General & Others Was WCI one of the best arcs of One Piece?
- Thread starter Light D Lamperouge
- Start date
I think the BMP were handled worse than Sanji tbh. The sheer amount of PIS, plot conveniences and asspulls involved in the plot increased tenfold during WCI just so that the Straw Hats could get away from a yonko crew.
I'm not even going to talk about the mysterious teleporting Daifuku and Compote, who miraculously perfected space-time travel just to help the Straw Hats escape. I'm not going to get into Oven getting run over by a ship as a joke or dicked on by Pound. By far the biggest offenders in this arc were Big Mom and Katakuri for reasons that are obvious but I'll list some anyway.
Nothing about Big Mom's character makes any sense. She was a seemingly kind child too strong for her own good that became a gluttonous racist monstrosity that picks on her own children for their appearance. This makes zero sense given that Carmel repeatedly told her to stop picking on different races for their characteristic attributes and emphasised peace and goodwill. Saying that Streussen corrupted her makes no sense either given that Carmel was always portrayed as the most important influence in child Linlin's life, and also the fact that Streussen himself doesn't seem to be evil, demonstrating clear concern for Linlin during the tea party. Big Mom apparently only trusting her own bloodline makes no sense when she, Carmel and her close childhood friends were not related in any way by blood. What happened to her inherent kindness? Why even introduce that as a trait, only for her adult self to not even display a trace of genuine kindness? She somehow forgot about the destruction of Carmel's picture and became obsessed with wedding cake for 50 chapters, Carmel was brought up and abruptly discarded as an emotional trigger and motivating factor in Linlin's character, just as Sora was for Sanji. Apparently Oda forgot that you can have more than one significant figure in a character's life at once.
Don't even get me started on Katakuri, who was actually shown eating a bun and drinking tea at the wedding. 'No one has ever seen him eat' my arse.
I'm not even going to talk about the mysterious teleporting Daifuku and Compote, who miraculously perfected space-time travel just to help the Straw Hats escape. I'm not going to get into Oven getting run over by a ship as a joke or dicked on by Pound. By far the biggest offenders in this arc were Big Mom and Katakuri for reasons that are obvious but I'll list some anyway.
Nothing about Big Mom's character makes any sense. She was a seemingly kind child too strong for her own good that became a gluttonous racist monstrosity that picks on her own children for their appearance. This makes zero sense given that Carmel repeatedly told her to stop picking on different races for their characteristic attributes and emphasised peace and goodwill. Saying that Streussen corrupted her makes no sense either given that Carmel was always portrayed as the most important influence in child Linlin's life, and also the fact that Streussen himself doesn't seem to be evil, demonstrating clear concern for Linlin during the tea party. Big Mom apparently only trusting her own bloodline makes no sense when she, Carmel and her close childhood friends were not related in any way by blood. What happened to her inherent kindness? Why even introduce that as a trait, only for her adult self to not even display a trace of genuine kindness? She somehow forgot about the destruction of Carmel's picture and became obsessed with wedding cake for 50 chapters, Carmel was brought up and abruptly discarded as an emotional trigger and motivating factor in Linlin's character, just as Sora was for Sanji. Apparently Oda forgot that you can have more than one significant figure in a character's life at once.
Don't even get me started on Katakuri, who was actually shown eating a bun and drinking tea at the wedding. 'No one has ever seen him eat' my arse.
At the sacrifice of first Yonko focused in the story's portrayal?
If Oda wants them to shine, imo making them fighting against Charlotte children will be more appropriate, than reducing Big Mom into Big Meme.
Lol
Brook is alive and BM liked him so much. The alive, talking skeleton. Now change it to non living bones can replace him?
I don't remember it tbh.
More like
*The Luffy vs Katakuri fight was shit
Jinbe had been teased to join the crew since years ago during FI arc. Oda keeps postponing him joining and travelling together with Luffy. The earlier he joins, the more chance Oda will have to focus on him and develop his character / powerlevel more.
If Oda wants them to shine, imo making them fighting against Charlotte children will be more appropriate, than reducing Big Mom into Big Meme.
Lol
Brook is alive and BM liked him so much. The alive, talking skeleton. Now change it to non living bones can replace him?
I don't remember it tbh.
More like
*The Luffy vs Katakuri fight was shit
Jinbe had been teased to join the crew since years ago during FI arc. Oda keeps postponing him joining and travelling together with Luffy. The earlier he joins, the more chance Oda will have to focus on him and develop his character / powerlevel more.
Between the beginning of the arc and the Tea Party, Whole Cake Island was a mixed bag but it was an average arc, certainly no worse than Fishman Island or Punk Hazard.
I enjoyed a few characters and moments such as:
Luffy vs Cracker.
The Bege/Luffy alliance.
Capone Bege and his backstory.
Sanji bringing Luffy food.
Pudding’s initial mystery.
Jinbe’s bad arse entrance.
Perospero.
Finding out Urouge defeated a Yonko Commander etc.
There were characters and moments I didn’t enjoy such as:
Anything Vinsmoke related (especially the interchangeable douche brothers).
Sanji’s second backstory (which is a ripoff of The Man in the Iron Mask except Judge gets off scot free).
Sanji not being discovered because random dude slept in his bed for no reason than plot.
Bege’s plan being completely reliant on the Straw Hat’s recent movements.
How that bomb side plot was resolved etc.
What really killed WCI was what happened after the Tea Party, which include but are not limited to:
1) A Yonko being humiliated by characters she should be able to crush literally single handedly, constantly screaming “WEDDING CAKE!!!!” retardedly, having one of her main weapons stolen, consistently missing the Straw Hats and failing to kill a ruddy tree.
2) Yonko Commanders being ludicrously incompetent, seriously, Smoothie was so feckin dumb that she was incapable of realising that a single horizontal slash to the Sunny’s mast would have stopped the Straw Hats. Instead she grows in size, nearly sinking her own damn ship and continues to send vertical slashes that didn’t work the last few chapters.
3) The entire Cake Plot was dumb. It had Bege acting completely out of character compared to previously, Pudding acting ridiculous and Sanji creating a cake that no matter how you look at it, failed, proving the detestable Vinsmokes right all along.
The cake fully healed BM which is hella strange considering BM was physically healthy when Sanji left to make that cake and didn’t even stall BM long enough by it’s own merit since Chiffon had to make a longer trip and all the Straw Hat’s allies had to stall a full power, healthy Big Mom.
The cake failed, end of.
4) Pedro’s sacrifice was dumb. Firstly, how the hell can Pell survive a city obliterating nuke but two New World veterans cannot avoid death or dismemberment from a large building destroying bomb?
Secondly, we barely knew Pedro, the guy had death flags on him since the start of the arc and there was no meaningful relationship revealed between him and Carrot until he was already dead.
5) I absolutely detest the Luffy vs Katakuri fight since it goes against Luffy’s previously established character to seek out random fights for the sake of fighting over protecting his crew. He could have easily trapped Katakuri in the Mirror World and help his crew fend off a rampaging Yonko. Instead, he leaves his crew to his own devices. After the entire lesson of Shanks and Higuma which Luffy showed he understood in his interaction with Bellamy. Prizing friends above an enemy’s taunts. It felt like the character in front of me wasn’t even Luffy anymore.
Not only that but the consistent silly interruptions like Brûlée just being there for no reason, Flampe coming out of nowhere to interrupt, Katakuri randomly eating donuts after a lecture about how he won’t underestimate Luffy were just ridiculous.
6) Moscat being alive at the end of the arc was the cherry on top of Linlin’s humiliation. It completely ruined the earlier defining character moment set earlier in the arc. Snack being alive was equally damaging to her “Mama accepts no failures.” image.
Ultimately, Whole Cake Island deserves to be among the worst OP arcs simply for the sheer scale of disappointment involved. Sure, I enjoyed less about Fishman Island than I did WCI but I wasn’t disappointed by Fishman Island. WCI was the first arc in which Luffy personally fought a Yonko and yet the arc simply made the Yonko look ridiculous.
I enjoyed a few characters and moments such as:
Luffy vs Cracker.
The Bege/Luffy alliance.
Capone Bege and his backstory.
Sanji bringing Luffy food.
Pudding’s initial mystery.
Jinbe’s bad arse entrance.
Perospero.
Finding out Urouge defeated a Yonko Commander etc.
There were characters and moments I didn’t enjoy such as:
Anything Vinsmoke related (especially the interchangeable douche brothers).
Sanji’s second backstory (which is a ripoff of The Man in the Iron Mask except Judge gets off scot free).
Sanji not being discovered because random dude slept in his bed for no reason than plot.
Bege’s plan being completely reliant on the Straw Hat’s recent movements.
How that bomb side plot was resolved etc.
What really killed WCI was what happened after the Tea Party, which include but are not limited to:
1) A Yonko being humiliated by characters she should be able to crush literally single handedly, constantly screaming “WEDDING CAKE!!!!” retardedly, having one of her main weapons stolen, consistently missing the Straw Hats and failing to kill a ruddy tree.
2) Yonko Commanders being ludicrously incompetent, seriously, Smoothie was so feckin dumb that she was incapable of realising that a single horizontal slash to the Sunny’s mast would have stopped the Straw Hats. Instead she grows in size, nearly sinking her own damn ship and continues to send vertical slashes that didn’t work the last few chapters.
3) The entire Cake Plot was dumb. It had Bege acting completely out of character compared to previously, Pudding acting ridiculous and Sanji creating a cake that no matter how you look at it, failed, proving the detestable Vinsmokes right all along.
The cake fully healed BM which is hella strange considering BM was physically healthy when Sanji left to make that cake and didn’t even stall BM long enough by it’s own merit since Chiffon had to make a longer trip and all the Straw Hat’s allies had to stall a full power, healthy Big Mom.
The cake failed, end of.
4) Pedro’s sacrifice was dumb. Firstly, how the hell can Pell survive a city obliterating nuke but two New World veterans cannot avoid death or dismemberment from a large building destroying bomb?
Secondly, we barely knew Pedro, the guy had death flags on him since the start of the arc and there was no meaningful relationship revealed between him and Carrot until he was already dead.
5) I absolutely detest the Luffy vs Katakuri fight since it goes against Luffy’s previously established character to seek out random fights for the sake of fighting over protecting his crew. He could have easily trapped Katakuri in the Mirror World and help his crew fend off a rampaging Yonko. Instead, he leaves his crew to his own devices. After the entire lesson of Shanks and Higuma which Luffy showed he understood in his interaction with Bellamy. Prizing friends above an enemy’s taunts. It felt like the character in front of me wasn’t even Luffy anymore.
Not only that but the consistent silly interruptions like Brûlée just being there for no reason, Flampe coming out of nowhere to interrupt, Katakuri randomly eating donuts after a lecture about how he won’t underestimate Luffy were just ridiculous.
6) Moscat being alive at the end of the arc was the cherry on top of Linlin’s humiliation. It completely ruined the earlier defining character moment set earlier in the arc. Snack being alive was equally damaging to her “Mama accepts no failures.” image.
Ultimately, Whole Cake Island deserves to be among the worst OP arcs simply for the sheer scale of disappointment involved. Sure, I enjoyed less about Fishman Island than I did WCI but I wasn’t disappointed by Fishman Island. WCI was the first arc in which Luffy personally fought a Yonko and yet the arc simply made the Yonko look ridiculous.
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Thank you yet again.
I disliked the notion of the SHC taking on a Yonko, even moreso Luffy splitting up the crew, so early in the story, when an arc earlier he barely won against Doflamingo, with a stronger supporting cast and the people actually being on his side. From the get go it was apparent that there was going to be some fighting involved, and however you rank Doflamingo, it was shown that Katakuri was stronger, let alone a Yonko.
The PIS moments included in the arc are by far the worst we have seen, boiling down to Luffy learning FS in mere hours, while Katakuri perfected it throughout his life. Luffy is a fast learner, but it was quite clear that that should not have happened. Regarding BM, I think it is pretty clear how she was portrayed, you have provided a great analysis of her character, but we can also dive in the power level spectrum as well. From a Yonko who should be menacing to the entire world, her crew was afraid of her, it was implied, or maybe even said, I do not remember that part exactly, that she could defeat her entire crew, but could not stop a couple of Strawhats while they were missing their captain and the strongest individual on their side. Katakuri's change of heart in the midst of the battle, from I am going to kill anyone who wants to injure my siblings, to will you one day return to take out BM.
Everything regarding BM was a failure. From the destruction of her tower to the Caramel picture to her losing her homies, etc. too many to list. Her character, as you have pointed out, was all over the place, from one side to another.
I think it was definitely not one of the best arcs of one piece, quite contrary, it was probably the worst arc.
I disliked the notion of the SHC taking on a Yonko, even moreso Luffy splitting up the crew, so early in the story, when an arc earlier he barely won against Doflamingo, with a stronger supporting cast and the people actually being on his side. From the get go it was apparent that there was going to be some fighting involved, and however you rank Doflamingo, it was shown that Katakuri was stronger, let alone a Yonko.
The PIS moments included in the arc are by far the worst we have seen, boiling down to Luffy learning FS in mere hours, while Katakuri perfected it throughout his life. Luffy is a fast learner, but it was quite clear that that should not have happened. Regarding BM, I think it is pretty clear how she was portrayed, you have provided a great analysis of her character, but we can also dive in the power level spectrum as well. From a Yonko who should be menacing to the entire world, her crew was afraid of her, it was implied, or maybe even said, I do not remember that part exactly, that she could defeat her entire crew, but could not stop a couple of Strawhats while they were missing their captain and the strongest individual on their side. Katakuri's change of heart in the midst of the battle, from I am going to kill anyone who wants to injure my siblings, to will you one day return to take out BM.
Everything regarding BM was a failure. From the destruction of her tower to the Caramel picture to her losing her homies, etc. too many to list. Her character, as you have pointed out, was all over the place, from one side to another.
I think it was definitely not one of the best arcs of one piece, quite contrary, it was probably the worst arc.
@True God Moe
Please share your opinion on why you think it was one of the best arcs in OP. Thank you.
Please share your opinion on why you think it was one of the best arcs in OP. Thank you.
Dude, you really make it? You do realize not gonna take a topic you make on this subject given your history. Your not unbiased guy, man. I focus on majority on many websites, not just one. Btw here are video links like I promise on reviewers with unbiased opinions for the arc and their review:
RogerBase:
Mr. Morj:
and
GrandLineReview:
and
Joy Boy Theories: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z7yw5lXBphM
Many Youtubers defend and explain the arc in fair detail and comment section majorly/fully agrees looking at it all. To those that don't like it. Up to you guys and your feelings, but overall majority said it's good than see it 'bad arc' or 'the worse arc ever'.
Take it as you will, but facts are facts majority did like it. Not denying no one dislike an arc, but idea WCI is widely dislike is more imagination than factual thing. Just saying.
This isn't all I found who review it off by same standards. I can get even more than this.
RogerBase:
Mr. Morj:
GrandLineReview:
Joy Boy Theories: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z7yw5lXBphM
Many Youtubers defend and explain the arc in fair detail and comment section majorly/fully agrees looking at it all. To those that don't like it. Up to you guys and your feelings, but overall majority said it's good than see it 'bad arc' or 'the worse arc ever'.
Take it as you will, but facts are facts majority did like it. Not denying no one dislike an arc, but idea WCI is widely dislike is more imagination than factual thing. Just saying.
This isn't all I found who review it off by same standards. I can get even more than this.
Most of those are just hype thirty reader who desperately craves just for their fantasies being put on paper by the author, they only need the most common and conventional type of enjoyment to be satisfied: just focusing on the single things that pleases them and never seeing the big picture.
For this reason you can read very often petty arguments such as "Big meme" "Wedding cake for 263636 chapters", "Katakuri went retard" and almost no one going a bit deeper in analysing and exploiting the themes of the arc.
For this reason you can read very often petty arguments such as "Big meme" "Wedding cake for 263636 chapters", "Katakuri went retard" and almost no one going a bit deeper in analysing and exploiting the themes of the arc.
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There's no such thing as unbiased opinions. An opinion is an opinion, it is not fact. Everyone forms opinions by filtering information through their personal experiences and ideologies.
No one asked what the Youtubers think, they asked what you think. It's cheap to simply link a bunch of YT videos without justifying your agreement with these perspectives or how you came to your own conclusions (assuming, indeed, that you did form an independent conclusion).
The very idea that Youtubers are unbiased is laughable to begin with tbh. Not that Youtubers should be regarded generally as any kind of authority on fiction.
No one asked what the Youtubers think, they asked what you think. It's cheap to simply link a bunch of YT videos without justifying your agreement with these perspectives or how you came to your own conclusions (assuming, indeed, that you did form an independent conclusion).
The very idea that Youtubers are unbiased is laughable to begin with tbh. Not that Youtubers should be regarded generally as any kind of authority on fiction.
Nah they are legit on YouTube OP Channels and I search for unbiased claims and these guys said what was in full detail and review. Nothing sugarcoat about it, but it wasnt that bad as others said. Just minority was upset, but not majority. I can find more honest checkings on Reddit, Twitter, etc.. More honest opinions about enjoying it than not. Telling you all the truth about it.
Majority says they enjoy it than hate it with a passion. Same can be said about your opinions and mine. Though overall as I look into many websites, there is more love than hate with the arc. That won't change.
I can go other websites and show you other topics and forums of others liking it than hating it. Again you and others it's your opinion. That's fine, but you can't speak for whole community who otherwise enjoy the arc as a whole cause they got the themes to boot, not having it be their way or highway type of attitudes about it
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Majority says they enjoy it than hate it with a passion. Same can be said about your opinions and mine. Though overall as I look into many websites, there is more love than hate with the arc. That won't change.
I can go other websites and show you other topics and forums of others liking it than hating it. Again you and others it's your opinion. That's fine, but you can't speak for whole community who otherwise enjoy the arc as a whole cause they got the themes to boot, not having it be their way or highway type of attitudes about it
.The moment Oda turned Big Mom (who was hyped as intelligent and having many intels across the world) into Big Meme, that can't differentiate between Brook and skeleton toy, stalled by Weak Trio, spent the arc running around mindlessly with tongue outside like a hungry bitch (literal bitch), and screaming WEEEDINGGG CAKKEEE all day.
The moment Oda once again proved the audiences he can't do justice to his female characters. The only female Yonko and only female YC2 both turned into famous memes.
But yeah WCI was a good arc.
The moment Oda once again proved the audiences he can't do justice to his female characters. The only female Yonko and only female YC2 both turned into famous memes.
But yeah WCI was a good arc.
Where do I begin? To start off, I enjoyed the arc. No, I do not think it's one of the best arcs, though it had massive potential.
Gonna start with the arc's best quality, its setting. I find myself always getting a smile whenever the homies are showcased. The island's food aesthetic is refreshing, and the denizens that make it up are very colorful and extravagant. The arc is a feast for the eyes. Speaking of denizens, I believe the Charlotte family to be the best antagonist group since Baroque Works. Not all of them got panel time or development, but sheer number and uniqueness to them makes for fun characters to see, and in some cases, their history can be implied through subtle interactions or even design. A true mark exemplifying Oda's hand at World Building.
Charlotte family presented how ferocious an Emperor crew was. Strawhats have never felt so handily outmatched during an arc, and they needed cleverness and utility to escape the fortresses that was Totland.
Charlotte Linlin is next to the WG as the perfect symbol of authoritarianism. She's never known what's like to be denied anything. She's an overgrown child with a lot of power at her disposal. That adds to her menace, and it led to the first half of WCI to have a sense of dread and danger to it. It's one of the reasons the Tea Party segment is considered the best stretch of the arc, and I support that claim.
Addressing the "mixed" aspects of the arc, Sanji's could've been better handled. It started strong with how Sanji contrasted with his family, but the pay off was not worth the emotional beatdown he took early on. The Wedding Cake was meant as his redeeming action after hitting rock bottom, but that could've been better executed for it led to more consequences, and the lead up was too long. In fact, the entire back half could've used a trimming, as some of the resolutions, like the Big Mom chase, just weren't worth the 30 chapters of slog. Pudding's character was uneven for most of those chapters after Oda masterfully subverted her character. Still managed to give her arc a nice closure (One I hope gets followed up on). Luffy vs Katakuri. What hasn't been said about that fight? I thought it was great to finally see Luffy in a battle that forced to him to push beyond his limits. Oda didn't skim out characterizing Kata either, serving as Luffy metaphorical mirror, and ultimately kindred spirit. It too needed a trimming, as one must stretch how far Luffy's endurance can take him. Not just that, but the Flampe incident was clumsily executed, and makes itself too clear as a plot convenience for Luffy's ticket to victory. Speaking of plot conveniences, poor Brulee should rename herself to that.
All and all, I think it's on the upper end of One Piece arcs, but some things did feel unsatisfying after their build ups, and the last 3rd dragged on too much. I'd still recommend it just for Totland and the Charlottes, for they are so much fun.
Gonna start with the arc's best quality, its setting. I find myself always getting a smile whenever the homies are showcased. The island's food aesthetic is refreshing, and the denizens that make it up are very colorful and extravagant. The arc is a feast for the eyes. Speaking of denizens, I believe the Charlotte family to be the best antagonist group since Baroque Works. Not all of them got panel time or development, but sheer number and uniqueness to them makes for fun characters to see, and in some cases, their history can be implied through subtle interactions or even design. A true mark exemplifying Oda's hand at World Building.
Charlotte family presented how ferocious an Emperor crew was. Strawhats have never felt so handily outmatched during an arc, and they needed cleverness and utility to escape the fortresses that was Totland.
Charlotte Linlin is next to the WG as the perfect symbol of authoritarianism. She's never known what's like to be denied anything. She's an overgrown child with a lot of power at her disposal. That adds to her menace, and it led to the first half of WCI to have a sense of dread and danger to it. It's one of the reasons the Tea Party segment is considered the best stretch of the arc, and I support that claim.
Addressing the "mixed" aspects of the arc, Sanji's could've been better handled. It started strong with how Sanji contrasted with his family, but the pay off was not worth the emotional beatdown he took early on. The Wedding Cake was meant as his redeeming action after hitting rock bottom, but that could've been better executed for it led to more consequences, and the lead up was too long. In fact, the entire back half could've used a trimming, as some of the resolutions, like the Big Mom chase, just weren't worth the 30 chapters of slog. Pudding's character was uneven for most of those chapters after Oda masterfully subverted her character. Still managed to give her arc a nice closure (One I hope gets followed up on). Luffy vs Katakuri. What hasn't been said about that fight? I thought it was great to finally see Luffy in a battle that forced to him to push beyond his limits. Oda didn't skim out characterizing Kata either, serving as Luffy metaphorical mirror, and ultimately kindred spirit. It too needed a trimming, as one must stretch how far Luffy's endurance can take him. Not just that, but the Flampe incident was clumsily executed, and makes itself too clear as a plot convenience for Luffy's ticket to victory. Speaking of plot conveniences, poor Brulee should rename herself to that.
All and all, I think it's on the upper end of One Piece arcs, but some things did feel unsatisfying after their build ups, and the last 3rd dragged on too much. I'd still recommend it just for Totland and the Charlottes, for they are so much fun.
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Definitely the best arc in One Piece. Oda was really ambitious with this arc, and he truly delivered.
After dressrosa and zou, I stopped keeping up with series. I got back to it when whole cake island was done in the anime and the manga. I read, and rewatched the entirety of the arc, and I was blown away by this arc. It made fall in love with series all over again. Its truly something special, and I don't know how Oda managed to deliver the best arc in one piece 20 years into manga.
This thread explains my love for this arc
https://www.resetera.com/threads/on...o-sweet-so-rich-so-risky-arc-analysis.116921/
After dressrosa and zou, I stopped keeping up with series. I got back to it when whole cake island was done in the anime and the manga. I read, and rewatched the entirety of the arc, and I was blown away by this arc. It made fall in love with series all over again. Its truly something special, and I don't know how Oda managed to deliver the best arc in one piece 20 years into manga.
This thread explains my love for this arc
https://www.resetera.com/threads/on...o-sweet-so-rich-so-risky-arc-analysis.116921/