This past weeks chapter of ONE PIECE brought together a bunch of plot related tangents, and began building up new expectations for Reverie going forward. Where the two chapters prior to CH.905 placed a strong focus on both the Strawhats and Revolutionary Army, this chapter sees the World Government take the spotlight in full form. Eiichiro Oda's world is one that has been lauded for its many mysteries, diverse characters, and eclectic styles. It should come as no surprise that his World Government pulls together these elements to create a smorgasbord of wildly comical characters as his leaders of state. Through much fanfare and celebration, the prelude to Reverie now seems to be coming to a close as officials from across the Blues make their way up to the Holy Land of Mariejois.
As was hotly anticipated by many readers, Oda has begun to elaborate heavily upon the world inhabited by our main characters. He continues heavily draw inspiration from real world countries that he then transposes and tweaks in order to fit the world that he is creating. In true ONE PIECE form all of the arriving officials are disproportionately drawn, and the severity of the more serious characters is made with an air of whimsical fancy. We are going to a meeting heavy with political intrigue that is made lighter by the weird forms of the delegates. In the cases of some more explicit references - Matryoshka Princesses, King Tacos, and Ballywood Kingdom - Oda interprets fun representations of Russian, Mexican/Brazilian, and Indian identities. In light of the more fun aspects of this chapter, there are still many more hard topics touched upon over the course of this chapter. This is particularly evidenced by King Sterry who, by virtue of deceit and trickery, has been able to rise to his current position as ruler of Goa Kingdom. The rampant racism and xenophobia of his character mirrors similar beliefs held by colonial Europeans as they conquered much of the known world. Garp's interaction with him, and the hilarity of his character design play a role in downplaying his off-putting character while simultaneously building up the idea of acceptance for other peoples, places, and cultures. We know that as of yet the Revolutionary Army hasn't fully elaborated on their plans for this summit. What we do know is that they have managed to successfully infiltrate the proceedings, with both Karasu and Sabo disguised amongst the crowds of arriving guests. As opposed to how they'll go about it, it might be more important to consider WHEN the Revolutionary Army intends show their hand. After all, announcing a war against the forces of the Celestial Dragon is not something to be taken lightly. In truth the Revolutionaries could stop Reverie from the outset should they manage to make land on the Red Line. Alternatively, during or at the end of the summit may yield the necessary momentum for Oda to buoy us back to Luffy and friends as they make their way to Wano country. All the elements that make ONE PIECE the exceptional work of fiction that it is have coalesced in this last chapter. The comedy, drama, and intrigue of Eiichiro Oda's imagined World Government is shaping itself up to be one of the most interesting plots unleashed upon readers across more than twenty years of serialization. With Revolutionaries, World Government, and pirate supporting countries coming together, an overwhelming feeling of "anything can happen" has begun to permeate the literature. There are certainly outstanding questions that many of us are desperate to have answered, but the anticipation of seeing Mariejois in all of her splendor is one particular mystery that is sure to entrance in the upcoming chapter. Written By: ALAN "VIENNA" SINGH
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