Beyond the Crew: The Bizarre Character Eiichiro Oda Prefers Over Any Straw Hat

In the vast pantheon of characters that inhabit the world of One Piece, the Straw Hat Pirates are, without a doubt, the most beloved. Each member, from the fearless Luffy to the sharp-shooting Usopp, is a fan favorite, and their creator, Eiichiro Oda, has poured his heart and soul into their development over the past two decades. However, in a surprising and often-forgotten revelation, Oda has admitted that his favorite character is not a member of the Straw Hat crew. In a candid interview, he confessed that he holds a special place in his heart for a bizarre, insignificant, and long-forgotten character who appeared in the early chapters of the manga. This revelation is a testament to Oda’s unique sense of humor and his ability to create compelling characters, no matter how small their role. This is a crucial piece of One Piece lore and a fun bit of manga trivia that every fan should know.

The character in question is Gaimon, a man who has been stuck in a treasure chest for over 20 years. Gaimon, who first appeared in Chapter 22 of the manga, is a character who embodies the absurdity and charm of the early series. His story is simple yet tragic: he fell into a treasure chest, and after years of searching, he discovered that the treasure he had been protecting was empty. Luffy, in a moment of kindness, tried to convince Gaimon to join his crew, but Gaimon, who had finally found a new sense of purpose with his animal friends, declined. While his role in the story was brief, his impact on Oda was significant, as the creator has repeatedly stated that Gaimon is his favorite character.

Oda’s Unconventional Favorite

When asked about his favorite character, Oda has often been playful with his answers. While he has said that he loves all of the Straw Hat Pirates, he has also gone on record multiple times to say that Gaimon is his favorite. In an interview for the One Piece Color Walk 1 artbook, published in 2001, Oda stated, “I like Luffy. But, the character that I like the most is Gaimon. It’s hard to think of anyone better than him. Just a man who has been stuck in a treasure box for 20 years. I think that was an amazing setup myself.” This quote is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most simple and bizarre ideas are the ones that resonate the most with a creator.

The reason for Oda’s affection for Gaimon is a mix of his unique design, his absurd backstory, and the fact that he represents the core themes of the series. Gaimon’s story is a microcosm of the entire One Piece narrative. He spent his life chasing a dream (the treasure), only to find that it was not what he expected. However, in the process of his journey, he found something even more valuable: friendship. He found a family in the animals on his island, a treasure that was far more precious than gold. This is a central theme of One Piece, where the journey and the bonds of friendship are often more important than the destination. Gaimon’s story is a beautiful and concise version of this idea, and it’s clear that it holds a special place in Oda’s heart.

Furthermore, Oda also has a soft spot for Buggy the Clown, a character who, like Gaimon, is more of a gag character than a serious threat. Oda has stated that Buggy is both his favorite antagonist and the Devil Fruit user whose power he would most want in real life. This preference for characters who are more absurd and comical than the typical heroes and villains shows a deep-seated love for the more lighthearted side of his own creation. It’s a reminder that while One Piece has its dark and serious moments, its heart is rooted in comedy and adventure. The fact that he loves these two characters, who are defined by their ridiculousness and luck, is a testament to the idea that a good story is not just about the epic battles but also about the small, charming moments that make the world feel alive. It’s also a subtle nod to the fact that the most absurd characters in the series often have the most significant and unexpected impact on the narrative.

The Legacy of Gaimon and Buggy

While Gaimon’s role in the series was brief, his legacy lives on. He serves as a powerful reminder that even the most insignificant characters in One Piece have a compelling story. The fact that Oda has gone on record to say that he prefers a character who has been stuck in a box for 20 years over a member of his own crew is a truly bizarre and endearing piece of trivia. It tells us that for Oda, the story is not just about the main characters; it’s about the entire world and the countless, fascinating people who live in it. It’s a testament to the idea that a great creator finds inspiration in the most unexpected places, and a good character can be found anywhere, even in a treasure chest. The journey of Gaimon and Buggy, from minor characters to fan favorites, is a powerful example of the beauty of Oda’s writing and his ability to create a world where everyone, no matter how small, has a place and a purpose.