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Vinsmoke Sanji is the kind of character that people either love or hate, but what is it that makes the cook such a hot topic amongOne Piecefans? Even those unfamiliar with the series are likely to recognize one of the"wings" of the Pirate King. Whether he’s received with adoration or disdain, Black Leg’s characterization leaves opinions on him divided. With the range of this character’s personality and habits, it’s no mystery why some might fixate on one side of him, while ignoring the other. It might even be difficult not to, with the way he often waffles back and forth between presenting himself as a suave gentleman, and a drooling simp.
The talented cook of the Strawhat Pirates was recruited early on in the series, first appearing in chapter forty-three of the manga and episode twenty of the anime. Three things were established about him right away: he can fight, he can cook, and his weakness is women. AsOne Piecehas continued over the years, the latter trait has often been viewed as a hindrance to his likability as a protagonist. Sanji’s perverted antics have even caused some to write him off entirely. While this quirk of his has been a running joke throughout the series, some think this trait has begun to overshadow the rest of his qualities over time.
Some Would Call it a Love-Hate Relationship
Even the Love-Cook’s Japanese voice actor, Hiroaki Hirata, had some choice words to share about the infamous blonde.Sandman posted a snippet on Twitterthat was translated from an interview inOP Magazine. Hiroaka admitted that “There is nothing about Sanji that I admire. Because he is an idiot.” While this statement was likely made with affection, it’s hard to argue with the man behind the voice. This bombshell, however, left many fans' devotion unshaken. Despite his frequent forays into questionable behavior,the fourth highest-ranking bounty-holderin the crew counters his more ridiculous displays with a myriad of epic fights, cool one-liners, and boundless kindness to boot. After his backstory was revealed in the Whole Cake Island arc, many began to chalk up his sketchy behavior to his traumatic upbringing under the “care” of Vinsmoke Judge. For some, that history isn’t enough to redeem him.
Perhaps a Bit of an Overreaction
In addition to his morally shady pursuit of female affection, there is another hang-up for someOne Piecefans: Sanji’s time spent in the Kamabakka Kingdom. The cook’s dramatic reaction to the island’s cross-dressing inhabitants raised quite a few eyebrows when it first aired, and continues to do so as new viewers catch up.
WhileIvankov and the rest of the Kamabakka gangare generally received positively, a notable portion of watchers felt that Black Leg’s behavior during the time-skip was insulting to those within the LGBTQ+ community. Plenty insist that his reactions were appropriate for his character, reminding naysayers that he did stay and complete his training while “doing as the Romans do”, after all. In the end, it all comes back to the man’s infatuation with what he considers beautiful women.
Reading the Morality Meter
Does Sanji’s obsession ruin his character? It’s a difficult question to answer, even with all the evidence in place. What makes a good character? Must a protagonist be a perfect example of moral purity in order to be considered likable? Some might argue that it is the flaws that make a character not only interesting, but relatable. If every member of the Strawhats was a pillar of patience and righteousness, wouldOne Piecestill be a good story? Zoro has the sense of direction of a broken compass.Nami is greedy to a fault. Even Luffy, who remains the fan-favorite of the series after all these years, is selfish and demanding. It’s these very shortcomings that make the cast so fun to watch.
Play Nice
When all is said and done, it’s up to the viewer to make their own assessments. Sanji is a complex character with both charming and appalling facets of his personality. For every person who can’t stand him, there’s another buying their fourteenth figure of the infamous chef. The best thing about consuming popular media is that the fans have the opportunity to discuss these opinions with one another. An enthusiastic debate can even be a lot of fun as long as those involved are able to keep a cool head. It’s okay to feel strongly one way or another. Just don’t startthe next Paramount Warin the comment section.
One Piece
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One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the next king. The manga’s popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.
