Wordy D Dee
Dr Hanners - 4th hr
02-01-23
Mihawk's introduction is the best in all of OP because we learn about him not just from his info box or his DF name. We hear hype before we even know his name!
His entrance is announced not with words, but with deeds. Even the veterans in this scene, Zeff and Krieg, are at a loss. Mihawk is presented as a force of nature that no one can fully understand.
And yet, despite that spectacular boat-busting explosive strike, when we see Mihawk, he's sailing along smoothly and silently, with his head down and his sword sheathed. Just who is this guy?
Oda could've gone full Oda and made Mihawk's appearance/behavior goofy or a gag, but instead we got this cool, calm, riddle-speaking, vampire-cavalier who's pretty much in control the scene for as long as he's present.
By the time we see him crossing swords with Zoro, we realize that he could kill Zoro if he wanted to, plus we already know he's killed indiscriminately. Yet, he spares Zoro, and that makes us wonder about him EVEN MORE.
He leaves just as randomly as he appeared. The ambiguity of Mihawk's behavior and words is very very much influenced by classical Japanese poetry. Metaphors, words with multiple meanings, hinting at an idea without outright stating it-- all of that is very Mihawk and makes him more intriguing.
What's great about his introduction is how much of his character we learn about in just 2 (2.5?) chapters. Because of Zoro's vow, we leave the scene assured that we'll see Mihawk again, but we're still not really sure if he's an ally or an enemy. Because Mihawk always keeps us guessing, we stay on the edge of our seats waiting for his next appearance.