One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda recently revealed his key to crafting memorable characters in an insightful interview.
The author’s renowned manga is celebrated not only for its extensive worldbuilding but also for its endearing characters. One Piece is home to some of the most beloved heroes in the realms of anime and manga, embodied by the Straw Hat crew.
Yet, it’s not merely the protagonists who capture the audience’s attention. Iconic figures such as Shanks, Mihawk, and Whitebeard, as well as antagonists like Doflamingo, Imu, and Blackbeard, are equally noteworthy. There’s a straightforward reason for this phenomenon.
During the interview, Oda stated, “It all starts with whether I like the character or not. I can’t work with characters I don’t vibe with.” This sentiment echoes his earlier comments about how Luffy’s childlike optimism resonated with him, contributing to the creation of this legendary character.
The author elaborated: “The worst thing you can do is force in a character just because they’re trendy, without any genuine personality. If I like the character, at least I’m a fan. But if I create them without genuine care, they might end up with no fans at all.”
Recent interview with Eiichiro Oda: Q: How do you create characters that stand out?Eiichiro Oda: It all starts with whether I like the character or not. I can’t work with characters I don’t vibe with. The worst thing you can do is force in a character just because they’re… pic.twitter.com/mRrm0i1Hig
— Pew (@pewpiece) September 23, 2024
Fans have expressed immense gratitude toward Oda following this insight. Many have taken to social media to share their appreciation, highlighting how the author’s straightforward yet impactful approach contributes to One Piece’s expanding fanbase.
“That’s awesome, Oda! Each character feels unique and vibrant because you truly connect with them,” praised one user on X.
“The fact that every character has their fan in this fandom; Oda successfully achieved his vision,” noted another.
“He even makes the despised characters stand out,” commented a third fan, referring to Foxy, the Foxy Pirates captain, recognized as one of the funniest villains in One Piece.
Another enthusiast added, “Oda nails this perfectly, while many shows struggle with crafting compelling villains.”
As the One Piece manga continues through the Elbaf Arc, readers are about to meet an array of new and intriguing characters. Be sure to catch the upcoming Chapter 1128, scheduled for release on October 6, 2024.
For more information about Oda’s cherished series, explore details regarding the Red Haired Pirates and the mysteries of the Void Century. You can also check out whether Garp is alive and learn about Saturn’s fate in One Piece.
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