The crew of the Going Merry returns for the fourth installment of season 2 of One Piece. This volume introduces two new Devil Fruit Powers and new important characters. Also, it is the beginning of the end of the Alabasta Arc.
Highlights
This volume finally has the Straw Hats arriving in the kingdom of Alabasta. But shortly before hand they meet up with an odd fellow with a long pink coat and swans. This odd fellow ate the Clone Clone fruit and it allows him to turn into anyone he touches with his right hand. After some fun with the Straw Hats it’s discovered that he is actually a member of Baroque Works named Mr.2 Bon Clay. Another character introduced fully in this volume is Luffy’s brother, Portgas D. Ace. He is Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and known as ‘Fire Fist Ace’ due to him eating the Flame-Flame Fruit.
Most of this installment involves the back story of Vivi and what lead up to the rebellion that is going on at the moment. It’s a very touching story of her past friends. There’s even the redemption of a group of bandits. We are also introduced to the remaining Officer Agents of Baroque Works.
Overall
This has to be the funniest volume of One Piece I have seen so far. Some of the jokes involve Luffy, being well Luffy, but also with Vivi mentioning she forgot about some danger after it has appeared. A real good Luffy incident involved eating a Mescal Cactus which caused Luffy to believe that he was drowning.
The fights have been turned up a notch from the last volume, and the introduction of Ace’s Flame-Flame Fruit just adds more enjoyment to the arc. In fact, Ace is my new favorite character. Though Luffy’s brother, he is nearly an exact opposite. Where Luffy is always running in not fully aware of what’s going on around him, Ace is considerate and quiet. And being voiced by Travis Willingham(Fullmetal Alchemist’s Roy Mustang) doesn’t hurt either.
For any fan of pirates and super powers, this is a must buy DVD.
ComicsOnline gives One Piece Season 2 Fourth Voyage 5 out of 5 Devil Fruits
