Human Characters Who Don’t Look Like Humans In One Piece

This list will contain spoilers up to the end of the Wano story arc

Summary

Some characters in One Piece have designs that make them look non-human, like Magellan’s size and features.
Characters like Merry and Ulti possess unusual horns that call into question their humanity.
Black Maria and Moria have designs that make them standout, seemingly more beastly than human.

People familiar with the series One Piece will recognize that its creator, Eiichiro Oda, often pushes boundaries when it comes to character design. This results in a unique world where, while humans form the main race, there are also characters who seem to belong to a distinct tribe or even an alien planet, based on their unusual features.

In the narrative, it seems like the characters are portrayed as humans, but when someone towers over a skyscraper or lacks prominent human characteristics, questions about their humanity start to arise. Yet, this ambiguity only intensifies the enigma surrounding these characters, sparking numerous debates among fans about their actual origin. To put it succinctly, there are certain characters in One Piece who, despite being labeled as human, don’t exactly fit the traditional human mold.

8. Magellan

Magellan, The ‘Poisonous Human’, Doesn’t Appear To Be A Human At All

First Appearance: Episode 425

Magellan, the commanding officer of Impel Down prison, is a genuinely awe-inspiring figure when viewed at close range. To start with, this formidable adversary stands significantly taller than most humans, making him towering even over characters like Luffy and Buggy. Furthermore, he skillfully exploits his size advantage in battle, unleashing powerful attacks against anyone who attempts to break free.

In addition to his size, there are several peculiar aspects of Magellan’s appearance that set him apart from typical humans. His razor-sharp teeth are reminiscent of those belonging to a Fishman rather than a human, and his enormous bat wings, which might be decorative in nature. It’s understandable why Oda intended for Magellan to appear intimidating, but the fierce design he created has sparked numerous debates online about whether this poison-wielding character is truly human or not.

7. Merry

If A Lamb Were Able To Transform Into A Human, It Would Look A Lot Like Merry

First Appearance: Episode 11

Long-time viewers may recall Merry as the energetic young character who assisted the Straw Hats in constructing their vessel during the Syrup Village storyline. Although Merry adopts human attire, complete with stylish suits and professional garments, it’s his striking features—a massive bush of white curly hair and horns reminiscent of a lamb’s—that truly set him apart.

As a fanatic, I can’t help but appreciate how Oda constantly plays around with distinctive character designs, and Merry, well, he takes the cake as one of the most peculiar human designs yet! Now, if only Merry were a Devil Fruit user who could transform into a lamb, that would make perfect sense. But since he doesn’t appear to have any Devil Fruit abilities, his unusual appearance is undeniably a bit puzzling – I mean, born this way? That’s quite the twist!

6. Avalo Pizarro

The Dangerous Member Of The Blackbeard Crew Was Given A Pretty Strange Design

First Appearance: Episode 484

At first sight, Pizarro might seem like an ordinary individual, but upon closer scrutiny, there are features that raise doubts about his humanity. For instance, the pair of spiked horns jutting out from either side of his head appear more fitting for an ogre or beast rather than a human. Moreover, he sports an extraordinarily lengthy mustache that stretches beyond his entire body width – something that while not entirely implausible for a human, remains quite unusual.

When Blackbeard resolved to rescue numerous influential prisoners from Impel Down to form his own motley crew, he paid little attention to their background or identity. As long as they possessed sufficient strength to aid him in his voyage, he was content to welcome them aboard, and this group included the enigmatic character known as Pizarro.

5. Hannyabal

Hannyabal Is Another Member Of Impel Down Who Possesses Some Rather Unusual Features

First Appearance: Episode 425

Similar to Magellan, Hannyabal stands out among the guards of Impel Down due to his unique physical appearance compared to most characters in the series so far. For instance, Hannyabal’s chin is shaped as a long, vertical slab that extends from his face, and his eyebrows are sharp spikes that could potentially injure someone if they get too close.

Apart from being generally ordinary, Oda appears to have used Hannyabal’s face as an artistic playground, experimenting with proportions to see how extreme he could go without becoming absurd. This experimentation makes it questionable whether Hannyabal truly resembles a human just by appearances alone.

4. Black Maria

Black Maria Is More Of A Giant Than A Human

First Appearance: Episode 982

Among Kaido’s elite Tobiroppo, Black Maria stands head and shoulders above the rest, primarily due to her impressive stature. Indeed, she towers so high that even Kaido, who is already colossal in size, appears diminutive by comparison. Interestingly, it isn’t her Devil Fruit abilities that account for her gigantic form; rather, Black Maria is a human of immense proportions, capable of being mistaken for a giant. Her unique size sets her apart from the rest of the Tobiroppo and adds to her already imposing presence.

Rather than appearing larger due to some unknown reason, Maria seemingly possesses an inherent size, which could raise eyebrows given her human identity, yet in combative situations, this trait proves advantageous as she effortlessly crushes opponents with mere punches.

3. Caesar Clown

There’s Something Very Unusual And Sinister About The MADS Scientist’s Appearance

First Appearance: Episode 581

In the Punk Hazard storyline, Caesar Clown makes his debut as a nuisance for Luffy and the Straw Hat crew. Originally part of the MADS science group, Caesar has been conducting repugnant experiments since he left the organization. Interestingly enough, it seems that Caster himself might have been one of those very experiments, given his unusual physical appearance.

The distinctive features of his intense yellow eyes, pale complexion, and peculiar dark green horns combine to create a rather unusual and menacing appearance for him. This design was deliberate, as it reflects Caesar’s malevolent and corrupt character, yet it leaves one pondering whether Caesar is entirely human or if there are further mysteries hidden about this cunning antagonist that remain to be uncovered.

2. Ulti

Ulti’s Horns Call Into Question Whether She Is Truly A Human

First Appearance: Episode 982

I’ve noticed that among the Tobiroppo, Ulti is frequently viewed as the boldest, most boisterous member, but there’s more to her appeal than just her exuberant personality. Intriguingly, much like other characters on this list, Ulti sports a pair of grand horns jutting above her head, leading some to speculate that they might be mere ornaments. However, the creator himself, Oda, has depicted both Ulti and Page One in their youthful days, with horns still intact, suggesting that these horns have been part of them since their early years.

It appears that Ulti always keeps her mouth covered, which might suggest that she could be more than just human; perhaps she belongs to another race entirely. However, her boisterous nature is undeniably human-like, so for now, within the narrative, she’s classified as a human character by the author, Oda.

1. Gecko Moria

Moria Sticks Out Like A Sore Thumb Due To His Ghoulish Appearance

First Appearance: Episode 343

Amongst Thriller Bark pirates, Moria stands out for having an exceptionally eerie and gothic appearance. Although categorized as a human, Moria’s physical form is more reminiscent of a mutant due to his immense size and elongated head that continues to grow older he gets. These are just some of the numerous unsettling aspects that make him truly terrifying.

It’s true that Moria appears more human-like during his fight scenes with Kaido, but his pointed teeth and small horns suggest there’s something unusual about him. For now, it seems Oda has chosen to label Moria as a human for the rest of the series, unless unexpected major revelations emerge in future developments.

2025-07-21 08:34