A review by zibbi_is_reading
One Piece, Vol. 43: Legend of a Hero by Eiichiro Oda

adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I wasn’t a big fan of how the first half of this volume was executed, but the second half? Wow, it totally made up for it. The fights, as usual, were a bit hard to follow—maybe I need to check out the anime adaptation to better appreciate them. It’s both disappointing and frustrating to struggle with something that’s supposed to be so exciting. That said, most of the Straw Hat crew really stepped up in their battles against CP9, showcasing new skills and abilities we hadn’t seen before, which was a definite highlight. 

One thing I wasn’t crazy about was the cartoonish effects of the Devil Fruits on the CP9 members—it felt a little off for such intense battles. On the other hand, I loved how the crew is putting their trust in Franky to save Robin, and how he’s just as committed to the mission. The final moments, with everyone fighting to protect Robin and the delivery of the keys, were incredible. I can’t wait to see Robin free from those shackles and I can’t wait to see her in action!