Take a photo of a barcode or cover
the_scrivener_named_bartleby's Reviews (138)
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Water Seven arc lined up a lot of ducks in a row and this volume brought it all to a conclusion, and a conclusion that sticks, for once. (Maybe. We'll see in future chapters.)
We flash back to everyone's hometown, we see some characters all the way at the beginning. One of my favorite characters from before the series "got good" is Tashigi, and it was a delightto see she's become an Ensign and she's doing shit. Smoker too, I guess.
Usopp and Nico Robin had the most interesting stories to tell and the greatest arcs in this segment, but I was a little confused whyRob Lucci seemed to be positioned as the strongest villain that only Luffy could take on. Some of the rest of CP9 seemed like the real problems.
Some unexpected developments happen, like seeing Luffy'sdad and grandfather , and it seems like big things are to come but in a scope that can be imagined. It's been an issue that I never know where the fuck this series is headed; the One Piece is vague, I thought the Seven Warlords were going to be like gym leaders to be toppled one by one, but now there are five Admals that are also an issue. But for all the criticism I can levy against the series for that, some of its earlier-introduced characters like Koby, Helmeppo, Portgaz, Whitebeard, and Shanks are all starting to do shit that seems like it's going to get more and more relevant as the series goes on, with them having menacing confrontations either with or apart from the Straw Hats that seem like setting up big things.
There's also next to nothing regarding Skypeia and that was my most hated arc so far. I consider mentioning as little of it as possible a positive, even if there's some fucking side story withEneru in the chapter headers.
With the series refusing to kill anyone, the emotional stakes are paramount, and they deliver, I think.
The action has always been a criticism for me in this series because I can't tell what's going on, and with the Shave that's still a problem, but it's incrementally improved this time around.
We flash back to everyone's hometown, we see some characters all the way at the beginning. One of my favorite characters from before the series "got good" is Tashigi, and it was a delight
Usopp and Nico Robin had the most interesting stories to tell and the greatest arcs in this segment, but I was a little confused why
Some unexpected developments happen, like seeing Luffy's
There's also next to nothing regarding Skypeia and that was my most hated arc so far. I consider mentioning as little of it as possible a positive, even if there's some fucking side story with
With the series refusing to kill anyone, the emotional stakes are paramount, and they deliver, I think.
The action has always been a criticism for me in this series because I can't tell what's going on, and with the Shave that's still a problem, but it's incrementally improved this time around.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Had one of the most emotional moments of the series so far, and raised the stakes significantly by the end, but still bogged down in fights that are hard to follow and amount to “bad guy loses.”
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
For starters: this book is best enjoyed in its audiobook format. If you’ve known James Rolfe for years, you know his voice, and it’s very enjoyable to listen to in that way.
So, how’s the book?
Well, it’s detailed. By God, is it detailed. Something you notice if you’re familiar with the author’s work is that, if he’s doing something for the enjoyment of it, or to fill a quota, you can tell. In that way, I could tell that Rolfe always imagined one day writing a book about himself. At times, the story is effortless, and lovably nerdy. A lot of the film jargon and minutiae goes over my head, and there’s not much effort bridging that gap. But I like the guy; it’s hard to complain about.
Other times, and this is the book at its worst, the story can get too pedantic. I get the impression that during production, Rolfe must have felt stressed out, and at some point in the writing process, wanted to write the book as comprehensively as possible so as to never have to revisit certain aspects of his life. In that way, the book feels like an obligation—a checklist for “proof I’ve made it”, rather than “here’s what I have to say”. That is fine, and I think his laid-bare modus operandi is consistent in that way. Rolfe characterizes himself as a preservationist, and with how fondly he talks about his family, I wonder if some part of it was motivated by having a semi-public diary for his kids.
I also think autobiographies are more interesting when they expose vulnerability even at the cost of seeming hostile. The Angry Video Game Nerd, one creation amid hundreds of others, was his most popular creation yet, but I would have been interested in seeing some of his frustration with that or maybe being pigeonholed. It would have made for a great essay, and I don’t think it takes talent for that; just vulnerability. However, I can’t blame Rolfe for this—I know there are hordes of trolls and haters that would more than willingly leap onto that kind of narrative, make clips out of context, and so forth. Rolfe didn’t want to make something that would complicate his life, so I understand why he did what he did.
Beyond that, this is a perfect book for playing during walks, at the beach, or while working on something. I’m glad for what it was and I don’t think we’ll get something else or something better, so I enjoyed it for what it was. Hell, I might even re-listen to it someday, and I think that says a lot. Good work, James!
So, how’s the book?
Well, it’s detailed. By God, is it detailed. Something you notice if you’re familiar with the author’s work is that, if he’s doing something for the enjoyment of it, or to fill a quota, you can tell. In that way, I could tell that Rolfe always imagined one day writing a book about himself. At times, the story is effortless, and lovably nerdy. A lot of the film jargon and minutiae goes over my head, and there’s not much effort bridging that gap. But I like the guy; it’s hard to complain about.
Other times, and this is the book at its worst, the story can get too pedantic. I get the impression that during production, Rolfe must have felt stressed out, and at some point in the writing process, wanted to write the book as comprehensively as possible so as to never have to revisit certain aspects of his life. In that way, the book feels like an obligation—a checklist for “proof I’ve made it”, rather than “here’s what I have to say”. That is fine, and I think his laid-bare modus operandi is consistent in that way. Rolfe characterizes himself as a preservationist, and with how fondly he talks about his family, I wonder if some part of it was motivated by having a semi-public diary for his kids.
I also think autobiographies are more interesting when they expose vulnerability even at the cost of seeming hostile. The Angry Video Game Nerd, one creation amid hundreds of others, was his most popular creation yet, but I would have been interested in seeing some of his frustration with that or maybe being pigeonholed. It would have made for a great essay, and I don’t think it takes talent for that; just vulnerability. However, I can’t blame Rolfe for this—I know there are hordes of trolls and haters that would more than willingly leap onto that kind of narrative, make clips out of context, and so forth. Rolfe didn’t want to make something that would complicate his life, so I understand why he did what he did.
Beyond that, this is a perfect book for playing during walks, at the beach, or while working on something. I’m glad for what it was and I don’t think we’ll get something else or something better, so I enjoyed it for what it was. Hell, I might even re-listen to it someday, and I think that says a lot. Good work, James!
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Water 7 overall has been an extreme improvement over the arcs before where the action can be followed, but more than that—regardless of how temporary some of the characters may be to an arc, their lessons, regardless of how long after, feel like they will stick.Existing is not a crime. is a powerful statement. I loved this volume for it.
I’m not sure how I feel about the Sniper King’s turnaround. We the audience want them to join the Straw Hats, but I don’t know what has changed since their first battle with Luffy, other than just the general sense that we like the Straw Hats and want them all together as one big happy found family. But that still in the process of being resolved so it’s not disappointing yet, or at all, I’m just wary for now.
I’m not sure how I feel about the Sniper King’s turnaround. We the audience want them to join the Straw Hats, but I don’t know what has changed since their first battle with Luffy, other than just the general sense that we like the Straw Hats and want them all together as one big happy found family. But that still in the process of being resolved so it’s not disappointing yet, or at all, I’m just wary for now.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was the best book of the series so far.
It's been a long-standing issue of the series that because there is an aversion to death, there are no stakes. Seeing these characters in a lot of present tense promotional material also doesn't help in terms of knowing that they all survive, in one way or another. So finally there are some real stakes: emotional.
Usopp really shines in this one and there is a lot of interpersonal conflict and tension that has long been missing. Awkward questions that were never answered. And the way that these volumes very naturally bring them to the fore make them a lot more enjoyable. Though you basically know the Straw Hats will win, you want them to punish the guys who fucked with one of their crew members. When Usopp vents his frustrations, they're points that you may have felt at one point or another and are now being acknowledged, so the series actually forms a connection with you. To say nothing of the long-standing mystery of Nico Robin and Zolo being the only one to distrust her.
So, because of that promotional material, you know that these problems will be resolved. You know by the general pacing of the series that most conflicts get resolved within the arc that they happen. So you're left to excitedly wonder how it will be. How will Usopp get back together with the gang? Is the Going Merry going to become the ship of Theseus? Nico Robin's not truly evil, is she? For the first time in the series' history, I really do want to know what happens next. I'm not just tolerating the franchise and telling myself "Well, done with that one, moving on." There is an authentic desire to jump into the next book and learn what comes next.
Still... this is good by One Piece standards. The best (so far) by One Piece standards. And that's to say there's no spark of excitement that a really good book or show or series or movie gives you, that addiction or hyperfixation that makes life worth living. I hope that the series reaches that point, and this is a good start for it, but I'm still just wary and apathetic. Less apathetic than I was before, mind you.
It's been a long-standing issue of the series that because there is an aversion to death, there are no stakes. Seeing these characters in a lot of present tense promotional material also doesn't help in terms of knowing that they all survive, in one way or another. So finally there are some real stakes: emotional.
Usopp really shines in this one and there is a lot of interpersonal conflict and tension that has long been missing. Awkward questions that were never answered. And the way that these volumes very naturally bring them to the fore make them a lot more enjoyable. Though you basically know the Straw Hats will win, you want them to punish the guys who fucked with one of their crew members. When Usopp vents his frustrations, they're points that you may have felt at one point or another and are now being acknowledged, so the series actually forms a connection with you. To say nothing of the long-standing mystery of Nico Robin and Zolo being the only one to distrust her.
So, because of that promotional material, you know that these problems will be resolved. You know by the general pacing of the series that most conflicts get resolved within the arc that they happen. So you're left to excitedly wonder how it will be. How will Usopp get back together with the gang? Is the Going Merry going to become the ship of Theseus? Nico Robin's not truly evil, is she? For the first time in the series' history, I really do want to know what happens next. I'm not just tolerating the franchise and telling myself "Well, done with that one, moving on." There is an authentic desire to jump into the next book and learn what comes next.
Still... this is good by One Piece standards. The best (so far) by One Piece standards. And that's to say there's no spark of excitement that a really good book or show or series or movie gives you, that addiction or hyperfixation that makes life worth living. I hope that the series reaches that point, and this is a good start for it, but I'm still just wary and apathetic. Less apathetic than I was before, mind you.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The dénouement from the last arc is a welcome relief in that I never have to see it again. The Foxy Pirates are fun in that I think, and hope, that they are a simple diversion or interlude that leads into a much bigger story.
The stakes for Water Seven couldn’t be higher. The story has reached a truly exhausting point and the grind is not worth it so far, with only specks of amusement to be found in a sea of mediocrity to outright suckage. Water Seven is the thing people keep bandying about as the point where it will be good. But annoyingly, the Foxy Pirates interlude is not yet over and will continue into the next volume. This could be the last of the worst parts or the mediocrity; one only hopes.
The stakes for Water Seven couldn’t be higher. The story has reached a truly exhausting point and the grind is not worth it so far, with only specks of amusement to be found in a sea of mediocrity to outright suckage. Water Seven is the thing people keep bandying about as the point where it will be good. But annoyingly, the Foxy Pirates interlude is not yet over and will continue into the next volume. This could be the last of the worst parts or the mediocrity; one only hopes.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This continues a lot of the excruciating confusion from the previous three volumes, but once things got going with the fight with Luffy against Eneru, things got more simple and on track. The absolute clusterfuck that this arc is presented in made this fucking unbearable and the worst arc to date though and I will have zero nostalgia for it once it’s over. The only highlights until the story starts stabilizing are Nico Robin’s archaeological adventures with her love of history (and her investigation into the Ponegliffs) and Chopper’s heroic hour. I’m getting annoyed that he gets so sidelined! I think inna pinch he can be of a kind with the four main fighters on whom a lot of the conflicts rest.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Boring and exhausting. A brief bonfire scene and Nami in glasses and twintails were the two solitary highlights along the boredom. But God, I never want to endure these volumes again
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This one was getting there. It’s probably the longest arc and it got emotional as it concluded. Going back to square one each time is getting a little repetitive though. Things don’t ever move upwards between arcs, things just feel completely lateral as far as escalation. There is progress, but when we have to go through the dredgery of “starting” a new arc each time it just gets exhausting around, like, the fifteenth time it happens.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The enjoyable parts were the parts involving story which isn’t all that good. This was a very fight-heavy tome, and the way the guy does fighting is exhausting and skippable. The animé at least makes it clear what the fuck is happening, but individual panels of swordfighting or punching may as well not exist. We may as well just skip to the end of any given conflict for the character lesson that allows the character to persevere.