The Superculture Review

In this final episode of the Record of East Blue Podcast, we wrap up the Arlong Park arc and East Blue saga with observations about Luffy’s emotional intelligence, Tashigi and Zoro’s entertaining (though still unresolved) meet-cute, the Navy’s mounting portrayal as a dictatorial force, and Loguetown’s parallels to the imagery and thematics of French literature. We close off the show with some final thoughts about One Piece as a whole, from its art style to its execution and surprising readability, even over the course of 100 chapters and beyond.

Josh, Astrid, and Reid are covering One Piece's series-defining Arlong Park arc, starting with the Straw Hats' arrival on the island. We discuss Oda's sudden shift into political storytelling, a surprisingly touching depiction of poverty, the Grand Design that Oda's been setting up since the beginning, and what it means "to live" in an era marked by opportunism and exploitation. 

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A small note: If you like the series, spread the word and give our PayPal link a look. We're putting out this show because we like doing it, but if you're into the result and would like to help us recoup our costs and allow Superculture to continue more collaborative projects like this one, consider tossing in a few dollars or sharing episode links to others who may be interested in listening.

Follow this podcast right here, and follow the other Superculture websites, Bullet Points, Funland, Heterotopias, and Bad End.

Josh, Astrid, and Reid are back covering One Piece volumes 6-8, meeting Sanji, Zeff, Don Krieg, and Dracule Mihawk in the Baratie Arc. We cover boys-will-be-boys masculinity in Nami's absence, how "power scaling" works in One piece, and the role of shounen fight scenes in One Piece vs. its contemporaries.

READING FOR NEXT EPISODE! 

For the manga-to-anime route, Read ch69-ch 75, then watch Ep 34, 35, 36, 37 

The full reading is just the rest of vol 8 + all vol 9. Enjoy!

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A small note: If you like the series, spread the word and give our PayPal link a look. We're putting out this show because we like doing it, but if you're into the result and would like to help us recoup our costs and allow Superculture to continue more collaborative projects like this one, consider tossing in a few dollars or sharing episode links to others who may be interested in listening.

Follow this podcast right here, and follow the other Superculture websites, Bullet Points, Funland, Heterotopias, and Bad End.

Josh, Astrid, and Reid are back covering One Piece volumes 4 and 5, giving their most generous possible read of the Syrup Village arc. On the docket today is Usopp's character breakdown (and whether he's actually interesting or not), the surprising poignance of the Usopp pirates, half-baked race themes, subtle character development, and Sanji's oh-so-delicious pilaf.

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A small note: If you like the series, spread the word and give our PayPal link a look. We're putting out this show because we like doing it, but if you're into the result and would like to help us recoup our costs and allow Superculture to continue more collaborative projects like this one, consider tossing in a few dollars or sharing episode links to others who may be interested in listening.

Follow this podcast right here, and follow the other Superculture websites, Bullet Points, Funland, Heterotopias, and Bad End.

Josh, Astrid, and Reid are back at it for the Orange Town arc, covering One Piece volume 2 and 3 on this episode. This time we're talking about characterization through backstory reveals, big fight pacing, circus freaks, personal treasures, and, of course, Chouchou the Dog.

CORRECTION: Josh claimed that Oda imagined Usopp to be from Brazil. That was Luffy. Usopp’s actually from South Africa. 

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A small note: If you like the series, spread the word and give our PayPal link a look. We're putting out this show because we like doing it, but if you're into the result and would like to help us recoup our costs and allow Superculture to continue more collaborative projects like this one, consider tossing in a few dollars or sharing episode links to others who may be interested in listening.

Follow this podcast right here, and follow the other Superculture websites, Bullet Points, Funland, Heterotopias, and Bad End.