rainsometimes (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rainsometimes) wrote2010-05-27 11:24 pm
rainsometimes) wrote2010-05-27 11:24 pm
a few words about One Piece chapter 586
Not much this time, just a little
Since I expressed displeasure with some aspects of the flashback chapters, especially 583 and 584, I just wanted to say that with this chapter, pretty much everything felt right. Luffy now feels like a more believable little boy, like in "Romance Dawn". Ace looks after Luffy like a brother should, and by now I really like Flashback Ace. Strangely enough I don't feel uneasy by the even darker turn of events. I suspect this is mostly because there's now a warm emotional centre that Luffy's part of, with the three blood brothers (or 'booze brothers' ;p). Luffy and Ace are in mortal danger near the end, but they're sticking together, with Ace keeping Luffy from panicking and promising him he'll make it. ♥ They're missing Sabo and are uncertain what to do about it, but express both their faith in him and a wish for him to be happy, while Sabo is running around desperate to stop the holocaust threatening them.
The danger itself feels chillingly close to a real-world situation, with all that "get rid of the poor people making us look bad in front of the high-ups from abroad". And the blithe, in-denial attitude of the city's upper classes feels all too believable, too - sadly. It's dark and cruel, but this time it doesn't seem over-the-top - too much of an angry edge to it.
That kind of political content makes for a very good place for Dragon the revolutionary to show up. I hadn't anticipated him at all here, but now it makes perfect sense that he appears. Love that kind of thing that Oda can do so well. And Ivankov turning up as well is a lovely bonus surprise.
It all just feels so right again!
Not that it doesn't feel genuinely suspenseful, though! We do know Ace and Luffy will survive the fire, but as for the rest of the people trapped, we have no clue. Nor about Sabo. *very much hopes there'll be a better outcome for the civilians than in Robin's flashback*
Since I expressed displeasure with some aspects of the flashback chapters, especially 583 and 584, I just wanted to say that with this chapter, pretty much everything felt right. Luffy now feels like a more believable little boy, like in "Romance Dawn". Ace looks after Luffy like a brother should, and by now I really like Flashback Ace. Strangely enough I don't feel uneasy by the even darker turn of events. I suspect this is mostly because there's now a warm emotional centre that Luffy's part of, with the three blood brothers (or 'booze brothers' ;p). Luffy and Ace are in mortal danger near the end, but they're sticking together, with Ace keeping Luffy from panicking and promising him he'll make it. ♥ They're missing Sabo and are uncertain what to do about it, but express both their faith in him and a wish for him to be happy, while Sabo is running around desperate to stop the holocaust threatening them.
The danger itself feels chillingly close to a real-world situation, with all that "get rid of the poor people making us look bad in front of the high-ups from abroad". And the blithe, in-denial attitude of the city's upper classes feels all too believable, too - sadly. It's dark and cruel, but this time it doesn't seem over-the-top - too much of an angry edge to it.
That kind of political content makes for a very good place for Dragon the revolutionary to show up. I hadn't anticipated him at all here, but now it makes perfect sense that he appears. Love that kind of thing that Oda can do so well. And Ivankov turning up as well is a lovely bonus surprise.
It all just feels so right again!
Not that it doesn't feel genuinely suspenseful, though! We do know Ace and Luffy will survive the fire, but as for the rest of the people trapped, we have no clue. Nor about Sabo. *very much hopes there'll be a better outcome for the civilians than in Robin's flashback*
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On the other hand, if I'm looking at this for how it would effect the plot ((Not including the sneak peaks of Dragon's AWESOME))... it would just be really awesome if Sabo were alive. If he's still stuck with the Nobles, Luffy runs a high chance of running into him again somewhere down the line.
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I can see that happening too, though. Or maybe he ended up with Dragon? Though I suppose it's probably best if I hold back on any theories until the flashback is concluded.
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I do agree though that this was a good place for Dragon to show up. His motivations make a lot more sense now (though, despite the obvious corruption of the World Government, I am still not sure I support Dragon's revolution as a viable alternative).
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It's struck me that this last chapter had for me the feel of something from a good, solid, old-fashioned historical YA novel, like, hm, maybe something Leon Garfield or Lloyd Alexander could have written - or writers from older times than that. Sabo reads to me like he could have come out of those books. I don't mind at all, but I could easily see how that kind of thing can be too same-old to many (not saying you have the same impression, of course!).
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Could it be....? Only Oda will tell but I'm gunning for a 'reveal her already!!!'
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I loved Luffy and Ace in this chapter, too. Worrying and uncertain about Sabo, and Ace is actually behaving like a big brother to Luffy. And Sabo, seeing the entire corrupt society for what it is, and is still powerless to do anything about it...
Dragon turning up was such a surprise, even though it does make sense. I really, really wonder what it is he's planning...! And Ivankov! We're getting to see the Revolutionaries in action! (I wonder how many years ago Ivan-san got into Impel Down anyway... I don't think they say?)
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...Fifteen years ago, it says (chapter
527537). So this could well be it. :(