack.

As the legendary pirate boasts how her and her peers have ruled the seas since before they were born, Kid pins her to a metal wall…only for her to bulldoze right through. However, that gives Law enough time for his ultimate, ultimate attack. Pinning the old hag to the floor with his sword, Law pushes his powers beyond their limits, extending his sword until it pierces the ground of Wano itself, creating a massive crater! Just as Law finally loses his strength, Kid comes in with his own trump card: the railgun, Damned Punk! Declaring Big Mom’s era to be over, Kid hits the Yonk with everything he’s got, sending her screaming into the ground!

Review

Everyone, I’m not going to call it until I see Oda ring the bell that says she’s down for the count, but I think that this might be it. I think that Big Mom might have been brought down by the power of Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law!

Think about it: she’s been fighting almost nonstop since this war began. She’s taken damage from many of the Alliance’s heavy-hitters, and came close to drowning in the process. Couple that with the damage she’s gotten just now, I think this she might be out of the fight. With any luck, she’ll be out cold long enough for Luffy to win against Kaido.

In addition, Law’s last attack might have been a double blessing. If I’m correct, that massive crater outside the Flower Capital’s the right size for Onigashima. If Momonosuke can lower the island into it, it will land in Wano without killing anyone. Problem solved!

If this truly is the end to Big Mom, then all that’s left is the main event: the fight between Luffy and Kaido. I’m beyond hyped to see how this goes, and I can’t wait for the anime to reach this point. It’s going to be legendary.

I Give “Top Billing” a 4.5/5

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One Piece Chapter 1038 Review/Recap

So, I’ve been saying for the last few chapters that the only major threats left to deal with are Kadio and Big Mom. Being Yonko, they have the power to wipe out entire nations, which makes it imperative that they can’t fight Luffy together. However, this chapter does a good job of reminding us of all the other threats in play. Part of the castle’s on fire and ready to explode, Zoro’s injuries catch up with him. Did I mention part of the castle’s on fire? There’s a lot to unpack here, but at the heart of it all, we have two of the Worst Generation, Kid & Law, facing down Big Mom. Those two pirates will not let her leave no matter what happens.

Recap

Onigashima continues to devolve into further chaos. Raizo and Fukurokuju hold each other in place despite the flames, while Izo defeats the Beast Pirates where he is, but runs into CP0. In the basement, Yamato reaches the armory right as Kanjuro’s fire monster reaches it, forcing the two to do battle over its contents. Elsewhere, the medicine Zoro took wears off, and the pain leaves him crippled as a giant, skeletal figure with a scythe comes for him.

Meanwhile, Kid & Law lie broken at the feet of Big Mom, who makes short work of their crews when they try to help. However, when Big Mom tries to leave to find Kaido, Law gets back up and uses his Awakened Abilities to attack her body from within. As for Kid, he uses his powers to gather every scrap of metal in the room into a bull that dwarfs even Big Mom in size. Together, the two deal a good bit of damage to Big Mom, declaring that they won’t let her reach Kaido, even if it costs them their lives.

Review

This is One Piece at its absolute peak, when it thrives on complete and utter chaos. There’s a lot to unpack, but I will give it my best shot.

Firstly, I’m getting very worried about the fire raging in Onigashima. If the fire keeps up, it will destroy the island, regardless of whether the armory blows or not. However, I’m betting Oda has an out already. Zunehsa could use seawater to put out the fire, and give fish to the people of the Flower Capital.

As for Zoro, I’m more than a little worried that he’s being visited by the Grim Reaper. Zoro’s tough, but in his state, Death might be coming for him. If he ends up repelling Death, though, then that will be beyond badass.

Finally, we have the fight between Kid & Law and Big Mom. I already thought that those two were awesome, but my respect for them has skyrocketed since they started fighting Big Mom. If they actually manage to take her down, then they’ll become legendary pirates. They’re right, though. If she joins up with Kaido, Luffy won’t be able to win.

This was a very chaotic chapter, but that’s par for the course when it comes to One Piece. We have to be close to the climax by now, and I can’t wait to see what happens!

I Give “Kid & Law vs. Big Mom” a 3.5/5

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One Piece Chapter 1002 Review/Recap

For those of you who enjoy One Piece for the sheer amount of action that it has, then you’re going to love this chapter. It’s nothing but action and fight scenes in what could end up being the most epic fights in shonen history. On one side, we have the Yonko, Kaido and Big Mom. Their opponents, from the New Generation of Pirates: Luffy, Zoro, Killer, Kid, and Law! Can our underdogs take down the monstrous Yonko before they destroy Wano? I don’t know, but I’m going to love seeing this!

Recap

It’s a clash of demi-gods as the seven pirates fight throw everything they have at each other. One after another, the New Generation of Supernovas unload their strongest attacks on Kaido. And the scariest thing is the fact that it’s working. Kaido’s starting to feel the hurt!

Just as it looks like Kaido’s starting to feel the pressure, Big Mom charges in and shocks Killer with Zeus, giving Kaido the chance to counterattack. To end the fight for good, Zoro charges in with Oden’s sword, Enma, and prepares to end Kaido. He misses, but this was the result!

Caught off guard, the Supernovas are left helpless as Big Mom calls on her lightning to take them all out. The only one left standing is Luffy thanks to his immunity to lightning. And when Kaido tries to obliterate him, Luffy powers on through sheer will to deliver a punishing blow to Kaido!

Review

When the anime comes out for this fight, I’m going to watch every second of it. This probably the best fight that One Piece has seen in years! Pure epicness, just like it should be! First, the fact that Zoro cut through one of the horns of Onigashima with Enma! The only other people who could do that would be Mihawk and Oden Kozuki; it’s amazing! Then there’s the fact that Big Mom warned Kaido to dodge his attack, and how afraid the Yonko was of Oden’s aura coming from Enma. If what they’re saying is true, had Zoro not missed, that attack could’ve brought Kaido down for good.

However, while the Yonko seem to be on the backfoot, I know it’s not that easy. The two Emperor’s are only now starting to take things seriously. Once they go all out, then the New Generation will have to fight tooth and nail to win. Then there’s Luffy himself. His Gear Fourth is strong, but he can’t maintain it for long. And when it wears off, he can’t move for several minutes. Either Luffy needs to fix this problem, or wear the enemy down enough give them the advantage.

No matter how you slice it, this fight’s only getting started. By my guess, this is going to take several months to fully resolve, but I’d expect nothing less. Oda knows how this is one of the most important arcs in One Piece history, so it needs an epic climax.

Overall, this chapter was short, but filled to the brim with action. I loved it! Can’t wait for the anime!

I Give “Emperors vs. The New Generation” A 4/5

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One Piece Chapter 1001 Review/Recap

You know what I love about the Shonen genre? When they feature fights that are so awesome that you can’t help but get pumped up just from watching them. The feeling of excitement, the hair on the back of your neck standing on end, the desire to see the heroes win. It’s just so much fun! Why am I saying this now, though? Because the Supernovas and Yonko are about to take part in what may end up being one of the biggest fights in One Piece history and we’ve got front row seats! LET’S GET IT ON, PEOPLE!!

Recap

Picking up right where we left off, everybody’s completely floored at what just happened: Luffy managed to knock down Kaido. Kaido himself is left in complete disbelief and wondering he could get so strong after beating him in Kuri. However, once he gets over the initial shock, Kaido gets pumped at the prospect of a true challenge

As Kaido launches his counterattack, Big Mom joins the fray, siccing Prometheus on Luffy. However, she’s shocked when Zoro manages to cut right through the sun homie!

A fierce battle soon erupts as both Yonko and Supernovas bring their full power to bare against each other. It’s a battle between monsters with neither side holding back!

As the Supernovas finish unloading their attacks on the Yonko, Big Mom and Kaido begin to laugh. It’s been so long since they faced a true challenge, so they happily respond in kind. Both sides steel themselves, understanding how high the stakes are. Whoever wins this battle will be one step closer to finding One Piece and becoming King of the Pirates.

THIS IS AWESOME!!!

Review

HOLY TOLEDO, THIS IS EPIC, ODA!!! I’ve seen a lot of great fights in One Piece before, but this? This looks like it may end up being one of the all-time best. I’m talking Goku vs. Vegeta levels of fighting. Maybe Goku vs. Frieza, if I’m being honest.

Why am I so pumped up for this, though? Well, besides the fact that we can see the next generation put the Yonko in their place, I knew that this was going to happen. Kaido should’ve killed Luffy when he had the chance, because he’s not going to get another one. Luffy’s going to kick him and Big Mom’s butts!

We don’t know how this fight will turn out, though. For all the epic moves, this was just a warm-up for both sides. Next chapter will see the Yonko get serious, meaning that this will be an uphill battle for the heroes. I’m not worried, though; the Supernova’s have got this.

I know it stinks that we have to wait another two weeks for the next chapter, but keep in mind, Eichiro Oda’s only human. With the way things are in the world, he needs to look after his health. In addition, if this helps make the fight even more awesome, then I won’t complain.

I Give “The Battle of Monster on Onigashima” a 5/5

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