Shonen Beam

Why wouldn’t Crocodile and Daz Bones be walking around with mafioso hippos?

Man, Ace and Sabo were jerks when they were young. Well, at least Ace “was.” Who knows about Sabo, yet.

Luffy was a real man even when he wasn’t a real man. Here’s hoping for some serious retribution against Polchemi.

Oh, good. The kids aren’t so bad, after all.

Well, there’s that retribution. Pretty brutal.

While I’ve questioned the placement of this flashback, the fact that it was withheld until after Ace’s death makes the scene where Ace finally accepts Luffy both touching and haunting.

As if Sabo wasn’t certainly going to become an important character already, he’s now also staying with Dadan? Look for him to feature prominently in some capacity.

Tenryuubito. Things are about to get serious.

Final Flash: I would expect next chapter to be the last chapter of the flashback, which would be acceptable. Given that we know most of what happened to Luffy and Ace after this point, I would expect it to be Dadan or Sabo who gets tangled up with the Tenryuubito.

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Loving the cover image. I wouldn’t mind a cover story with these two, or any of the Thriller Bark side characters.

It’s been hundreds of chapters since we got to see any kid Luffy. The shrill sound you hear in the distance is the female portion of the fandom (or the more effeminate males) cooing over how cute he was. Can’t say I disagree, though.

I’m finding distant-Ace interesting.

Sabo, hm? Clearly, we’re going to meet this character all grown up sometime, and hopefully soon. Also, for some reason, he reminds me of a young Setzer.

Porchemy’s tattoo looks slightly similar to the Sunny Pirates emblem.

Luffy lying is hilarious.

Final Flash: Everything I could have asked for from a Luffy/Ace flashback. Assuming the flashback doesn’t last for too many more chapters, this will be a welcome addition to the overall story.

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One Piece got the Jump cover this week, and it’s nice. Highlights: Mashiro, Jaguar, Kuroko, the trio of Oga (with Beel!) / Yotsuya / Hadesu. Lowlights: Nura (hat doesn’t suit him), Medaka (these breasts are getting out of hand), Ichigo (and his terrible fat-triangle face).

Fantastic color spread. Where’s my poster?

It’s going to be hard to watch Luffy’s reaction.

The fact that we’re back at Amazon Lily lends even more credibility to the idea of Hancock joining the crew. She can properly say her farewells to everyone. Still not sure if it will happen, or if I’d want it to, but I can’t ignore the signs.

I love Bepo more every time we get to see him. Poor talking bear.

I feel horrible for Luffy.

Good time for a flashback. We need to put most of the Ace/Luffy backstory behind us. Also, anything to interrupt Luffy’s agony. This is difficult to read.

Dadan! Officially recognized as their foster mother, too. I have to say, she’s a little… different… from what I expected. Not that that’s a bad thing.

Is this the first time Oda has placed an arc-relevant flashback after its relevant event? I’m so used to seeing flashbacks before fights that this carries even more impact.

Final Flash: A clinic on the benefits of proper character development. I feel genuine sympathy for a fictional character. This chapter is an accomplishment.

Excellent cover page. Interesting to ponder where this scene would fit in the overall timeline.

It is always good to see the Supernovas. Always.

The fourth Yonkou is “Big Mum”? Hm. This could help to quell the idea that Kaidou is female, if nothing else.

Oh no! It’s Brownbeard! … I hope we get to see him again after this. The idea deserves a cover story, at least.

Poor Bepo.

Jesus, Ivankov is scary.

The escaped prisoners (and presumably Ivankov) want to head to Kamabakka Kingdom, where Sanji is currently located. Could this be the start of the reassembly of the crew?

Some serious conspiracy material seeing the light of day. Someone higher than Sengoku is calling for the cover-up of the Impel Down escapes and having Doflamingo take out Moria? Excellent. Some Gorousei activity, finally? (Incidentally, how did Moria end up completely alone with Doflamingo and the PXs? Everyone was there just a moment ago.)

Final Flash: A reaction-heavy chapter, but the interactions on the ship were great, and the last few pages were fantastic.

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Coby and Helmeppo have been taught by Tashigi! That’s excellent.

Shanks has been fighting Kaidou? I’m now even more anxious to meet him.

“If I were to see him now, I’d be breaking our promise.” Harsh but honorable words.

Hancock’s best asset: Her look-down-her-nose pose. I know you were thinking of something else, but this pose is priceless.

Buggy has been the comic relief of this entire arc, but there’s reason to believe he could now become a force.

No Shanks/Mihawk? Damn.

Yasopp’s looking pretty badass there. Well, they all are.

Moria’s expression doesn’t quite fit the surrounding reflection and grief. I mean, it fits him to be like that, but it’s comical.

It’s over.

Final Flash: One Piece is on break next week. One extra week for a sense of finality, then on to an uncertain future. I’m excited.

More Law, please.

Still can’t come to terms with Blackbeard’s new powers. This stands alone as the one aspect of One Piece I completely dislike.

Pandaman! Page 5, part of the fleeing crowd.

Buggy’s terrified face cracks me up every time.

Wow, Coby. Wow. I liked him already, but my respect has grown immeasurably.

Shock of the week. Shanks, out of nowhere.

“Bitch, what have you done to my hat?!”

Final Flash: It’s hard for One Piece to get any more into serious mode, but Oda found a way. We can never have too much Shanks.

Beautiful color spread. I require a poster.

Very happy to see some more Buddha action. I would like to know a little more about the specifics of Sengoku’s abilities, though.

Aokiji’s apology doesn’t seem sarcastic. He’s easily the best admiral.

Jinbei is increasingly amazing.

SPEAKING OF AMAZING. Crocodile.

Betting lines are open: Buggy 12/1 to accidentally become Pirate King.

A submarine with lanterns and a familiar logo. Only one man is this cool. Oh yes.

Final Flash: No coincidence that the awesome started flying around once the focus turned away from Blackbeard. We need a little break from him. How about those last two pages?