Summary
Ever since the early days ofOne Piece, the characters have been the best part of the series, and one of the biggest reasons for thisis their impeccable designs. This franchise is defined by its whacky art style that is either a hit or miss for most people, but once they actually get into the series, they realize that this style is exactly what the series needs in order for Oda to make unique and identifiable characters.
This aspect of the series is on full display in the Elbaf arc, which fans have already said has the best designed characters that have ever been seen before inOne Piece. Of course, it may be too early to judge since the arc isn’t even over yet, but to see such interesting and badass characters in the space of a few chapters has fans raving about this arc, so let’s see why this is.
Debut Date
June 18, 2025
Loki’s introduction had been built up ever since his very first mention during the Wholecake Island arc. However, the silhouette fans got of him was completely different from his eventual appearance, which manyfans have repeatedly called the bestin all ofOne Piecedue to his massive size and Viking-inspired aesthetic. This, paired with the bandages around his eyes, makes him the most imposing and iconic character of the entire Elbaf arc, and easily among the best in the series as a whole.
I am the Sun God who will bring about the end of the world!
However, although he really looks like an evil monster whom the entire country of Elbaf fears, the truth behind his departure into supposed villainy is tragic, and was only done because he was ostracized by everyone on the island. This is the main reason why many fans believe that he will eventually join the Straw Hats once the arc ends, which would make a lot of sense with his legendary Devil Fruit as well.
July 01, 2025
One of the greatest theories in the history ofOne Piecewas that of Shanks secretly having a twin who was first introduced in Chapter 907 when he went to meet the Gorosei. This was finally confirmed in Elbaf when Shamrock was revealed to bethe elder twin brother of Shanks. His design mirrored Shanks and really sold his look as one of the World Nobles, since his longer hair and regal adornments gave fans an insight into how Shanks would have turned out if he had elected to stay in the Holy Land.
Long ago, the savage warriors of Elbaf dominated the New World. The World Government will bring them to heel no matter what!
He was an incredibly striking character when he was first shown, as he perfectly encapsulated the alternate route that Shanks would have been if he had never been taken by the Roger Pirates on God Valley. At the current moment, very little is known about him, but with the Final War approaching right around the corner, fans can expect to see the Supreme Commander of the Gods Knight far more often.
Jul 29, 2025
King Harald, just like his son Loki, is alreadyregarded as one of the best-designed charactersthat Oda has ever shown in the series. Generally speaking, Ancient Giants are already among the coolest aspects of the story at large, so seeing Harald in his youth shows what one of their descendants would look like in their prime, which stole just about every scene he was in.
Harald began his reign at 45 years of age - just 15 in human terms. Despite this, King Harald, remarkably enough, was pure scum!
Harald was known as the greatest monarch in the history of Elbaf, and the brief looks at Loki’s backstory have really sold this image. Despite the Elbaf Giants being known around the world for being savage and ruthless warriors, Harald showed that diplomacy with their neighbors is the only true way forward for them, which will make the inevitable scene of his death even more tragic.
First Appearance
One Piece, Chapter 1154, “I Can’t Even Die”
There has been no villain in the entire story ofOne Piecewhose official appearance has been more anticipated than that of the legendary Rocks D. Xebec. Not only was he described as thegreatest rival that Roger ever had, but Chapter 1154 further reinforced his strength by explaining that he singlehandedly killed a Navy Admiral, further drawing the ire of the World Government. His strength was always going to be incredible, but fans still hoped that his design wouldn’t disappoint.
He was Roger’s first foe… and perhaps his greatest…
And, thankfully, it lived up to and even surpassed all the hype, since Xebec’s official reveal showed his ruthlessness and impeccable design. Xebec has been confirmed as the father of Blackbeard, which was a theory that has been hinted at for years, due to which the two of them look incredibly similar. His powers and motivations are still a mystery, but his official debut was even better than what everyone could have imagined.
