Favorite Arc!

[M3J]

I think it's pretty wierd that people vote so much Enies Lobby - I didn't consider it that special. The most interesting ones for me were absolutely the whitebeard war due to the awesome scenes at Marineford and perhaps Sabaody Archipelago because of lots of things: supernova introductions, Kizaru, and especially Rayleigh

Even though those arcs were so awesome I still had to vote punk hazard: usually the ongoing arc always has me hooked the most.

I think Robin and the way the SHP went to get her are probably what makes EL popular. We learned more about Robin, the awesomeness of SHP, and how Luffy and the others were willing to take on the world government just for the sake of one person in their nakama. We also saw Robin be not as stoic, like her crying and saying she wants to go to the sea with SHP. The fights weren't bad either.

You also forgot Luffy punching the poop out of the Celestial Dragon. That alone made me squee so much.

 

[Ninja_Pirate]

For me Enies Lobby is the best Arc undoubtedly...
I started one piece by watching anime,... and got so hooked up... Watched it till thriller bark and then read it from the start..that time Enies lobby was going on.. updated my self and read it again from the start... then watched my favourites over and over again for the bad assery of this series...

Baratie – Red leg quoting luffy to be the person u should be afraid of ...
Arlong park – Nami stabbing herself and asking luffy “Help me” .. Luffy punching Arlong.. Amazing
Logue town – Introduction of Smoker
Baroque works – Oda touched new levels with the length and vastness of the arc with maps and all ... a fight with Shichibukai ,,, First Logia enemy for SHP... and luffy owned croc .. loved it ...
Drum Island – Loved the idea of having the best doc on board.. Loved Hiluluk’s character
Jaya – Luffy owning Bellamy .. one of my favourite
Skypaeia – Felt that the arc was dragged,,, until the bell rung.. awesome.. Even while reading it I can feel the sound of the bell at the back of my head..
Davy Back – The worst Arc.. (Filler arc)
Thriller Bark – It is the relation of Brook with Laboon that made it for me .. I love the scene when Franky asking brook so rudely.. why he lives a life like this.. and he gets owned by brook’s answer...and the scene of zoro giving up to Kuma... I just read it again and again..
Sabaody – Supernovas... luffy punching a tenryuubito .. and finally everyone getting on their own/... loved it .. Oda has done something extraordinary... The day when SHP got totally owned.. Main Protagonist was being played with.. like a toy..Not a dream adventure anymore ...
Marineford – The best war arc ever being written till date... Amazing... Even in the ansence of SHP the arc got so much popularity... it owned
Fishman Island – Sucked big time .,.. After setting up such high standards I don’t know what went in the head .. The main reason it sucked is .. it was hyped up from the arlong park arc itself...
Punk Hazard- ongoing and who knows.. can turn into a best arc 

For Enies Lobby – Thats where it all started.. I guess Oda has done totally out of the line on which One piece was going .. The scale went up here .. at this vary arc ...
Thats the first arc where a character died in present... (Going Merry :’( )
loved the scene when Franky stood in front of sea train when they were taking Tom San..
And the scene when all SHP gets to the roof top and walk towards the edge to join luffy facing Robin... (thats one to watch)
And obviously .. the desperate fight of luffy against Lucci... Amazing ... Usopp shouting to luffy.. an their escape from Enies lobby with their dying Nakama... that one thing touched me so much.. even while typing it down I can feel the chill running down my spine..

 

[Ankit]

Water 7/Enies Lobby by far. This arc definitely added a lot of depth to the characters and finally proved that the SH were not a force to be messed with. It was really intricate and I loved the fights.

Punk Hazard is a distant second place for me. I love it because it sets up confrontations with Kaidou and Doflamingo who are arguably some of the strongest characters in the OP world.

 

[D1mitri]

My favorite ARC so far is Alabastar. The battle with Baroque Works and Crocodile was my favorite.

 

[31TeV]

For those of you who voted for Jaya or Davy Back Fight, what do you like so much about those arcs?

Also, I'm surprised that absolutely no one at all has voted for Fishman Island (it's not my favourite or even that close, but still).

 

[Ninja_Pirate]

For those of you who voted for Jaya or Davy Back Fight, what do you like so much about those arcs?

Also, I'm surprised that absolutely no one at all has voted for Fishman Island (it's not my favourite or even that close, but still).

For Davy back I must say those people might be trolling… but still I can only see one reason why anyone can love Davy back arc…

Spoiler

AFRO LUFFY​

For Jaya Arc...I have seen this post and I totally agree that there were scenes people can fall in love with

Seems like I'm the only one voting for Jaya.

So it's my fav mainly because the overall atmosphere is most pirate-like in the whole series. And the events at the sea before the island are something never before seen at that point of the series (a ship falling from the sky, giant tortoise eating it and then the shadows of the Shandians).

And the best single page in the whole series.

And my personal favorite scene :

Spoiler

 

[M3J]

For those of you who voted for Jaya or Davy Back Fight, what do you like so much about those arcs?

Also, I'm surprised that absolutely no one at all has voted for Fishman Island (it's not my favourite or even that close, but still).

I liked Davy Back Fight because of the humor, especially Afro Luffy. Plus, Zoro was awesome with the way he told Chopper to stfu and man up.

 

[Kukriblades]

For those who wonder why El/W7 got more votes than MF, well I think it's because EL/W7 was more enjoyable.

Sure on epic scale MF won by miles, we had almost all the big names, the first and second real death in the story, and of course, Epicbeard unlimited awesomeness. But that's just it.

Meanwjile, everything in EL/W7 was pure gasm. Starting from Luffy vs Usopp, the battle on rocketman, Robin's flashback, cool power ups by all the Strawhats, Sogeking, dat phenomenal "I wadda live scene", and the unbelievably heartbreaking ending (Merry's funeral). It was pure joy to read all these awesome stuff keeps happening.

Heck, even the post-arc was just as memorable (Garp-Dragon revelation, new ship, new bounties, Franky-Usopp-Robin joining back, Shanks and WB meeting, and Ace vs BB). I doubt that there'd be any arc that would top this one, not even the 'Big War' arc that Oda has promised us with.

 

[M3J]

As much as I liked the War, I don't think the quality could compare to Water 7/Enies Lobby arc, other than Ace's death and Bon Bon's awesomeness. Of course, I could be biased as Enies Lobby had one of my favorite scenes of all time - SHP popping up and Robin saying she wants to go with them. Only thing that tops that is Luffy punching that Tenryuubito asshole in Shabaondy arc.

 

[MiyamotoMusashi]

As much as I liked the War, I don't think the quality could compare to Water 7/Enies Lobby arc, other than Ace's death and Bon Bon's awesomeness. Of course, I could be biased as Enies Lobby had one of my favorite scenes of all time - SHP popping up and Robin saying she wants to go with them. Only thing that tops that is Luffy punching that Tenryuubito asshole in Shabaondy arc.

I don´t think you are biased. The whole war was a huge fanservice really but we did not really get a substantial fight like Lucci vs Luffy for example, nor did it seem like a real battle with tens of thousands on each side.

 

[M3J]

The battle wasn't supposed to be like a regular battle though, it's a war. Having tens of thousands of people on each side fighting makes sense in a war, there was no individual battle for Luffy to win - his goal was to free Ace. His allies were Whitebeard crew while his enemies were the Marine, specifically the admirals/vice-admirals. One on one battle or individual battles wouldn't have made sense as Luffy's side were too pressed for time to free Ace in the war.

 

[MiyamotoMusashi]

The battle wasn't supposed to be like a regular battle though, it's a war. Having tens of thousands of people on each side fighting makes sense in a war, there was no individual battle for Luffy to win - his goal was to free Ace. His allies were Whitebeard crew while his enemies were the Marine, specifically the admirals/vice-admirals. One on one battle or individual battles wouldn't have made sense as Luffy's side were too pressed for time to free Ace in the war.

You seem to misunderstand me. The battle did not seem like one with so many people on each side, it was more like an opportunity to show the flashiest characters clashing for a short time. The focus was way too much on the strongest characters in my opinion, i wished Oda had showed more of the more "common" battle. The panels looked good (for example Akainu´s huge magma fist) but they did not really give me something. I did not expect a 1vs1 in a huge battle, i expected something that looks like a battle but that´s just my personal opinion. I think that W7/EL, Alabasta and also Skypeia are superior to Marineford.

 

[M3J]

Ah yes, I agree with you. It did feel like ODa wanted to show or introduce characters as the battle progressed. The abuse of double-page spreads also irked me to no ends at times as well.

I think Enies Lobby might have my favorite Zoro and probably Sanji fights as well. Too bad we can't see them work together or fight together like they did in Davy Back fight.

 

[tobeulp]

For those who wonder why El/W7 got more votes than MF, well I think it's because EL/W7 was more enjoyable.

Sure on epic scale MF won by miles, we had almost all the big names, the first and second real death in the story, and of course, Epicbeard unlimited awesomeness. But that's just it.

Meanwjile, everything in EL/W7 was pure gasm. Starting from Luffy vs Usopp, the battle on rocketman, Robin's flashback, cool power ups by all the Strawhats, Sogeking, dat phenomenal "I wadda live scene", and the unbelievably heartbreaking ending (Merry's funeral). It was pure joy to read all these awesome stuff keeps happening.

Heck, even the post-arc was just as memorable (Garp-Dragon revelation, new ship, new bounties, Franky-Usopp-Robin joining back, Shanks and WB meeting, and Ace vs BB). I doubt that there'd be any arc that would top this one, not even the 'Big War' arc that Oda has promised us with.

I really doubt that you are correct with this even with EL/W7 was epic there must certainly be a new arc that will be more epic than it this because I believe Oda had a lot more to give us.

@all
Best arc could be EL/W7 because all of the Straw Hats are there and they all grow/hurt etc while Marineford only Luffy and the other characters are highlighted you say it is a highlight arc for luffy and given that Marineford arc if you include that Sabo Arc also that will certainly highlight Ace and Luffy bond for me I will rate Marineford higher with the revelation and twist it the arc have

But all in all nothing could go wrong if you like EL/W7 or Marineford both are epic on its on way and expecting a lot more arc to destroy this two and make you think they are just a great arc if you compare it to the ones that Oda will do in the future ^^

 

[braindamage351]

I have to agree that Enies Lobby was the most epic arc, and had the best fights by far. But I voted for Skypeia! Why? Because Skypeia was the best adventure.

Enies Lobby was the best arc in terms of fights, but it's sort of like having the characters go supersaiyan, where it's almost a cheap way to become epic, and it inherently can't be repeated. Skypeia, on the other hand, was a random adventure that had relatively little impact on the story, and it worked so perfectly. Most of the cool-looking settings wear off after a few pages, but I never got tired of the sky islands and clouds. Most of the random people the Strawhats help are just boring, but the backstory of Skypeia was incredible. And the ending, with Luffy ringing the bell and his giant silhouette on the ocean, was possibly the best panel in the series.

 

[ukimix]

I like so much Eines Lobby and Baroque Works... I hope the Kaido's arc, which would cover in the end also Punk Hazard, should have to be even better...

---------- Post added February 16, 2013 at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was February 13, 2013 at 12:54 PM ----------

I think Fishman Island is underrated. It was a very intelligent arc, Oda's message about intolerance was very well said. I especially like that Hodi himself had no grudge against humans, using intolerance instead to justify his own wicked agenda. That is very insightful, and closer to the mark than is common, when pop culture tackles the subject. Not my favorite arc, but overall, very well done. I enjoyed Fishman Island more than Skypeia, which I found to be the most generic of the series. Skypeia and Davey Back Fight are my least favorite arcs. Water 7/Enes Lobby, Sabaody/Amazon Lily/Impel Down/Marineford were my favorites. Punk Hazard I have enjoyed a great deal. Other than Law giving Caesar his heart (plothole), I enjoyed everything about the arc.

I have a different reading of One Piece: I don’t interpret it as if it were written to give us any moral messages. On my view it's written only for our pleasure. So, I dont read as if it were links between what happens in One Piece world and our world. I go to OP world sometimes to laugh, sometimes to escape, sometimes to know what will happen next. But I don’t see in what happens there, messages about what happens here.

Maybe for that, FI arc was one of the worst. If I have to find its value inside the whole plot, and not for his relation with the intolerance in a world like ours, I can't give it much credit. Besides the fact that provided us with important data about Fisher Tiger, Otohime, the poneglyth and Shirahosi, there are no much there, in terms of an exiting action. That doesn’t happen, to my eyes, with arcs like W7 or BW: they are as good that they create their own exiting world and meanings.

But that's just my view and my way to read it. Something good about the good literature is that you can interprete it in different ways. There is no such thing as The true interpretation.

Btw, I guess your post belongs better to this thread.

 

[Kaiten]

You are welcome to ignore any deeper meaning in the story, that is your business, not mine. If all you want from One Piece is escapism, that is up to you. What I most enjoy about One Piece is that there is some literary depth. Oda has something to say about individualism, tyranny, freedom, and acceptance. It's a smart manga, that is what sets it apart from most other action manga. It speaks to Oda's greatness as a mangaka that One Piece also is an exciting adventure story, and fully satisfying for those uninterested in looking deeper. I happen to enjoy both the depth of storytelling, and the exciting adventure.

I happened to enjoy the Fishman Island arc for it's depth of storytelling. Oda's intentions were fairly blatant. The majority of the arc was deeply focused on the conflict between humans and fishman, and the intolerance it had bred. I also happened to think he said it very well, and very clearly. It was not my favorite arc, but I do think it is unfairly maligned.

 

[ukimix]

Well, maybe you are right, tolerance and the peaceful acceptance of a diference are something that this world needs in deep.

---------- Post added at 09:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 AM ----------

Because, what is the point to write a story about tolerance if its readers don't accept the fact that there are different and valid interpretations of a story? And, be sure, we don't need a speech about deeper meanings to understand that neither interpretation is the true one. Because, talking about isms, the specch about the deepest meaning of a story is one of the many faces of absolutims and fundamentalism. Something that in its very essence is fully irrational.

 

[Kaiten]

Life is not always subjective, reality is more than the sum of personal opinion. Denying that something is there, or not seeing it, does not make that something go away. Claiming that the only valid truth is personal is a hollow argument, devoid of any real meaning. Any who wish to debunk, disclaim, or debate must be prepared to present empirical evidence to support their argument. In absence of evidence, claiming that there is no one truth is an invalid argument, and petty. Present evidence supporting your opinion, from the source. If you can not, be content in your opinion, but cease this discussion immediately. Be content in your opinion, but lacking any evidence, do not ever again attempt to pass it off as some sort of empirical truth. And never again attempt an argument as intellectually lazy, in the face of textual evidence to the contrary. The truth is never absolute, perception must always be challenged. But that challenge may only come from valid, empirical observation. Let rigor and knowledge decide the truth, not whimsy or anything as capricious as personal opinion. No one is entitled to an opinion, and like the truth, opinion must always be subject to constant scrutiny.

Please, and with all due respect, do not ever again attempt to debunk my statement, or that of anyone else, only on the ground that the truth is a matter of interpretation. Present textual evidence as factual counter-argument. Do not twist, bend, or misquote. Let the text shape your argument, do not Gerrymander the text only to support your opinion. If escapism is what you want from One Piece, that is an entirely valid opinion. But do not ever, for any reason, again attempt to pass off your opinion as some form of truth, without presenting clear evidence to support your claim. If your truth can not be supported without contradicting the source, consider it proof your argument is not true.

 

[M3J]

Has anyone who's complained or disliked Fishman Island arc read the entire arc again? Although I still think it was bad, it's much better reading in one go.

the arc is mainly about the conflict between humans and the fishmen, as well as how Luffy is slowly changing their opinions of humans. Strawhat Pirates have made many fishmen reconsider their negative viewpoints towards humans other than Whitebeard, and I think Oda is trying to tell us to not judge everyone for the action of few (or I guess majority?).