Understanding the Different Versions of Ryuma in One Piece and Monsters
Eiichiro Oda has recently addressed this topic in a SBS (Shitsumon o Boshū Suru?, “I’m Taking Questions”) section. He confirmed that the zombie version of Ryuma appearing in Chapter 450 of the manga One Piece is essentially the same character from the short story Monsters.
Oda stated: “Although he appears as a zombie, the character that appears in Chapter 450 is indeed Ryuma. He is the main samurai character in the Monsters story. However, in the One Piece world, he is a legendary warrior who has passed away due to illness and is now known in history.” (SBS Vol.47)
In other words, Ryuma and the main character in Monsters are essentially one and the same, but at the same time, they represent different versions of him. This connection is significant as it creates a direct link between two of Oda’s works, merging them into a broader narrative context.
The Distinct Differences Between the Two Ryumas
While they are the same person, there are notable differences between the two versions of Ryuma. The first significant difference is his hair color. In Monsters, Ryuma has black hair, while in One Piece, he is depicted with a lighter hair color, almost blue or green in the anime. Additionally, the Ryuma in One Piece is missing one eye.
Another key point that connects both versions of Ryuma is that both characters kill a dragon. However, the circumstances surrounding this heroic act differ. In Monsters, Ryuma slays a dragon in a random town, whereas in One Piece, he performs this feat in the Flower Capital of Wano.
It’s important to note that dragons are not necessarily creatures that exist naturally within the One Piece universe, which leads to speculation among fans, including theories linking this dragon to the cruel tyrant Kaido, even though this remains within the realm of speculation.
In summary, according to Oda, Ryuma in One Piece draws inspiration from Ryuma in Monsters, but the iconic version familiar to audiences is depicted differently across various contexts.
