10 One Piece Characters with Improved or Evolved Designs Over Time

Over the course of their journey, the characters in One Piece have experienced significant transformations, reflecting the constantly evolving world and the development of their personalities. The designs were updated to convey a more mature and serious atmosphere as the series transitioned from its pre-time skip era to its post-time skip adventures.

Even though a few characters still retained a hint of their original charm, there were some who successfully captured the essence of their design before it was ruined by the time skip. Meanwhile, other characters now had much more fitting designs that reflected their evolved roles, making them more visually appealing.

The following are ten One Piece characters with superior pre-timeskip designs and ten whose designs have improved since the time skip.

Franky and 9 Other One Piece Characters Who Received Improved Pre-Timeskip Designs

Tony Tony Chopper

Tony Tony Chopper’s pre-timeskip appearance is frequently regarded as superior because of its charm and simplicity. His small, rounded hat and blushing, childlike appearance perfectly captured his innocent and cute personality. This design emphasized his role as the adorable yet competent mascot of the group.

Despite his oversized post-timeskip hat being cute, it is disproportionate and adds a bit of bulk to his look. This causes Chopper’s pre-timeskip design to appear more visually balanced and appealing compared to his post-timeskip appearance.

Us

Nami as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Nami’s pre-timeskip appearance showcased her sassy and independent personality. While her clothing was fashionable and modest, it also portrayed her as a self-assured and confident individual without any exaggerated features. However, in the post-timeskip, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more overtly sexualized portrayal of her character, with frequent use of revealing bikini tops that accentuate her figure.

Despite Nami’s carefree attitude, her new look can be overlooked. However, it takes away from the strong and self-assured image she had before the timeskip. This makes her one of the One Piece characters whose pre-timeskip design is more fitting and appealing than her current one.

Character Name

Franky as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Franky has consistently been praised as one of the top characters in One Piece, largely due to his pre-time skip designs. This is because he has managed to strike an ideal balance between his unique personality and a more muscular and imposing appearance, all while still maintaining a sense of seriousness that was lacking in his original look.

Despite his pre-time skip design being a tasteful and unique standout, Franky remained a manly cyborg with a balanced appearance that avoided being overly exaggerated. However, his post-timeskip design became more exaggerated and bulky, losing some of its charm despite its inventiveness.

Nico Robin

Nico Robin’s design before the timeskip was both mysterious and elegant, reflecting her enigmatic personality. Her sophisticated outfits were more reserved, highlighting her intellect and enigmatic aura.

Despite the post-timeskip design being slightly more sexualized, with exaggerated gestures and revealing clothing to highlight her physique, this alteration felt disconnected from her established character. This puts her among the One Piece characters with a superior pre-timeskip design.

Brook

Brook’s pre-time skip appearance was renowned for its simplicity and comedic flair, perfectly embodying the eccentric persona of this musician within the Straw Hats. His dapper ensemble, consisting of a ragged suit and top hat, complemented his skeletal figure and made him easily recognizable.

His former look had been handled with elegance, despite the pre-timeskip appearance appearing more painful in comparison to his occasionally flashy post-timeskip design. However, the post-timeskip design often overshadows his personality with exaggerated elements.

This put Brook in the category of One Piece characters who had a superior design prior to the timeskip.

Common Bug Fixes

Buggy as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Buggy’s design before the timeskip accurately captures the chaotic essence of his character and the comedic elements that have made him one of the most beloved characters of that time period. From his wild and exaggerated clown-like appearance, complete with heavy makeup, striped attire, and a prominent red nose, Buggy’s flamboyant personality and pirate status are visually represented.

Despite his evolution throughout the series, the essence of his design remains rooted in his initial role as an unconventional and formidable adversary. His pre-timeskip appearance exudes a sense of flamboyance and unpredictability, making him stand out among the One Piece characters with superior pre-timeskip designs.

Eustass Kid – Pirate Captain

Eustass Kid as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Eustass Kid’s untamed and spiky hair, fierce smile, and rough pirate attire adorned with spikes and belts made him the embodiment of a ruthless and savage pre-timeskip appearance. This appearance perfectly complemented his notorious image as a merciless pirate who never shied away from confrontation.

Despite maintaining some of its rough design elements, the post-timeskip look was more refined and less rugged than his pre-timeskip design, diminishing some of the raw edges that gave his earlier design such impact. This places him among the One Piece characters with a particularly appealing pre-timeskip design.

Killer

Killer’s pre-timeskip appearance in One Piece is notable for its minimalistic yet menacing style, making him the perfect complement to Eustass Kid as his right-hand man. His enigmatic mask and dual scythe-like weapons added to his distinctive and formidable aura.

Despite his post-timeskip redesign appearing more polished compared to his original design, it did not quite pack the same punch. This is why he is one of the few One Piece characters whose design was better prior to the timeskip.

Crocodile

The pre-skip design of Crocodile is perfectly suited for his cunning and cold-hearted villain persona. With its sleek appearance, clean lines, fur-lined coat, and menacing hook hand, the suit exudes a confident and dark aura. And, of course, the signature cigar only adds to the unmistakable presence of this once powerful Warlord of the Sea.

This design showcases his strategic nature and immense power as the mastermind behind Baroque Works. Despite still being recognizable, his appearance has lost some of the sharpness and elegance that made him stand out during the majority of his first major arc. This places him among the One Piece characters with an attractive pre-timeskip design.

Rob Lucci – Professional Wrestler

Rob Lucci as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Rob Lucci’s pre-timeskip appearance flawlessly embodies that of a ruthless assassin. His sleek, all-black attire, sharp facial features, and unemotional demeanor all exude a menacing presence as the formidable leader of CP9.

His design highlights his imposing demeanor and strategic mind, solidifying his status as a truly unforgettable antagonist. Although his post-timeskip appearance is not lacking, this design remains superior in its straightforwardness and attention to detail, solidifying his place as one of the most well-designed characters in One Piece, even before the timeskip.

10 One Piece Characters with Updated Post-Timeskip Looks

1) Famous Pirate: Monkey D. Luffy

Monkey D. Luffy as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Luffy’s post-timeskip appearance greatly enhances the impact of his character. The addition of a sleeveless red vest and tattered, longer shorts to his outfit gives off a more rugged and adventurous vibe, reflecting his growth and the challenges he has faced.

The inclusion of a more prominent scar beneath his left eye and a more muscular physique emphasize his transformation from a carefree pirate to a seasoned leader. This updated appearance highlights his physical prowess and personal growth, elevating the challenges he will face on his journey and solidifying his status as one of the One Piece characters with an enhanced design.

Roronoa Zoro

The revamped appearance of Roronoa Zoro after the timeskip better showcases his prowess as a skilled swordsman. While his hair, earrings, and overall appearance remain unchanged, the inclusion of a prominent scar and a more polished outfit signifies his evolution from a youthful warrior to a seasoned combatant.

Zoro’s design serves as a testament to his unwavering ambition to become the greatest swordsman in the world. His iconic bandana is a clear symbol of his growth and evolution, both in skill and mentality, throughout his journey. This aspect of his design sets him apart as one of the most well-designed characters in One Piece after the timeskip.

Sanji

Sanji’s post-timeskip appearance holds significance as it serves as a visual representation of his personal growth. The combination of a sleek and rugged design reflects his evolution throughout the show. His upgraded physique and addition of an anchor goatee add refinement to his overall look while still highlighting his rougher qualities.

The pervy nature within him becomes even more dominant and aligns perfectly with his existing personality traits, adding depth to his character. This elevates Sanji’s design among the One Piece characters following the two-year timeskip.

4) Character Profile: Usopp

Usopp as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Usopp’s post-timeskip appearance greatly differs from his original one, signifying his growth. The new design exudes a more intimidating and charismatic aura, showcasing his significant development. His strong physique and revamped attire are a testament to his intense training during the time skip.

The inclusion of his recognizable extended nose and a bolder attire, including a redesigned hat and unique goggles, further emphasize his eccentric persona.

The alteration in his design not only enhances Usopp’s appearance, but also aligns with his character development as a cherished and respected member of the Straw Hat crew. This puts him among the One Piece characters with upgraded designs.

Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard)

Blackbeard as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Blackbeard’s post-timeskip appearance only added to his already intimidating persona, solidifying his position as the most dreaded antagonist in the series. As he transformed from an ordinary pirate to a commanding and formidable figure, it perfectly reflected his increasing dominance in the world.

The extra weight, along with a deep and highly detailed coat, accompanied by a recognizable tricorne hat, all emphasize the former pirate’s newfound role as Emperor of the Sea. These elements contribute to his heightened aura of awe and intimidation, reflecting his ambitious and ruthless nature, surpassing even the other One Piece characters in terms of character design.

Peron

The character design of Perona evolved her from an eccentric antagonist before the timeskip to a more mature and complex persona. While her pre-timeskip appearance was heavily influenced by Gothic Lolita fashion, her post-timeskip appearance refined this style with a more sophisticated touch.

The addition of longer hair and a more composed expression gave her a more mature and confident appearance. This evolution of her appearance reflected her growth as a character, particularly in terms of strength and independence, which she gained during her time with Mihawk. As a result, she now boasts one of the best post-timeskip designs among the One Piece characters.

Koby

The post-timeskip transformation of Koby is significant, elevating an ordinary cabin boy to the esteemed rank of Marine captain. He has undergone physical growth, becoming taller and gaining new muscles that reflect his intense training and increased power.

This alteration to the design further solidifies his role in the series and visually showcases the growth he has experienced during the time-skip. Koby’s new appearance perfectly reflects his character development and solidifies his significance within the Marines.

Helmeppo’s Journey

Helmeppo as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Helmeppo’s post-timeskip appearance is a clear representation of his impressive development from a timid and entitled individual to a confident and competent Marine officer. His neatly pressed uniform reflects his dedication to the Marine cause, symbolizing his transformation from a privileged aristocrat to a disciplined swordsman.

Helmeppo’s shorter hair, sophisticated glasses, and increased muscle mass demonstrate his significant growth and strength. As a result, he stands out among the One Piece characters with more advanced designs, highlighting his transformation into a formidable individual capable of standing his ground.

X Drake

X Drake’s post-timeskip appearance perfectly complements his role as one of the strongest members of the Worst Generation. It further enhances his character development, showcasing a more intimidating and experienced look.

Drake’s armor not only showcases his ancient Zoan Devil Fruit, but also solidifies his reputation as a formidable warrior. The addition of reptilian elements to his dinosaur-themed helmet adds an intriguing and menacing aspect to his appearance. As a result, Drake’s character design stands out among the One Piece cast following the timeskip.

10) Trafalgar D. Law

Trafalgar D. Law as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The post-timeskip design for Trafalgar D. Law in One Piece perfectly showcases his evolution from a rookie pirate to a crucial player in the New World. His updated attire, featuring a lengthy black coat and the emblem of the Heart Pirates, only enhances his enigmatic and commanding presence.

The refined hat effectively highlights Law’s character as a formidable fighter and skilled strategist. This solidifies his position as one of the best designed characters in One Piece after the timeskip.

Final thoughts

Throughout the One Piece series, there have been notable design developments among the characters. While figures like Nico Robin stood out with their unique traits and roles in the pre-timeskip era, the post-timeskip redesign of characters like Trafalgar D. Water Law have greatly enhanced their depiction and better showcase their growth and status.

The series’ ability to adapt and improve its characters visually according to the story’s developments is reinforced by the contrast between the pre and post-time-skip designs.

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10 One Piece Characters with Improved or Evolved Designs Over Time