Thursday, April 30, 2009

One Piece 540: LV6 Infinite Hell

Well, since there are no WSJ chapter's out this week, I thought I'd save one of last week's to review now. Oda's color spread is quite nice this time around, and typically nostalgic (it's been awhile since I've seen the Luffy's crew together in any respect). I'm going to make a bold claim and say that I think he consistently produces the most nuanced color spreads out of all the current Mangaka who write/draw for WSJ (and that's not to say that he is necessarily the best, but definitely the most detailed). One Piece has always been great for its variety.

This OP chapter rounds out a really excellent set of last week's chapters (makes sense to give the readers something really good before Golden Week). Ace's execution is fast approaching. Luffy and his 'new crew' arrive at his cell, but alas, Ace has been (or should I say, is being) transferred to Marine Headquarters. It seems this arc (Impel Down) is approaching its end, and Level 6 appears to be Luffy's last pit stop. After escaping the Infinite Hell trap (during which we get to see Inazuma's Choki Choki ability), Luffy picks up two more 'criminals' for his rebel gang.

Crocodile is really one of those characters that I love to hate. I truly loathe him, but the guy is a quote machine, and he is more often than not, memorable. All in all it's good to see him again, this time on the right side (or at least on a more neutral side). Jimbei (the last introduced 'Warload of the Sea'), will undoubtedly make a nice addition to the crew as well. I must say that I'm really really psyched for the next arc, and the huge battle at Marine HQ. Hopefully Luffy's original crew will be arriving as well; although, as to how they will be, one still has yet to see. I can't help but think that something of CP9 caliber is soon coming; and Oda never fails to disappoint.

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