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One Piece: The Monkey D. Family & Their Expression of Freedom

(SPOILER WARNING: DO NOT READ IF NOT CURRENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH THE ANIME OR MANGA)

   One Piece - one of the most well renowned manga series - focuses its themes on the inheritance of wills (or dreams), the changing of eras, and the pursuit of freedom. As Wano is steadily reaching its climax, I felt it appropriate to speak on the freest family within the story - the Monkey D. family.

   Luffy, Garp, and Dragon all stand as prominent figures in the world of One Piece. One as the face of the Marine, another as the leader of the Revolutionary Army, and the other as the rising star amongst other pirates. Each man lives with a distinctly different lifestyle and dreams. Yet, the Monkey D. family all value freedom and take stances that express their own vision of freedom.

   Let’s tackle the main star of One Piece first. Monkey D. Luffy - son of Dragon and grandson of Garp - sails the Grand Line in hopes of finding One Piece and becoming the King of the Pirates. But, what does it mean to be the Pirate King? To some, it may mean having all of the riches, standing as the strongest pirate, or being the one who conquered the terrors of the Grand Line. All serviceable answers as they applied to previous Pirate King, but for Luffy (and Roger), to be the Pirate King is to be the freest man in the sea. Luffy has no desire for conquest or glory; those are merely the consequences of his actions. He sails the seas merely seeking a fun adventure; only to surpass the unsought expectations laid onto him.

   Most cases, Luffy takes a stance against an oppressive regime on whatever island the Straw Hats are on due to the plight of a recently made friend. Luffy’s villains hold beliefs that directly conflict with Luffy’s. The most recent villain, Kaido, is a prime example as Kaido builds his crew by suppressing the wills of beaten captains and their crew. He has smouldered the liveliness of Wano into a wasteland, casting a dark cloud on the island awaiting for its Dawn. Luffy’s speech to the samurai of Wano in Udon’s prison is a testament to the man he is slowly becoming.

   Dragon's place in the world of One Piece is clear. He is a revolutionary that seeks to overthrow the World Government and the Celestial Dragons that stand above all others. The source for this motivation remains unclear at this point in the story, but Dragon’s utter disdain for the abuse of power the Nobles and Celestial Dragon commit is apparent to see. Dragon - a stoic individual - was shocked in his reaction to Sabo’s confession towards his disgust in his own noble blood.

   In Dragon’s pursuit of freedom, he intends to bring the changing of an era. A path he and his son both share. While Luffy decides to take the route of piracy, Dragon supports Luffy’s decision.  Dragon’s defining moment so far was rescuing the residents of the Grey Terminal. As he does so, he asks the residents who are willing to fight freedom to join him in his campaign. 

   Garp is a man whose position in the story is the most interesting among the family. We are consistently reminded of the World Government’s dark side and constant corruption, yet Garp is renowned as the Hero of the Marine. Famed for his constant clashes with Roger and his victory of the Rocks pirate, Garp is one of the most influential members of the Marines. A man of his importance clearly knows of the darkness beneath the surface. A soldier of a naval force that preaches the belief of  Absolute Justice. Still, as loyal as Garp is, he is quick to use the notoriety gained to preserve his freedom as a Marine.

   Rejecting countless promotions and refusing to serve directly under the Celestial Dragons - whom he openly shows disgust for like his son and grandson - Garp values the position of Vice Admiral. The position gives him just authority to make his own decision, and enough freedom as he is not confined by a responsibility to serve the whims of the Celestial Dragon as the Admirals and Fleet Admiral would. Garp uses his freedom to express his own form of justice. Be as allying with Roger to fight the Rocks Pirates, or locating and sheltering Ace after the World Government sought to purge Roger’s bloodline. Garp’s justice is one that judges on a person’s character and their actions. As Garp understands that justice is truly not absolute.

   As Oda continues to expand more upon the Dawn awaiting the world of One Piece, I believe we will see more of the Monkey D. Family taking the helm of the center stage. The world is slowly falling into chaos; a fitting stage for the most chaotic family in the show.

[devonrideauxwritingblog]

The Antiparallel of Trevor/Sypha and Lisa/Dracula’s Fate

~WARNING SPOILER WILL BE DISCUSSED~

Castlevania, one of the most popular shows on Netflix, released its final season this May on a high note, earning the praise from fans for its journey from start to finish. The show showcased fluid action sequences, engaging dialogue, and memorable characters. The four characters I want to talk about are Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, Dracula Tepes, and Lisa Tepes. Two pair of lovers that share an antiparallel relationship within the show.

Let’s start with looking at the pair whose relationship kicks the entirety of the show - Lisa and Dracula.The first episode dedicates the entirety of its runtime to establishing the relationship of Dracula and Lisa. From the first scene, the dynamic of the two (and Trevor and Sypha) is established. Dracula, a reclusive man who views humanity in a negative light, meets Lisa, a doctor dutifully committed to performing acts of good in the service of the people. Lisa sees the miracles Dracula could perform with his vast array of technology and knowledge. Lisa’s endless faith in the good in humanity - and in Dracula - sparked a change within the heart of the notorious vampire. Through Lisa, Dracula started to venture the world and lived once more  among the waking world.

Until the day when Lisa was unjustifiably burned at the stake on the orders of the Wallachia Church. The death of Lisa also marked the emotional death of Dracula. The aftermath of the incident left Dracula as a vessel of anger and grief. So driven by madness that he calls upon the demons of hell itself to lay waste to all of humanity. The fracture in Dracula’s soul persisted until the moment before his death when he slowly realizes that he was destroying the last remnant of the love he and Lisa shared - Alucard.

Now onto the duo of Belnades and Belmont. Trevor started the story in a similar place as Dracula; shunned by humanity and holding an apathetic view towards mankind. The stark contrast between the two men lies within the point of the story they suffer their darkest hour. Dracula suffers his once Lisa was killed during episode one, while Trevor has already suffered his before the start of the show when his family is excommunicated and driven from his ancestral home. 

Once Trevor meets Sypha, the Speaker immediately starts to have an effect on Trevor. Her headstrong and positive attitude often overwhelms Trevor’s dour demeanor, prompting him into taking an active stance towards problems post-season 2. Though there were some rough moments in their adventure, Sypha managed to have Trevor soften up and allow himself to be emotionally available to her. By the end of the series, Trevor was able to regain the feeling of loving someone and being loved.

Castlevania started the series with the fall of Lisa and Dracula’s relationship, and the destructive nature of one man’s grief and love lost. And ending with the rise of Trevor and Sypha’s relationship, and the reconstruction of the heroic nature of a once jaded man and his love regained.

[devonrideauxwritingblog]

Hello there...

  If you stumbled across this page, then let’s just consider this fate. I am DeVon Rideaux, and this is my blog. I aspire to be a writer - fully published and face on the back of the book and all of the works. On here you’ll see me talk - or write - about some aspects of writinig and my interperations of such; often using my favorite series as examples. On the rare days, you will may see me drop the facade, and turn into the fanboy I truly am. Who knows...