One Piece Chapter 1188: VOHU

Happy 29th Anniversary of One Piece everyone! Because of the Break, this is when Shueisha has decided to have the big cover and colour spread combo. I’ll take a moment just to say that this series is very special to me, and to many of you too, as we approach the big 30th Anniversary, and the series comes slowly but surely to its conclusion. And I do mean that, I think the end is indeed in sight.

The chapter opens with a flashback, unclear and hazy, surrounded by radio static, Imu and Joyboy meet for the first time. Joyboy is sporting that Roger-like, that Luffy-like grin, Imu’s mind sharpens, it’s clear to him now that Luffy is not Joyboy, but a pale imitator. There are definitely parallels being drawn here between Imu and Kaido, the way in which they have clear ideas of who and what Joyboy should be. There’s more to say about this at the end.

The action in this chapter is incredible, Oda hasn’t given us such a creative pair of characters fighting since Luffy fought Katakuri. Both are able to stretch, summon and imagine their way to completely unseen heights. This is a pretty obvious ‘dark mirror’ kind of storytelling device, but it is a lot of fun, all of Imu’s attacks and blasts have such character to them, a lot like Moriah.

Luffy reveals a brand new transformation, believing Loki to be dead (however he quickly reveals that he isn’t) Gum-Gum Genie! Equal parts a classic cartoon (Disney’s Aladdin) steeped in mythology (One Thousand and One Nights). A big difference between this and Luffy’s Gear 4th forms, he really is ‘freer’ now to do what he pleases with his powers.

In the nick of time, Jinbe arrives to block an attack aimed at Loki, proving once again why he’s worthy to be on Luffy’s crew. The others speculate on just who exactly Imu could be, unable to comprehend that there may be someone above the Five Elders, as indeed the World Government’s promise of equality is predicated on the Empty Throne remaining empty (though it never has been).

Brook using Shuri’s name has quickly alerted Imu as to who the skeleton was in life, and he is clearly not happy about it. Before he can finish that thought, Luffy attempts to break through his guard, but reaches a stalemate yet again. Imu unsheathes his sword- the Blade of Nothingness, Vohu. With his power, he strips the trees of the forest bare, in Luffy’s words, ‘dried up’. This is very much like crocodile, and as Luffy charges in, the page turn shows us just how accurate that comparison is, as Luffy is impaled again, just like all those chapters ago. The parallel with Kaido is also strengthened, like when Luffy was batted off Onigashima, Imu says that of course Luffy could not be Joyboy. Because Joyboy was not this weak.