Manga creator Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is set to welcome back some very special characters in its upcoming chapter with a surprising and heartwarming twist. Oda, known for his intricate storytelling and vast world-building, is reaching back to his roots to pay homage to his early days as a manga artist. This development has sent waves of excitement through the One Piece fandom and the wider manga community.
The official preview for the next chapter reveals that Oda will be reintroducing pirate characters he first drew 27 years ago, long before the series became a global phenomenon. This offers fans a unique glimpse into Oda’s past, and serves as a touching tribute to the friendships and experiences that shaped one of the most influential manga creators of our time.
Nostalgic Return to Eiichiro Oda’s Roots
Sandman, an account on X (Formerly Twitter), revealed that Eiichiro Oda will be revisiting characters he created nearly three decades ago. These pirates, drawn when Oda was just starting his career, are said to be based on himself, as well as Nobuhiro Watsuki (creator of Rurouni Kenshin) and Hiroyuki Takei (creator of Shaman King). This nostalgic callback serves as a heartfelt tribute to Oda’s formative years in the manga industry.
This unexpected revival also provides longtime One Piece fans with an Easter egg of sorts, connecting the vast, sprawling world of the series to its creator’s humble beginnings. Moreover, this artistic choice reflects Oda’s penchant for storytelling and his ability to weave personal elements into his work.
By incorporating these characters into the current narrative, Oda is not only paying homage to his past, but also enriching the One Piece universe with a layer of meta-storytelling that bridges the gap between creator and creation
Honoring a Mentor and Friend
Particularly significant is the character based on Watsuki, under whom Oda worked as an assistant early in his career. Sandman’s other post on X indicates that Oda expressed his deep admiration for Watsuki, describing him as “a wonderful person.” This upcoming chapter appears to be Oda’s way of honoring those who shaped his life and career.
The manga industry is known for its demanding schedules and intense pressure, making bonds between artists all the more significant. Oda’s decision to incorporate a character based on his mentor into One Piece speaks volumes about the depth of their connection and the lasting impact of those early days. Oda not only shares a part of his own history, but also shines a light on the collaborative and supportive nature of the manga community.
Fans eagerly await the release of this chapter, which promises to blend One Piece‘s ongoing narrative with a touching tribute to friendships and experiences that shaped the manga.
One Piece is available to read on Viz and watch on Crunchyroll.
