While Robin and Nami try and hold off the children chasing Mocha. This innocent child takes a drastic measure that will put her life at risk. All to keep her promise to Chopper and save her friends.
The Good
Fresh off of last week's high of Zoro and Tashigi. This chapter starts off with even more bushido adorableness to close out that story. I was so happy to finally see Tashigi geek out over Zoro'sShuusui.
This chapter was ripe with heart breaking drama. I really didn't see it coming that Mocha would just scarf down the entire batch of the poisonous candy to keep it from her friends. It was a stupid act, but still rational enough a move for a child her age. While I'm frustrated with her actions. I applaud her devotion and bravery. Despite Mocha being the real star of the chapter named after her. Chopper was a stand out player. We all tend to forget that he's only seventeen years-old and a medical genius. The dedication and responsibility he puts onto himself is admirable.
I'm happy to see Sanji and his idiocy come to the rescue and be effective. If only it had been a bit sooner. There are some good laughs out of the scenes of him ordering around the equally bizarre G-5 Unit. I'm confident that Chopper will save Mocha, but I was borderline in tears as she told Chopper that she kept their promise.
The Bad
In a few scenes, the art got a bit too goofy - - even for Oda. In panels that I think he meant to express Chopper's panic and rage bordered on a Looney Toons level of exaggeration. Those feel fine for comedy, but take me out of the scene in drama.
This chapter was almost kind of jarring. I can't really think of the last time Oda has put a child into so much pain and peril - - that wasn't Luffy. It borders on manipulative to use this kind of drama to pull the heartstrings of the audience. Though, I still struggle to find a way for a different outcome. Crushing the candy wouldn't get rid of it, hiding it was too risky with the kids this crazy, and Chopper being immobilized from using Monster Point explains why he couldn't run after her faster. The only thing I felt wasn't well explained was how several of these ten-foot children got past Chopper, Nami, and Robin without them noticing.
I'm really conflicted now. I honestly don't know who I want to beat the crap out of Caesar more. Luffy seems to be the natural choice and will make it hurt more, but it would feel more satisfying if it was Chopper getting closure on all this rage he's built up this chapter.
Verdict 5/5
This was a really hard chapter to rate this week. Part of me really wanted to give this a 5, becasue it pulls at my heartstrings. However, seeing Mocha suffering so graphically makes me uncomfortable. That is still admitting that I was moved on an emotional level by the events. If I gave a ".5" to a review this would be a 4.5. Using a child like this in a story feels cheap, but Oda did the work of putting everything in place to explain it all pretty rationally - - which is a hard thing to do in this sort of situation. There was more good to bad to push it more toward a 5, but just barely.
The absolute worst part of this week's chapter. ONE PIECE is on break next week.
-Kristoffer Remmell ( FoxxFireArt) is a freelance graphic artist, writer, and over all mystery geek.- Follow for news updates: @FoxxFireArt
