One Piece Chapter 1156 “Idol” Review – Beauty and Ambition Collide in an Epic Chapter!
Another Spectacular Color Spread! Pokémon Collaboration Takes Center Stage
Following the color spread from two weeks ago and last week’s break, we’re treated to yet another magnificent color spread this week! Having consecutive color spreads in such a short period in Weekly Shonen Jump is truly a testament to ONE PIECE’s status as the flagship series. What makes this week even more special is the Pokémon collaboration gracing the Jump cover – a dream crossover that has finally become reality.
Luffy appears alongside the adorable Pikachu, creating what can only be described as the perfect combination. Considering that Pikachu specializes in electric attacks while Luffy, as a Gum-Gum Fruit user, is immune to lightning, this pairing represents an absolutely perfect synergy. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful attention to detail we’ve come to expect from Oda-sensei.
The color spread illustration itself is absolutely breathtaking. The current Straw Hat crew takes center stage, while the background features the legendary pirates: Pirate King Gol D. Roger, Dark King Silvers Rayleigh, and Scopper Gaban. What’s particularly striking is the deliberate positioning – Luffy is backed by Roger, Zoro by Rayleigh, and Sanji by Gaban, perfectly mirroring the captain, right-hand, and left-hand relationships.
This parallel composition is incredibly powerful, visually representing how the current Straw Hat crew is steadily approaching the level of the Pirate King’s crew. True to Oda-sensei’s style, I’m sure there are countless hidden details and Easter eggs scattered throughout the illustration that will reward multiple viewings with new discoveries.
Main Story: The Glamorous Debut of the Kuja Pirates, “Idols of the Sea”
The main chapter opens with the past appearance of the Kuja Pirates, once known as the “Idols of the Sea.” The captain at that time was Gloriosa – yes, the current Elder Nyon. Her younger self is depicted as stunningly beautiful, almost unrecognizable compared to her present appearance. It’s both touching and melancholic to witness the passage of time and imagine the tumultuous life she must have lived.
Vice-Captain Shakky also makes her appearance – the younger version of the current Shakky we know. Additionally, we’re introduced to Tritoma, a future empress, creating what can only be described as a gathering of absolute beauties. All three are portrayed with such elegance and grace that they truly deserve the title “Idols of the Sea.”
Personally, I found Tritoma’s charm particularly captivating. The scene where she’s lovingly holding fan letters addressed to Gloriosa is absolutely adorable! Her expression is so endearing that it makes me incredibly curious about her future role and current whereabouts in the story.
What’s particularly fascinating is the revelation that Vice-Captain Shakky was far more popular than Captain Gloriosa. Her popularity was so overwhelming that even Gol D. Roger himself sought to capture her. This unusual dynamic of a vice-captain outshining the captain in popularity creates an intriguing power structure within the crew that’s quite rare in the One Piece world.
Legendary Clash: Garp vs Roger
Into this scene arrives Marine Hero Monkey D. Garp, leading to an intense one-on-one battle with Roger. The combat sequence that follows is absolutely spectacular.
Garp unleashes his “Fist Bone Meteor” technique – a name that sounds incredibly powerful and likely represents a devastating haki-infused punch attack. Roger counters with what appears to be a new technique called “Rough Soul,” a name with distinctly mythological Japanese overtones that feels appropriately grand for a technique used by the Pirate King.
Both warriors coat themselves entirely in haki, with Garp fighting with his signature fists while Roger wields his beloved sword Ace. The visual impact of these two legendary fighters clashing at full power is absolutely breathtaking. Seeing such a raw, visceral battle between warriors of this caliber was more intense than I could have imagined.
Elbaf Arc: Ida, the Epitome of Maternal Love
The scene shifts to Elbaf, where we witness Ida’s unwavering kindness toward the rebellious Loki. Her character embodies the highest ideals of motherhood – patient, loving, and nurturing regardless of the circumstances.
No matter how defiant or difficult Loki’s behavior becomes, Ida never abandons him, instead offering the kind of unconditional love that can heal even the deepest wounds. Seeing such a noble character as Hjaldin’s mother fills me with hope that he will inherit this profound capacity for love and achieve great things in the story ahead.
Hachinosu and Rocks’ Grand Ambition
The latter half of the chapter takes us to Hachinosu (Pirate Island), where crucial developments related to Rocks D. Xebec unfold.
First, we’re introduced to “Kyodo no Kyo” (later known as Silver Axe), who approaches Rocks seeking to join his crew. This scene gives us a glimpse into the pre-formation dynamics of what would become the legendary Rocks Pirates.
The most shocking revelation comes regarding Hachinosu’s distinctive landmark – those massive eye-like holes in the giant rock formation. We learn that these were actually created by Rocks himself! This discovery adds a whole new layer of meaning to the island’s ominous appearance.
These holes apparently represent Rocks’ desire for two specific Devil Fruits. One is located on Elbaf, and Rocks intends for Harald to consume it. The identity of this Devil Fruit, as well as the second one Rocks seeks, remains tantalizingly mysterious and has me incredibly curious about their significance.
The Birth of the Rocks Pirates
Finally, we witness the historic moment when the legendary Rocks Pirates are officially formed. Rocks’ declaration that he will “show them the pinnacle of the world” serves as the chapter’s climactic ending. This single statement carries the weight of immense ambition and foreshadows the events that will eventually lead to the God Valley Incident.
Chapter Analysis and Future Anticipation
This chapter demonstrates masterful storytelling structure. The first half bathes us in the beauty and glamour of the Kuja Pirates, the middle section delivers the thrilling clash between Garp and Roger along with heartwarming moments on Elbaf, while the final act plunges us into the darker, more sinister world of Hachinosu where monsters roam freely.
The contrasts between beauty and ugliness, light and darkness, love and ambition are expertly woven throughout, reminding me once again of the incredible depth and range that ONE PIECE possesses as a work of art. Honestly, I was on the edge of my seat with excitement throughout the entire reading experience – it was absolutely phenomenal.
Since this is a double issue, the next chapter won’t arrive until the week after next, but I’m already burning with curiosity about where the story will pick up. Will we continue following the formation of the Rocks Pirates? Will we see the encounters with future Yonko like Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido? How will these events connect to the eventual God Valley Incident?
ONE PIECE’s flashback arcs consistently exceed expectations, and this Rocks-related storyline is shaping up to be another series of legendary chapters. With Oda-sensei’s pen blazing with inspiration, all we can do as readers is surrender ourselves completely to the incredible journey ahead!