Summary

Elbaf arc showcases the best character designs in One Piece history, leaving fans raving.
Loki's introduction is iconic, hinting at a tragic backstory and potential future alignment with Straw Hats.
Rocks D. Xebec's reveal exceeds hype with ruthless design, confirmed as Blackbeard's father.

Ever since the early days of One Piece, the characters have been the best part of the series, and one of the biggest reasons for this is their impeccable designs. This franchise is defined by its whacky art style that is either a hit or miss for most people, but once they actually get into the series, they realize that this style is exactly what the series needs in order for Oda to make unique and identifiable characters.

This aspect of the series is on full display in the Elbaf arc, which fans have already said has the best designed characters that have ever been seen before in One Piece. Of course, it may be too early to judge since the arc isn't even over yet, but to see such interesting and badass characters in the space of a few chapters has fans raving about this arc, so let's see why this is.

One Piece: Oda Has Finally Revealed The Lurking Legend After 8 Years

The lurking legend has finally been revealed in One Piece. The reveal of this character will change the story.

Posts 2

By Rei Penber

Loki Had The Greatest Introduction In The Entire Series

The Accursed Prince Of Elbaf

First Appearance	One Piece, Chapter 1130, "The Accursed Prince"
Debut Date	October 21, 2024

Loki had the greatest introduction in the story.

Loki's introduction had been built up ever since his very first mention during the Wholecake Island arc. However, the silhouette fans got of him was completely different from his eventual appearance, which many fans have repeatedly called the best in all of One Piece due to his massive size and Viking-inspired aesthetic. This, paired with the bandages around his eyes, makes him the most imposing and iconic character of the entire Elbaf arc, and easily among the best in the series as a whole.

I am the Sun God who will bring about the end of the world!

However, although he really looks like an evil monster whom the entire country of Elbaf fears, the truth behind his departure into supposed villainy is tragic, and was only done because he was ostracized by everyone on the island. This is the main reason why many fans believe that he will eventually join the Straw Hats once the arc ends, which would make a lot of sense with his legendary Devil Fruit as well.

St. Figarland Shamrock Is Just Shanks As A Celestial Dragon

A New Take On Red Hair

First Appearance	One Piece, Chapter 1134, "The Owl Library"
Debut Date	December 23, 2024

Shamrock perfectly shows what Shanks would have ended up looking like as a Celestial Dragon.

One of the greatest theories in the history of One Piece was that of Shanks secretly having a twin who was first introduced in Chapter 907 when he went to meet the Gorosei. This was finally confirmed in Elbaf when Shamrock was revealed to be the elder twin brother of Shanks. His design mirrored Shanks and really sold his look as one of the World Nobles, since his longer hair and regal adornments gave fans an insight into how Shanks would have turned out if he had elected to stay in the Holy Land.

Long ago, the savage warriors of Elbaf dominated the New World. The World Government will bring them to heel no matter what!

He was an incredibly striking character when he was first shown, as he perfectly encapsulated the alternate route that Shanks would have been if he had never been taken by the Roger Pirates on God Valley. At the current moment, very little is known about him, but with the Final War approaching right around the corner, fans can expect to see the Supreme Commander of the Gods Knight far more often.

One Piece: Mihawk May Have Been A Secret Celestial Dragon This Whole Time

Mihawk is one of the most powerful characters in all of One Piece, and this fan theory states that his family may have something to do with it!

Posts 1

By Haider Haroon Rasheed

King Harald Really Stood Out As A King In His Early Days

The Greatest King Of Elbaf

First Appearance	One Piece, Chapter 1136, "The Land That Awaits The Sun"
Debut Date	January 20, 2025

Harald shares many similarities to Loki.

King Harald, just like his son Loki, is already regarded as one of the best-designed characters that Oda has ever shown in the series. Generally speaking, Ancient Giants are already among the coolest aspects of the story at large, so seeing Harald in his youth shows what one of their descendants would look like in their prime, which stole just about every scene he was in.

Harald began his reign at 45 years of age - just 15 in human terms. Despite this, King Harald, remarkably enough, was pure scum!

Harald was known as the greatest monarch in the history of Elbaf, and the brief looks at Loki's backstory have really sold this image. Despite the Elbaf Giants being known around the world for being savage and ruthless warriors, Harald showed that diplomacy with their neighbors is the only true way forward for them, which will make the inevitable scene of his death even more tragic.

Rocks D. Xebec Has Finally Been Revealed And Has Stolen The Show

The Greatest Villain In The Story

First Mention	One Piece, Chapter 957, "Ultimate"
First Appearance	One Piece, Chapter 1154, "I Can't Even Die"

Rocks has been confirmed as Blackbeard's father.

There has been no villain in the entire story of One Piece whose official appearance has been more anticipated than that of the legendary Rocks D. Xebec. Not only was he described as the greatest rival that Roger ever had, but Chapter 1154 further reinforced his strength by explaining that he singlehandedly killed a Navy Admiral, further drawing the ire of the World Government. His strength was always going to be incredible, but fans still hoped that his design wouldn't disappoint.

He was Roger's first foe... And perhaps his greatest...

And, thankfully, it lived up to and even surpassed all the hype, since Xebec's official reveal showed his ruthlessness and impeccable design. Xebec has been confirmed as the father of Blackbeard, which was a theory that has been hinted at for years, due to which the two of them look incredibly similar. His powers and motivations are still a mystery, but his official debut was even better than what everyone could have imagined.