One Piece Creator Reveals Why Luffy Is Shonen Jump’s Best Hero

As new sensations come and go, One piece has always remained the undisputed king of Shonen Jump over the past two decades. A major reason for One piece‘s popularity is its enduring protagonist, and Netflix’s latest interview with Oda reveals exactly what makes Luffy Shonen Jump the best Luffy Shonen Jump hero.

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In a recent interview with Iñaki Godoy, who plays Luffy in the Netflix live-action series, Eiichiiro Oda was asked how he came up with the character of Luffy. Speaking to Godoy, Oda revealed that Luffy’s main source of appeal is essentially his “childish heart”, which allows him to do whatever he wants. This freedom of spirit, according to Oda, appeals most to adults who have lost this sense of freedom since entering society, as well as to children about to enter society.

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Eiichiro Oda explains what makes Luffy a compelling protagonist

Although it is aimed at a young male audience, One piece has managed to appeal to a wide range of demographics over the years, and Eiichiro Oda’s inspiration for Luffy explains exactly why, with Iñaki’s recent interview finally explaining the emphasis on freedom when it comes to the character of Luffy.

As Oda explains in the interview: “When you become an adult and join a company, you can’t always do what you want. Entering society often means losing one’s freedom. Luffy has the heart of a child, so he does what he wants. This aspect is probably, for adults already working in the company and for children about to enter the company, what makes Luffy so attractive.

Essentially, Luffy’s thirst for freedom makes him particularly appealing to adults and young adults, because according to Oda, becoming an active, contributing member of society is often accompanied by a loss of freedom and the ability to do so. that we want. This often also includes the ability to pursue one’s dreams, which Luffy and One piece also strongly argue in favor.

Luffy’s ideals resonate surprisingly well with contemporary audiences

Overall, contrary to what many might believe, Luffy is surprisingly well written in the simplicity of his character. From his first introduction, Luffy remains true to certain key values ​​throughout the series, the most well-known being his need for freedom, which manifests physically in the form of Gear Five during the Wano Arc.

Luffy’s dreams of freedom and adventure may seem childish and idealistic at first glance, but as Oda himself says, this childlike wonder and free-spirited nature is something many adults secretly yearn for, and that’s what attracts so many people to do it. One piece. While fans may not necessarily want to take to the seas in the same way, wanting to pursue one’s dreams as freely as Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats do is surprisingly relevant, especially to adult and young adult audiences, making Luffy a real character. ambitious figure in this regard.

While determined heroes like My Hero AcademiaIt’s Deku and those with pure hearts like Demon SlayerThe Tanjiro of are undoubtedly just as adorable, Luffy’s ideals, although simple and unchanging, manage to resonate much more strongly with contemporary audiences, which is why he has been and will continue to be the best Shonen hero for years to come.

Source: One Piece Official English YouTube Channel