Reception

Allen Divers of Anime News Network comments that the male character designs of the One Piece manga are "often quite varied and unique", while the female ones become "a bit repetitive". They further note that, as the characters are "defined by what they seek", there is little room "for actual development", but they also point out that the series is driven by its battles in which the main characters each take their "turn in the spotlight".[44] Todd Douglass, Jr. of DVD talk simply states that the series' characters have a lot of charm.[45]

In a review of The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures in Alabasta, Carl Kimlinger of ANN describes the visual style of One Piece as "unconventional" with "grotesquely exaggerated expressions, simple eyes, big mouths and bigger teeth", "supremely ugly supporting characters and skinny, gangly-limbed main cast" and comments that "it's all amazingly distinctive, utterly appropriate, and surprisingly cool—in a goofy kind of way." In the same review, Kimlinger notes that "Funimation's English dub is light-years better than the 4Kids debacle", "unusually accurate, professional, and largely enjoyable, which is far, far more than can be said of the previous dub", but notes that Funimation's version of "Crocodile loses his sepulchral charisma" and that "the original's fine dance on the edge of mawkish sentimentality is disrupted often enough by less-than-stellar acting". They also state that "Colleen Clinkenbeard's Luffy is more a generic spunky kid than a personality in his own right, really coming to life only during the action scenes during which she does a fine job of being darned cool."[46]

In another review of The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures in Alabasta, Dustin Somner of Blu-ray.com comments that the Japanese and Funimation voice-acting is "fairly good, but not exceptional" and sometimes "overly zany".[47]

In a review of the second DVD release of 4Kids Entertainment's dub, Douglass notes "the daunting cast of characters, both good and bad", which "vary from cool and collected to rampaging psychopaths" as "one of the appealing factors" of the anime. In the same review, Douglass said that "Some of the voices were pretty irritating ... with a lot of high-pitches and over exaggerated speech."[48]

Brigitte Schönhense of Splashcomics comments that the "brilliant" (German: "genial") flashbacks into the characters' pasts make them so "likeable and lovable" (German: "sympathisch und liebenswert") and that they are the manga's real strength.[49][50]

Mania Entertainment writer Jarred Pine comments that Oda's characters are "whacky" and that his "bizarre" character designs create "wonderful characterizations and personalities". He notes the "well illustrated" facial expressions and says that "it's the whacky characterizations and designs that makes One Piece its own".[51]

In a review of Funimation Entertainment's second DVD release for Mania Entertainment, Bryce Coulter comments that "One Piece's bizarre character designs will keep your attention as they can be very random and often memorable. Not the prettiest, but it will definitely capture your attention."[14]

Merchandise

Several types of merchandise have been produced based on the likeness of the characters in the One Piece series, such as cushions, clothing, towels, key chains, and clocks,[24][25][26][27][28][29] as well as several lines of figurines, action figures and plush dolls,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36] including crossovers with other series.[37] Many characters are also featured on trading cards from the One Piece Collectible Card Game and other products ranging from calendars to bath salts.[38][39][40][41][42][43]

Capote

Capote (カポーティ, Kapōti?) is a swordfish Fishman member of the Foxy Pirates. He is very loyal to Foxy and his crew. He is also arrogant and very sure of himself. For combat, Capote uses Fishman Karate. He is voiced by Hiroshi Tsuchida in the Japanese version.

Big Bun

Big Bun (ビッグパン, Biggu Pan?) is the largest member of the Foxy Pirates, part of the Groggy Monsters, and is a "Wotan", which means, he is half Fishman (mudfish) and half Giant. Big Bun is somewhat deaf and slow witted. He is a dumb idiot that laughs alongside his fellow Groggy Monster teammates about the dumbest things. Big Bun is a brutal monster that gives his opponents no quarter. Like the rest of the Foxy Pirates, Big Bun is not above cheating and exploiting loopholes. Big Bun wields gigantic pans. He is voiced by Mahito Oba in the Japanese version.

Pickles

Pickles (ピクルス, Pikurusu?), nicknamed "Tackle Demon" (タックルマシーン, Takkuru Mashīn?), is a member of the Foxy Pirates, and is also one of the Groggy Monsters. Like the rest of the Groggy Monsters, Pickles is a bit dumb and tends to laugh for no reason. He however, seems to be the smartest of three. As a Foxy Pirate, Pickles cheats when opportunity presents itself. In battle, Pickles wields dual falchion swords. He is voiced by Osamu Ryutani in the Japanese version.

Hamburg

Hamburg (ハンバーグ, Hanbāgu?) is a member of the Foxy Pirates, and also the leader of the Groggy Monsters.ch.306 Hamburg is a huge gorilla-like human who is almost always seen laughing over the dumbest things. Hamburg often carries Foxy around and tends to help him cheat. Though he seems to respect and admire Foxy, he never fails to laugh cheerfully when Foxy fails at something or is insulted. In combat, Hamburg wields dual clubs. He is voiced by Hirohiko Kakegawa in the Japanese version.

Porche

Porche (ポルチェ, Poruche?) is a member of the Foxy Pirates.ch.306 Porche loves that she is worshiped by the men of the crew. She is spoiled and arrogant, but very loyal to Foxy, also having a huge obsession with Chopper, since he is so cute. She refers to him as "Choppy". Porche's main weapon is a baton-like weapon that shoots shurikens covered with flowers. She is voiced by Sara Nakayama in the Japanese version.

Foxy

Captain Foxy (フォクシー, Fokushī?), nicknamed "Silver Fox" (銀ギツネ, Gin Gitsune?), is the captain of the Foxy Pirates who specializes in the pirate game, Davy Back Fight, in which pirate crews can win crewmen from their opponents.ch.306 Foxy is a cheater and trickster.ch.307 Though he acts supremely confident most of the time, he is extremely sensitive to insults or criticism. Whenever someone insults him he will fall to his knees, but all it takes is a few kind words from anybody to perk him up again. Foxy ate a paramecia Devil Fruit called the Slow-Slow Fruit (ノロノロの実, Noro Noro no Mi?) and gained the ability to emit microscopic particles from his hands which can temporarily slow down any object, reducing the object's velocity, while preserving its kinetic energy.ch.309 Foxy's current bounty is 24,000,000 Berries. He is voiced by Bin Shimada in the Japanese version.ep.207

The Foxy Pirates

The Foxy Pirates (フォクシー海賊団, Fokushī Kaizokudan?) are a diverse group of pirates led by Captain Foxy. Most of the crew is composed mostly of crewmen won through the Davy Back Fight. The name of their ship is "Sexy Foxy" (セクシー・フォクシー号, Sekushī Fokushī-gō?).

Kuromarimo

Kuromarimo (クロマーリモ, Kuromārimo?) was the Magistrate (during Wapol's reign), and a subordinate serving under Wapol. As Magistrate, Kuromarimo was a high ranking law officer enforcing law, similar to a judge. Kuromarimo is selfish and arrogant. Despite this, he is extremely loyal to Wapol. Kuromarimo is a boxer, using unconditioned afros from his own head hair as his boxing gloves.ch.146 He is voiced by Kenji Nomura in the Japanese version. In the English dubs, he is voiced by Jamie McGonnigal for 4Kids, and by Charles Baker for Funimation.

Chess

Chess (チェス, Chesu?) was the Head of Staff (during Wapol's reign), and a subordinate serving under Wapol. As Head of Staff, Chess wrote down every new law Wapol made, along with everything he eats. Chess is quite cocky, and he also won't hesitate to hurt innocent bystanders. Chess is an archer, using a bow and arrow (Chess can also light the arrows on fire) in battle.ch.146 He is voiced by Yusuke Numata in the Japanese version. In the English dubs, he is voiced by Jimmy Zoppi for 4Kids, and by Kyle C. Jones for Funimation.

Wapol

Wapol (ワポル, Waporu?), nicknamed "Tin Plate" Wapol (ブリキのワポル, Buriki no Waporu?, renamed Wapol "of Tin" in the English manga), is the former king of "Drum Kingdom"ch.133 (which is later renamed to "Cherry Blossom Kingdom").ch.440 Wapol was once a prince of the region who succeeded his father, a king beloved by the people of Drum Island, as monarch when his father died. Wapol however, proved to be a spoiled and corrupt king, who held not the slightest regard for his people. Before Wapol's ascension to power, Drum Kingdom possessed the most numerous and skilled doctors in all of the Grand Line. Wapol ate a paramecia Devil Fruit called the Munch-Munch Fruit (バクバクの実, Baku Baku no Mi?),ch.131 which grants him the ability to eat virtually anything and to take on its properties.ch.147 Wapol held a cruel regime over his kingdom by exiling most of the countries physicians and forcing the citizens to beg for treatment by Wapol's personal group of elite doctors.ch.141 He is voiced by Bin Shimada in the Japanese version of the anime.ep.79 In the English dubs, he is voiced by Matt Hoverman for 4Kidsep.48, and by Andy Mullins for Funimation.

The Wapol Pirates

The Wapol Pirates (ワポル海賊団, Waporu Kaizokudan?) are led by the king of "Drum Kingdom" (later called "Cherry Blossom Kingdom") on "Drum Island", Wapol. The Wapol Pirates are not actually pirates. After the Blackbeard Pirates attacked Drum Island, Wapol and his subordinates fled and became pirates, only until Wapol regained his throne. The name of their ship is "Tin Tyrant" (ブリキング, Burikingu?).

Pearl

Pearl (パール, Pāru?), nicknamed Invincible Shield (鉄壁, Teppeki?), is the second mate of the Krieg Pirates. Pearl appeared to be somewhat cocky, claiming to have never lost a drop of blood in battle, calling himself "dandy". However, if he sees even a drop of his own blood, he goes into a panicked frenzy. Pearl is clad in circular iron plates serving as his armor. The ones on his limbs are used for bashing and crushing. Pearl can also cause friction to ignite his body with an intense layer of blue fire. He is voiced by Kawamoto Hiroyuki in the Japanese version. In the English dubs, he is voiced by Dan Green for 4Kids, and by J. Michael Tatum for Funimation.

Ghin

Ghin (ギン, Gin?, "Gin" in the English manga), nicknamed "Cold-Hearted Demon" (鬼人のギン, Kijin no Gin?, "Diablo" in the 4Kids dub), is the first mate of the Krieg Pirates. Ghin is fiercely loyal to Krieg, carrying out whatever orders he may be given from him no matter how inhumanly brutal or ruthless without protest or hesitation. However, unlike Krieg, Ghin has some sense of honor inside him. Ghin's weapon of choice are dual tonfas that are modified on the tip to have heavy balls to deliver more impact. He is voiced by Kenichi Ono in the Japanese version. In the English dub, he is voiced by Illich Guardiola for Funimation.

Don Krieg

Captain Don Krieg (首領・クリーグ, Don Kurīku?), nicknamed "Foul Play" Krieg (ダマシ討ちのクリーク, Damashi Uchi no Kurīku?), is the captain of the Krieg Pirates and well known for his underhanded tactics.ch.46 Krieg does not care for his crew and bullies them to fear and obey him.ch.49 He punishes those who fail him and those who show weakness.ch.61,62 He is very proud of his rank as captain and gets very mad when someone defies him, or even hesitates about his ideas. Krieg wears a gilded suit of steel armor that is filled with hidden weapons, such as guns, bombs, etc.ch.47 Krieg also uses a weapon called the "Mighty Battle Spear", that not only is a spear, but can release explosions and still stay intact. Krieg's current bounty is 17,000,000 Berries. He is voiced by Fumihiko Tachiki in the Japanese version of the anime.ep.21 In the English dubs, he is voiced by Marc Thompson for 4Kidsep.20, and by Andy Mullins for Funimation.ep.21

Oda chose the name Krieg, which means "war" in German, because the "Baratie arc's" main theme was battle, making the name easy to remember.ch.163

The Krieg Pirates

The Krieg Pirates (クリーク海賊団, Kurīku Kaizokudan?) is the largest and most feared pirate crew of the East Blue, led by Captain Don Krieg. They consisted of a fleet of 50 pirate ships and 5,000 pirates that posed as a fearsome force, until Don Krieg attempted to conquer the Grand Line. Their crew was wiped out by Dracule Mihawk, leaving their main remaining that managed to escape back to the East Blue. The name of their main ship is "Dreadnaught Sabre" (ドレッドノート・サーベル号, Doreddonōto Sāberu-gō?).

Butchie

Butchie (ブチ, Buchi?) along with his fellow pirate and brother, Siam, are two members and the lookouts of the Black Cat Pirates.ch.31,32 They are also known as the "Meowban Brothers". Butchie is very vicious and physically strong. He shows his viciousness by crushing his enemies with his heavy weight. His weapon of choice is a pair gloves with very sharp claws. Between Siam and Butchie, Butchie is the powerhouse, and usually the one that goes in for the kill. He is voiced by Yasuhiro Takato in the Japanese version. In the English dubs, he is voiced by Jimmy Zoppi for 4Kids, and by Chris Rager for Funimation.

Siam

Siam (シャム, Shamu?) along with his fellow pirate and brother, Butchie, are two members and the lookouts of the Black Cat Pirates. They are also known as the "Meowban Brothers". Siam has a sneaky and devious mind. He proves this by pretending to be weak and lack confidence in his abilities, and scared of his opponents in order to have their guard down. He is also a very vicious fighter using a pair of gloves with very sharp claws. Between Siam and Butchie, Siam is the faster one, and usually distracts opponents from Butchie. He is voiced by Masaya Onosaka in the Japanese version. In the English dubs, he is voiced by Eric Stuart for 4Kids, and by Todd Haberkorn for Funimation.

Kuro

Captain Kuro (クロ?), nicknamed Kuro the "Thousand Plans" (百計のクロ, Hyakkei no Kuro?), is the captain of the Black Cat Pirates, and known for his elaborate plansch.26 who desires to leave behind his identity and to escape the pirates' lifestyle of always being on the run.ch.37 He does this by becoming butler to Kaya, Usopp's childhood friend. He considers his crew as nothing but pawns to carry out his plans and, if he so pleases, to die for him.ch.38 In general, Kuro is a genius of the highest caliber whose plans have never failed in the past. Kuro fights using a pair of gloves, equipped with very long straight, single edged blades. Wearing these, he adopted his signature habit of adjusting his constantly slipping glasses by using only the palm of his hand to avoid cutting his face.ch.33 Anime News Network praised the character as being "both unspeakably cool and utterly vile".[23] Kuro's former bounty was 16,000,000 Berries before the marines thought he was dead. He is voiced by Kōichi Hashimoto in the Japanese version of the anime.ep.9 In the English dubs, he is voiced by Gary Mack for 4Kidsep.9, and by Kent Williams for Funimation.ep.9