A thrilling end to Thriller Bark, and the beginning of a new adventure.
Creative Staff
Writer/Artist: Eiichiro Oda
Translation: HC Language Solutions
Adaptation: Jason Thompson
What They Say
The Straw Hats are in a desperate battle against time and Gecko Moria to get their shadows back before dawn. Gecko Moria unleashes his devasting power of a thousand shadows, but Luffy counters back with his “Gear” powers. To save his crew, will Luffy have to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
As the volume opens, we find Luffy and the crew facing down the massive Gecko Moria, supercharged with the power of 1000 shadows. The sun is bearing down and threatening to disintegrate those who have lost their shadows, forcing Luffy into a desperate struggle, using his Gear powers and pushing his body to its limits. Luckily, the force of 1000 shadows seems to be too much for Moria, and Luffy’s assault forces the shadows from his body and back to their owners, just in time for the sun to rise.
However, just when victory seems won, the imposing figure of Bartholomew Kuma appears before the battered crew. Under orders from the Navy, Kuma prepares to wipe out everyone on Thriller Bark (in order to prevent news of another defeated warlord of the sea from leaking), but through a noble sacrifice, Zolo convinces him to leave (though in the process is forced to accept all of Luffy’s wounds, leaving him quite injured.)
From there, the crew finally prepares to depart Thriller Bark, and Brook’s tragic story is finally shown. However, a ray of light shines through for the skeletal musician, as he is informed by the crew that Laboon is still alive and waiting for him. After hearing this great news, Brook decides to truly fulfill his promise to Laboon by joining the Straw Hat crew and completing his voyage around the world before returning.
Finally, the volume wraps up as the crew meets a new friend, Camie the mermaid, and unknowingly agrees to help an old enemy in the process.
In Summary:
In this fantastic volume, we get to see the end of the intense fight with Gecko Moria, the touching and rather sad story of Brook’s past, and the rather silly opening to the Sabaody arc. Brook’s story was surprisingly the highlight of the volume, as even though it’s mostly things we’ve already heard, the way it’s laid out and shown is somber and incredibly touching. Hopefully, the Sabaody arc will be able to match up to the fantastic quality present in Thriller Bark, because if it does, we’re in for a treat.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: B
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: June 1st, 2010
MSRP: $9.99
