One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda shared his secret to creating exceptional characters in a recent interview.
The author’s acclaimed manga is not only known for its expansive universe, but also for its endearing characters. One Piece features some of the most beloved heroes from the anime and manga world in the form of the Straw Hats.
But it’s not just our heroes who get attention. Even supporting characters like Shanks, Mihawk, and Whitebeard, and antagonists like Doflamingo, Imu, and Blackbeard are considered iconic. And there’s a simple reason behind that.
In the interview, Oda revealed, “It all starts with whether I like the character or not. I can’t work with characters I don’t get along with.” This was to be expected, as the author had previously explained how Luffy’s childish optimism resonated with him, leading to the creation of the legendary character.
The author added: “The worst thing you can do is force a character just because they’re trendy, without any real personality. If I like the character, at least I’m a fan. But if I create them without paying attention, they might not have any fans at all.”
Readers have been very appreciative of Oda since this revelation. Many are thanking him, while others are pointing out how the author’s simple yet meaningful approach contributes to One Piece’s ever-growing fanbase.
“That’s awesome, Oda! Each one of them is unique and full of life because you’re so in tune with them,” wrote one X user.
“The fact that every character has their fan in this fandom; Oda has succeeded in his vision,” another pointed out.
“It also brings out the despised characters,” added a third, referring to Foxy, the captain of the Foxy Pirates and one of One Piece’s funniest villains.
Another fan added: “Oda does it perfectly and most series struggle to write good villains.”
As the One Piece manga has entered the Elbaf Arc, we are about to meet new characters, undoubtedly interesting ones. So, don’t forget to check out the upcoming chapter 1128 on October 6, 2024.
To learn more about Oda’s beloved series, find out all about the Red Hair Pirates and the Void Century. You can also check out if Garp is alive and how Saturn dies in One Piece.
