One Piece: Who Is Oda’s Favorite Straw Hat, Explained

One Piece: Who Is Oda's Favorite Straw Hat, Explained

As a long-time fan of One Piece and someone who has followed the series since its early days, I can confidently say that Eiichiro Oda clearly adores Luffy more than any other character in his own creation. It’s no secret that the author himself has expressed his deep affection for Luffy, stating that he was worried when Zoro came close to surpassing him in popularity polls.


This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Egghead Arc.

Eiichiro Oda has constructed an enormously detailed universe within the realm of “One Piece,” populated by numerous characters that fans can take delight in. Notably, among all the unique personalities found in “One Piece,” the Straw Hat Pirates capture the limelight. This is due to the fact that these characters play a pivotal role in the narrative and receive special attention from the series’ author.

Although it’s evident that Oda shows a greater affection for the Straw Hats compared to most characters, there are instances where biases become apparent in the story, sparking much debate among fans about who Oda prefers among the Straw Hat crew. However, when it comes to identifying his favorite character definitively, there can only be one unambiguous response from the creator himself.

The Neglected Straw Hats in One Piece Cannot Be Oda’s Number 1

One Piece: Who Is Oda's Favorite Straw Hat, Explained
  • Franky Doesn’t Get Many Moments
  • Chopper is Often Neglected

As a dedicated fan, I often ponder about Oda’s favorite Straw Hats, yet it’s crucial to understand that Oda adores each one equally, as they all contribute uniquely to the narrative. However, some characters may seem less spotlighted compared to others, which can be disappointing but is, in many ways, justifiable given the storyline’s demands. Among these somewhat overlooked Straw Hats are Franky, Chopper, and Brook. Despite their moments of brilliance, they might not receive as much attention as some other characters. But remember, this doesn’t diminish their importance or Oda’s affection for them in any way.

I’m gonna become a doctor that can cure any disease! – Chopper

Franky truly shone during the Egghead Island storyline, while Brook had his moments on Whole Cake Island and Wano Country too. Oda seems to really appreciate these characters, but it’s evident that certain key figures in One Piece play more significant roles within the series.

One Piece: Who Is Oda's Favorite Straw Hat, Explained

To Luffy, each member of the Straw Hat crew holds equal value. He cherishes every crewmate dearly and they all return that affection equally towards him. At the same time, each crewmember remains steadfastly loyal to Luffy, just as Luffy is faithful to each one of them. This mutual love and loyalty is what sets the Straw Hat pirates apart. However, it’s worth noting that Oda might have his personal preferences, and fans are well aware of this fact.

Just like Robin and Jinbe frequently have significant roles, it’s worth noting that they aren’t on par with the East Blue Five in terms of importance. The East Blue Five are essentially the heart of One Piece, and it’s evident that Oda favors these characters among them. Compared to other Straw Hats, the East Blue Five stand out more distinctly, not just from Luffy’s perspective, but also from Oda’s. Their impact on the story underscores their unique status within the series.

The Straw Hats That Received A Lot Of Shine

Zoro, Nami, and Sanji Are Often At the Center Of Major Events

In the popular Straw Hat crew from One Piece, Nami, Zoro, and Sanji often take center stage due to their significant roles across key story arcs. While Zoro and Sanji may receive more focus in battle scenes, Nami is just as crucial to the group. It’s also evident that the creator of One Piece, Oda, has a deep affection for Nami, on par with his feelings for characters like Sanji and Zoro.

After all, he’s the man known as the Wings of the Pirate King! – Robin

Contrarily to many other Straw Hat members, Usopp often finds himself in a unique situation. He hasn’t been given as much focus compared to others, and some might even say he’s one of the less emphasized crew members. However, with their journey now leading them to Elbaf, it seems that Usopp could potentially be assigned a significant role to compensate for his previous underdevelopment in the storyline.

Regarding the Pirate King’s Wings, it’s well-known that Zoro was Luffy’s initial shipmate, making him particularly significant to Luffy. However, Sanji stands out as he often takes on crucial roles throughout various story arcs. Notably, he has two entire arcs dedicated to his adventures, and he plays pivotal roles in the Wano Country and Egghead arcs too. This suggests that Oda enjoys crafting complex stories for these characters, and they undoubtedly hold a special place in his heart.

The Curious Case Of Monkey D. Luffy

Monkey D. Luffy Will Always Be Oda’s #1

Absolutely, it’s worth noting that the main character in One Piece, Luffy, holds a special place for the creator, Oda. This is hinted at by Oda himself, expressing concern when Zoro came close to him in popularity polls, as he wanted Luffy to be top choice. Additionally, Oda has openly acknowledged that Luffy is his ideal child character. The story’s structure, with Luffy at its center, and the careful development of his character further underscores Oda’s fondness for Luffy.

At the end of the day, Oda is only human, which means that he is likely going to have his own favorites. But, it is no secret that his favorite character in One Piece is likely Luffy himself. Of course, Oda has previously also spoken in admiration of Shanks, but, of course, Shanks is not a part of the Straw Hat crew, which means that he isn’t part of the conversation here. Among the Straw Hats, it can be said that Oda’s most beloved character is Luffy, and after him, Zoro, Sanji, and Nami, in any order. Usopp is up there as well, but given that he hasn’t been involved in the story on as many occasions as one would like, one certainly would call into question as to how much Oda thinks about this character. Perhaps, Elbaf is going to mend that.

Among the characters that joined the Straw Hat Pirates after the East Blue Saga, Robin undeniably steals the spotlight due to her close connection with the enigma surrounding the One Piece. Characters like Jimbe, Brook, Franky, and Chopper also have a special place in Oda’s heart, as each Straw Hat has their own captivating storyline that adds depth to the tale. However, it’s undeniable that Luffy is the one that Oda adores most of all, given his role as the main protagonist and the extraordinary journey he embarks on.

You can access “One Piece” through Viz Media, where fans can read it officially and for free on apps such as Shonen Jump and Manga Plus. The upcoming chapter of “One Piece,” numbered 1125, is scheduled to be released on September 8, 2024.

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2024-08-29 02:33