One Piece has a lot of legendary characters, but very few of them have managed to reach the level of Monkey D. Garp, the Vice Admiral of the Marines and the grandfather of Luffy. He has been a significant addition to the story, and his actions in the past shaped the events of the present in a major way, thus highlighting his influence.
However, he was not always like this. When he was first introduced, Garp looked like a traditional side character with his quirky dog hat, his smoking, and his strange vibe. Since introductions play a crucial role in One Piece, Garp didn’t receive one that would have instantly established him as a legendary figure, which was disappointing for a lot of fans.
From a Random NPC to the GOAT: Garp’s Evolution, Explained
Monkey D. Garp officially made a debut in Episode 68 of the One Piece anime series titled “Try Hard, Koby! Diary of Koby-Meppo’s Marine Struggles,” and he initially carried an anti-hero vibe, which felt a little strange. It felt like he would just be another side Marine character, but all this quickly changed as the story moved forward, and it was revealed that he is actually Luffy’s grandfather, and his status within the Navy is legendary.
Garp’s Introduction in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation
Slowly, his developments got more aligned with the central story, and he became a significant character. His past developments and his actions as the Hero of the Navy were also highlighted, which not only proved his strength but also his contribution to the ongoing narrative. Later on, his portrayal during the Marineford Saga focused on his emotional depths and his relationship with his grandsons.
Following the time skip, his popularity and recognition increased even more as he played major roles during the Levely arc and Koby’s kidnapping by the Blackbeard Pirates. Recently, the Xebec flashback gave fans an understanding of his actions during the God Valley Incident and also discredited all speculations about him supporting the menacing agendas of the Marines and the World Government. He has truly been one of the greatest characters in the series, with the only exception being his introduction.
Garp’s Comeback Could Reshape the One Piece World
During the Hachinosu Incident, Garp sacrificed himself in order to protect his disciple Koby, as he is the future of the Marines. While it was initially believed that he lost his life, the story later confirmed that he is alive, thus giving rise to the speculations that he will most likely make a return and once again shape the story of One Piece in a major way.
Garp’s influence on the Navy is a big deal, and there is a possibility that he might be the force that could motivate the Marines to revolt against the World Government. He truly represents the Navy’s idea of justice, but it has been ruined by the commands and orders of the World Government. As he is one of the few Marines who do not agree with their ideology, he might help cause an uprising that could bring a big twist.
It would not only redeem the entire Navy as a force but also bring a perfect character arc for Garp in One Piece. Eiichiro Oda certainly has big plans for the Hero of Navy, and the upcoming arcs will most likely highlight them and once again prove why he is one of the greatest characters in the series. Do you think Garp’s return will spark major changes in One Piece? Let us know below!
Anime SeriesOne PieceIMDb Ratings9.0/10MAL Score8.73
One Piece is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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