One Piece’s Thriller Bark Arc and Hints at Joy Boy

Recently, fans of the best-selling One Piece manga series by author and illustrator Eiichiro Oda have been treated to one of the most revealing stretches in the series’ entire history. The Egghead arc’s climax has provided information on significant elements such as the Void Century, Ancient Weapons, Joy Boy, and more. The main focus of the end has been a post-mortem broadcast from Dr. Vegapunk.

After Dr. Vegapunk’s broadcast seemingly ended in One Piece chapter 1118, fans’ curiosity was sparked by the details surrounding Joy Boy. It was revealed that Joy Boy, who was born at the beginning of the Void Century 900 years ago, has been a major topic of discussion among fans. This discovery has led fans to strongly believe that Joy Boy must be a Giant, and that Oda has been foreshadowing his reveal since Thriller Bark.

The Thriller Bark Arc in One Piece: A Hidden Treasure Trove of Joy Boy Clues Following Vegapunk’s Broadcast

Oda may have used Thriller Bark's Oars as a vessel for setting up later Joy Boy reveals in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation) — Oda may have used Thriller Bark’s Oars as a vessel for setting up later Joy Boy reveals in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

As previously stated, the investigation into Joy Boy’s identity at Thriller Bark began when Dr. Vegapunk confirmed that he was born 900 years before the events of One Piece. The discovery that Joy Boy possessed the Gum-Gum Fruit, also known as the Gomu-Gomu no Mi, and was likely a Giant based on numerous hints, provided fans with a solid starting point.

The fact that he possesses the Gomu-Gomu no Mi is particularly intriguing because of the meaning behind the word “Gomu.”It can be divided into the numbers 5 and 6, representing go and mu respectively. Furthermore, when you multiply the numeric values of the Fruit’s name (5 x 6 x 5 x 6), the result is 900, which also happens to be the number of years since Joy Boy’s birth.

Additionally, in One Piece’s Thriller Bark arc, there is a Giant named Oars who has a significant connection to the number 900. Oars is noted as the 900th zombie and later becomes infused with Luffy’s shadow, which is also referred to as Joy Boy’s shadow due to Luffy being identified as the “next”Joy Boy by Zunesha and others.

Even though it may appear superficial, there were various instances in Thriller Bark that suggest Oars was being manipulated to foreshadow the revelation of Joy Boy. One significant example is Oars’ initial action upon being resurrected, where he pretended to be a pirate. Similarly, Dr. Vegapunk’s announcement disclosed that Joy Boy was the initial pirate of the world.

Dr. Vegapunk's Egghead arc reveals have completely recontextualized the events of Thriller Bark in terms of Joy Boy setup (Image via Toei Animation) — Dr. Vegapunk’s Egghead arc reveals have completely recontextualized the events of Thriller Bark in terms of Joy Boy setup (Image via Toei Animation)

Moreover, throughout the arc, Oars is frequently referred to as a Devil and the D. Clan is consistently linked to Devils. This is reinforced by Rosinante/Corazon labeling them as the “enemies of the Gods”and Zoro’s initial impression of Luffy as a demon when they first crossed paths.

It is worth noting that in One Piece, the introduction of Little Oars Jr., a descendant of Oars, holds great significance as he had a close relationship with Portgas D. Ace, a bearer of the Will of D. Ace even gifted Oars Jr. with his own straw hat. This, coupled with the significance of the straw hat worn by Luffy and Roger, as well as the giant one in Mariejois, hints at a possible connection between Oars, Joy Boy, and the D. Clan.

Oars Jr., like his forefather Oars, is a significant character in this theory due to his innate kindness. Despite Oars being infamous as a malevolent Giant known as the Continent-Puller, it is plausible that he had good intentions driving his actions. It is even probable that his ultimate goal was to unite the scattered and sunken islands in order to revive the Ancient Kingdom of his ancestor, or perhaps even his own.

In summation

Luffy becoming the next Joy Boy may have been set up all the way back in Thriller Bark (Image via Toei Animation)

It is yet to be determined how Oars’ story will unfold, especially with the inclusion of a Void Century and pre-story flashback. However, it is evident that Oda had been foreshadowing the reveal of Joy Boy through Oars. This further solidifies Oda’s use of the Final Saga in One Piece to shed new light and context on past events, which has been highly successful and well-received thus far.

Iron Giant’s looming apology to Joy Boy in One Piece could be sadder than fans are ready for
One Piece: Every difference between Nika, Joy Boy, and Luffy, explained
One Piece: Joy Boy and Nika are not the same and chapter 1114 spoilers all but confirms it
One Piece fans may already know who killed Joy Boy, and it explains an enigmatic apology
Was Joyboy a giant in One Piece? Explored