One Piece: Baroque Works (Vol. 22-24 – Omnibus Edition vol. 8) by Eiichiro Oda (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

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The conclusion of the Alabasta Arc and the final battle between Luffy and Crocodile takes place in “One Piece: Baroque Works (Vol. 22-24 – Omnibus Edition vol. 8)”.  Action-packed and emotional, this omnibus volume is recommended!

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Image courtesy of © 1997 Eiichiro Oda. All Rights Reserved.

MANGA TITLE: One Piece: Baroque Works (Vol. 22-24 – Omnibus Edition Vol. 8)

STORY AND ART BY: Eiichiro Oda (尾田 栄一郎)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on February 4, 2014

Luffy’s epic clash with Baroque Works pirate captain Crocodile continues, while deposed princess Vivi and the rest of the Straw Hat crew race against time to save the ancient kingdom of Alabasta. Just when it seems smooth sailing is ahead, Luffy and crew discover an interloper among their ranks! Who is this former Baroque Works member, and what does she want from the Straw Hats?

After the battle between the Straw Hat Pirates and Crocodile’s group, as Koza tries to end the war and raise the white flag to surrender, Baroque has something else in mind.

Meanwhile, Luffy takes on Crocodile in their second duel, meanwhile the Straw Hat Pirates receive some help from another group.

As a bomb is about to blow in Alabasta, the Strawhat Pirates must do all they can to find this bomb before it destroys the city.

The conclusion of the Alabasta Arc and a new member joins the Straw Hat Pirates.

Find out how the Alabasta Arc concludes in the eighth omnibus volume of “One Piece: Baroque Works” (featuring manga volumes 22-24).

What is “One Piece”?

“ONE PIECE” is a popular anime series based on the popular manga series serialized in Shonen Jump by Eiichiro Oda. Suffice to say, “ONE PIECE” is the highest selling manga for Weekly Shonen Jump and its popularity has extended to various anime (via the TV series, OVA and films) and video games in America and also worldwide. The series is so popular, the episode count currently in Japan is over 540 episodes, one of the longest running anime series in Japan.

“ONE PIECE” is an adventure anime about a young man named Monkey D. Luffy who gained enormous strength (and stretching abilities) after eating a magical demon fruit. He eventually teams up with a group of pirates and have the name “The Straw Hats”. Luffy’s driven to one day obtain the most sought out treasure known as “One Piece” and eventually become the King of the Pirates.

In the last volume, we saw how Luffy was decimated by Crocodile and the Straw Hat Pirates had to take on members of Baroque Works.

In volume 22, the Kicking Claw Force tries to defend Alabasta from Crocodile, which leads to the final battle between Luffy and Crocodile.

In volume 23, Vivi tries to stop the civil unrest as war has taken over her kingdom, meanwhile a bomb threatens to explode in the city and the Straw Hat Pirates must try to find and stop it.

Volume 24, the Straw Hat Pirates gain a new member and while they leave Alabasta, the Straw Hat Pirates search for Sky Island (Skypeia), the island that floats.  But who are these White Beard pirates that stand in their way?

The Straw Hat Pirates consists of:

Monkey D. Luffy – The young captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and dreams to be a pirate king by getting his hands on the “ONE PIECE” artifact. When he was young, he accidentally ate a devil fruit which made his body rubbery and can stretch and blow up. An airhead of sorts, loves to eat but always believes and fights for his friends.

Roronoa Zoro – A skilled swordsman. A skilled and very strong fighter. Wants to be the greatest swordsman in the world.

Nami – The navigator of the group. The main female crew member and really good at weapons.

Usopp – A marksman. A talented inventor and artistic. Known by his long nose, his marksmanship with slingshots and weapons are great.

Sanji – The chef of the crew. A skilled fighter that uses only kicks in battle and is passionate towards Nami.

Vivi Nefertari – The Princess of Alabasta and trying to infiltrate Baroque Works and find out who the leader is. She and her duck Carue join the Straw Hat Pirates and are on adventure to get back to Alabasta.

Carue – A duck like animal who understands what the crew are talking about and although used by Vivi and others to ride on, Carue is also protective of Vivi and the others.

Characters that play a part in the Alibasta Arc:

 

Baroque Works – An undercover criminal organization ran by Crocodile (aka Mr. 0) who is intent to overthrow the government of Alabasta (where Vivi is from).

 

Sir Crocodile – Leader of Baroque Works.  Has the villages in Alabsta thinking he’s there to help them but in truth, he uses the organization for his plans to overthrow the Alabasta government.  Known as Mr. 0 and very powerful and has the ability to manipulate sand.

 

Mr. 1 Das Bones – The second runner up who of Baroque Works who is powerful and deadly.  Has the ability to turn any part of his body to a steel blade.  Works with Miss Doublefinger (who can turn her body into spikes).

 

Mr. 2 Bon Clay – A transvestite who has the power to touch anyone and take on their identity.  Also, a skilled martial artist.

 

Miss All-Sunday/Nico Robin – The Vice President of Baroque Works.

 

Portgas D. “Fire Fist” Ace – Luffy’s older brother who has the power to turn his body into fire and joins the Straw Hat Pirates during their venture through the desert of Alabasta.

 

Captain Smoker – A Marine officer who loves cigars.  He has the ability to manipulate smoke and is after the Straw Hat Pirates.

 

Tashigi – A Marine officer and Smoker’s second in command.  Her goal is to capture Zorro and take his swords.

With the seventh volume of the “One Piece” omnibus, we get the conclusion to the Alabasta storyline as war and chaos has enveloped Princess Vivi’s country.

In the previous volume, the Straw Hat Pirates took on the members of Baroque Works, while Luffy who suffered a humiliating battle against Crocodile, must prepare for his next battle with him.

Meanwhile, many people will sacrifice their lives to defend and protect Alabasta and no doubt was this an emotional and action-packed arc in the “One Piece” series.

But also this begins a new chapter as the Straw Hat Pirates bring in a new member to the group and suffice to say, this member plays a major role later in the series.

But this series features the final battle between Luffy vs. Crocodile, Vivi having to make a big decision whether or not she wants to be a princess or become part of the Straw Hat Pirates, the addition of a new member and the beginning of the Skypeia Arc as the group comes across Bellamy and the White Beard Pirates!

As always, Eiichiro Oda’s pages are like a smorgasbord of artwork. He manages to fill every scene with characters and sometimes plenty of destruction or beauty. He puts so much into his artwork for his manga series and that’s just one of the reasons why people love his work. Also, with each major chapter conclusion, he answers mail from his fans with a humorous take and if anything, this latest storyline is delightful and fun! There is no doubt in my mind that “One Piece” fans will love this series!

These three manga volumes are action-packed and emotional as it concludes the Alabasta Arc but then begins the Skypeia Arc.

Action-packed and a lot of fun, “One Piece: Baroque Works (Vol. 22-24 – Omnibus Edition vol. 7)” is highly recommended!

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