Will Luffy be able to gain the aid of his former foes and breach the depths of Impel Down?
Creative Staff
Writer/Artist: Eiichiro Oda
Translation: Laabaman
Adapdation: Lance Caselman
What They Say
With his brother Ace locked up in the Naval prison Impel Down, Luffy doesn’t have much time to rescue him before his imminent execution. While he may have found a way to sneak into the maximum-security prison, finding Ace isn’t going to be as easy. But a chance reunion with some former enemies just might be a blessing in disguise!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
As the volume begins, we find Luffy, with the aid of Boa Hancock, sneaking onto a Navy ship bound for the underwater prison Impel Down to rescue his brother Ace before his execution. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew awakens in a variety of strange lands, separated by Bartholomew Kuma’s previous attack. Luffy manages to make it into the prison, but it isn’t long until he runs into Buggy the clown, who was attempting to escape. However, though Luffy quickly defeats Buggy’s pursuers, Buggy ends up getting dragged further down into the prison with Luffy as he attempts to rescue Ace.
During their journey into the lower floors of the prison, Luffy and Buggy defeat a great variety of beasts, such as sphinxes, basilisks, and manticores, and team up with former Baroque Works agents Mr. 3 and Mr. 2 Bon Clay. By the time the volume ends, we are also introduced to the diabolical staff of Impel Down, including the scheming Under Warden Hannyabal and the monstrous Warden Magellan, who quickly learn of Luffy’s assault and begin to take measures to stop him. Luffy and company may have conquered the first three floors, but will they be able to make it past the fourth floor, where the prison staff lie in wait?
In Summary:
Though the rest of the crew may be absent for this arc, former villains such as Buggy and Mr. 2 Bon Clay do a good job filling in, making the journey through this hellish prison rather enjoyable. The dynamics between these villains and Luffy is interesting to watch and definitely something we haven’t seen before. Watching Buggy and Mr. 3 try and fail repeatedly to break off and escape from Luffy’s group is hilarious, as is watching Mr. 2 Bon Clay’s wacky antics. The villainous prison staff also has an interesting and humorous dynamic about them. All in all this arc certainly seems to be off to a good start, and it’ll certainly be interesting to watch how it progresses.
Content Grade: B+
Art Grade: B
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: July 6th, 2010
MSRP: $9.99