The debate began when KDA_Artist shared a stunning image of Bonney’s return in the anime. The artist hoped that fans would appreciate the contributions of the character, highlighting her significant role in the episode. However, the post quickly became a focal point of contention among the One Piece community, particularly regarding the portrayal of women and the production team behind the series.
Reactions from the Artist and Toei Animation’s Perspective
The artist responded to the criticisms by apologizing for any offense caused, particularly referencing another character, Jinbei, who is not clad in clothing. Toei Animation, the studio responsible for the anime production, has yet to issue an official statement regarding this controversy. Many fans believe that any discussions related to character design should ultimately lead back to Eiichiro Oda—the creator of the One Piece manga—as Bonney’s design is intrinsically linked to his vision.
Character Design of Bonney in One Piece
The controversy surrounding Bonney’s character design highlights a significant aspect of her role in the series. Although she is portrayed as being around 20 years old, Bonney’s actual state is that of a 12-year-old girl. This peculiar power allows her to manipulate her age at will.
This reality paints her character design in a different light, especially in contexts where other characters are typically free from fan service. However, it is crucial to note that the One Piece production team adheres to the source material created by Oda, which suggests that the representation of the character in the anime must align with the perceptions established in the manga.
