The Arabasta Saga of One Piece is an Emotional Rollercoaster | A First-Time Reader's Experience

[@dimitrijekulak3347]

"He is really damn good at writing backstories" Mike, you have no idea how right you are, and you haven't even seen the best of them. The best is yet to come. Actually, the best one might have happened in the recent chapters 🤫

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's great to hear!

[@nickdawson5157]

I’m over the moon that you’re enjoying the series, Mike! I’ve been with the channel since 10k subs was a far away goal and have always wanted to hear your thoughts on my favorite series. Thanks for giving One Piece a chance!

[@jaecubed592]

Yes, just in time for my walk....

[@usagi77777772003]

When my sister and I first finished "Drum Island," our eyes were swollen from all the crying...Chopper's backstory just crushed us! We're now much further along in this incredible series and so in love: Can't get enough of the fantastic worldbuilding, character backstories, and overarching plot! You're in for a real treat because Oda's simply the GOAT when it comes to fleshing out characters in a way that makes them feel so real and relatable -there's a certain backstory in Skypiea/Sky Island that I think will be right up your alley. Also, can't wait for you to experience Water 7, Sabaody, Marineford, and Dressrosa. Prepare for many tears in the future...

[@mikesbookreviews]

Indeed. Chopper's backstory is soul crushing.

[@Neko123Uchiha]

Happy to hear you're enjoying the series AND join Merphy and Philip in their upcoming discussions! Cannot wait to see you guys talking One Piece :D

[@phoenixtempleeviltruth8074]

That scene of crocodile holding Luffy up with the hook in him is still one of my favorite scenes. It’s a great moment.

[@Nastyn1nja808]

so good

[@bookbird_anja]

Can't wait til you continue, because there are so many more amazing backstories, characters and connections waiting for you!

[@Ize19]

So glad you're enjoying it Mike, I hope you continue to! Looking forward to that collab, and to your future thoughts on this series!

[@Krustenkaese92]

you know what's fucked up? One Piece is in its final saga right now and, we just got chapter 1104 ... and most OP readers would probably agree with me when I say that a backstory we just got this many chapters in is the best one Oda has written EVER. Top 2 at the very least. The man has never stopped never stopping.

[@LootingKyle]

One Piece is one of those series that gets better and better as you go on because of the love and care the author puts into developing the world and characters. The fact you can share the experience with your kids makes it all the more special.

[@t3cchan]

I didn't know that you're going to be doing discussions of the series with Philip and Merphy. That sounds amazing, I can't wait!

[@Ghost.Nappa56]

Craziest thing about this story is that it keeps on peaking. I've been reading this manga for almost a decade and the chapter 1079-present stretch of One Piece might be it's best ever.

[@instinctart2548]

Up till today drum island is one of my favourite arcs. And yes, the backstories are some of the best writing ever

[@golden_zebra]

Did you catch what Usopp was telling Kaya in the earlier chapters??? About the giant goldfish monster? The giant goldfish monster that the two giants killed in Little Garden? It's also mentioned in the live action.

[@stripedrajang3571]

It's weird, because when the Straw Hats first met Miss All Sunday aka Nico Robin, she gave Nami an eternal pose to go to an island that was yet uncharted called "Nothing At All Island". So Usopp made up a story about a giant fish that pooped so much it was an island, but the giants mentioned a giant fish that pooped an island called the same name that Miss All Sunday mentioned. It is crazy.

[@aysseralwan]

You don't know how right you are about the backstory thing. I won't name the character but the arc: Dressrosa. Every OP fan knows what I'm talking about and about badass moments... ah forget it. It's nothing

[@larrykylemoose]

I loved Alabasta. I’m super excited to hear your thoughts once you get to the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arc.

[@blackroomred]

i was so happy to see this pop up in on my feed, but i'm even happier to see that you're enjoying the series this much! one piece is special in so many ways and the more you read it it'll show itself to you. the alabasta saga to me was the first time oda gave us a taster on the kind of epic political slash shounen-y adventure we can expect from the series as it goes on. up until this point the crew has been ending up saving smaller villages on smaller islands but here in this saga we get to see them essentially save a kingdom (or two if you count drum island). there's a lot of intrigue going into it, and the way oda unspools the who story and its participants is equally as enjoyable as any fight we get to see out of it. the world building is already amazing even though this is really just a first toe-dip in the context of everything. seriously can't wait till you guys get deeper into the sagas. also very glad to see your appreciation for backstories/flashbacks. i always tell my friends that one piece has relatively long flashbacks but it's almost the only series where i enjoy it and never feel that they overstay their welcome. oda simply delivers such high quality backstories that you never get annoyed by them, or think it's a weak tool of exposition. and he only just begun, you have quite a lot ahead of you and all of them a treat (especially to the heart). i'm so excited to hear that you'll be having discussions in a group about op! those are always fun and it means even more people are getting dragged into the wonderful world of op haha!

[@willgee564]

Glad to see you enjoying this, greatly anticipating your thoughts on some of the fan favorite arcs coming up!

[@Evercatonthemoon]

I love that you love One Piece! Excited to hear how you like the rest (together with Murphy and Philip)

[@thatdudejoss3741]

From coffee shorts to an (arc) review video. I love how your loving OP more and more. Take your time and soak it in.

[@The_Real_RedFox]

Genuinely Can't Wait For The Murphy And Philip One Piece Discussions!

[@jazzsama8634]

Regarding the Zoro/Luffy fight, alot of OP fans are not a fan of that scene bc it's out of character for Luffy not to trust Zoro so it's like some fanfic just to make them fight... What actually happens is that one of Oda's editors wanted them to fight badly so Oda gave in to the request😂

[@TotallyAtopiaYT]

Great video! If you pay attention to the Volumes starting from volume 4 the author himself answers questions from fans and he is still doing it until this day! Also there is something called “Cover stories “ in future volumes you will see each chapter a cover story for different characters can’t wait to see more

[@jaroslavmihok740]

Great video, i am glad you enjoying it and i am looking forward to your collab with Philip and Merphy 👍

[@robsonchagas2984]

Cool that you have a crew to discuss, just double the fun plus your kids. East blue more emotional and local. Alabasta has that and adds more intriguing and macro content.

[@Omegateck16]

You havent even scratched the surface with the backstorys and character development yet! This series just get better and better!

[@dianaayt]

Alabasta blew me away but the next one was my favorite yet. I finish that one this month so im just in thw new island and i already like to even more. It just keeps getting better. Is so much fun reading at a similar pace as you

[@dawnnika4421]

The final saga is fire. Seriously, the best arc of One Piece. Hope you will catch up soon.

[@noname3609]

No doubt 😮

[@wizflame9960]

Damn. Might need to catch up after 5 years

[@0Arman0]

Buckle up

[@gabrielmassolini4600]

Wano? Meh

[@mohammadhafiz-un4re]

​@@gabrielmassolini4600post Wano arcs

[@danielcaso132]

Hey Mike, long time fan of your channel and huge one piece fan. So glad to hear you’re enjoying the series and good luck pronouncing the names haha

[@FrantifaSuperSoldier]

“When do you think people die? When they are shot through the heart by the bullet of a pistol? No. When they are ravaged by an incurable disease? No. When they drink a soup made from a poisonous mushroom!? No! It’s when… they are forgotten.” - Dr Hiriluk This quote hits so hard in a story based on the premise where everyone is chasing a treasure and a legacy left behind by a man who we see executed at the beginning of the story. Remember these lines because they only become more relevant the further you get in the story

[@PokeJoshNY]

Alabasta was the arc that made me a full on One Piece fan. There's so many great moment, such as that super metal thing where Luffy finally beats Crocodile by using his own blood to hurt him or the emotional goodbye with Vivi.

[@dannco255]

Loving your perspectives on the series.

[@praetorxyn]

I will say this. I've said before that I thought that if you read Water 7 and Enies Lobby, you'd fall in love with the series if you weren't already, and that's because you learn a a certain character's back story there and it has character work on another level.

[@crimiusXIII]

One thing I want to mention that may help with reading and deciphering some of the names is that, at least by my understanding and I may be incorrect, but the Japanese characters (letters) don't distinguish between the English L sound and R sound, they are essentially the same letter. Anytime you have a weird looking name like Zolo, or Levelie, consider if the other sound makes more sense: Zoro and the Reverie. Alabasta/Arabasta, etc...

[@ryanfebrianto8973]

Hey Mike, I gotta drop this comment because I am too excited for this series. Knowing you are a fan of coming of age narrative, you need to check a manga called Kingdom by Yasihisha Hara. A story of Li Xin, a boy who had a dream to become the greatest general of China and Ying Zheng/Qin Shi Huang the boy who want to became the emperor who unified the whole China. Yeah the some characters design were over the top, a lot of individual fights were also unrealistic and most of the general characters were built like Guts that they can cut down several soldiers in one swing. But if you also a fan of olden days warfare, man oh man this is going to be your favorite. The battle tactics/formation, macro image of the battlefield, the group fights, the negotiations between two states and the politics among factions within royal capital. Really hope you consider Kingdom by Yasuhisha Hara to your reading plan

[@darKuchiki]

Hey Mike, Awesome video as always. Arabasta was the first big test for the crew and it made for an absolutely thrilling arc, definitely one of my favorites. Just a quick question, have you decided whether you will be on the show with Philip and Merphy from the start or will you wait till they catch up to you to come on the show? Either way can't wait to hear more of your thoughts even though it's gonna be a while, but it's gonna be worth it in the end cause I'm sure you are all gonna have a blast discussing this series. Have a good day, my friend !

[@guitarshredder456]

Yesss glad you’re enjoying the series! Was hoping for a while that you wouldn’t be put off by the fandom lol it only gets better and the moments hit harder!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Nah, they’ve been incredibly nice since I started reading

[@munzi_i]

Great to see you like One Piece. :) I would love to see reviews per arc, at least this is how many other Booktubers (Merphy, Gavin, Amber Alise, ..) have done it and it seems to pull in a bit more views and allows for more in-depth discussion. But obviously totally up to you, if this style works better.

[@SlayronReads]

Great work mike, really happy you’re enjoying this world 🏴‍☠️

[@Bardic_Knowledge]

So, as to Alabasta/Arabasta, that one's actually switched up recently. In the original Japanese release of this section, it was actually spelled on the Eternal Pose as Alabasta, but then recently it was instead translated as Arabasta.

[@mtandazomoyo7840]

Really good to see you getting into this and enjoying it.

[@Paths172]

commenting for the algorithm. you deserve more views

[@mikesbookreviews]

Appreciate it!

[@tariqulislamakash5749]

It's been wonderful following your journer with One Piece and falling in love with the series. Can't wait to see your thoughts on Skypiea.

[@HeavyHitta_83]

I haven't read the Manga or watched the anime and chopper is what im most excited for

[@AkahigeNoAmo]

oh yes, the moment you turn the page and the space between panels is black, best advice is to get some tissues ready - and the crazy thing is, they'll hit harder and harder as they come (though that is obviously a very subjective statement)

[@dtcharo]

Mike: He is really damn good at writing backstories ::Mike continues to unravel the One Piece Lament Configuration:: Oda and his Cenobites: We have such sights to show you. Edit: I've been following One Piece since '03 and Arlong Park is still my favorite arc but there is some fantastic story ahead. The current arc is nuts.

[@arymuhammad7549]

Before One Piece started, I got annoyed when my editor said, “None of your female characters are cute!” It is the most shocking advice I have ever received from my editors. I couldn't sleep and kept drawing female characters through that night.” Eiichiro Oda

[@Nastyn1nja808]

the Goat lol

[@chrismorales7516]

Glad that you liked the saga, but I was hoping you would've talked about the conclusion more and also about the last moment (where they all raise their arms to Vivi )

[@musicgenius1948]

You’re gonna love where the story is going to go next!

[@mikesbookreviews]

So I keep hearing!

[@whoopsie321]

I am glad you liked the Luffy V Zoro fight cus its considered one of more disliked and outta left field things in OP especially since we know Luffy trusts Zoro so much. I personally liked it because like you said it was fun and a joke/goofy fight especially how Nami stops them. There is a rumor the editors wanted Oda to have to them fight for more buys but who knows? And the power system in OP is really well thought out. They explain the powers well and the system is easily understandable never too confusing like some other ones. It never feels like they have the power of friendship or just random power up outta no where. Smoker and Tashigi definitely didn't do much combat but they realized they needed to trust their "justice". The Government wanted to cover up who really beat Crocodile cus they don't want the world knowing Alabasta was saved by pirates and Smoker declined the credit and promation and basically told them to eat shit. Typical shady government stuff with cover ups.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was an odd choice but at least it made me chuckle.

[@Rishain]

do enjoy keep them coming

[@gerarquiaFM]

Happy that you are resding this

[@arymuhammad7549]

Man, I am so jealous that you are reading one piece for the first time

[@nellyl1592]

Drum island is also my fav in this saga! Sanji fan too after Luffy

[@Ringoroadagain6]

I love drum island arc Still one of my all time favorite one piece arcs

[@TheLizardofOzzz]

Came for one piece, stayed for the first law and red rising. Still waiting for grrm🫠loving the content Mike👍🏾

[@bensalems3224]

i'm discovering your chanel! i enjoyed your review so much! my favorite things about one piece is the themes and how the caracters are link to themes ( like zoro linked to feminism, or nami to racism and slavery because yes she wa enslaved by arlong ). One piece just get better and better. It was already good on the begining but the moe you read the more it's blew your mind. I'm definitively waiting for the next review but of course, take your time to enjoy it. I don't know if you take recommendation for anime. One piece is my favorite manga, but my favorite anime is legend of galactic heroes ( it was first a light novel ). It's a political/philosophical anime from 1988 ( so it's not really a " pretty anime " it's quite an old animation ). It blew my mind a lot, there is a remake from 2018 but it doesn't feel the same tension for me and the remake it's not completed. hope you will see it and like it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Welcome! My kid watched the anime. I thought it was very loud 😂

[@ThatMcflyGuy]

In case you haven’t heard, i recommend the series’ Berserk and Blade of the Immortal. They have awesome hardcover editions.

[@H0ll]

This makes me so happy

[@pokemonfan1179]

I'm ready to see your thoughts on Skypiea saga

[@stringer56]

Berserk and One Piece are both masterpieces in completely different ways. I watched your Berserk videos. I think you'll really enjoy OP too.

[@Josefiima]

When I first read One Piece the fights were too long for me too and it took me quite a while to get used to them (at least 500 chapters). Then when I started my reread I thought that I can just skip them if I'm not interested to read them again but on my second read the fights weren't that long anymore. They almost felt too short 🤣

[@patricklatham3897]

The whole Zolo thing was the translators tip-toeing around the Zorro copyright.

[@ryangillispie5094]

Can’t wait for your next one.

[@kyles.5569]

Thought John Gwynne would make this list for sure. Im hyped for more Bloodsworn.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm guessing you commented on the wrong video? Because I'm not seeing why John Gwynne, who is wonderful, would have any mentions in a One Piece video.

[@usagi77777772003]

Lol, me and my sister were really enjoying Little Garden until Mr. 3 revealed his powers. The whole dragged out wax candle/painting fight was pure torture. It brought my overall rating for that arc down to a B- (the giants and Usopp's character development prevented an even lower rating -my sis gave it a C.) I find that a lot of the action/fight scenes in One Piece to always be the culprit when it comes to slowing down pacing. I find the lore/history, worldbuilding, and character backstories to be super engaging, but then the fights start and more times than not, everything gets stretched out. It also doesn't help that the fights are often written more as matchups rather than scenarios that progress the plot: It's like right before some important plot point or character revelation is unveiled, we have to watch the characters first fight minions #1,2, 3, etc. This is why most One Piece fights are my least favorite part of this masterful series. Luckily, characters and plot are always the most important elements for me in any story and One Piece prioritizes those aspects first and foremost, so I can easily put up with the more lackluster action.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad I'm not alone there!

[@Alex-go6le]

The fight between Zoro and Luffy in Whisky Peak felt so forced and out of character for Luffy. Not sure if it was Oda's idea or if one of his editors pushed for this, but if you want to please the fans and have them fight each other at least come up with a believable premise. Drum Island and Alabasta are great though and always worth a reread for me.

[@noname3609]

One of the best sagas in One Piece.Totally awesome review! For me personally it was always Zoro ❤

[@bethanybrookes8479]

One piece fans: "hey oda! In a fight between luffy and zoro who would win?" Oda: "Nami, obviously."

[@KalleVilenius]

This is where some of One Piece's most important long-running plot threads are introduced. Usopp's desire to visit Elbaf, Blackbeard and Ace, that blank piece of paper, the poneglyphs, the Will of D... some questions will be answered soon enough, others continue to puzzle us to this day. As you eventually continue your reading, look forward to more crazy shit and even more devastating flashbacks! Volume 25 will introduce some of the best characters in the series. You will love some, you will love to hate others. Enjoy!

[@bradleyanderson7842]

Next Arc gives true adventure vibes

[@mikesbookreviews]

I look forward to it!

[@SethPlato01]

This is one of my favorite series, right beside ASOIAF, you can treat it like a full fantasy epic, who knows who, places mentioned, the things characters say or the jolly roger of a pirate can tell you a lot about the world, not to mention the big things on the back like the thing crododile was after. Everytime you think "this is just funny and small island", Oda has sneak something greater in there that will pay off later. Miss merry christmas its probably a 8.... probably a 9 if listen to the japanese voice actress

[@junelarsen9080]

What age would you recommend for starting this series? I have niece/nephew I would like to introduce this too, but since I don’t have kids myself I’m unsure what age I should wait for

[@josephjoestar4633]

At least 13-14

[@TrafalgarL4wyer]

I’m sure you love Croc now? Also, it’s technically Alabasta but it’s just a translation thing.

[@MetalGildarts]

Wait til you get to Water 7 and Enies Lobby.

[@yellowlili221]

Glad that you enjoy one piece 😊

[@kaizrr6339]

Who is the Phillips you mentioned?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Phillips? I must have misspoke. I have no clue.

[@kaizrr6339]

@@mikesbookreviews You mentioned you are going to discuss OP here with Phillips(? don't know if i heard it right) and Merphy in the future.

[@robsonchagas2984]

It's probably Philip Chase? He is uploading some One Piece reviews too. And that video is out!

[@MegaMasher825]

Laboon is a normal island whale which a man has built things inside of

[@wizflame9960]

Please don’t spoil for him

[@გიორგიგელაძე-მ4ნ]

Mike are you caught up in suneater ?

[@ggarciac1989]

its only going to get better buddy

[@cerahgemilang6362]

you didnt talk about laboon's sad story? really? 😢😢

[@jlassijlali290]

you meet Mihawk and know about Jimbei and now we meet Crocodle 4 to go

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can't wait!

[@AzenHawke1995]

Fair warning Mike, but Oda turns into a different kind of monster when it comes to backstories. You have no idea for what's to come. Also, Sky Island is great and many ppl consider it as a microcosm for the whole world of OP, but it's not the end all be all arc everyone is saying it is. Speaking of Smoker and Tashigi, yeah they were kind of underutilized but, oh well. Funny how you mistook Tashigi for Togashi, coz let me tell you man... Togashi is another GOAT mangaka. He has 2 series that are considered 2 of the greatest of all time. Hunter x Hunter would be the perfect series for you. Diverse characters, awesome arcs, villains. And the power system? Trust me when I say that it's considered one of the best in the entire plethera of power systems.

[@lonewolf9325]

So Mike, a gun ate the dog-dog fruit, how absurd is that😅

[@sandilemlambo5701]

Let's go

[@golden_zebra]

Did you know... that One Piece beat Batman and is now the 2nd most sold comic right after Superman?

[@nickman287]

Levely--> Rêverie

[@MidsummerSeason2012]

You forgot Ace.

[@Onyxz712]

If you like one piece you should read dragon ball cause the person who made one piece oda was inspired by dragon ball

[@TheKushOfAfghan]

Let’s gooooooooooooooo

[@sohailsadaqat6684]

Did you just say Miss Goldenweek 10/10 girl ???

[@ross_F]

+1 for the algorithm

[@gabrielmendez6128]

One piece🎉

[@nellyl1592]

Yes! I clicked so fast

[@Winegarner]

Alabasta

[@jaroslavmihok740]

Alabasta or Arabasta ... thats problem with Japan you never know for sure ... Zolo for example there are countries where they spell Luffy as Ruffy ... plus One Piece wiki says Arabasta and also it has vibes of Arab countries so i think Arabasta is at least safer option ...

[@chrismorales7516]

yeah, I always thought it was Alabasta too, but Arabasta just makes more sense and I've seen translators switch to Arabasta too. @@jaroslavmihok740