#op ch124

[salteytakesonmanga]

I just have to point out Oda’s dedication to drawing nipples.

Japan’s laws about nudity and obscenity in publishing seem pretty arbitrary. Someone else is welcome to correct me on this, but if I recall correctly a lot of these laws were created in response to Western mores about sex and nudity. The rule about nipples was meant to allow for realistic depictions of Japanese clothing which showed more of the chest than Western clothes while still limiting potential eroticism. But it leads to some odd situations. Like, I read all of Hinomaru Zumou, which is about sumo and the characters are nearly naked 90% of the time, but their nipples are never drawn.

On the other hand Oda ALWAYS draws nipples on his guys. Ａｌｗａｙｓ。

[salteytakesonmanga]

Now that he’s aware of what’s happening, it’s interesting to see how tortured Luffy is. Compare this to his expression at the beginning of the chapter. Miss Goldenweek’s talent is supposed to work like hypnosis, but even though Luffy is fighting it as hard as he can he can’t shake it off. Even though it’s not a fruit power it’s really acting like one, compelling Luffy to behave a certain way.

[salteytakesonmanga]

She really set out all her picnic supplies for him.

[salteytakesonmanga]

Listen, I know this series is ridiculous. One guy turns into rubber, another one has exploding boogers, there are giants and dinosaurs and a duck so you big you can ride it like an ostrich. But a flintlock REVOLVER?

Sorry, I just couldn’t let that one go without saying something.

Anyway, I’m curious about why South Blue is the origin for this gun when North Blue is a technology hub, and West Blue is notorious for its gang activity. We have quite a few strong characters from South Blue, so maybe it’s just an area with a lot of conflict and that’s what led to them developing more advanced weapons.

[salteytakesonmanga]

These two just won’t quit.

[salteytakesonmanga]

I kind of wonder why Miss Goldenweek joined Baroque Works, since her sole motivation seems to be to slack off and avoid getting in trouble with Mister 3.

[salteytakesonmanga]

This whole scene is so chaotic. I love how the Karoo and Usopp are mirroring each other, and especially how Mister 5 and Miss Valentine have gotten sucked into this pointless game of chase.

[salteytakesonmanga]

I just want to point out that Miss Goldenweek and Vivi are both 16. (So are Rebecca and Shirahoshi.) I tend to not even notice Oda’s voluptuous designs for all of his female characters anymore, since after a certain point they’re so cartoon-y they don’t even really register, but this particular contrast in design is reminding me how weird it is.