English Professor’s Thoughts on the Impel Down Arc (Summit War Saga - One Piece)

I have finished reading the Impel Down Arc (Summit War Saga) from Oda Sensei's One Piece, and I am eager to share my thoughts! While this is not meant to be a comprehensive breakdown of the many allusions and themes woven into the tale, I give my impressions and try to convey a sense of my appreciation for the rich storytelling as well as the characters' development. You can find all my One Piece videos in the "One Piece" playlist on my channel.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

A quick note on pronouns: While I think that the pronoun "they" would work beautifully for characters like Bon, Iva, and Inazuma, I follow the Viz translation I am reading in terms of what pronouns I use, and I assume the translation reflects what Oda used at the time that he wrote Impel Down. Also, as we are hosting guests today, please forgive me if I am a little less responsive in the comments than usual. And, as always, my nakama, thank you so much for watching and for helping me on my One Piece journey!

[@limbus66]

not a Japanese speaker or reader but my understanding is that Japanese doesn't really have gendered pronouns as such, so it's kind of up to the translator's discretion

[@Football-cz6cw]

If I'm correct japanese doesn't have pronouns. Fanbase are reaally divided by these English pronouns

[@Immortal-Dude]

Im learning Japanese, and while there are gendered ways to address people, it is usually not used. Japanese is a highly contextual language, and often the speaker will address the listener by not addressing them at all. A literal translation for "Do you want this book?" would look more like "Want this book?".

[@shrubninja6444]

@@limbus66 The way I've seen most people identify gender related stuff in manga is to look at which form of the word "I" or "me" the character uses, since there are versions that are typically used more by men or by women. It's a difficult topic to get a solid answer for, for sure.

[@PantsBobSpongeSquare22]

I follow what Oda says. Bentham is a man. Ivan is a man. And another that isn't coming up for a while is a woman. It's only the west that acts super weird around pronouns.

[@annikaferman1572]

We must protect this man from spoilers at all cost

[@cushioning0988]

His final one piece video once hes finished the series will be priceless. I would actually pay for this man not to see spoilers.

[@highlyeducatedtrucker]

In the anime, Bon Clay is *incredibly* campy and flamboyant and, well, gay. I have never seen, in any media that I've watched or read, any character who was so very very campy and gay turn out to be such a stone-cold heroic badass as Bon Clay. This is why he's the favorite character for a lot of folks. He is unique in media. And Oda was writing this around 15-16 years ago, so props to him for being ahead of the curve, particularly for Japan.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bon Clay is wonderful! Cheers!

[@Claego]

I wouldn't say Oda was ahead of the curve on this in particular, he just had the sense to write an actual character, rather than how they write characters today; bland, predictable, one-dimensional, and super gay for the sake of being gay. I thoroughly enjoyed Bons flamboyance, and yet I'm what you would call by all means a straight white conservative American. Powerful stuff from Oda, but not ahead of his time, just good writing. That's what I'd love to see more of. Writers today can learn A LOT from Oda in representing a different type of person while retaining the depth and value.

[@teenagesteveminecraft]

​@@Claegoprops to you for not being one of those weirdo culture war cringe conservatives and realizing that it's not about the character being gay, it's about how poorly written some characters are now a days

[@char1194]

​@@ClaegoCompare and contrast Bon Clay to other queer characters of that time, and Oda was 100% ahead of the curve here. Yes its just good writing, thats the point. Other queer characters were written poorly and on top of that were often delegated to purely villanous roles.

[@tubguinace]

​@@char1194 Not in Japanese media though, there have been successful gay characters and stories in Japanese media dating back decades before Bon Clay.

[@elkekso5083]

Bon Clay is my favourite character everybody needs a friend like him

[@matheussanthiago9685]

And if you don't have a Bon Clay in your life, BE someone else's Bon Clay

[@elkekso5083]

@@matheussanthiago9685 good advice

[@Ridley_1992]

We all need a Bon Chan in our lives!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It would be a great honor to have a friend like Bon Clay!

[@donaldpetersen2382]

If you believe in true friendship say "aye"

[@kirbyhm]

Jinbe was first mentioned in chapter 69 by Yosaku at the beginning of Arlong Park. He mentions Arlong being released from prison as a result of Jinbe joining the Warlords.

[@arthurdoktor]

Nice

[@teenagesteveminecraft]

Nice

[@paulettewirtz785]

@@kirbyhm so incredible how early these hints are thrown, this is what I love so much about this series, everything connects

[@phkun4435]

The moment where Blackbeard asks Luffy "The Sky Island was true, right?" Is one of my favourite of Impel Down. It was like, in a rotten way, Blackbeard trying to connect with Luffy, implying they're the same in beating the impossible for what in his mind are their own selfish reasons. And Luffy just not responds, cause he knows that's not how it is.

[@ZaZen___]

The fact that Blackbeard LIKES Luffy makes their villain hero dynamic so good.

[@H4licarnassus]

These thumbnails are so good.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I have fun making them!

[@figo5862]

One thing i like a lot about one piece is that, even though Magellan and Hannibal are antagonists here, they genuinally believe in justice, though misguided by the world gouvernament. Those characters arent evil, they want to do the right thing and that makes folks on the side of the world gouvernament very believable

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I think this is an important aspect of what Oda is exploring. Cheers!

[@MR-SINISTER76]

​​@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasyyea they are kind of interesting antagonists in this arc because while they are trying to kill good pirates like luffy bon clay and jinbe or hold them as prisoners and keeping ace there so he can be executed they are not exactly villains because they are also trying to keep bad ones like arlong crocodile and all those other level 6 prisoners from escaping

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

Impel down has so many amazing themes, references, and lines. "Never underestimate the power of miracles!", "He's my friend! Thats the only reason I need!", "How many times do I have to be saved by you!?", even Jimbei telling Luffy, "we've left countless others behind", strike home. I dont think its a spoiler to point out how Blackbeard is a great mirror to Luffy because Blackbeard also believes in freedom, but in anarchy. Which is why he aligns with Shiryu. You wanna kill people? Fine, whatever as long as i achieve my dream. Blackbeard and Luffy is anarchy vs liberty. Both can be argued as "freedom" because both are oppose authoritarianism, but by different means.

[@chinjianle269]

Also" say all the things about justice all you want, for you to search the high and low throughout the sea, there is no answer to it" this quote will also correlate to another quote at marineford

[@dwightalexander2648]

We're finally nearing it boys! 😢 I'm excited, since the next arc review will finally be "Marineford", the greatest war in all of one piece(as of for now).

[@obvv7714]

Kinda overrated.It’s hyped up because it’s all action, narratively it isn’t among the best arcs.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I look forward to it!

[@oleksandrbyelyenko435]

It is huge narratively​@@obvv7714

[@zack_feldman]

Came for the Tolkien, but so happy to have one piece explorations too. I discovered Tolkien in 95, and Oda in 2002, and they have been my backbones of story and Worldbuilding since. What wonderful authors, and how lucky we are to have access to them!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Two geniuses, for sure!

[@paulettewirtz785]

Buggy was such a comedic highlight of this arc, man him and Luffy together cracked me up

[@matheussanthiago9685]

Mr. 3 and Buggy carrying the role of weight of comedic relief in the absence of Usopp, Nami and Chopper

[@paulettewirtz785]

@@matheussanthiago9685 haha yes

[@IceAokiji303]

"So you remember my Buggy Ball right?" "Nope." *saddest clown*

[@paulettewirtz785]

@@IceAokiji303 he was in shambles

[@SilvrSavior]

@@paulettewirtz785 Not even law could put Buggy"s pride back together after that.

[@californiapenguin9434]

Thank you for highlighting that powerful line from Ivankov

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It's a line we should repeat to ourselves often. Cheers, Julian!

[@highlyeducatedtrucker]

Luffy didn't just bow. Luffy performed dogeza. He got on his hands and knees and put his head on the ground, which is an act of *considerable* humility and significance in Japanese culture. Western culture doesn't really have a true counterpart. I legit cried like a baby when he did that in the anime.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

There are many layers to that gesture that are definitely more resonant if you're familiar with all that it implies, I'm sure. Cheers!

[@illuminoeye_gaming]

It's especially crazy because it's *Luffy*. THE Luffy. The guy who bows to noone, the freest man in the world

[@ZaZen___]

​@@illuminoeye_gaming And just to riff, learning humility lets one access yet a deeper layer of freedom :)

[@holysecret2]

@@illuminoeye_gaming He never bows in fear, but in gratitude

[@mxxmm4365]

You grasp the themes/ concepts of this series so well, so cool how on point you have been from the very first video about it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for your kind words! 😊 I’m thoroughly enjoying this incredible journey!

[@illuminoeye_gaming]

its scary how like he'll be summarizing a specific part of the arc, then shifts to his insight, and you suddenly hear something that might as well be a spoiler, knowing what we know

[@An_Inconvenience]

You bringing up the Gates of Justice reminds me of something. Back before Enies Lobby, when introing the gates, it's said that the Gates are split between three locations. Enies Lobby Impel Down Marineford. Trial Punishment The ones who decide. Level by level, the system is broken, and the Gates of Justice are not a bulwark but a cage. Also, here's your pronunciation guides: Ivankov/Iva(Ee-van-kov/Eeva) Inazuma: Ee-na-Zooma Hanyabel: Hanya-bell (A Hanya is a type of Japanese scary mask) Jinbei: Jin-Bei Shiryu: Shi-Ryu

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Many thanks for the insights and the pronunciation help! I greatly appreciate both!

[@BladeEdge86]

Buckle up because the Marineford Arc is even more insane than Impel Down, which is saying something. Oda made a ton of refences to Dante's Inferno here and mixed them with some references to the Buddhist version of hell. Also references to Alcatraz and other infamous real life prisons. This one of the arcs where Luffy is at his most morally grey. In addition to freeing good people who there is a good case didn't belong there he also was at least partially responsible for releasing dangerous criminals who really did belong there and knew that was a risk. When I first saw this arc I was confused why Level 6 seemed so tame compared to the other levels of Impel Down, it took me a while to realize that the "eternal hell" was meant to reference solitary confinement which in many cases is the worst kind of hell. Level 6 prisoners are so dangerous that the World Government wants to erase them from history, and in the One Piece world you aren't truly dead until you are forgotten. Imagine being cooped up in the One Piece equivalent of solitary confinement with your only hope of being let out being you either die after many years or you are executed.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great points -- thank you!

[@atharvkulkarni.]

Notice (From what you've read so far and look for it in future as well), only people who luffy calls by real name are the ones he considers his friends or the people who are important to him. Everybody else gets a nickname

[@Exilum]

28:52 I wouldn't actually use freedom / oppression as an axis here. Black Beard values freedom a lot, at least as much as Luffy does. The way I would describe it would be protection and appropriation. Luffy's freedom spreads like a virus, he brings others under the flag of a common good, while Black Beard's freedom is like an hungry wolf, a black hole. He doesn't do evil for the sake of it, but he also would absolutely hunt his prey without pity. It's all about growing his own freedom (and potentially those he finds useful). It's two vastly different approaches to the same concept.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I like this way of putting it, and I'll be watching Blackbeard going forward (I'm assuming he's going to be a prominent character).

[@manuellevi4580]

Another way of looking at this is Luffy values the freedom of ALL. He is free and if you stand in front of his freedom, he will kick your ass but he never takes anyone else's freedom. He knows that you need strength to protect your freedom he doesn't transfer it to someone else like the government. He is an outlaw. A great example is he doesn't help Nami even though he wants to until she asks. Blackbeard also values freedom, ONE freedom, HIS freedom. So, he doesn't care about anyone else's freedom. To him might makes right. If you can't protect your freedom than you don't deserve it. That's why they are opposing each other fundamentally. You will see that that's how most outlaws think in one piece and even the government to certain degrees. But as Luffy says being free is doing what you want and it doesn't have to be a trespass it can be honorable

[@ClanDWoolz]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy He is a prominent character.

[@CassiusFA]

Black Beard and his crew are believers in fate which by its nature exists in opposition to what we think as of freedom - the prof is correct.

[@gametheus1306]

@@CassiusFAI disagree, I think the story of one piece posits fate and freedom as things that can coexist. Just because one constrains another, doesn’t mean that they can’t both be present, life and One Piece are just more complex than that. Luffy is a symbol of freedom just as much as he is a darling of fate, and it’s been that way since Loguetown

[@PrimeroJinJusuke]

The interesting thing is that it’s normal that the good guys win, but in this case, the good guy is Magellan. He’s not evil, but his job is containing criminals. Ace is not in Impel Down by mistake, and he wasn’t wrongfully prosecuted. While his death sentence is very much wrong, if it wasn’t for his death sentence, there would have been nothing wrong with his imprisonment. Luffy ended up freeing lots of dangerous criminals that were locked up for a reason. He’s not trying to fix a mistake. He’s there because his brother is facing his doom. If it weren’t for the death sentence, Luffy would not have rushed to Impel Down to save him. Ace‘s position is also very different from Robin‘s. Robin was part of Luffy‘s crew and she sacrificed herself to save her friends. Luffy and the others would, of course, save her before it’s too late. In Ace‘s case, he was having his own adventure, he lost a pirate fight and got to prison. If there was no death sentence, Luffy would have just think to himself that Ace would figure a way out, which is more or less his response at the end of Thriller Bark.

[@MWhaleK]

Exactly! Magellan isn't exactly wrong or the bad guy since we see there are a lot of horrible and dangerous people locked up in Impel Down, it's just that neither he nor the system he helps uphold care much about good or evil or even mercy.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The balance between justice and mercy is something no society has entirely figured out, I think, but it's something we need to work on all the time.

[@bbboijnk]

YIPPEEEEE. will write something meaningful later.

[@paulettewirtz785]

Hahahah same

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I actually find "YIPPEEEEE" to be very meaningful, and I appreciate it! 😊

[@Segmented]

Impel Down is such an insane mixture of allusions and references to myths and literature. My favorite is Oda taking the idea of Persephone, captive queen of the underworld, and turning that into a drag queen in a prison. Another one that I don't think gets discussed as much is a likely allusion to "Caberet" with Level 5.5 being hidden in this prison where the guards uniforms resemble that of the Nazis along with other themes that you picked up on.

[@BladeEdge86]

Level 5.5 is a good example of resiliancy, that there are ways you can subvert the system even if the situation is dire.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Wonderful insights -- thank you!

[@Fresh_Knight]

I think we see a lot of great aspects of Luffy in this arc, His ability to gather those around him even those who aren't exactly his ally or don't follow conventions of what normal is, he treats people with an equal and understanding light. He never makes assumptions based on what he thinks a person is, he can really see right into a person just by interacting with them. I think it's what makes Luffy such a great character to follow, he's childish very much so, but also treats the world like a child, willing to look past what others might believe about a person.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Well said!

[@tcgloveopenings]

I am really glad you did separate videos for Impel down and marine Ford so we could hear your full thoughts on this great arc. I love impel down, and I really hope the live action one piece gets to this arc so we can get live action newkama!!!

[@rezahydra]

Something about Impel Down I love as literary illusion is that it’s always taking a step further than Dante’s Inferno. The role of Vergil is not static but swaps characters every couple of floors, leading to more dynamism with the cast, from Buggy to Galdieno (Mr. 3’s actual name) to even Bon Clay/Kurei and Iva-Chan, before they all come together as one singular force at the end led by Jinbe. Magellan isn’t merely a Belphagor from Jewish Legend (which is actually the reason for the diarrhea) playing the role of Warden, but also combines his sense of justice with his signature attack of the Hydra, a seemingly unstoppable force that even when seemingly defeated always comes back twice as strong, with the signature weakness of cauterization being played on with wax being equally weak to fire yet equally as effective in staving off his Venom Demon. Then there’s Floor 5.5, which takes the place of a theoretical 6th Circle (though the circles are jumbled a slight bit compared to Inferno haha), just full on took Rocky Horror Picture Show to a whole new level than I’ve ever seen with how goofy and strange yet inclusive it is. Impel Down is definitely not an underrated arc, yet I feel in modern day it’s downplayed or forgotten by a lot of fans, yet I always think about it thanks to all of these themes and decisions coming together so beautifully.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent insights -- thank you!

[@RandomGuyyyy]

What a beautiful video. I never clocked the gates of justice and the use of flowers in this story. Makes me rethink about Robin since she is the owner of the Flower Flower fruit.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent point about Robin! Cheers!

[@connyboy4263]

I love watching this video series, you break everything down and draw connections to real life and other literature it’s awesome. Wish you were my English professor.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much!

[@moonyro9470]

Mr. Philip continues to have the best thumbnails

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cheers! 😊

[@HiddenMugs]

And now you can finally pick a side in the silliest one piece theory so far: Croco-mum!

[@KalleVilenius]

Yay for all the reunions in this arc! Jinbe was first namedropped after the Baratie arc and we finally get to meet him here! With Buggy and all the Baroque Works agents and even Blackbeard's crew showing up, Impel Down is one of those stories that just couldn't be told without OP's massive length. Marineford is like that too, but even more so. This is the part of the story where it really starts to come together for the first time. Then there's those Jailer Beasts, Crocodile said they were Awakened Zoan users. Don't they remind you of what happened to a little reindeer at Enies Lobby?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ooooohh! Very interesting! Cheers, Kalle!

[@deityofcrystals]

Bon Clays last word is impactful to me personally. It really changed my mindset when i first read it years ago

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It is a very satisfying moment, isn't it?

[@rinna3719]

An interesting tidbit of fandom history is tied up with Jinbei. For the longest time, we sort of expected him to be Arlong 2.0, mostly based on Yosaku's hearsay. And then he is actually introduced, and immediately it becomes apparent that he's very much NOT at all like Arlong. We were instantly forced to adjust our preconception and prejudice regarding him.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I am very glad Jimbei is part of this story!

[@ZaZen___]

Wow thanks for sharing!

[@lakubana92]

having you read those last lines really made me tear up love ur little thoughts on everything, wouldnt mind hearing sometimes a bit more about ur emotions too, in an reflective way. Keep up the awsome work, very grateul for the experience

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cheers!

[@dracog0322]

When I was rewatching One Piece (this time with my brother) and we reached Alabasta, I was always saying how great and deserving of respect Bon Clay was, and my brother couldn't figure out why. Then we reached Impel Down and he understood everything. In the Spanish translation of the manga, Bon Clay's last words sound much more powerful for me: "-Any last words? -I regret *nothing*."

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bon Clay definitely deserves the respect and the love!

[@Highflyingartist]

I remember hearing how Oda never kills off characters and how dumb it can be, this arc really proves how characters can come back and make huge impacts to the story if they don't die. Bonclays sacrifice is one of the best moments in the series, for him to go from weird/annoying side villain to one of the best characters in the story really highlights Odas genius.

[@thevioletbee5879]

I just wish he’d stop taking death scenes.

[@Highflyingartist]

@@thevioletbee5879 I don't know what you mean by this

[@thevioletbee5879]

@@Highflyingartist *Faking Autocorrect.

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

This arc made Bon Clay one of the MVPs of the entire series. Wonderful breakdown as always!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bon Clay is indeed an MVP! Cheers!

[@justink1800]

just recent found this series of yours.. i’m really loving it, it’s so cool to hear your opinions and to hear a more scholarly perspective and way of consuming this show

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@anarkyink1943]

Impel Down already? Great to see you go through these. Impel down was a bit of hijinx back when I read it as it came out. Luffy was pretty much without his crew. Hancock could only help him break into hell. He still had to get to the bottom of it and fight his way back out. Then you get a glimpse of Luffy's other protagonist power. He builds connections with people just like that even with people who don't like him. One reason I liked this arc was because Luffy basically had to fly by the seat of his pants. It was like starting a new RPG all over again. He had to build his resources like back when he was a lone pirate. Except this time, he had some history with the new party members he was gonna recruit into his gang and a lot of them were former enemies. Buggy, Mr. 3, Bon Chan, Mr. 1 and Crocodile. I liked seeing them again. Iva and Inazuma being friends of his dad also fleshed out the world a little more. It was one plate of chaos after another and I just kept devouring it all. It also set in motion a lot of driving forces that are happening right now. With Ace, the world government, the escapees and the blackbeard pirates... This arc opened up more pathways in the story that just adds more layers to this world. Also I agree with Bonchan's sacrifice being the pinnacle of this arc for me as well. It was tough too since so much happened in such a relatively short arc. I still have one of BonClay's epithets ingrained in my favorite quotes. “One may stray from the path of a man. One may stray from the path of a woman. But there is no straying from the path of a human!” Now I'm not sure if Oda got that from somewhere else but it fits BonClay's character so perfectly that it resonated with me. I'm not even gay :)) BonClay, in that moment, with no ifs ands or buts, their friend. So to sum up how I feel about this whole arc, I refer to Bonclay's response after Magellan caught him and asked if he had any last words........... "SATISFACTION!"

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That is indeed a fantastic response from Bon Clay. Cheers!

[@ninja31623]

I get so excited for these videos. I'm so glad you've continued this amazing journey.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cheers! 😊

[@pikmansion1648]

Your description of dreams as a major theme immediately brought the acclaimed manga berserk to mind. I am loving your one piece videos (even if you are starting to outpace me as I watch the anime haha), but if you ever need a future reccomendation I suggest berserk. It is a manga which has effected much of dark fantasy in the years following its release and is worth a read.

[@konstantinschulze8454]

I find it really amazing that one piece can be enjoyed by people with all kinds of interests and a different willingness for how much they want to think about the story. So, One Piece can be taken lightly and be seen as just entertainment, but it can also be interpreted in various interesting ways, like you do.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Beautiful point about the multidimensional appeal of One Piece!

[@Exilum]

19:37 Its one of my favorite panels too. My favorite one is only a bit over a year old, I'll keep an eye out when you get to this point to see whether you found the same depth behind its simple appearance as I did. There are multiple levels of meaning infused in the composition, the paneling, the character's actions and words. It's a great panel. Now I hyped myself and I can't wait.

[@ThePurpleJalapeno]

can you dm me the panel you are referring to?

[@Exilum]

@@ThePurpleJalapeno Where do you want me to DM you? KZbin hasn't had a DM system for almost 2 decades now. Just tell me your username on a platform of your choice, if I have that platform I'll DM you.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I look forward to that panel, and if I miss it, please point it out to me if you think of it! Cheers!

[@Exilum]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I'll try to!

[@RaffiPrima23]

Magellan is not a villain. He just an antagonist. He doesn't have evil tension. He is a warden that do his job very seriously. In this arc luffy is the villain thay try to break impel down

[@BigCheep]

I really like the points you bring up in your one piece videos. Many of your questions for the story I never thought about before. You have a different perspective than most one piece readers. One in particular is Shiryu possibly being a product of the system or if it’s just himself who wants to be that kind of person. From most people’s first impression of him, he’s just a bloodthirsty guy. But you look deeper into characters. I think we all appreciate that.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@BigCheep]

You’re welcome!

[@Hankipeiri]

Welcome to Impel Down, famous point of origin of "Crocodile is Luffy's mom"

[@doo0ni]

As you have already discovered there are many definitions of justice in the marines and even other characters you have and will meet. What would be cool if you could make a video on these different types of justice and how they maybe relate to more western characters, novels or just idea of the more western literature world and history. Atleast something Id love to hear you talk about for hours for sure!

[@MoodKapProductions]

I like how this arc along with the next show how interesting this world and these characters are even without most of the main characters being involved for a long stretch of time. Bon Clay's sacrifice hit me as hard as Merry's funeral.

[@calemr]

Regarding Magellan ofte being on the toilet: This is a reference to the demon Belphagor, who is often depicted slumped over on a toilet.

[@AnyMEmdq]

6:15 There's a line from Mr. 3, when they are about to leave, that's something like "As I spend time with you, I almost forget I really DON'T like you"

[@certbozo]

Impel down is my favorite arc on my first re read . Really love how you started the vid “I am my dream”

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Many thanks! 😊

[@thom5187]

Impel down introduces the reader to so many characters but Jinbei will always be the highlight of those for me. Jinbei is such a cool and brave character and of my favorites of all time.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I loved meeting him!

[@kobil316SH]

Can't wait for the next arc review. This one has been my favourite so far

[@ZwhatshQ]

Another excellent video, Philip! I'm always hyped for your next One Piece breakdown!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cheers!

[@Iamnotdonaldglover]

What an excellent video. I’m telling you. Having you review this series is one of my favorite things to surprise me this year

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I deeply appreciate your kind words! 😊

[@axelexplode]

"Bloodlust in a uniform" is such a great description.

[@xigosu]

Finally you’ve made it to the most important arc in the story, the arc that finally reveals enough info for the greatest theory ever.. CROCOMOM! I shan’t explain more, really looking forward to the next arc review professor can’t wait.

[@shireensona3892]

Cant wait for next arc review tbh. It still remains my fav arc of all of anime.

[@zaxo8445]

Bonchan is such a beautiful character, who would’ve thought back in Alabasta you’d be shedding tears over that beautiful person.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Exactly!

[@doronrosstuvia3489]

Such a great arc and IMO one of the best paced arcs in the series. This arc is exploding with creativity in the characters, settings, concepts, and relationships. There is also a ton of hints and theory-fodder in this arc. It’s an arc that is commonly used as references for theories. I also want to comment on something you say about these fleeting moments or the petals Bon Clay talks about. While it isnt brought up a ton in the series, I think it might be one of the most important aspects of the series. Just as moments are fleeting, so is life. One moment were here, then were gone. As Hiriluk says, “When do you think people die?… It’s when they are forgotten.” And I think this is something we are seeing time and time again as we lead more and more into our journey. Every time Luffy uses his power it is said he loses years of his life. Now, even with Ivankov helping Luffy save himself, the procedure was said to take 10 more years of his life. Luffy’s actions and the life he lives is full of beauty and freedom, but even these moments will be fleeting. I love your line about the void - although I cant find it in your video now lol.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I feel that this theme is looming in the background of most stories in one way or another. All the best!

[@highlyeducatedtrucker]

The anime has a few "alternate history" episodes that they released as holiday specials in Japan, generally around New Years. There are five such episodes, and they were aired during Water 7 and Impel Down. The schtick is that all the characters are in Quasi-Medieval NotJapan. Sanji and Nami own a ramen stand, Luffy is the local constable, Chopper is the local doctor, etc. No connection to the actual storylines. They're just delightfully frivolous fun, showcasing a "What If" scenario featuring our cast of heroes (and villains). You might want to add them to the list of episodes you watch, since they are anime-only and unavailable in the manga. They are episodes 291-292, 303, and 406-407.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cheers!

[@neroschnee7698]

I enjoy rereading with you so much! Your insights and perspective on the story make it such a different experience.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so happy to have you along for the read! 😊

[@saad25saad]

The people on these videos really are the best in the community. I never see any spoilers or anything. I'm so excited to see your thoughts on future arcs. Once you reach wano/egghead, I would recommend watching the fights through the anime because Toei really steps up their work in those arcs. The fights Wano and onward are quite enjoyable and worth the time to watch, in my opinion.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@saad25saad The One Piece community has been fantastic - so many helpful tips and insights, and loads of kindness. Cheers!

[@justshoplift]

WOWOW!!! Absolutely my favorite arc. Cant wait to hear your thoughts

[@patricknez7258]

I enjoy all the different themes in OP. The blooming or blossoming, the cycle of time. The nostalgia and poignancy. It's beautiful

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It truly is beautiful!

[@grigoriemirel3065]

Philipp I love watching your videos. I love that you read the manga and you have put so much thought into the story. Me as an anime watcher...I was more...thrilled and enthusiastic about the story and didn't think so much about symbolism and details. You have earned respect and love from a random guy in Romania!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My deepest thanks for your kind words!

[@UnkillableMrStake]

He has reached necessary Arc that we can now reveal the croco mom theory without bordering into spoiler territory

[@norahwillows]

love your videos and seeing an academic approach to One Piece! I've been watching the anime for almost two years now and I'm currently on Wano, I can't wait for us both to catch up

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Best wishes for your One Piece journey! 😊

[@jphilipphoto]

I just wanted to say I love your videos and your appreciation for One Piece really shows. As someone who grew up reading One Piece and who recently completed a reread, taking the time to understand the story in a deeper way, your content is extremely refreshing. As a writer and a professor, your analysis is well thought out and the lens through which you experience it is so tangibly unique. I can't wait to hear more as you catch up to what I think is one of the best stories ever written!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much! I appreciate all your comments and your kindness very much!

[@theganondorf96]

A small fun thing about the anime, bon clay and franky are voiced by the same actor in the japanese dub.

[@Mugiwara_JonC]

Ahhh yes a nice treat this Saturday! Every story needs a prison break! This is one of my favorite arcs as we get a lot of my favorite characters brought back

[@jacktuell6977]

Im SOOO excited for your take on the next few stories, the next arc is in my top 5

[@lobsterbisque333]

Another amazing installment in your entertaining and educational series!

[@Coletto42]

Great video as always, loving your series on One Piece! I was hoping you'd touch up on the perspective of Hannyabal, Impel Down's vice warden. he has a touching speech regarding the wrongness of this unyielding pursuit of freedom and the importance of the prison on a societal scale. The dichotomy on both Luffy's and Blackbeard's visit to impel down accentuates this fact even more! but I guess you'll see once the saga concludes, can't wait to see more of your opinions on it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Hannyabal's speech did change my opinion of him -- another example of Oda's character work taking me by surprise in a good way.

[@colewedell6089]

My morning is made

[@merytale]

There's a side lore canon inserted in Impel Down that's not immediately important at the moment, that is Luffy isn't the First person to make a jailbreak from there, the first would be someone named Shiki the Golden Lion. This character is canon, and his jailbreak is canon (chapter 530), and he became a semi(?) canon movie villain titled "One Piece: Strong World". Just an extra info if you are one day interested to watch the OP movies as well.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cheers!

[@EresirThe1st]

Strong World is also the only actually good One Piece movie so definitely check it out

[@Notsostrongman375]

This is the analysis of OP I didn’t think I needed. Instant subscription.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Notsostrongman375 My thanks for watching and subbing!

[@gametheus1306]

One thing that really got to me was the parallel between this arc and Drum Island, where Luffy persevered for his friends through the snowy mountains, with Bon-Chan taking that role in this arc. The things these two will do for their friends, man, and it’s paralleling that moment when we first found out how much pain and hardship Luffy’s willing to endure for the people he loves

[@hoopyRJ]

As someone with an English degree, I find so much joy in your analyses of these arcs. These videos remind me of my favorite classes with my favorite professor. I love seeing someone take this series seriously as literature.

[@kellogsbeast]

Dr. Chase, I really love these videos of yours. I, like many, found your channel because of One Piece; but, I discovered you also discuss so many of my favorite fantasy books (shout out to Joe Abercrombie)! I've ordered your Edan trilogy and am incredibly excited to read it. Keep up the great work, Professor!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@kellogsbeast Abercrombie is fantastic, and I can’t wait to read The Devils next year. Thank you so much for your kind words and support - I really appreciate you giving The Edan Trilogy a shot!

[@OriginalMrocco]

I recently watched the mom piece video on Impel down and they make an incredible point about newkama land, by comparing it to the paradise that queer people can build for themselves in the hell that we are forced to live in. A beautiful point in my opinion, even if it has a sad background i think we can at least find relative happiness. they also pointed out that the arc/setting seems to be somewhat based on the musical(?) cabaret which plays in 1939 Germany. there were quite a few parallels between the 2 i cant remember, what i do remember is that it obviously plays around the time the second world war started and impel down is like a few hours before the summit war. also the obvious nazi parallels with the guards

[@Snake13042]

They projected their weirdo western gender ideology onto the very Japanese author of One Piece. I cant stand westerners like Drawk. His moms cool though, but I wish she wouldve raised her son as well as she reviews One Piece.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great insights -- thank you for sharing them!

[@bigiron9334]

As the series progress and large build ups are paid off, I'm curious on how you feel on your expirence as a binge reader today either improved or tainted the expirence compared to someone who had to wait years.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Both positions have their pros and cons, I think. I feel like I'm catching up all the time, but I also don't have to exercise my patience!

[@samfisher6606]

His name is pronounced "Han-ya-bull". But I love that this arc mixes both Dante's inferno and Buddhist Hell. I think it's Buddhist Hell.

[@AkahigeNoAmo]

Into the depth of hell and back he goes, only to end up in a maelstrom of battle one could spend days of overanalyzing Impel Down combing through references to reallife culture and implications for its own world, such a rich arc

[@ananiyaasrat5491]

Appreciate the perspective you bring in your videos!! Knew it up ✊🏾💛

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@Sam-fq5qu]

That thumbnail is perfection 😃

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Many thanks! 😊

[@TheWenseslavo]

Beautiful closing to the video! Made me emotional.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bon Clay's heroism hit me hard! All the best!

[@gregorycoleman2149]

These videos are great please keep it up!

[@Unidud3]

how life feels when philip chase drops another thoughts on one piece video

[@tjbenhart1663]

Professor Chase! I’ve been loving these analyses since the very first one you released, and hearing your thoughts in this video in particular just reminds me of how much of a joy it is to experience the full course of this epic. I think as one piece goes on it weaves a rope that not only gets tighter and tighter, but also stretches so far! “Miracles only happen to those who never give up!” is at once so one piece and such a fresh, unique perspective to come from this expansive world that only keeps growing. Moments like this only keep coming and inspiring anyone and everyone they reach in their own unique ways. I’ve sat with this series for 8 years now and the first time was fantastic - it’s wonderful to see someone else walking through that. Enjoy the ride, nakama!!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@tjbenhart1663 Many thanks, nakama! It’s a joy to be here!

[@TroutFN]

Another great analysis, you are in for a crazy ride on the next arc I look forward to it as always!

[@adamwalker6360]

Another banger, excited for the final act of summit war!

[@mikesstuff5307]

"To get Captain John's Loot!" CAPTAIN JOHN, he ROCKS! He ROCKS like Whitebeard. He ROCKS like a few of his fellow General Zombies.

[@ryanager8029]

On the “Oh come my way” or “Okama way.” “Oh come my way” is the censored version for English speakers, because “Okama” is a reclaimed slur for gay men/trans women. Any attempt to translate that would likely come across as… extremely offensive.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for that context -- much appreciated!

[@dimitri.c]

So refreshing to listen to you.

[@CJ-111]

I like characters like Magelan and Hanyabal. They try to do the right thing, even if they are essentially being tricked

[@Mognet_t]

Bon Clay is also one of my favorite characters too! This is hands-down one of my favorite arcs of the entire saga, and i can't wait to see how you handle Marineford. There's going to be so much to talk about.

[@Polloloco1896]

Watching and listening your reactions feels like I am reading the manga all over again when I was in High School living with my parents. Ah sweet melancholy ❤🥹

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Polloloco1896 Nostalgia is powerful! Since I’m a few years older than Oda, I never could have read this when I was growing up, and I sort of envy you that experience. But better late than never!

[@Usernameforsf]

I really love your one piece videos! They are so fun and profound. Also, did not expect to hear old English haha, but is goes so well with one piece’s motif, always be true to your dreams and what you love :)

[@evanmccord5396]

I'm excited to dig into this tonight on my way to work! But first resting and eating much as our favorite captain does time and time again. Much love to you and yours Nakama ❤

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Evan! All the love right back at you!

[@evanmccord5396]

What an intro! Bon-chan! Great insight on Jinbei. He has one of my favorite character introductions in one piece. Your Magellan comment on fitting Luffy into his parameters of justice is poignant as I feel that mirrors the Marines as a whole within this arc. Shiryu is an excellent end point for this singular determination of justice. How Magellan finds disgust for Shiryu is how most of us view the system of Impel Down as a whole. Bon-Chan in the frozen hell was harrowing! "waiting for the spark that is Luffy." Well said! Your paralleling of Iva-chan and the beowolf excerpt is a welcome addition to one piece analysis. I appreciate your breakdowns always. Much love to you and yours.@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@evanmccord5396 Thank you so much, Evan! 😊 My very best to you!

[@sodedra5855]

Grumpy face is a nice touch

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! Cheers!