What Makes a Character Underrated?
In the vast world of One Piece, with its thousands of named individuals, it is easy for even the most powerful or emotionally resonant figures to be overshadowed by the likes of Luffy, Zoro, or the Yonko. What makes a character underrated is often a combination of limited screen time, a lack of conventional "cool" aesthetics, or a role that prioritizes support over the final blow. These overlooked characters often provide the emotional backbone of an arc or possess abilities that are far more dangerous than the community gives them credit for. Recognizing these underrated One Piece characters allows fans to appreciate the true depth of Eiichiro Oda’s world-building.
Jinbe
While Jinbe is now a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, he remains one of the most underrated One Piece characters in terms of his combat ceiling and his importance to the series' themes. As a former Warlord and a master of Fish-Man Karate, Jinbe’s strength is immense—he has blocked attacks from Akainu and Big Mom—yet he is rarely discussed with the same fervor as the "Monster Trio." Beyond power, Jinbe represents the bridge between humans and Fish-Men. His stoicism and wisdom often lead fans to view him as a "dad" figure, which sometimes causes people to overlook his status as one of the most consistent and formidable fighters on the sea.
Bon Clay
Bentham, better known as Bon Clay, is perhaps the ultimate example of a character whose impact far outweighs their bounty. Often initially dismissed due to his flamboyant nature and villainous introduction, Bon Clay has saved Luffy’s life more times than almost any other ally. From his sacrifice at Alabasta to the legendary stand at Impel Down, his devotion to friendship defines the spirit of the series. Despite being one of the most emotionally significant overlooked characters, he is frequently absent from "top-tier" discussions because he isn't a traditional powerhouse, yet his heart and heroism are second to none.
Franky
As the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates, Franky’s utility is undisputed, but his combat prowess is frequently undervalued. Franky is a self-made tank who has consistently defeated high-ranking officers in every arc since his introduction. During the Wano Country arc, he took down Sasaki of the Tobi Roppo with relative ease, showcasing his General Franky technology. Despite these feats, Franky is often placed in the "middle tier" of the crew. His status as an underrated One Piece character stems from his eccentric personality, which often masks the fact that he is a scientific genius and a one-man army.
Kuma
Bartholomew Kuma was recently given a massive spotlight in the Egghead arc, but for over a decade, he was one of the most overlooked characters in the series. People often remembered him simply as a robotic pawn of the World Government. However, his Nikyu Nikyu no Mi (Paw-Paw Fruit) is arguably one of the most broken abilities in existence, capable of repelling anything from physical objects to abstract concepts like pain and exhaustion. Kuma’s tragic backstory and his role as the silent guardian of the Straw Hats make him a top-tier character in both writing and strength, yet he was hidden in the shadows of the narrative for years.
Senior Pink
In the Dressrosa arc, Senior Pink appeared to be a bizarre, gag villain wearing a diaper and a bonnet. However, Oda flipped the script by giving him one of the most heartbreaking backstories in the series. His "hard-boiled" nature wasn't just a quirk; it was a tribute to his late wife. Senior Pink is a masterclass in how One Piece treats its minor antagonists. He is underrated because many viewers may dismiss him based on his appearance, but he represents the depth and tragedy that can be found in even the most minor overlooked characters.
Others
The list of underrated One Piece characters extends to many others who have shaped the Grand Line:
- Brook: Often the MVP of the Whole Cake Island arc, Brook’s soul-based powers and swordsmanship are frequently eclipsed by his comedic timing.
- Wyper: The "Berserker" of Skypiea possessed a will and durability that rivaled Luffy’s, using Reject Dials that would have killed a lesser man instantly.
- Tashigi: Though she often struggles in a world of monsters, her dedication to the history of swords makes her a vital part of the series' lore.
- Smoker: Once a terrifying threat, Smoker is often overlooked now because he hasn't kept up with the exponential power creep of the New World.
FAQ
Who is the most underrated Straw Hat?
Many fans consider Brook or Franky to be the most underrated, as their contributions to major victories are often overshadowed by Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji.
Is Buggy the Clown an underrated character?
Buggy is a unique case; while he is a "joke" character, his ability to fail upward into a Yonko position makes him one of the most significant characters in the world, even if his individual strength is low.
Why do some characters become overlooked?
Characters usually become overlooked if they haven't appeared for many chapters or if their fighting style isn't as flashy as Haki-based brawling or Logia transformations.
