xparrot: Chopper reading (Brainbreaking)
X-parrot ([personal profile] xparrot) wrote2005-05-21 02:31 pm
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OP ch.367

Meanwhile, to make up for George Lucas, we have Oda Eichirou proving himself once again to be a genius, able to make you cry, laugh, and cheer wildly in the course of a dozen pages. I thought I might be getting out of One Piece. Nope.

By now I can say without hesitation that Water 7 is the best arc yet. Whatever steam it was losing for a moment there it has picked up again right along with the runaway sea train. Luffy and Zoro blasting through Aqua Laguna will be marvelous to see in the anime, and love the reactions of everyone watching - "Wow they're terrifying enemies, but now they're on our side!" And Nami? Was the one person on the ship not afraid for her life. Because she was talking with Sanji, and because of course she has absolute confidence in her boys to get her through this stuff.

Man oh man I love how Luffy is growing up in this arc. I was so happy to see him smiling again when he saw the train - he wouldn't really be Luffy if he didn't sparkle over the crazy stuff. But we're seeing more of his serious side than before, and he's showing real leadership. He's becoming a true captain and he's gonna rock the world. His rallying cry to the whole train last chapter was awesome, and his conversation with Sanji here was even better. That he knew exactly how Sanji would react, knew to order him onward because they'd passed the point of no return and it would be impossible to hold him back, that was beautiful. And Zoro! Worried! Doing such a terrible job hiding it that Sanji had to call him on it! Heee! And Sanji breaking the denden mushi mic - yooow. Hotness x 940314 for Sanji-kun this arc. Guess Oda's making up for the two books he was gone.

Then - Usopp. Walking away, I was whimpering. So heartbreaking, all over again. (a side note, Usopp should get grievously injured more often, he looks great in the bandages.) Franky calling him on it, aww, but Sanji letting him go...

Except. Then.

Watashi no na wa "SOGE-KING"!!!!

Love. This. Manga.

Everyone who can see Luffy not recognizing him, raise your hands. Yeah, me too.

Other recent thoughts - the new nakama's not going to be Franky, not with his whole gang coming after him like this. You think they'd let him leave without them? He's gonna rebuild Water 7 and the Galley-la with Iceberg. And make the new Merry, whatever it will be...I can't imagine. I didn't ever imagine the train chase, I don't know how the fight against CP9 will actually play out, I have no idea where this is going. But I can't wait to get there.

Thank you, Oda-sensei.

Good gods, she's alive!

[identity profile] lady-karasu.livejournal.com 2005-05-21 12:26 pm (UTC)(link)
That being said- yes, Oda-sensei rocks! I had lost interest in the new chapters for a few weeks there, but when I popped back to check out what I had missed... omg, I'm falling for it all over again. ^_^ The addiction is most definitely back. Now I'm sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for new chapters, again...

And thank you- I had started to worry that they'd be taking Franky (not because I dislike Franky per se, he's turned out pretty decent- but I so very love Paulie), but that's a good point- looks like we may be getting Paulie after all. *does the happy dance of joy*

[identity profile] bluepard.livejournal.com 2005-05-21 03:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I can't even try to predict things anymore. Not that I've ever managed to, but before I used to try.

I don't want Franky to leave. ;_; Although I still can't see either of them as the new member. ^^

[identity profile] mei-yanohi.livejournal.com 2005-05-22 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Uau. I was so worried you were leaving us! *sobs*

I really have no words. I mean... you said everything I ever wanted to say about the most recent chapter. Everything. I mean, god, you know? What is it about this story? Why does it makes me want to run and jump and fly and do amazing things? Why are these characters, these made-up cartoon people in a comic book, so unbelieveably powerful and deep and why do I care about them so much and why am I so proud of them and amazed by them?

I'll never know.

[identity profile] shayera.livejournal.com 2005-05-24 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
*squeee*

*raises hand* I adore this arc so much. I don't know how Oda can keep doing it, but I'm so happy that he does. ^___^ And that final move of Usopp's - brilliant. I would never have thought of it myself, but it's such a perfectly insane, in character thing for Usopp to do, and it kinda solves his dilemma, at least for the moment. Hee. One chapter a week is not enough!