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Characters inOne Piecehave a funny way of subverting the expectations of the audience. With outlandish character designs, anatomically impossible bodies, and goofy laughs, finding any deep character in these ridiculous characters seems like a difficult task, especially from an outsider’s point of view. In reality, these goofy designs actually help enhance the characterization ofOne Piece’scast, revealing that looks can be deceiving.
This is especially true for theOne Piececharacter Bon Clay, who went from being a stereotype to one of the most beloved characters in the entire series. With a goofy appearance, complete with deadly Swan Shoes and Mascara, Bon Clay seemed like just anothersillyOne Piecevillainin the beginning. However, as the series progresses, the audience quickly learns that Bon Clay is far more complex. This all culminates in a moment that cements the former Baroque Works member as one of the best characters in the series.
Who Is Bon Clay In One Piece?
A Friend to the Straw Hats
Bon Clay is first introduced duringOne Piece’sAlabasta Sagawhen he is tasked with eliminating Galdino, who failed his mission on Little Garden. After failing to find him and returning to Alabasta, Bon Clay finds the Straw Hat Crew, quickly becoming their friends. The group parts ways, until the final parts of Alabasta when Sanji defeats Bon Clay during the arc’s final battles. After this, Bon Clay has a change of heart, helping the Straw Hats escape the Navy on Alabasta, and going to prison instead of them.
One may stray from the path of a man, one may stray from the path of a woman, but there is no straying from the path of a Human! - Bon Clay
After this, Luffy is finally reunited with Bon Clay duringOne Piece’sImpel Down Arc. When reuniting, the duo act like old friends, creating a touching moment. Sadly, by the end of Impel Down, Bon Clay realizes for everyone else to escape, he must stay behind, saving Luffy and his friends, but sacrificing himself.
Bon Clay Has an Amazing Character Arc in One Piece
From Villain to Hero
Throughout theOne Pieceseries, although the time the audience spends with Bon Clay is limited, the character has some of the best character growth. Bon Clay rose throughthe ranks ofOne Piecepopularityfor three simple reasons; his amazing personality, his loyalty and friendship with Luffy, and his unwavering ideals. As the audience learns more about Bon Clay and these three ideals, it’s easy to see why the former Mr. 2 is so fondly remembered.
As for Bon Clay’s character, despite seeming like a bit of a stereotype at first, Bon Clay is completely unashamed about being himself. He completely owns his over-the-top personality, shrugging off any objections from outsiders and casually defining the gender norms of anime. Despite not finding a place to fit in until meeting Ivankov in Impel Down, Bon Clay truly loves his style, and the more the audience gets to see it, the more they love it too.
Luffy and Bon Clay Have an Amazing Friendship
An Unbreakable Bond
On top of his amazing personality, Bon Clay andOne Piece’sStraw Hat Captainalso share a bond that no other villain could share with Luffy in the entire series. Both being on the goofier side, rather than fighting on their first encounter, the two dance and party, having an amazing time. Additionally, while Luffy refers to most people by a random nickname he gave them, Luffy refers to Bon Clay as, “Bon-Chan”, showing that he has a deep respect for and a genuine friendship with him.
Hey Bon-Chan! I thought you were dead… - Luffy to Bon Clay
Additionally,One Piece’sBon Clay, at his core, is an extremely kind person, especially to those he considers to be friends. Even after a brief, yet fun interaction with Luffy, Bon Clay is ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of the Straw Hat Pirates. The same goes for Impel Down, when the goofy former villain defies all expectations, seemingly facing death all to save Luffy’s life.
For these three reasons, it’s easy to see why fans love Bon Clay so much, even among allthe amazingOne Piececharacters. He’s just a genuine person who stays true to himself and his friends. In the end, Bon Clay perfectly encapsulates the struggle ofOne Pieceas a whole; trying to be free in a world that wants to restrain freedom.
