Why Marineford Is The Greatest Manga Arc of All Time

[@federicoboi9362]

I like the fact that One piece basically begins with Luffy meeting Coby ,helping him to find the courage to stand up against Alvida and the first half of the story ends with Coby mustering up the courage to oppose Akainu on his own, saving Luffy’s life.

[@saandilyaagundu5697]

Sorry, that is not how it began. It begins with shanks l.

[@federicoboi9362]

@@saandilyaagundu5697 That was a flashback

[@saandilyaagundu5697]

@@federicoboi9362 nope, manga 1st chapter begins with luffy and shanks. Since, many is written by author it is official. Plus, in first luffy stabs himself in place he has scar. This was not shown in anime.

[@Virgil_Hawkins]

@@federicoboi9362 nah the anime changed the order around. The first chapter is the shanks/luffy flashback. The anime even skips some parts of it and adds filler. Even stuff like nami being on the ship that alvida raids never happened. The manga is the source material so you should trust it over the anime.

[@federicoboi9362]

@@saandilyaagundu5697 I meant the journey that starts with luffy coming out of the barrel and meeting Coby

[@Teddy_Gautier]

The moment this man Luffy opened his mouth and said: “Guys, run!! We can’t beat these guys!” I knew that One Piece was about to take a turn for the unexpected. As amazing as Marineford was from a character growth and thematic perspective, I don’t think the Sabaody and Impel Down arcs get enough credit for setting up Marineford.

[@onewingedangel1518]

to me Marineford is a saga starting in Sabaody and ending in Marineford as the climax of that saga

[@walt.liti.4852]

I always thougt that they are all in one arc

[@Teddy_Gautier]

@@walt.liti.4852 it really feels that way doesn’t it

[@ldturner]

@@onewingedangel1518 yea me too

[@xenghuong]

Sabaody arc, aside from setting up the chain of events to the Summit War, is amazing in itself. We got the introduction of the Worst Generation, Rayleigh being introduced, confrontation with Celestial Dragons (and the iconic punch scene), and the difference in power versus the Marine and New World. The despair of luffy begging as each of his crew disappears one by one was demoralizing. And Im probably still missing some more key stuff that happened.

[@bondrook9628]

Man I love the idea of everyone betting on Roger's son, the most obvious candidate but Shanks decided to bet it on a little kid he met on a random island.

[@daechestuneorganisationpeu8984]

The random island is the island Roger's son grew up on, tho. Maybe not so random.

[@kachidamian311]

@@daechestuneorganisationpeu8984 yes and not everyone was aware of that because harp brought Rogers son there after his death even shanks didn’t know bout ace or the fact he was living on foosha village

[@monetgity3422]

The reason shank was there probably to visit ace not knowing he was already embarking in his own adventure. he was his captains son after all. may be he wanted to take ace as apprentice ? or give him something important ?

[@zekeyabut9717]

@@monetgity3422 I’m pretty sure Shanks being there doesn’t relate to Ace cause ace met luffy afterwards

[@HumansFreshlyBorn]

@@zekeyabut9717 I’ve come to like the whole “Shanks was looking for Ace” theory more when you think about why Shanks stole the gomu gomu no mi from a navy ship. For shanks 12 years ago thats a weird thing to do for an ability as weird and dumb as that, so I assume the gomu gomu has some special characteristic. I think Shanks found out about Ace somehow, went to the goa kingdom to try and give him the gomu gomu, and upon it being eaten by a random villager kid who happens to have a D, talk a lot like Roger and happens to admire a big pirate now, decided to bet everything on Luffy rather than Ace. Very little to support this theory but it feels right to me.

[@C-OBrien]

Whitebeard is also one of the greatest characters in manga/anime history, the flashback to him just wanting a family made me just as emotional as Ace’s death and him dying standing up without a single scar on his back is the most badass shit in the series

[@C-OBrien]

Wonder if there’s some parallel between Whitebeard refusing to suffer a scar to his back and Ace dying due to a blow to the back

[@marvellouschijuka-etiaka4075]

​@migueldiamondthe roger way😂

[@Vailskibum]

One Piece is truly unmatched

[@WorldGovernmentGeoInstitut]

@Civeri Watched one of those (Lain) and read the premise of all of those (except for haibane renmei), to me there are key elements as to why One Piece is unrivalled when it comes down to anime and manga and is also probably unrivalled when it comes to all of Japanese fiction media (video games, light novels, etc.)

[@masonsantana8760]

Stop following me! Do we watch the same videos? I see your comments on every video I watch.

[@daechestuneorganisationpeu8984]

@@WorldGovernmentGeoInstitut What are those "key elements", then ?

[@WorldGovernmentGeoInstitut]

@@daechestuneorganisationpeu8984 The setting, Oda's deconstruction of institutions, the deconstruction of authority, how the main villains (the world government) have the immense monoply on political, institutional and historical power on 90-95% of the One Piece world, they are the ultimate institution (a la United Nations) and have political power over most territories that aren't Yonko or shichibukai related, they also control the narrative regarding history. The usual manga goes like the protagonist is trying to bring down a villain or organization (usually a criminal or criminal organization). You need to watch Mr Morj's "The philosophy of One Piece", just the first ten minutes to understand what I'm talking about. That's why I think One Piece is superior and unique.

[@pontyadam]

Berserk

[@TheHiddenIsland-]

Videos like this get me out of bed in the morning. I have a lot of personal attachment to the Marineford arc, and it’s something special to finally see my favorite channel break down what makes it so incredible. I think we should just take a moment to appreciate how this is the arc that made most of us fans for life. The OP community owes its size and dedication to Marineford, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks for another banger, Morj.

[@prinnydooda]

Didn't expect to see you here, Island! Really enjoyed your latest video. Keep up the good work!

[@mjohn3126]

I sat through my best friend watching this arc YEARS before I actually started watching OP myself

[@MajesticCabbage]

I think your video style is incredible, keep doing a great job! :> Especially love being fed good storytelling reasoning on a silver spoon, as someone who watches and understands things only on a very superficial level.

[@TheHiddenIsland-]

@@prinnydooda Thank you, boss!

[@MrFuturesinger]

Love when my favorite youtubers show support

[@isaiahthompson2134]

I'm sorry but this is what we morj fans love and need. When you get a script and high quality editing time you're not only unparalleled in the community, you're genuinely an amazing and top tier video essayist and literary analyst. Give me way more content like this! Incredible intro, can't wait to happily devote a Saturday night to this :)

[@tiedyesuit3097]

Why are you sorry?

[@soversetile]

@@tiedyesuit3097 right

[@blueeyednick]

1 no thanks, a lot of people like him as he is 2 pls don't speak on behalf of the entire one piece community, people are different

[@tiedyesuit3097]

@@blueeyednick he could of said in my opinion apposed to sorry, the wording seems strange also I don't think there is any worry that someone will find the original comment and think it's the voice of a whole community.

[@AstroSully]

Morj at his peak is the greatest OP youtuber. He goes beyond power scalling and narratives when he dives into a specific OP arc, character or moment. Same with Ohara.

[@hiss9989]

There was one more person that knew Luffy would be the one to change the world. Ace himself.

[@wisdommanari6701]

😭 Bro stop

[@karlowinffotter1339]

Another thing that I like about Marineford arc is that how Oda showed us that the marines never won the war. Sure, they managed to kill whitebeard and Ace which was their objective and they "won" but in truth they didn't. The reason they started this war in is because it is their only way to end the great pirate era. They made Ace's execution go public so that they can draw out Whitebeard to kill him. They even televised it so that they can show them that even the strongest pirate at that time can go down to the marines and thus showing to the public that they would fear them and kill the dreams of future pirates. But that didn't happen because of Whitebeard's last words "One Piece is real!!!". This is the reason why Sengoku was shocked before he said it and thus, losing their main objective. Another one is because of Luffy, they didn't manage to kill him. The moment he stepped into the war, he got everyone's attention. At first it didn't really bother them because he was just a mere ant during that time. But as the war goes on, he manages to do the impossible and creating miracles but the one thing that made them turn on him is when he unconsciously used the conquerer's haki. That made everyone fear his potential and at that moment everyone, even Whitebeard knew that he would be the guy that will bring the dawn of the world. Which is the reason why they are desperate on killing a MERE ANT in the war. They didn't manage to save Ace however, they managed to save Ace's will. Killing Luffy will make another crossroad of fate, a fate where the marines won and there will be no pirate that will surpass them all and bring the dawn of the world, and thus ending the great pirate era for good. Sure we still have Blackbeard but he will bring even more darkness. This is why Whitebeard said "It is not you". This is why the side of Whitebeard pirates still won because they saved Ace's Will. Remember "The only time they die is when they are forgotten". Ace never died because his will is passed on to Luffy and thus Luffy won't forget him. And saving Luffy means saving Ace's will. Saving Luffy also means saving Joyboy and Roger's will, and thus, the great pirate era is still alive. Do let me know if I'm wrong.

[@sharpshades]

The only person that really won was blackbeard

[@woodlefoof2]

@@sharpshades justice prevailed as it always does.

[@sausage5033]

Wym they killed whitemustache bro blackbeard is the one who killed him

[@tabibhassan3376]

Well said brother. Agree with you

[@stevenc7877]

Dam, all I read was straight-up facts 😅

[@patrickthurlow5690]

I do feel like there's an added significance that it's Jimbei of all people to pull Luffy out of his spiral. Jimbei, as a second class citizen in most parts of the world, has put himself behind countless attempts to bring about long term, meaningful change for his people, only to witness unjust or malevolent forces hinder that with the deaths of Fisher Tiger, Otohime, Whitebeard, and the radicalization of Arlong. He understands the weight of these setbacks, and the fact that they are almost inevitable along the path to turning the world on its head. That being said, he also understands the power of hope, and the importance of it during such failures, as the absence of it likely would have pushed him down the same paths as Hody and Arlong long ago.

[@kambhampatianish4456]

Not to forget, he is literally the Helmsman of the Strawhats ship and saved Luffy from a crash by steering him in the right direction.

[@jose2D7735]

@@kambhampatianish4456 holy crap I never thought of it like that

[@aard1999]

well said

[@nikcantsnipe]

Finally! The myth, the legend is here. Thought we'd never get it. Here we go. Time to grab some popcorn and appreciate Marineford for the masterpiece it was and the entire build up, chef's kiss.

[@nikcantsnipe]

@@SAFAMMA yooo! Its about to be that time.

[@simbatano7842]

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@onewingedangel1518]

i can’t like it because the likes are a perfect 777

[@onewingedangel1518]

@@SAFAMMA nah you’re good bro, just had to let him know why i didn’t like it because i agree with his comment

[@MonkeyDLuis-jh1sg]

One of the most ambitious arcs in One Piece, that had the first MAJOR war arc in the series and to this day has lasting consequences in the world of the series

[@miyanagikosaki7808]

Cant wait to see the final war where oda said it would make marineford war arc look cute

[@Silentjay123]

@@miyanagikosaki7808 something I really look forward to and kind of don’t at the same time. The world government going all out with their strongest forces against literally the whole world with a hell LOT of death and destruction

[@jjjjjjaylon]

Yeah Oda also said wano would be bigger than marine Ford and it has been mid . Honestly I’d say bad.

[@miyanagikosaki7808]

@@jjjjjjaylon blame it on toei animation.. shit pacing in the anime

[@bigbountyanthony]

@@miyanagikosaki7808 so true

[@rsrocha1984]

I like a lot the idea the Ace was supposed to be the hero of the story. Luffy being the option that also fits, but not as much. But in the end, it falls to him the duty, because the first chosen one was killed.

[@xnortheast1106]

Ace was the hero.

[@dinkelberchs3697]

It reminds me of that whole "chosen one" situation in Harry Potter, where both Harry and Neville could possibly be the prophesied savior but it ends up being Harry. In both cases it was mere chance that the respective person ended up the hero: Harry simply because Voldemort decided that he would be the bigger threat instead of Neville, Luffy because he happened to escape Blackbeard that day without even intending to. (Of course in terms of the story being told Harry and Luffy were the chosen ones from the beginning, but within the logic of the fictional world they're in, it might as well have been the other person)

[@sia5926]

It actually really feels like it Ace who was "choosen one" but he love Luffy more than anything...

[@mazlumcelik4670]

Also reminds me of Robb Stark and Jon Targaryen... but the end of the story was shit

[@eff943]

Also reminds me of the Percy Jackson series where even though Percy's the main character it could've easily been Thaila being the chosen one of the prophecy siince they're both children of "the Big Three" -the key requirement of the prophecy - but due to circumstances she gets turned into a tree and later joins the Hunters to avoid turning 16 and fulfilling the prophecy on her 16th birthday (the other key requirement of the prophecy) so the role of Chosen one falls to Percy instead poor guy lol🤣

[@Longuser-name]

This is what separates Mr. Morj from all the One Piece youtubers. While they enjoy and review the basic shonen aspect of One Piece like power scaling and tropes, Mr. Morj has an ability to be able to step back and look at the bigger picture. It’s not just about who can out punch, slice, and kill who, it’s about understanding what the series itself represents on a bigger scale. That itself is a gift. Good job Mr. Morj! This was a wonderful video

[@GuyWithBeardButNoMoustache]

tekking is also good

[@xxavo_1939]

This is why my favorite part of the marineford saga was watching Luffy do the impossible essentially by continually recruiting increasingly strong allies, he essentially throws together a force of people willing to die for him that was 10x the strength of the pre time skip straw hats in just hours

[@bigbangpegasusmaster]

There's one thing you didn't mention: Despite Luffy being the miracle man who would always beat the bad guy, the closer we got to the Tiemskip, Luffy came closer and closer to going down against the bad guy. He beat Foxy by a fluke, he had to overextert himself against Lucci, and he had to go even beyond that to beat Moria (and even then Moria had to willingly give up the shadows). Heck at the end dof Thriller Bark Luffy only survived because of Zoro's sacrifice against Kuma, since he was completely down and out by then.

[@TyandOnGoing]

Good eye. It crazy how closer and closer we got to marineford/new world the bigger the threats and more energy luffy had to put into each fight. To the point where he had to start giving up his life to overcome these barriers compared to the east blue where they were his obstacles were trivial matches to him.

[@fenris5932]

And after that, he lost or stalemated every major fight aside from Magellan round 2, and he almost died in round 1. He lost to Kuma at Sabody, he was kind of getting his ass handed to him by the Hancock sisters, he would've died to Magellan, he only scored good hits against grunts and his grandpa in Marineford before losing Ace and getting near fatally wounded by Akainu

[@IAmNotYourBuddy]

Great point. To add even more to Thriller Bark, it wasn't even really a 1v1. The whole crew helped fight both Oars and Moria and he needed the powerup from the shadows as well. From East Blue to Thriller Bark, we went from Luffy confidently pummeling guys to Luffy needing the entire crew and more to back him up because the opponents had become so overwhelming.

[@freakydeaky1435]

nonsense lol, he got put in a cage by nami in his first meeting with buggy, then he got literally trapped under water against arlong, then he was about to get beheaded by buggy at logetown, then he literally got impaled, and thrown into quicksand by crocodile. Luffy ALWAYS needs bailing out in some pretty spectacular way, can't believe so many sheeple liked this dumb comment

[@fenris5932]

@@freakydeaky1435 not sure why I'm replying to someone who used the word sheeple unironically, but the difference between that and now is that when Luffy got out of the cage, he punched Buggy off the island and when he was rescued from the water, he axe kicked Arlong through a building. In the current setting, Luffy is allowed to fight these foes in more or less fair fights, in some cases having an advantage, and he gets curbstomped

[@Odinsday]

One of the reasons I love Marineford so much is the energy it has. Every other One Piece arc has lots of energy to it with certain periods of down time to even out the more action oriented bits. Marineford is the only arc that feels like a pure adrenaline rush from beginning to end with a race against the clock for Ace’s execution. You feel the pressure to rescue Ace in almost every second of this story and it is amazing.

[@TyandOnGoing]

all pieces building up to this immense piece of work called marineford.

[@AstroSully]

Never a dull moment during Marineford.

[@PhantomGreyfire]

00:00:00 ⟾ INTRO - Format 00:00:57 ⟾ THE HERO’S JOURNEY SO FAR - Luffy 00:01:12 ⟾ Hero’s Journey - Zoro 00:02:38 ⟾ Hero’s Journey - Lowest Moment 00:03:07 ⟾ Hero’s Journey - Luffy 00:08:02 ⟾ THE SET UP - Sabaody 00:09:46 ⟾ Set-up - Ace, Big Players 00:12:59 ⟾ Set-up - Impel Down 00:15:14 ⟾ Set-up - Marineford 00:17:04 ⟾ BREAKING THE HERO 00:17:44 ⟾ Breaking the Hero - 1) The Pattern/Formula 00:20:05 ⟾ Breaking the Hero - 2) Marineford Saga 00:22:27 ⟾ Breaking the Hero - 3) Ace Significance 00:23:15 ⟾ Breaking the Hero - Summation 00:24:07 ⟾ Breaking the Hero - Luffy Disillusioned 00:28:05 ⟾ THEMES - (The Philosophy of One Piece) 00:28:30 ⟾ Themes - Family: Ace & Whitebeard 00:32:02 ⟾ Themes - Family: Crocodile & Moria 00:35:13 ⟾ Themes - Family/Allies: Summation 00:35:28 ⟾ Themes - Freedom: Pirate King 00:37:32 ⟾ Themes - Freedom: Strength 00:42:00 ⟾ Themes - Freedom: Friends & Strength 00:44:45 ⟾ Themes - Freedom: Summation 00:45:20 ⟾ SYMBOLISM 00:45:35 ⟾ Symbolism - Dawn: (The DAWN of The World Explained - One Piece Analysis), (How Skypiea Holds The Secret Of The Sun God)* 00:45:48 ⟾ Symbolism - Dawn: Will of D., Joyboy, Nika 00:46:51 ⟾ Symbolism - Dawn: Fate 00:47:22 ⟾ Symbolism - Dawn: Ace & Luffy 00:50:38 ⟾ Symbolism - Dawn: Blackbeard 00:51:41 ⟾ Symbolism - Fate: Whitebeard & Shanks 00:52:51 ⟾ Symbolism - Crossroads of Fate: Ace vs. Blackbeard 00:53:58 ⟾ Symbolism - Two Great Changes: Sakazuki & Blackbeard 00:57:06 ⟾ Symbolism - Light of Hope: Luffy & Shanks 01:00:17 ⟾ Symbolism - Summation 01:01:12 ⟾ Overview - Marineford 01:01:54 ⟾ [Promo] [Credits]

[@wisdommanari6701]

THANK YOU

[@silviu56nomi]

thank you

[@MHMKid]

Thanks man

[@silvx7184]

Amazing job. Thank you

[@sadaqat1851]

mr Morj needs to pin this

[@thomasgartner5236]

It's analysis like this that just reinforces to me that One Piece is one of the great pieces of world literature. It has everything a professor in a modern English department at a University would lap up. It's a zany adventure story on the surface, but the more you read the more layers are revealed; the series touches on ideas of philosophy, psychology, politics, sociology and identity. It's thematically and dramatically rich. It's as well crafted as a lot of the great literature of the Western canon. I'd compare it to works like Journey to the West and Don Quixote, both of which Oda has made obvious allusions to in his story. . I really appreciate the work you've done the spread the word about the sheer quality of Eichiro Oda's work and I hope when the field of Onepieceology is formed you'll be recognized as the pioneer in the field.

[@crimsonflare8422]

@@wr245g9 ?😂

[@jjjjjjaylon]

Bro one piece not that good . You must have stop reading it . Really inconsistent power scaling and under developed/flat characters and concepts . Cringe moments left and right . Ass pulls left and right . Please cut the shit .

[@crimsonflare8422]

yo this is major cap you're overrating it way too much and people who havent seen it yet will get their expectations up too much, its a fun pirate show thats it.

[@victorvinegar7116]

I'm glad you enjoy it so much but don't let your bias lead you to such a claim. One piece is fun but unfortunately it's not that deep. Imma use this as copy pasta actually xD

[@thomasgartner5236]

@@victorvinegar7116 Why are you watching a Mr. Morj video if you think that?

[@gabrielarana3964]

The way you put the symbolism of the battle between Ace and Blackbeard as the darkness swallowing the sun makes me think that after Wano, Blackbeard is going to be the one to find the One Piece. This will make it even more clear that the world has entered an Age of Darkness and after Luffy defeats him, he will finally be the one who brings about "The Dawn of the new Era"

[@braydenswinhart]

I think in terms of setup and payoff, your interpretation is interesting. The biggest question is what is the one piece. If it’s just riches I don’t think Blackbeard should get it first. If it’s just a philosophy on freedom or friendship I’d actually love the idea of him finding it and not understanding, sorta a Kung fu panda 1 deal. As far as the symbolism of the darkness swallowing the sun, I think that’s supposed to more represent the difference between Luffy and Ace. And when (I would say if but I mean come on it’s shonen) beats Blackbeard he is the representation of the dawn that comes after night. That before Blackbeard was the day which moved to night, and finally with Luffy bringing the sunrise again.

[@JMalikZ]

@@braydenswinhartLaugh Tale is an island which has treasure but everything has been turned to rubber. The island and everything on it by Joyboy. Only the one with the awakened joyboy fruit can turn it back to normal. That is why Roger and his crew laughed when they went there. That is why he wished he were alive during Joyboy’s time cus he thinks Joyboy is hilarious. That is the reason Shanks stole a seemingly basic fruit from a government ship. That is why Government is after the fruit since 800 years. Luffy has awakened it and only he can turn that island back to normal. Roger and his crew returned empty handed because it was all rubber. I have actually cracked the mystery.

[@braydenswinhart]

@@JMalikZ it’s one big bouncy castle.

[@braydenswinhart]

@@JMalikZ maybe the island was once the fish man’s island and that’s why joyboy apologized to them because he had to turn the island to rubber to protect it or the treasure.

[@MarcoDToon]

Despite everything, it was worth the wait. Some of these points were mind-blowing, especially the concept of how the three potential joyboys were Luffy, Ace and Teach and how Shanks and Whitebeard were both betting on one, with Luffy becoming the only hope in the end. Good job Max, hope more analysis with this level of quality will come in the future, and of course let's keep our hopes high for the raid failing

[@MarcoDToon]

@@robleyusuf6454 In a live he said people call him Max, we don't really know his real name tho

[@mitchadmiral1210]

His name is Morjesh Habibi

[@cwj_721]

@@mitchadmiral1210 aint no way thats true

[@trickshotzz5401]

@@cwj_721 that name makes more sense than Max lmao

[@jaisalsanghvi]

@@trickshotzz5401 Habibi is not a name within any Indian community. Also, have heard of Mojesh, never a Morjesh.

[@ChibiMalzahar]

I also like the fact that within the marines, Garp, one of the strongest people *in history* won't use his strength to protect his family as he's stopped by his obligation to the organization and Sengoku. It instead falls on the shoulders of Koby, one of the weakest significant characters in the series, to stand up to Akainu, but of course he too is saved by Shanks. Shanks who seems to only fight when necessary has always understood that strength is meant to protect those who you love, something he demonstrated in chapter 1, which he fittingly demonstrated again to solve the final conflict of the first half of the story when the arc focuses entirely on it

[@TheRealPunkachu]

And Koby got every ounce of strength he has FROM Garp. Which in a way shows that Garp's decision to not go against the marines did ultimately lead to change within the ranks, even if it was small.

[@Alemayehu56]

Luffy is farther then stated as he is the one who first believed in Coby to chase his dream. Also Luffy is the one who gave Coby strength to be brave and face the danger even it will kills you. Coby demonstrated that.

[@victorvinegar7116]

That's a convenient excuse to not show Shanks fight I guess xD

[@cognitivedissonance9938]

Actually got a little emotional during the last part of the video. Really appreciate your deep dive into this saga, made me see it in a new light.

[@Lina-qg1me]

+1 making me relive th entire again

[@ricardopacheco5892]

I totally agree, Oda is a master story writer, Its amazing how one of the best stories ever written comes from manga, He deserves the nobel, and his rightful place in history both in name and deed.

[@rupertgordonii6623]

Yep

[@jse230379]

The sun analogy has aged so well

[@Jaketruescience]

This analysis was incredible and honestly your absolutely correct that shanks was literally a stabilizing force basically left by Rodger to protect the world until the dawn arrives

[@yazui.i.9368]

This video is a masterpiece, no words just amazed from the work and everything you talked about.

[@anujaia78]

Thank you Morj for taking your time to deliver quality! Super excited to watch this.

[@caitlinbrewer4843]

I love that it isn't the role that others -Roger, Whitebeard, Garp, the Marines, and even fate itself- chose for Ace that end up being the most important. in the end, it is the role that Ace chose for himself as Luffy's older brother that matters the most.

[@jakefegan4795]

I kinda love also how despite Ace being the “chosen one” and built up so much, when he talks to Yamato he admits that he truly believes Luffy is the strongest of the new generation and that his dream of being pirate king isn’t foolish

[@GM_by_blood]

Can't lie Morj - I'm finishing the Breaking the Hero section and feeling overwhelmed with emotion. I know all of these story beats and the concept, but thank you for bringing them back into context.

[@23rdofjanuary]

Same here. Even being reminded of the weight of the themes being this story brings chills

[@Kingleeno]

After watching this video, to which I had to hold back tears multiple times. (I love this series too much) I feel more motivated then I've ever been to achieve my life goals and ever give up on myself and the people around me

[@lukerne9260]

This was amazing. You outdid yourself here Morj, this is definetely your best video so far. This is a must watch for anyone that follows One Piece. Videos like these are the reason you are far and away the best One Piece KZbinr. Thank you.

[@Kleeb2330]

Moria making a undead crew really says something about his character he really changed when he lost his crewmates 🙏 🕊

[@arkeshjayakumar5746]

Bro this analysis just provides so much value for the Wano arc, cause now that the balance is towards darkness - Luffy is out here kicking the balance completely out of place post-TS and especially in Wano - if 2 emperors go down

[@jaredhall5169]

Ace was always aiming for BB. It's really easy to imagine a scenario where Luffy was killed by BB to give his quest more weight. Plus Ace was already set up to return to Wano, even taking over Oden's former position on Whitebeard's crew.

[@makotoyuki345]

If you think of it like different crossroads if Luffy were to die it would most likely be after enies lobby and that would’ve happened if either Ace hadn’t found Teach or he did but retreated like Shanks wanted him too...regardless it’s sad to think that either way it was always in Teach’s favor and it wasn’t a matter or “if” but “when” one of the brothers would die

[@infinitecontent8001]

There is a trilogy of tribulation in story arcs... Sabaody, where Luffy lost his crew, Impel Down , where he tried to rescue Ace and failed, and Marineford, where he did rescue his brother but saw him brutally murdered before his eyes... It showed the Straw Hat crew they needed to level up significantly to move forward.

[@joaodelgado6696]

a point that I didnt really think about is that its not that Luffy wasnt strong enough to protect Ace, he wasnt strong enough to protect himself hence Ace had to save him. dont know how that obvious point was missed by me but shit if that doesnt hit

[@HyakuJuu01300]

*"In order to become the freest, Luffy has to become the strongest"* *YESSIR!!!* *PREACH!* I 110% agree with you. Morj, you're the only One Piece KZbinr I believe who gets how Oda writes his story. You understand the themes behind his storytelling better than anybody. I've always said that Luffy needs to become the strongest if he truly wants to become The Pirate King. It is also the same reason why I have Roger as the strongest ever and pretty much only Luffy will surpass him.

[@RoronoaZoro-ur6hr]

Luffy was always meant to be Roger, but Roger 2.0 since the very beginning of the East Blue Saga, and he wasn’t meant to be Diet Lite version of Pirates like Xebec or Arlong like how Black Beard and Arlong are whereas all of the other Shonen/Shonen Jump series the main protagonist is either slightly weaker than their fathers, or them being copy/paste of their fathers such as Gon, Ichigo, etc etc, so I never really had a problem with Luffy eventually becoming Roger but stronger, faster, and more intelligent than Roger.

[@Mr-ON]

Yes if you are the strongest you can do as you wish right or wrong because their would be no one capable of stopping you. In that sense the celestial dragons are the freest people in the world. That is the same freedom blackbeard wants and what characters like Akainu and Garp stand in direct opposition of.

[@acetofresh1]

I think most anitubers don’t really understand the stuff they talk about on a nuanced critical level, I think the anime community in general doesn’t have high media literacy it’s usually very dichotomous gushing or bashing a series without much critical thought

[@bigt100]

@@RoronoaZoro-ur6hr intelligent??

[@RoronoaZoro-ur6hr]

@@bigt100 , some claim that Luffy will be the next the Joyboi bringing the One Piece world into complete unity, and others claims that Luffy is going to be the next Sun God Nika where Luffy will be the most powerful rogue solider in the battlefield even more powerful than Roger, Xebec, Black Beard, and Dragon combined into one character, so my point about Luffy being eventually more intelligent than Roger at the end of the series can into both accounts of Luffy being the next Joyboi or Sun God Nika.

[@cambo6814]

The breaking of luffy in this arc was incredible. I would argue the best breaking of a hero in fiction is Guts from berserk.

[@_6thday]

Gon breaking was nice especially cus he was so young and pure he didn't really know pain mentally

[@joebidenjr5902]

Lmao 😂. Gon's breakdown is leagues above Luffy's

[@Yowai-t2w]

​@@joebidenjr5902bruh just because he turned emo doesn't mean he's better.

[@GutsTheBeast]

@@joebidenjr5902 I'm gonna assume you either missed the point of the video or are just too stupid to understand the context of what breaking down "Luffy" means. A generic character like Gon who is neither defined nor established properly can't really have a breakdown close to Luffy. Gon turning into a generic strong dude is the perfect example. Luffy breaking down is extremely great because of how it takes the context of the first 600 chapters and then flipping his defining characteristic.

[@aduken762]

also kaneki in tokyo ghoul

[@K4rur0]

The greatest turning point for Luffy. As much as it hurts him in Sabaody this Marineford arc intensified that level of pain for Luffy. It really changed his mind to become stronger for good. Oda really did a great job of breaking his main character, Luffy. He made Luffy question himself about his strength like why he is so weak, he cant protect anyone he loves. Jinbe said: "Cant you see things clearly now? You believed that you could overcome anything. And you never doubted your strength. But those formidable enemies took away your confidence!" But then as the quote says: "The harder you fall, the higher you bounce" just like Luffy being a rubber man and now reaches his peak in the current series.

[@williammarshall7831]

Morj really deserve a doctorate in reading and analyzing One Piece

[@kirind.dragon1901]

For me marineford is the greatest piece of fictional arc Ive seen. Unlike many other great arcs which has unbelievable story telling, marineford has hype factor with it too . It was so intense for so long and emotionally so great . Add in political and ideological conflicts. Whitebeard had one of the best performances of a character in an arc ever. You can't not be mesmerized by that man. You can also say garp has one of the best character arcs ever in an arc in marineford. That conflict was so realistic and how it was executed was flawless . Personally I've never felt the same way again Ive felt after watching marineford so good......

[@digipoop1255]

you right!

[@AstroSully]

Man became a GOAT in 1 arc.

[@NCSfan-k4s]

@Abdullahi Farah ENIES LOBBY / WATER 7 / SABAODY / DRESSROSA > MARINEFORD

[@joaodelgado6696]

maan shanksbeing the only remaining Yonkou thats keeping the world from falling into darkness really cements that as the end draws nearer, as the WG begins its Great Cleansing, as Blackbeard start making his move, Shanks must die in order to really raise the anarchy and the need for Luffy to be the man to step up

[@ShadowFox178]

I legit teared up going over these moments again.

[@AstroPeezy]

"I still have my nakama" is the only manga chapter to EVER make me cry

[@level3hypercombo]

Before watching: *Yeah of course I already know Marineford is the greatest manga arc of all time.* After watching: *Wow Marineford truly is the greatest manga arc of all time.*

[@kurokuteakaiyuki]

What an analysis, what beautiful and eloquent way of analyzing the themes and symbolism, I was glued to the screen throughout. And I never really thought about the traits of the two greatest pirates, Whitebeard and Roger, that Luffy had and didn't have at the time of Marine Ford. He had the family that Whitebeard valued, but didn't have the strength to protect them as Whitebeard did, having the title of the world strongest man. Similarly, he had the wish for freedom and a certain degree of it, as well as the wish and drive to protect his friends no matter what as Roger did, but not the strength to achieve either of them. Absolute mind-blowing catch and a subtle way to not only to underscore how strength as a goal is multilayered as you said, but also show the kind of traits that the true Pirate King will have in the future,foreshadowing Luffy's growth and future image. And I cannot repeat how much I love the symbolism section of this analysis, especially with the broader themes about the world. Didn't think how the arc really did end with both sides turning more evil (very well expressed in the last stages of war, with Marines brutally going after scattering pirates until Coby stops them and Blackbeard wreaking havoc) and Shanks stepping in to show that there's still light there, and hope, with Luffy being protected through collective effort. Absolutely amazing stuff, well worth the wait and more. Thank you Morj for undertaking this despite your stressful schedule! A masterpiece analysis for a masterpiece of an arc. Bravo! 👏

[@gdp4467]

No matter what anyone says this dude really understands the story

[@auto117666]

I tear’d up through most of this video. One Piece is such a great story.

[@owenmudgett1343]

The buildup was powerful enough to the point where, when I was soft spoiled about Ace's death, I honestly didn't believe it until I saw it for myself while watching the arc for the first time. I thought it would follow the formula, but Oda broke it with beautifully-built tragedy.

[@legendarygamer7144]

Morj and tekking are literally the 2 fans i think understand ONE PIECE the most and best

[@msliceoflife]

Debatable, the OP community has the most diverse community. Disrespectful to say they are the two fans without even discussing the people from forums like Arlong Park which were the foregrounds of the KZbinr OP community. Morj and Tekking are great. Let’s not give two people above people like GLR, Ohara, Deuteronomy (Jap KZbinr), Brago, Rogersbase. This is a great community.

[@wisdommanari6701]

Morj this was magnificent I was already going to buy the plushie but this was especially made it all worth it

[@captainmarvelous7678]

This was a masterpiece Morj, some of your best work. Nobody on youtube understands and breaks down the themes of One Piece better than you. Keep em coming

[@zwbruno90]

I think a big part of this that you didn't discuss is the catharsis of Luffy actually rescuing Ace and the meaning behind it. Yes, he did save Ace, but in doing so Ace was free to die for Luffy. Ace didn't want to live in a world without Whitebeard AND Luffy, so he chose to sacrifice his life for his brother which wouldnt have been possible if Luffy didn't do the impossible and release Ace from his chains.

[@msjones6936]

It’s also a further expansion of the explicit themes in Robin’s arc culminating in Enies Lobby - when Luffy says they’re rescuing her and then if she still wants to die that’s her choice (excuse the paraphrasing.) ♥️

[@VRXconnect]

These videos really help me understand why I subconsciously liked One Piece. You do a good job of breaking down story elements

[@federicocattaneo4169]

This arc changed my life for the better. Since Impel Down started, I had the impression that I, too, was on a countdown. I remember going out after reading chapter 576, and I basically walked bouncing around obsessed with Newgate's relentlessness. I also was distraught in shock because of Ace. Blackbeard, Akainu, Garp, Marco, Jimbe all left a lasting impression on me. This is the greatest piece I've ever read in a manga.

[@DragonDBread]

You are amazing! This video is amazing! I love the way you describe things and how you case your argument. I don't think I could have ever appreciated this series as much as I do if I have never stumbled upon your channel. You are truly one of the best One Piece KZbinrs out there! Thank you for providing us with this 1 hour analysis during an empty week with no One Piece chapter. And of course, the fire festival will end in failure!

[@zamanimvukela4573]

Oh damn, it's finally hear. Lemme strap in and get ready for the best hour of the year so far 🔥🔥🔥🙌

[@swae9245]

Let's go!!!!!

[@mpumimpanza8913]

Think imma join you🍿

[@skeezer4697]

This arc was the most I’ve ever teared when watching any show or movie.. Truly a masterpiece, Chefs kisses

[@AstroSully]

This video was an absolute masterpiece. I would also like to highlight Coby being the “Light” in the marines when he was opposing Akainu and Shanks saving him is also a symbolism for me of a man who will one day change the organisation of the marines for better in how Luffy is now the man who bring the dawn to the world. Different goals different same ideology. Amazing video Morj!

[@cvox607]

You can tell morj was exhausted because of this video from how simple the thumbnail is

[@uncountablyinfinite3429]

As someone who has ADHD, a vid this long being able to keep my full attention for over an hour is amazing. Morj you are awesome and this is a masterpiece. Also I haven't heard this anywhere else so I'll say it here: Whitebeard's death is very similar to the death of the real pirate Blackbeard. The pirate Blackbeard was cornered by a British ship against a reef, and he recieved like 30 sword wounds and was shot like 8 times before he died, which Whitebeard's death is clearly based off of. Also Blackbeard's real name is Edward Teach, which connects to EDWARD Newgate and Marshall d. TEACH. Correct me if im wrong the numbers might not be totally accurate.

[@lautarospengler7472]

who the fuck cares

[@zilla_da_beast1627]

@@lautarospengler7472 yo relax man😂😂

[@user-tu6ey7ud3h]

@@lautarospengler7472 I do and u seem to do too since u care to comment about it

[@user-wb5ox7nw2u]

Bro I do have adhd

[@savinghumanity6661]

@@lautarospengler7472 me

[@RedLygr]

Damn, Morj! I am really glad you took your time on this one. One of the best analysis I have ever seen of anything. Good work to you and your crew.

[@SuperSkeet1234]

One thing I love is how every side that’s against eachother is formidable and not to be taken lightly. Rather than the good vs evil and the law always too weak and two steps behind, the marines literally have some of the absolute most powerful people in the entire OP world. It makes a real threat in any situation and overlaps both good and evil with blind justice.

[@Anymonous246]

This video was amazing, your writing and story telling gave me chills and almost brought me to tears.

[@danieru2925]

Morj showing once again why he's the best one piece analyst by far

[@surajshine4206]

Try Craftsdwarf.

[@Auphyrox]

yee

[@kevincroft5246]

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@kevincroft5246]

IDKABOUTTHAT1

[@dabilaroali1037]

Finally the long awaited marineford analysis . Thank you and those who helped put this together . Reading this arc on a weekly basis was a unique experience. I had less elements to fully grasp the greatness of this arc back then .

[@persetheus5671]

The video we’ve all been waiting for🔥

[@Deode-d4h]

This video has completely gave me a new found respect and understanding about the significance of Marineford. When I first watched it, I was just a dumb teen trying to watch all of One Piece, not really taking in or even coming remotely close to understanding the thematic and symbolic meaning of the events unfolding. Thanks Morj for enlightening me on why Marineford truly is one of the greatest manga arcs and arguably contender for one of the greatest arcs in all of fiction.

[@jaisalsanghvi]

Wow, incredible video. The last chapter "Symbolism" was absolutely amazing. This analysis did the marineford arc justice, great work Mr Morj, thanks for the hard work.

[@swae9245]

Morj finally serving the content 🔥🙏🏿 bless up man.

[@culturedvulture2015]

Amazing video. It's fascinating how every character in this arc sort of grapple with the theme of the arc.

[@sethjulien1271]

What the Straw Hats don't realise about Luffy (post - timeskip, up to before Wano) is that he isn't arrogant or overconfident about challenging the 4 Emperor's. In fact out of all the Straw Hat's Luffy is the only one (besides Jinbe) that saw how powerful Whitebeard was at Marineford. Luffy knows what he's up against, and he's still going to fight them, & the Navy, Marineford showed him what he needed.

[@barronfuentes998]

I can't imagine the excitement of a manga reader back then in marineford arc and how heartbreaking it is when chapter where ace died comes out.

[@laexploradoraaaXD]

Also, it's specifically that Whitebeard was a father to Roger's son - the one thing he couldn't be. In the flashback, Ace asks Luffy why he keeps tagging along and Luffy says otherwise, he's all alone. If there's one fear he has, it's being alone.

[@dantecrottogini529]

I literally got emotional watching this and remembering when i saw this saga for the first time. Great video as always morj

[@Kev-D-OG]

This was well worth the wait! I loved the amount of effort you put in to talk about the crossroads of fate in the later section of the video! Amazing stuff again

[@TheXXBLahBLahBLahxX]

At 31:58 my eyes turned into waterfalls. Already a masterpiece. Thank you Morj

[@qjnel12345]

A lot of long form content on KZbin usually consists of people talking in circles but you did a good job keeping me as a viewer engaged by not talking in circles, presenting ideas and explaining them concisely but detailed enough for any One Piece enjoyer to understand. Then, as soon as I'd say "I get your point" I'd see the transition slide to the next chapter of the video. I was a little surprised when the video ended and an hour had passed, it almost felt like this video was choreographed. Good job!

[@jakeochs1467]

One of the most ambitious Mr. Morj videos for one of the most ambitious manga arcs of all time. As always, a classic, thank you Morj!

[@arbernumani3709]

Theory: Shanks waited till ace and whiteboard were dead to show up at marineford because he wanted to be right

[@mrtwokiller]

that is funny as shit but remember he had to stop kaido the fool from making it worse but he def had to think that was a worse case scenario along with losing luffy

[@masterio5234]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS! King of goated analysis is back!

[@Michaelngo102]

I remember crying outloud over this. This hits the hardest and it makes so much sense with all the buildups. Completely heartbroken. Even tearing up a bit watching this. I'm gonna watch one piece all over again with my kids in the future. It will be a family time tradition. And I'm gonna get a One piece tattoo eventually. Not sure what it will be. But eventually. This thing has such an impact in my life that it's incredible to think about. Thank you for doing this Mr Morj. Great work.

[@kentendo6453]

When I look back at Marineford and consider what's likely coming after Wano I get chills. The iceberg that Oda has built is slowly surfacing and I can't wait to see him resolve some of the long running threads of the narrative

[@manbear9155]

I have to say watching this now with the final arc starting. With the new emperors being announced with Luffy and buggy so now we have a balance of two good and one wild card and one evil but seeing how Blackbeard has been growing I think it could still be up in the air as it’s still not balanced but seeing the full story from marineford it’s truly something else. Well done video truly!

[@ritacirocavalcante]

Marineford is the kind of arc that only One Piece could do, specifically because it was One Piece. Only One Piece was big enough to justify the kind of story decisions it made here. It set the standard for a war arc. Many manga tried the "big war that sets the new status quo from now on" after that, with very mixed results (Naruto choose to drag it out till there was nothing else to it, HeroAca ran out of steam and it's puttering out storywise because of that).

[@HyakuJuu01300]

What's happening with my hero nowadays? Haven't checked it since the plauge doctor mask guy arc. I don't mind spoilers.

[@twotonedrebel1891]

@@HyakuJuu01300 Basically, the villains won the war and civilians lost faith in pro heroes. Izuku left U.A. to stop All For One and Shigaraki, but was pushing himself too far in the process. He tried to shoulder the burden of the vestiges and All Might on his own. However, Class 1A saved him before All For One (who’s in hiding) could capture him. The recent arc is a study on how Izuku seeks so much redemption that he’s willing to push away everyone like All Might and Nana did. He’s stronger than before but not mentally at this point.

[@Belmont_1]

One Piece has never captured me as much ever since. I felt more hype when Whitebeard showed up than anything in the NW, and I've caught up to manga.

[@Belmont_1]

@Average SBR enjoyer facts

[@user-lw6wx6om4p]

hey morj, have you ever thought about doing a video on the "checkered fate" concept. its sort of similar to the "crossroads of fate" idea. roger defeated rocks, and as a checkered fate, ace (rogers son) was defeated by blackbeard (the inheritor of rocks will). similar opposite parallels happen across the series

[@cedricplacide4859]

this is one of the best one piece video essays iv ever seen!

[@unbiasedadvocator]

Watching this after 1044 reveal elevates the chapter, Marineford, THE SERIES, to a completely new level, especially in the themes department. Thank you Morj for a wonderful analysis

[@slippinshaurya]

It’s probably the only arc where i jumped out of my chair in excitement more than 10 times.

[@dantecrottogini529]

It's honestly the only anime arc where i literally had the same reaction as the fodder warching the fights

[@tomgu2285]

Same but reading the manga

[@juanperret7044]

They said it was a myth. But here we are. Marineford analysis. Have your 5 yearly patreon dollars Morj. 🤣

[@chinedumonukwugha3510]

This was 🔥🔥🔥 I seriously can't imagine reading weekly during this arc, I would have had sleepless nights.

[@lugosss69]

This video made me tear up. Great job here Morj, u showed a full hour of hard work and thought in a really enjoyable and meaningful way.

[@desmonides]

“Like the Sun traveling East to West, Luffy was constantly portrayed as the Light of Hope moving across the Sea” 👁

[@rickyailion9751]

Thank you so much for this morj! I know this took a long time and a lot of effort. I have been looking forward to this for a while

[@arvidstider]

Wow, Morj! You really outdid yourself on this one! And that is saying a lot since your videos are always terrific!

[@NN-yy9gb]

Very well done Morj! 🥂 Just like Marineford, the raid will fail

[@jokerinke]

After this video I realized something, in how I felt when reading the manga: around Thriller Bark I felt like the dynamics of the arcs became to repetetive, we were seeing this leveling up of powers and I especially remember hating the look of gear 4. It felt so random. but with the ending of thriller bark the plot noticably changes, and it accelerates so dramatically. After the time skip everyone is different, and even though a lot of fights have a classic set up of 1v1 for every strawhat, the stakes are different with each arc, since the problems the Strawheads face are not confined to one island, but are always intertwined with a bigger network of problems. I am very thankful to this video and all kind of analyzing videos for One Piece, because having the underlying and more or less visible themes and plot dynamics explained like this really makes me enjoy One Piece on a whole new level.

[@eldritch4285]

Watching this after the epic reveal in Chapter 1044/45 of the manga casts this video in such a prophetic light. Great job!