Netflix’s “One Piece” Introduces a Fascinating Pirate Relationship
The pirate-infused world of “One Piece” has never been a stranger to complexities, be it in its vast adventures or intricate character relationships. As Netflix dives into this colossal world with its live-action adaptation, certain interpersonal dynamics come to the forefront. One such relationship, shimmering with curiosity, is between the formidable Shanks (played by Peter Gadiot) and the boisterous Buggy (Jeff Ward). But how does this portrayal compare with the anime and manga originals? Let’s embark on this journey.
Luffy’s Idol: The Significant Role of Shanks
From the very beginning, it’s evident that Shanks holds a special place in the heart of Luffy D. Monkey (Iñaki Godoy), the aspiring “King of the Pirates.” The first season doesn’t hesitate to underline Luffy’s adoration for Shanks. Buggy the Clown, however, is quick to pick up on this sentiment, cunningly trying to twist it to his advantage during a heated confrontation with Luffy.
“Shanks left him behind, too,” Buggy sneers, attempting to draw parallels between his feelings of betrayal and Luffy’s experiences. But Luffy’s unwavering trust in Shanks makes this attempt futile.
Buggy’s Resentment: A Dive into Their Shared Past
The original One Piece materials are rich with backstories, and the tale of Buggy and Shanks is no exception. As young novices aboard Gol D. Roger’s legendary ship, their camaraderie was evident, but so was the seed of rivalry.
Buggy’s bitterness isn’t just about missing out on being a part of Shanks’ crew. It goes deeper. A significant chunk of his resentment is rooted in an incident involving a stolen Devil Fruit. A misadventure with Shanks leads to Buggy unintentionally consuming the fruit, which forever changes his life, depriving him of the ability to swim and hampering his treasure-hunting aspirations. This misfortune, in Buggy’s eyes, can be traced back to Shanks.
Despite their shared history, their paths do converge later, highlighting their diverging fates. While Shanks extends an invitation to Buggy to join his crew, Buggy’s pride, mixed perhaps with a hint of envy, sees him carving his own path with the Buggy Pirates.
An Uncertain Future: What Lies Ahead for Buggy and Shanks?
Netflix’s “One Piece” leaves ample room for speculation regarding Buggy and Shanks’ evolving dynamics. While their interaction in the original anime during the Marineford Arc is more congenial, Netflix might choose to stir the waters.
The anime paints Buggy as an antagonist, only to later portray him in a lighter, more comical hue. Will Netflix tread a similar path or forge a new narrative? Only time will tell. One thing is clear, though: with characters as rich and intricate as Buggy and Shanks, the live-action journey promises to be as thrilling as its source material.
