Chapter Analysis

Roger and Shakky — Egghead Homage Timeline Before the God Valley Incident That means the God Valley Incident was only one year away… The God Valley flashback also ties into Bartholomew Kuma’s childhood, showing us how deeply the world’s history shaped key characters. In Chapter 1158 we see: This is clearly a homage to the … Read more

General Zombie Connection: Jigoro of the Wind Yamato’s cover story, Vol. 39: “He fought Kaido to protect the village, but died without leaving even a body behind.” The grave’s owner wasn’t named again this week—though by now it’s obvious. Last time, the cover showed characters arriving at a grave, most likely a homage to Shanks building … Read more

The Pirate King, His Wings — and a Queen? Absolute perfection from the lead color spread. Seeing them drawn side by side — “The Straw Hats have risen to the level of the legendary crew” — is genuinely moving. It makes sense that Luffy shares so much with Roger, since he is the future Pirate … Read more

Gunko’s True Age The current flashback places the story here in the timeline: The figure in the Flower Room who appears to be Gunko has been attending to Im since at least 50 years ago. Based on her childhood memories, she met Brook — back when he was still a royal knight — which would … Read more

The Cover Page: Paramount War Homage Yamato’s Cover Page Series Vol. 38: “Born in the West Blue, raised in Bekou — please pay your respects at the hero’s grave.” Yamato biting into an apple in Bekou — at last. I was genuinely waiting for that pun. The hero’s grave Ochou leads Yamato to appears to … Read more

Reunion at the Paramount War Yamato’s Cover Page Series Vol. 36: “Daimyo Kikunojo of Bekou and Boss Ochou.” A long-awaited reunion between Kikunojo and Yamato. Last chapter’s cover was Little Oars Jr. and Ace (Paramount War arc), so this week I looked at what follows from there. The memorable happy reunions in the Paramount War … Read more

A Giant Like Oars Yamato’s Cover Page Series Vol. 36: “Delivery complete: Otama’s sedge hat to Daimyo Kawamatsuno of Hakunai!” Last chapter’s cover — Yamato throwing the sumo champion Sukune — was a homage to the Oars-gets-launched scene in Thriller Bark. Chaining off the keyword “Oars”: The cover was signaling: “The flashback of a colossal … Read more

Thriller Bark Homage Yamato’s Cover Page Series Vol. 35: “Hakunai Sumo Tournament! Brother Urashima, Throw the Yokozuna Sukune!” Kawamatsuno makes a return. The chain: Kawamatsuno → kappa → sumo fan → sumo tournament → Yamato throwing a giant. The MMA forces and main story content are drawn like Thriller Bark zombies — and since Kiringum … Read more

Chapter 828 Homage — Confirmed Yamato’s Cover Page Series Vol. 34: “Blade returned to the Enma-do shrine in Hakunai — pilgrimage complete.” The little horned characters are going to be popular. Ulti was beloved even as an enemy, so their popularity is about to explode. Two chapters ago in Chapter 1148 “Anya,” I explained how … Read more

Impel Down Homage With Saint Sommers using the move name “Crimson Hell,” this is almost certainly an Impel Down homage. Could the thorns spreading across the ground be an Awakening? Gaban vs. Saint Sommers overlaps with Blugorilla vs. Buggy. The common traits: Skypiea Homage In Chapter 1144, I explained how the situation with the children … Read more