One Piece, Vol. 36

One Piece used to be published in Brazil and I used to buy every single booklet here. It was available in a different format, as half a tankobon once a month. We would never reach Japan, though it was still published faster than the US (while we were close to ending Skypiea, you were still in Alabasta). But then, the publisher started showing signs of weakness - the production values dropped and delays were frequent. And finally, at the 70th booklet (Vol. 35 of the original together with 69), they dropped One Piece and out of the manga business altogether (they now only publish very cheap manhwa). Thankfully, that coincided with Viz Media's plans of catching up with Japan - and so I decided that I couldn't drop One Piece at where it stopped (I just saw Usopp fight Luffy and leave the crew, for God's sake!). It wouldn't be cheap, I'd have to pay in full and wait a month for it to arrive. But at last it did, and as I read it, the conclusion couldn't be more evident: after all this years, and even with the price increase, One Piece is still worth it. Water Seven is proving out to be the best and most eventful One Piece arc so far. It has always been a story of friendship, strength and willpower, but here is where all of those things are put to the test. It's particularly satisfying for those of us who have followed it for years. But if you haven't read One Piece yet: you have the privilege of seeing this arc unfold without having to wait. Don't miss it! I guarantee you it is well worth your time and effort.