Best Characters Introduced In Cover Stories In One Piece

In this captivating world of One Piece, I find myself utterly enthralled by the multifaceted characters that populate it. Among these intriguing personalities, one cannot help but notice the indomitable spirit and resilience of Hatchan. A fish-man with a heart as vast as the sea itself, Hatchan’s life story is a testament to friendship, perseverance, and the power of second chances.

In the epic saga of “One Piece”, cover stories often play an understated yet crucial role in the overall plotline. These short, single-panel vignettes serve as a means to keep track of side characters not directly involved in the main story. They help flesh out the larger narrative by providing details that might otherwise be missing. For instance, the early appearances of Koby’s rise through the Marines and Buggy’s encounter with Alvida were initially presented as cover stories. On occasion, these cover stories even serve to introduce new characters who eventually become integral to the main storyline. Here are some memorable characters who made their debut through this method.

5 Baburu

Debut: Caribou’s Kehihihihi in the New World, Vol. 15 (Chapter 690)

Best Characters Introduced In Cover Stories In One Piece

In a turn of events, I found myself stranded on an island after a fierce storm, tended to by a kindly old woman who nursed me back to health. Despite my questionable past actions, it seemed only natural that I would repay her kindness by stealing from her. Yet, this gentle soul offered me hospitality, even trying to help me escape the island by giving me meat pies for the journey. Little did I know, my newfound friend was unaware of the revolutionaries who were being brutalized by one of Kaido’s lieutenants stationed on the island.

Later on, Caribou realizes he looks like the late Gaburu, grandson of Baburu, whom she seems to believe is the same individual as him. He also finds out that Baburu’s house was looted due to sheltering him. Caribou reunites with his crew, which includes his brother and fellow captain Coribou, who recalls their grandmother’s desire for harmony between them. In an unusual display of benevolence, Caribou guides his team to instigate a revolution, eventually overpowering Scotch. Unfortunately, Caribou is captured by X Drake, resulting in his detention in Wano.

Even though Baburu was known for his deceitful nature, he managed to fool Gaburu by hiding their differences. Yet, Baburu’s participation in the deception offered a new perspective on Caribou, setting the stage for his eventual return as a hero (though equally self-serving) in Wano. It’s expected that Caribou will be a full-blown antagonist upon his return, but the story arc nonetheless contributed to his character development.

4 The Automata

Debut: Enel’s Great Space Operations, Vol. 4 (Chapter 433)

Best Characters Introduced In Cover Stories In One Piece

These robotic beings bare more than a resemblance to Chopper, and are only somewhat less adorable than the reindeer man. Enel first discovers one of them (First Lieutenant Spacey) defeated at the hands of the Space Pirates, an intergalactic crew of aliens resembling various animals. Using his electric powers to revive the defeated automaton, he discovers that they were on the moon for revenge. Their creator, Dr. Tsukimi was killed by choking on a dumpling while being shocked at an explosion on the moon. Despite being only machine, the automata were deeply affected by their creator’s death and traveled to the moon for revenege.

In the tale of Birkan legend, Enel managed to reach the moon on his own. Following Spacey’s guidance, he encountered his defeated colleagues – Sergeant Cosmo, General Galaxy, and Colonel Macro. However, their reunion was interrupted by an attacking pirate, prompting Enel to seek retribution against the Space Pirates and demolish their vessel.

3 Hina

Debut: Jango’s Dance Paradise, Vol. 36 (Chapter 171)

It’s undeniable that this rear admiral played a crucial role in preserving the camaraderie between Jango and Fullbody. Given that one was a pirate and the other a marine, it seemed they were destined to go their separate ways due to the strained bond they had developed through dancing, which negatively impacted Fullbody’s career, prompting him to relinquish his lieutenant rank in order to secure Jango’s pardon. However, a shared affection for the captain, Hina, led them both to join her marine unit, the Black Cage Corps, as low-ranking seamen.

Ever since then, I’ve seen Hina pop up as a supporting character in many marine-related arcs. Her Devil Fruit, the Oriori No Mi, gives her the ability to capture most criminals, making her a perfect fit for the marines. Under her tutelage, Jango and Fullbody have risen through the ranks to become lieutenant captains, and they seem to work together seamlessly.

2 Camie and Papag

Debut: Hatchan’s Sea-Floor Stroll, Vol. 12 (Chapter 195)

Initially, the mermaid and her starfish companion were spotted fleeing from a sea-serpent known as a sea-boa, with Hatchan intervening to save them. Regrettably, the half-human, Hatchan, bartered away the mermaid in exchange for a treasure map that once belonged to his old acquaintances who were involved in the slave trade. Suspecting he had been deceived, Hatchan unwittingly freed the mermaid by destroying their ship. It was later revealed that he hadn’t been tricked and used the treasure to prepare takoyaki for a group of malnourished octopus-banded fishes. Despite Octopako, who held feelings for him, urging him to share the remaining takoyaki with her, Hatchan chose to give it to the late-arriving elder fish instead. In return, the octopus-banded fishes constructed a takoyaki stand that Hatchan and his friends ran together.

Initially insignificant to the main storyline, Camie and Papag became crucial characters following Luffy’s rescue from a Sea King that repeatedly consumed them. They eventually forged an alliance with Hatchan, overcoming their previous hostility, which ultimately led Straw Hat crew to establish friendship with them. This bond was instrumental as it facilitated the meeting of a submarine mechanic, who enabled them to navigate underwater. Remarkably, this mechanic was Silver Rayleigh, the first mate of the Roger Pirates, and a mentor to Luffy, helping him significantly enhance his Haki skills during their time on Amazon Lily.

During the break (timeskip), Hatchan joined forces with Bartholomew Kuma, the Rosy Life Riders, and others to protect the Thousand Sunny when it was back in port. Together, they thwarted the Marines’ attempts to seize the ship. Camie’s ongoing assistance enabled the Straw Hats to forge alliances with past adversaries, expanding their network, and underscoring the importance of the goodwill the crew generates as a crucial element of their advancement.

1 Monkey D. Garp

Debut: Diary of Koby-Meppo, Vol. 9 (Chapter 92)

Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp served as a guide to several marines, including Kuzan, Koby, and Helmeppo among others. He is connected to some notorious criminals currently, specifically his grandson, Monkey D. Luffy – one of the Four Emperors, his son, Monkey D. Dragon – the head and creator of the Revolutionary Army, who once was a marine himself.

Garpp shares a similar stubbornness with his relatives and has honed his physical prowess through years of diligent, focused practice. Similar to Luffy, he masters all forms of Haki and stands firm in his convictions. Unlike his offspring, whose aspirations involve challenging the Marines, Garpp seeks marine control, a goal directly opposed to his son’s ambition to overthrow them and his grandson’s quest for “freedom.” More frequently than not, he clashes with powerful pirates, including his own grandson, often showcasing abilities that rival even those of an Admiral. However, he consistently turns down promotions to this rank, reasoning that it would place him under the direct control of the World Nobles, whom he despises.

Initially known primarily for his complex personality, it’s easy to overlook the fact that this individual first appeared in a cover story, where he was set on becoming the guide for characters such as Koby and Helmeppo. These two individuals had been tutored by him, honing their skills to reach their current level of proficiency. He particularly focused on these two, observing how they handled Morgan’s escape, an event that also led to Helmeppo’s brief detention. In response, he personally took up the task of training them. Even after they had become skilled fighters in their own right, he continued mentoring them.

2024-11-06 12:44