© Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation
One Piece episode 1096 is one of the prime examples of the strength of all the series beyond the big battles and strange powers.
The opening half of this week’s episode is a dramatic flashback to the end of Ohara. Dear readers, you know that I am biased against Nico Robin and I will not hide it. So naturally, I’ll compliment any screen time or attention she gets. My own bias aside, the entire Ohara sequence is both enlightening to the viewer from a lore perspective and well done visually. The revelation of the books hidden in the inner lake to preserve the future is a wonderful thing, and it’s hard not to be moved by Nico Olivia’s pledge that the historian must simultaneously preserve the past and look forward a better future. It’s emotional stuff and Robin’s tearful recollections of those events in the present are an added kick to the heart. The Straw Hats getting angry at Vegapunk for making Robin cry was also an extra special moment.
The second half of the episode features Luffy and his gang. Explore giant mechanical ruins. This finally reveals Dr. Vegapunk, which is a huge deal in terms of named characters. Seeing him live in the flesh after years of contemplation is quite the treat, a legend that has been decades in the making. And he’s definitely a goofy and funny Albert Einstein, right? I don’t know what to expect but I can assure you that this final design will not be in my top ten ideas for the character.
The Toei team once again delivers a variety of gorgeous visuals for us to enjoy across the entire breadth of the episode. Vegapunk’s 8-bit flashbacks and title card details, Usopp comically dropping his head on the floor, and the silly childish banter during Luffy and Chopper’s Gattai scene-are just 10/10 overall. My favorite Animation sequence has to be when Luffy, Chopper and Vegapunk fly in their jet boots. The animation has such a delightful whimsy that it’s hard not to fall into a sense of childlike wonder at the wonder of flight.
Rating:
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One Piece is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.com.