Manga Review: One Piece Vol. 74

There’s so much one could say about the One Piece series from Eiichiro Oda. The art style is unique. The cast is comical and badass. And the stories are often entertaining to read. For volume 74 of the One Piece manga, there’s only one word to describe the recent release from Viz Media. Busy.

In stark contrast to my review of Toriko Volume 27 and its simple story, One Piece Volume 74 is filled with several plotlines pertaining to the Straw Hat Crew’s current situation in Dresrosa. Operation S.O.P is a go, as our heroes set off to liberate the people of Dresrosa and break the curse that turned the citizens into toys.

Ussop and the Tontattas are off to trick special pirate officer Sugar into eating the Tatababasco, in the hope of knocking her unconscious and breaking the toy spell. Rebecca, the strong female gladiator, continues to fight for her life in the coliseum and learns a shocking truth about her mother’s death. And Luffy is out searching for the pirate captain responsible for all this mess: Donquixote Doflamingo of the Donquixote Pirates.

The latest development in the Dressrosa Arc is exciting and slightly confusing. So much is going on among the chapters that’s it’s very easy to get lost in the commotion. Switching back and forth from the central character’s perspectives happens too frequently at times, with some instances unable to justify its presence.

It’s somewhat fitting in a way, as the pacing matches the hectic action on display. However, the more straightforward chapters, such as the history of the One-Legged Soldier are more enjoyable than the ones trying to juggle several plot points. Speaking of One-Legged Soldier, the relationship between him and his adoptive daughter Rebecca escalates in this volume and becomes the strongest aspect of the book.

Don’t mistake my early criticism as an entire damnation of the book, as there’s still much to love about One Piece Volume 74. The series’ lovable traits I mentioned in the beginning are still on display here.

So much is happening withing these chapters, but the paneling by Oda displays the action in a clear and dynamic way. Only when a few panels obscured by the book’s divide does it become hard to read. Slight spoilers, but Ussop’s face near the volume’s end is incredibly horrific and hilariously exaggerated to view. I don’t know if I should laugh or scream my lungs out.

One Piece Volume 74 is now available to purchase at retailers.