Eiichiro Oda’s characterization of Luffy in One Piece is a manifestation of Eren Jaeger’s iidea of liberation in Hajime Isayama’s series Attack on Titan.

SUMMARY

One Piece stands out in most aspects, especially through its protagonist.
Luffy’s existence is Eren’s manifestation of freedom in every sense.
One Piece is rooted in realism through its portrayal of warped sense of justice and liberation.

While One Piece is hailed for its foreshadowing aspect, it stands out through its protagonist, Luffy. Apart from its stellar visuals and splendid storytelling, the series is exemplary in outlining profundity in more ways than one.

This is especially true for its portrayal of law, order, and justice. And though it is glossed over as an adventure series, it brilliantly captured the essence of freedom. This is evident in its parallels with Hajime Isayama’s manga.

Gear 5 Luffy in a still from the anime | Credit: Toei Animation

Rather, Oda’s hero is a manifestation of Eren’s vision in Attack on Titan. His liberation, views, and rebellion tie well with the ever-present tyrannical rule of the World Government.

On top of that, Oda perfectly encapsulated a spectrum of hues with his representation of justice and liberation. In this manner, both series are of paramount importance in their writing of realism and dystopia.

Luffy’s freedom is a manifestation of Eren’s vision in Attack on Titan

Luffy is a celebrated shonen protagonist in the anime community for many reasons. But mainly, his free-spirited nature and resolve make him a lovable and relatable character. This ties in well with his motives and proclamations in the series.

His mere existence is a rebellion that further poses a threat to the World Government on the whole. Some of the most cliche portrayals of pirates represent them as barbaric and uncouth. In Oda’s case, he overturns these stereotypes to give them some edge.

Eren Jaeger in a still from the anime | Credit: MAPPA

Similarly, Hajime Isayama’s protagonist Eren Jaeger is symbolic of aspirations and dreams. His move to break free from walls and clutches of order is far-fetched from reality. Life in Shiganshina is nothing short of a nightmare with Titans running amuck.

While both protagonists differ in their approaches toward liberation, they share a similitude. In Attack on Titan, the protagonist aims for safety, security, and freedom. In Oda’s series, the Straw Hat’s life is a manifestation of a life free from tyranny and oppression, and there’s more to it.

On Instagram, @manga.tetsu brilliantly explained the parallels between both series. While Hajime Isayama’s protagonist dreams of a free life, Eiichiro Oda is a manifestation of this very idea.

Luffy, in this manner, is living Eren’s life. This is especially true for the latter’s paradoxical outlook on liberation. He is living a dystopian reality that outlines his predetermined fate.

On the other hand, the Straw Hat’s existence is a war cry of revolution against the decades of tyranny. Oda went the extra mile in highlighting warped notions of justice and liberation in his series.

Justice and Liberation in One Piece

It would be a gross understatement to say One Piece is deeply realistic. From its portrayal of war and corruption to massacre and tyranny, it is a masterpiece in every sense. On top of that, it is deeply rooted in political realism.

Interestingly, the world-building ties in well with major historical events that exemplify realism. While it may not be as dystopian and unsettling as Hajime Isayama’s series, Oda’s take on justice and freedom is thought-provoking.

Luffy declares war on the World Government by burning their flag | Credit: Toei Animation

Since the beginning of the series, Gol D. Roger’s speech catalyzed an era of piracy. This was detrimental to the very foundation of tyranny, corruption, and violence of the World Government.

Be it slavery or human experiments, the series highlighted disturbing yet real events that shaped the course of human history. Celestial Dragons, Kaido, as well as Marines, are symbolic of cruelty and oppression. Their warped sense of justice is pivotal and ties well with their false notion of glory.

By and large, both Eiichiro Oda and Hajime Isayama went above and beyond in creating iconic Shonen protagonists. Their series are benchmarks in the shonen genre through their retelling and reinvention of tropes.