So after being chased off r/OnePiece by the Reddit mob due to my differing opinion on Oda’s execution of Aramaki’s character (I stated that his characterization was evident that One Piece is created for an adolescent audience), I decided to give myself a week to rethink my position on his character.
I thought that it was entirely possible that I had jumped to conclusions about his character due to my preconceived biases against the Marines in the series (sans Kizaru because his demeanor is unique and original). So I decided to give it a week to reevaluate my feelings on the final admiral, Ryokugyu……
I still don’t like him.
I absolutely understand that all of the admirals are supposed to have distinct and diverse quirks/personalities, and Aramaki’s characterization is Oda’s attempt at differentiating him from his contemporaries. However, Aramaki’s personality doesn’t mesh well with me.
This admiral is a hotheaded bigoted egotist who has a great affinity for preserving the status quo and the World Government, who am I referring to? Sakazuki? No, surprisingly enough I’m referring to another character introduced in the final phase of the series, Aramaki.
Both admirals personalities are so similar that’s it’s startling and IMO somewhat mismanaged. Aramaki can hold these same/similar views to Sakazuki but did he really need to be a carbon copy of him?
He shouts/exclaims all of his twisted/distorted ideologies and looks down on others in a way that is ridiculously cartoonish. Yes, I know One Piece is cartoonish from start to (near) finish but much of Aramaki’s statements are so blatantly “evil” that it has caused me to roll my eyes every time he opens his mouth. Aramaki is an antagonist of course, as he is part of the organization that is in direct opposition to the Strawhats.
However, we have now been introduced to 5 Admirals throughout this series and 4 of them have distinct and memorable personalities, only one of which I would classify as particularly villainous (Sakazuki).
Most of the admirals seemed nuanced and operate based on varied perspectives, while still seeking to help others in the small ways that they can. Kizaru has never come across as being evil or enjoying hurting anyone other than pirates. Kuzan and Issho are obvious and I don’t need to go on about their distinct characterizations in the series. Aramaki? I have no idea what this guys personality is besides being a bigoted brainwashed asshole.
Are those character traits worthy of one of the series’ main antagonist? In my opinion, no. Aramaki is a hollow character with a single layer of foundation, which is to attack (literally), berate and belittle others. This is something that I would expect from a character like a Commodore or a Vice Admiral even, not an Admiral.
During his silhouetted introduction, we were presented with what seemed to be another nuanced character with his remarks to Issho in the garden, now it almost seems like Oda has done a 180° and decided to make the least compelling admiral he possibly could.
Aramaki feels like a subordinate character that faces off against someone like Franky/Brook during an arc, a personality distinct enough to distinguish him from the other subordinates but since he will only play a role for 3-5 chapters before ultimately being defeated, it doesn’t really matter what his ideologies are. That is to say, we do know Aramaki’s ideology, it’s just banal.
His powers are cool, sure. But unlike the other admirals, they don’t seem fit in with his character? Here’s what I mean:
Kuzan/Aokiji: Ice = Sloven Justice, lazy
Kizaru: Light = Unclear/Indifferent Justice, paradoxical to his DF he talks and behaves in a very slow paced manner
Sakazuki: Magma = Absolute Justice, hotheaded/wrathful, destructive
So what in Aramaki’s character shows that he is a Forest/Plant DF user? Where does this show in his sense of justice? I am totally against “well this is how I would’ve wrote the story!” when discussing any form of media, as it’s not my story to tell. However in this instance…
What if Aramaki was “Progressive/Gradual Justice”? Like he knows things are bad now but he is working to make things a little better, just gradually.
Aramaki likely isn’t done with his role in this arc, as he’s likely the antagonist of this Post-Onigashima Arc. So does that mean Oda will redeem his character and give him proper characterization not riddled with cliches and eye roll inducing dialogue?
One can hope.
So, that’s my rant.
What do you guys think? Do you guys like Ryokugu?
Don’t hesitate to flood this thread with hate and derision, I could use the clout.
I thought that it was entirely possible that I had jumped to conclusions about his character due to my preconceived biases against the Marines in the series (sans Kizaru because his demeanor is unique and original). So I decided to give it a week to reevaluate my feelings on the final admiral, Ryokugyu……
I still don’t like him.
I absolutely understand that all of the admirals are supposed to have distinct and diverse quirks/personalities, and Aramaki’s characterization is Oda’s attempt at differentiating him from his contemporaries. However, Aramaki’s personality doesn’t mesh well with me.
This admiral is a hotheaded bigoted egotist who has a great affinity for preserving the status quo and the World Government, who am I referring to? Sakazuki? No, surprisingly enough I’m referring to another character introduced in the final phase of the series, Aramaki.
Both admirals personalities are so similar that’s it’s startling and IMO somewhat mismanaged. Aramaki can hold these same/similar views to Sakazuki but did he really need to be a carbon copy of him?
He shouts/exclaims all of his twisted/distorted ideologies and looks down on others in a way that is ridiculously cartoonish. Yes, I know One Piece is cartoonish from start to (near) finish but much of Aramaki’s statements are so blatantly “evil” that it has caused me to roll my eyes every time he opens his mouth. Aramaki is an antagonist of course, as he is part of the organization that is in direct opposition to the Strawhats.
However, we have now been introduced to 5 Admirals throughout this series and 4 of them have distinct and memorable personalities, only one of which I would classify as particularly villainous (Sakazuki).
Most of the admirals seemed nuanced and operate based on varied perspectives, while still seeking to help others in the small ways that they can. Kizaru has never come across as being evil or enjoying hurting anyone other than pirates. Kuzan and Issho are obvious and I don’t need to go on about their distinct characterizations in the series. Aramaki? I have no idea what this guys personality is besides being a bigoted brainwashed asshole.
Are those character traits worthy of one of the series’ main antagonist? In my opinion, no. Aramaki is a hollow character with a single layer of foundation, which is to attack (literally), berate and belittle others. This is something that I would expect from a character like a Commodore or a Vice Admiral even, not an Admiral.
During his silhouetted introduction, we were presented with what seemed to be another nuanced character with his remarks to Issho in the garden, now it almost seems like Oda has done a 180° and decided to make the least compelling admiral he possibly could.
Aramaki feels like a subordinate character that faces off against someone like Franky/Brook during an arc, a personality distinct enough to distinguish him from the other subordinates but since he will only play a role for 3-5 chapters before ultimately being defeated, it doesn’t really matter what his ideologies are. That is to say, we do know Aramaki’s ideology, it’s just banal.
His powers are cool, sure. But unlike the other admirals, they don’t seem fit in with his character? Here’s what I mean:
Kuzan/Aokiji: Ice = Sloven Justice, lazy
Kizaru: Light = Unclear/Indifferent Justice, paradoxical to his DF he talks and behaves in a very slow paced manner
Sakazuki: Magma = Absolute Justice, hotheaded/wrathful, destructive
So what in Aramaki’s character shows that he is a Forest/Plant DF user? Where does this show in his sense of justice? I am totally against “well this is how I would’ve wrote the story!” when discussing any form of media, as it’s not my story to tell. However in this instance…
What if Aramaki was “Progressive/Gradual Justice”? Like he knows things are bad now but he is working to make things a little better, just gradually.
Aramaki likely isn’t done with his role in this arc, as he’s likely the antagonist of this Post-Onigashima Arc. So does that mean Oda will redeem his character and give him proper characterization not riddled with cliches and eye roll inducing dialogue?
One can hope.
So, that’s my rant.
What do you guys think? Do you guys like Ryokugu?
Don’t hesitate to flood this thread with hate and derision, I could use the clout.
