Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has captivated audiences worldwide for over two decades with its unique blend of intense action, emotional depth, and, perhaps most importantly, its consistently hilarious comedy. The series isn’t just about epic battles and political intrigue; it’s also a masterclass in comedic timing, often relying on recurring gags that have become as beloved as the characters themselves. Here are some of the top running gags that keep fans laughing.
The Unstoppable Force of Zoro’s Terrible Sense of Direction
A Compass Would Be Useless
Perhaps the most iconic running gag in One Piece is Roronoa Zoro’s utter lack of a sense of direction. The Straw Hats’ first mate, a fearsome swordsman, can get lost in a straight line and often leads himself and others into bizarre situations. No matter how simple the directions may be, Zoro manages to wander off in the wrong direction, much to the dismay of his crewmates. This gag isn’t just a throwaway joke; it’s a consistent part of his character that adds a layer of comedy to even the most serious situations.
Luffy’s Unforgettable Misremembering of Names
Who’s That Again?
Monkey D. Luffy’s inability to remember names is another long-standing joke. He often calls people by the wrong names, sometimes hilariously mangling them. This isn’t just a sign of his carefree nature but also a source of great amusement for viewers. He might call a powerful foe by a completely random name, adding a lighthearted element to tense encounters. It also leads to funny interactions where characters constantly have to correct him, which he promptly forgets again.
Sanji’s Perpetual Nosebleeds
A Heartfelt Reaction
Sanji’s reaction to beautiful women is legendary. The Straw Hat chef is a devoted admirer of the female form, and when confronted with particularly attractive women, he suffers extreme nosebleeds, sometimes to the point of needing medical attention. His eyes even turn into hearts when he is love-struck. This over-the-top response is not only funny but also an integral part of his character, highlighting his chivalrous, albeit sometimes problematic, personality.
Chopper’s Adorable Attempts at Hiding
The Worst Hider Ever
Tony Tony Chopper, the Straw Hat’s doctor, is a reindeer who is as adorable as he is easily frightened. When scared or trying to hide, he often conceals himself behind objects, but hilariously fails at it. Instead of fully hiding, he typically leaves a large part of his body in plain sight, believing he is well hidden. This running gag is a charming reminder of Chopper’s naive and innocent nature.
Brook’s “Skull Jokes”
Still Funny After All These Years
Brook, the skeletal musician of the crew, loves to make “skull jokes,” often making puns about being dead. He frequently asks to see women’s panties, despite being a skeleton with no eyes, which always elicits strong reactions from the other crew members. His jokes are often morbid but delivered with such a cheerful tone that they always land well. The combination of his skeletal appearance, his skull jokes and the request to see panties makes him a walking comedic act.
Usopp’s “Disease”
The Master of Exaggeration
Usopp, the Straw Hats’ sniper, is known for his cowardly nature, often claiming to have various “diseases” whenever he is afraid or trying to avoid danger. He’ll come up with increasingly outlandish conditions to escape from fights or challenges. Despite his attempts to weasel out, Usopp always comes through in the end, making his over-the-top reactions even more comical.
The Mysterious Pandaman
A Background Star
Pandaman, is a recurring background character, designed by a fan, that has made cameos in the series since the beginning. The man with the panda mask is often seen in the background in the most unlikely of scenarios. The joke is that he is always around, somewhere, and fans have turned it into a game, trying to spot him in each new scene, becoming a beloved running joke within the community itself.
Luffy’s Over-the-Top Introductions on Den Den Mushi
Signaling the Straw Hats’ Arrival
Luffy’s dramatic introductions when using a Den Den Mushi (transponder snail) have become a signature gag. Regardless of the situation, he always announces himself with “Hello, I’m Monkey D. Luffy, and I’m gonna be King of the Pirates!” This tendency is especially funny when the Straw Hats are trying to be discreet, as it instantly gives away their position.
Robin’s Dark Humor
A Sharp Wit
Nico Robin, the Straw Hats’ archaeologist, is known for her intelligent and calm demeanor. However, she also has a dark sense of humor, often making morbidly funny comments about the most serious situations. Robin’s deadpan delivery of these jokes is what makes them stand out, providing a unique comedic perspective that perfectly contrasts with the more boisterous humor of the other crew members. She also seems to be the only one that can understand the inner thoughts of all her crewmates, adding to the comedic dynamic.
The Rivalry Between Zoro and Sanji
A Clash of Personalities
The constant bickering and rivalry between Zoro and Sanji is a running gag that provides endless entertainment. From their differing fighting styles to their clashing personalities, the two are always at odds, turning even the simplest situations into humorous contests. These petty arguments often escalate to comical levels, serving as a consistent source of humor throughout the series. They are always giving each other ridiculous nicknames.
Conclusion
One Piece is a series that masterfully blends action, adventure, and comedy. These running gags, woven throughout the narrative, add depth and humor to the series. The consistent and creative ways in which these gags are used have turned them into beloved aspects of the One Piece universe, contributing to the series’ enduring popularity. The series’ commitment to comedic elements is a major factor in its success and helps to provide a lighthearted backdrop to the dramatic and emotional storylines.
