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ONE PIECE novel A #1
One Piece: Ace's Story, Vol. 1
Adventure on the high seas continue in these stories featuring the characters of One Piece!
Get the backstory on Luffy’s brother Ace! This volume contains the origin story of Luffy’s adopted brother Ace, and tells of his of his thrilling quest for the legendary One Piece treasure.
Washed up on the shores of a deserted island at the edge of the East Blue Sea, two men from different backgrounds unite in their shared thirst for adventure. One of them, Portgaz G. Ace, will follow in his infamous father’s footsteps as the fearless captain of a pirate crew. The other, Masked Deuce, becomes the reluctant first member of Ace’s Spade Pirates. Survival is not enough for these seafaring buccaneers, as together they seek treasure, excitement, and a route to the New World.
Get the backstory on Luffy’s brother Ace! This volume contains the origin story of Luffy’s adopted brother Ace, and tells of his of his thrilling quest for the legendary One Piece treasure.
Washed up on the shores of a deserted island at the edge of the East Blue Sea, two men from different backgrounds unite in their shared thirst for adventure. One of them, Portgaz G. Ace, will follow in his infamous father’s footsteps as the fearless captain of a pirate crew. The other, Masked Deuce, becomes the reluctant first member of Ace’s Spade Pirates. Survival is not enough for these seafaring buccaneers, as together they seek treasure, excitement, and a route to the New World.
174 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
July 28, 2020
"He was the sun. Everyone looked up to Ace. Even our enemies had a gruding respect for him. Ace was the center of everyone and everything. But because the sun was too bright, it was always alone. No one could get too close to him. If you stood too close, you were likely to burn up. " - Ace's Story.
Termine esta maravillosa novela y solo puedo decir que me encanto, tiene 129 páginas que se leen muy rápido. La historia de Ace es narrada por Deuce quien se convertirá en el primer miembro de la tripulación Spade Pirates. Aquí encontramos estos temas: Como Ace adquirió la fruta del diablo, de donde sale su pequeño barco llamada Striker; ese que usa cuando se encuentra a Luffy en Arabasta; también vemos el inicio de Ace como capitán y alguno de los miembros de su tripulación.
En cuanto a antagonistas pues está la Marina. Y todo esto hasta llegar a Sabaody para ir al nuevo mundo.
Tengo que decir que si antes amaba a Ace ahora necesito buscar un Phoenix Down para traerlo de vuelta y casarme con el si o si....porque es la persona más buena, hermosa y que si, que tiene preocupaciones y tristeza en su corazon pero eso no le impide proteger a sus Nakamas y ser bueno con todo aquel que se cruce en su camino siempre y cuando tengan buenas intenciones.
February 7, 2023
Cute but I was BORED. I’d rather read a novel from Ace’s perspective on how he went from my favorite angry boi to a gentleman who can’t back down from a fight.
June 16, 2020
As a lover of One Piece and a huge fan of Ace, I couldn't stop myself from getting my hands on a copy of this book! I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it. I thought it was going to be a manga, so I was surprised to see that it was an actual novel! While I prefer Oda's actual work, I still enjoyed this book. I felt cheated that we never got to see Ace's full backstory in the actual One Piece series, but this book helps make up for that. Many new facts about Ace were brought to light and the members/founding of the Spade Pirates were introduced. Told from the perspective of one of his crew members, the book tells the tale of Ace's journey after first setting sail from his home. Ace remains his lovable, dorky self and I loved getting to see him as the main character for once. Also, the character sketches in the back were so cute and really added to the story. While this book was not quite as enjoyable as the actual One Piece series, it was still a short and sweet read about one of personal favorite characters! Any One Piece or Ace fans definitely need to pick up this book! I'm very excited for the next volume!
April 24, 2023
He was like the sun.
Everyone looked up to Ace. Even our enemies had a grudging respect for him. Ace was at the center of everyone and everything. But because the sun was too bright, it was always alone. No one could get too close to him. If you stood too close, you were likely to burn up.“Don’t die out there, Ace. Thank you.”
He and Isuka were getting farther and farther apart. The ship wasn’t stopping. It couldn’t.
“Should I have grabbed her hand?” he muttered to himself, hanging his head. “But I couldn’t…I can’t hold her hand. Not when I’m a pirate, and anyway it turns into fire…”
He tugged his hat low over his eyes.
“Ace…pal…”
I couldn’t find any other words to say.
There were times, now and then, that Ace seemed to believe he couldn’t be loved. And when that mood struck him, a dark shadow passed over his face.
But I was sure that Isuka didn’t feel that way about him.
And it wasn’t just Isuka.
Ace simply couldn’t figure it out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2021
Honestly, the writing of this is pretty mediocre, and I'm wondering if that's because of translation issues more than anything, but I do love Ace, so I'll take what I can get.
June 7, 2022
Im in love
August 26, 2024
I’ll live my life until the end for him, then. A life with no regrets. I’ve gotta be the luckiest man in the world if that’s the feeling he inspires in me.
This novel is truly a gift for all Ace fans. It was fascinating to see him through the eyes of his close friend. I am infinitely glad that, despite everything, Ace was surrounded by people who loved and deeply respected him. The bond between Ace and Deuce, their shared moments—all these live in my mind rent-free.
Though the language is simple, Deuce’s reflections on his captain resonate like pure poetry. The relationship between captain and his first mate will forever hold a sacred place in my heart.
This novel is truly a gift for all Ace fans. It was fascinating to see him through the eyes of his close friend. I am infinitely glad that, despite everything, Ace was surrounded by people who loved and deeply respected him. The bond between Ace and Deuce, their shared moments—all these live in my mind rent-free.
Though the language is simple, Deuce’s reflections on his captain resonate like pure poetry. The relationship between captain and his first mate will forever hold a sacred place in my heart.
July 9, 2023
Devo dire che ho cominciato questa novel con scetticismo, aspettandomi qualcosa di banale e comico in modo irritante. Invece è stata una piacevole lettura, ho apprezzato il POV di Masked Deuce che racconta il suo incontro con Ace e ho apprezzato le riflessioni su quest'ultimo e sulle sue motivazioni nel voler superare il nome di suo padre. Isuka mi è piaciuta molto ed è una di quelle novel di cui mi piacerebbe vedere un adattamento animato, tanto più che Ace mi manca molto, sigh.
April 22, 2024
5 ★s
I LOVE MY MANNNNNNN
I LOVE MY MANNNNNNN
May 6, 2020
Ace’s story told by one of his crew members. Didn’t like Deuce in the beginning after he’s judgemental and puts his foot in it. But he grows on ya. Didn’t have the same appeal as it would in manga form but I enjoyed it. Favourite character was Skulls, that guy is great.
June 13, 2022
Deuce-All I knew of Roger came from the papers and books. I’d never met him or spoken with him. I just accepted whatever society and other people said about him, and assumed it was all true.
What a shallow, ugly way of thinking.
Since when had I become one of those nasty, cynical adults, always jumping to conclusions.
Ace didn’t judge people based on their race or their appearance. He judged them by something more important: their heart, their nature. He probably didn’t even realise he was doing it.
There were times, now and then, that Ace seemed to believe he couldn’t be loved.
Ace simply couldn’t figure it out.
He was like the sun.
Everyone looked up to Ace. Even our enemies had a grudging respect for him. Ace was the center of everyone and everything. But because the sun was too bright, it was always alone. No one could get too close to him. If you stood too close, you were likely to burn up.
When it comes to One Piece, I am always biased. Definitely 10/10 for me 😁.
What a shallow, ugly way of thinking.
Since when had I become one of those nasty, cynical adults, always jumping to conclusions.
Ace didn’t judge people based on their race or their appearance. He judged them by something more important: their heart, their nature. He probably didn’t even realise he was doing it.
There were times, now and then, that Ace seemed to believe he couldn’t be loved.
Ace simply couldn’t figure it out.
He was like the sun.
Everyone looked up to Ace. Even our enemies had a grudging respect for him. Ace was the center of everyone and everything. But because the sun was too bright, it was always alone. No one could get too close to him. If you stood too close, you were likely to burn up.
When it comes to One Piece, I am always biased. Definitely 10/10 for me 😁.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
I'm glad I discovered that there are light novels based on Ace's backstory because he's one of my all time fave characters from One Piece!! I was also very curious on the Spade Pirates and how he made it to the top, and we didn't see much of that in the animation.
This novel was narrated by Deuce, one of Ace's close friend and his first crew-mate! It was a cute, touching story and I liked it a lot!! We learnt about how he became the fire-fist, how he makes it to the new world and his spade pirate crew. Loved the illustrations too <3.
I might even love Ace even more now aha. I'm excited to read volume 2!
"What quality makes one a captain? I think it's being loved by others. A captain is like the sun, shining bright to illuminate dark waters"
"He was like the sun"
These quotes describe him perfectly :')
This novel was narrated by Deuce, one of Ace's close friend and his first crew-mate! It was a cute, touching story and I liked it a lot!! We learnt about how he became the fire-fist, how he makes it to the new world and his spade pirate crew. Loved the illustrations too <3.
I might even love Ace even more now aha. I'm excited to read volume 2!
"What quality makes one a captain? I think it's being loved by others. A captain is like the sun, shining bright to illuminate dark waters"
"He was like the sun"
These quotes describe him perfectly :')
May 20, 2020
I liked this book. I would have loved it more if the story was from Ace's point of view but alas it was not meant to be. While this book introduces some new characters in the One Piece world, it would have been great if this book was in manga form. Sorry readers, this book is a novel and a light one at that with only three chapters. The writing is simple and easy to follow, but leaves you wanting more. I wanted more chapters that cover the adventures leading up to each crew member like Luffy. It would be great if it was something like that, however this book goes on through time periods and not adventures. I give this book a 3.5 star rating because while this book is simple, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Read
May 28, 2023sooo I'm not rating this one because the writing is likely aimed at children
.... not really a story I'd recommend.
There's not much plot- and what little there was was cheesy/annoying and predictable. I really hated how they wrote the Marine hunting him as some annoying and stupid girl.
Other then seeing Ace get his devil fruit (anticlimactic) and learning the names of the spade pirates (including the cutest lynx!) this doesn't add much to Ace's story.
I did like seeing him as a captain!
I loved how he was compared to the sun (because he is the sweetest boy who deserves the world!!!!)
Those few moments of him having self-doubt, wondering if he should even be alive, and if he is worthy of love (HE IS!!!) were nice additions :)
.... not really a story I'd recommend.
There's not much plot- and what little there was was cheesy/annoying and predictable. I really hated how they wrote the Marine hunting him as some annoying and stupid girl.
Other then seeing Ace get his devil fruit (anticlimactic) and learning the names of the spade pirates (including the cutest lynx!) this doesn't add much to Ace's story.
I did like seeing him as a captain!
I loved how he was compared to the sun (because he is the sweetest boy who deserves the world!!!!)
Those few moments of him having self-doubt, wondering if he should even be alive, and if he is worthy of love (HE IS!!!) were nice additions :)
February 3, 2022
Stuck on a deserted island, two young men share a desire to explore the sea: Deuce, taking on the tag his new friend Ace gave him, joins the newest carrier of the Flame-Flame fruit as they form their own crew, the Spade Pirates, and set out for the New World - with the Navy on their heels! Hinata brings fans new and old a short but entertaining glimpse into the journey of Fire Fist Ace; rough around the edge and a tad blatant, but a genuine treat for any One Piece addict. Witness the beginnings of a pirate legend!
Read
June 2, 2024I love ace sooo much. Also, some parts of this between ace and deuce seemed so unintentionally romantic:
"'so I guess the rumor that there was treasure on that island was just a tall tale after all.' Ace looked over to me and grinned confidently. 'I dunno about that,' he said, extending his hand toward me. '*You're* coming with me...aren't you?'"
"I'll live my life until the end for [Ace]."
"[Ace] was like the sun."
It's interesting to see the parallels between Sabo and Deuce. I wonder how intentional that was.
"'so I guess the rumor that there was treasure on that island was just a tall tale after all.' Ace looked over to me and grinned confidently. 'I dunno about that,' he said, extending his hand toward me. '*You're* coming with me...aren't you?'"
"I'll live my life until the end for [Ace]."
"[Ace] was like the sun."
It's interesting to see the parallels between Sabo and Deuce. I wonder how intentional that was.
September 8, 2023
actual rating: 3.5
honestly i wouldn't recommend reading this unless you're just absolutely obsessed with ace but i am so here we are. the translation is kind of awkward and i don't know why we can't just have ace's story from his own POV but i'm absolutely desperate for content so i did enjoy it for what it is.
honestly i wouldn't recommend reading this unless you're just absolutely obsessed with ace but i am so here we are. the translation is kind of awkward and i don't know why we can't just have ace's story from his own POV but i'm absolutely desperate for content so i did enjoy it for what it is.
May 21, 2020
I wasn't really sure if I was gonna enjoy it after reading the first chapter, but it got considerably better! I really love Ace and I'm glad we have the opportunity to have this little peak at the beginning of his life as a pirate before he joined Whitebeard.
Read
May 1, 2022He was like the sun.
Everyone looked up to Ace. Even our enemies had a grudging respect for him. Ace was at the center of everyone and everything. But because the sun was too bright, it was always alone. No one could get too close to him. If you stood too close, you were likely to burn up.
Everyone looked up to Ace. Even our enemies had a grudging respect for him. Ace was at the center of everyone and everything. But because the sun was too bright, it was always alone. No one could get too close to him. If you stood too close, you were likely to burn up.
July 23, 2023
Värikkäästi kirjoitettu tarina jo tiedetyistä asioista. Helppo kuvitella miltä näyttäisi sarjakuvassa. 😎 Kirjoitettu merirosvoryhmän jäsenen näkökulmasta, kirjassa oli osia mitkä tuntui turhilta joo ja oon väärä ihminen arvioimaan sarjan suurena fanina.
January 24, 2024
Was a nice quick read. Very biased since I am a One Piece fan but wish there was a bit more in-between. The first and 3rd chapter was good but wish there was more details and more "adventures" in the 2nd chapter. Just felt like a spark notes summary. But again if your a One Piece you will read this and enjoy it because who doesn't love Ace?
November 24, 2022
2.5 stars
Volume 1 done! I was impressed by how well the author was able to convey the one piece ‘vibe’ completely without art, and am looking forward to volume 2!
But, like many light novels, it lacked any sort of depth in the writing, leading to it feeling a little stale after 50 pages. Thankfully I adore one piece, it’s characters and setting, otherwise I probably would have dropped this little more than mediocre light novel.
Volume 1 done! I was impressed by how well the author was able to convey the one piece ‘vibe’ completely without art, and am looking forward to volume 2!
But, like many light novels, it lacked any sort of depth in the writing, leading to it feeling a little stale after 50 pages. Thankfully I adore one piece, it’s characters and setting, otherwise I probably would have dropped this little more than mediocre light novel.
January 14, 2024
i love this book. best book ever. we love you ace.
January 24, 2024
i wish the climax of the story was ace climaxing in me instead 😞
October 14, 2023
I didn't know what to expect since this was my first light novel, but I couldn't help but get a copy after falling in love with Ace's character. Although it isn't written by Oda, I felt like each chapter was like watching an episode of One Piece. Chapters are treated like any other One Piece backstory episode: each with varying intervals of time passing. I was surprised that the novel was in the POV of Deuce, Ace's second-in-command, but it did sell the third-person perspective we often experience while reading/watching One Piece while also getting glimpses of Deuce's character. For my first light novel, I would say I enjoyed it a lot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2020
WARNING: You will love Ace more than you did before
As a One Piece fans, it is a well-known knowledge that Eichiiro Oda, the creator of this masterpiece story is a man full of story to tell that sometimes it’s overwhelmed him. To have this spin off in the form of novel is not at all a problem for me since we know Oda’s number one priority is to focused on the main story of drawing One Piece. I am grateful enough to get my share of another story by Oda. Especially about our beloved Ace.
My first impression of it is what a smart move to narrate the story from second person’s perspective. Just like in the manga, the sideline commentary impacted our view on The Straw Hat, the same could be apply to Ace. As Ace is character full of surprise and wonder.
Deuce, Ace’s first mate, the narrator of the story is a character that has this nostalgic feeling very much like early One Piece of The East Blue. Someone like Coby with tense and humble upbringing. While Ace, wow the narration depicts Ace 100% correctly. I repeat, correctly. Chef kiss!
What was the real Ace like? He was the kind of person who shared his only food with a starving man, when he himself was already starving.
The translator, Stephen Paul is the same man who translates the official manga for US Shonen Jump/VIZ. He did a good job as the words are made simple and very modest so it got the same sincere feeling as the manga
however there are also some downfall of it for me. The narrative lack two things that are cores of the world of One Piece: excitement of a new island and comedy
The excitement has partly something to do with Deuce’s narrative but for the most part from the lack of build-up excitement to embrace new island/ adventures. While Ace is a walking bundle of joy, the other character didn’t share the same energy.
For the comedy, well, I think the problem is momentum. There are some humor that hit it and i laugh reaaally loud but there are some that straight up cringe. Like I know how Oda would draw it, i can imagine it perfectly but the depiction in the novel not at all helping.
This is a very short spin-off with more potential. A treat for fans with new information and hints. Can’t wait for the next volume
As a One Piece fans, it is a well-known knowledge that Eichiiro Oda, the creator of this masterpiece story is a man full of story to tell that sometimes it’s overwhelmed him. To have this spin off in the form of novel is not at all a problem for me since we know Oda’s number one priority is to focused on the main story of drawing One Piece. I am grateful enough to get my share of another story by Oda. Especially about our beloved Ace.
My first impression of it is what a smart move to narrate the story from second person’s perspective. Just like in the manga, the sideline commentary impacted our view on The Straw Hat, the same could be apply to Ace. As Ace is character full of surprise and wonder.
Deuce, Ace’s first mate, the narrator of the story is a character that has this nostalgic feeling very much like early One Piece of The East Blue. Someone like Coby with tense and humble upbringing. While Ace, wow the narration depicts Ace 100% correctly. I repeat, correctly. Chef kiss!
What was the real Ace like? He was the kind of person who shared his only food with a starving man, when he himself was already starving.
The translator, Stephen Paul is the same man who translates the official manga for US Shonen Jump/VIZ. He did a good job as the words are made simple and very modest so it got the same sincere feeling as the manga
however there are also some downfall of it for me. The narrative lack two things that are cores of the world of One Piece: excitement of a new island and comedy
The excitement has partly something to do with Deuce’s narrative but for the most part from the lack of build-up excitement to embrace new island/ adventures. While Ace is a walking bundle of joy, the other character didn’t share the same energy.
For the comedy, well, I think the problem is momentum. There are some humor that hit it and i laugh reaaally loud but there are some that straight up cringe. Like I know how Oda would draw it, i can imagine it perfectly but the depiction in the novel not at all helping.
This is a very short spin-off with more potential. A treat for fans with new information and hints. Can’t wait for the next volume
June 9, 2024
“‘No matter how valuable the treasure you find, or the number of battles you win against worthy opponents, none of it means anything if you’re all alone.’” (52)
For fans of One Piece, I think this is is a really fun, insightful glimpse into the background of such a beloved and tragic character.
Ace is, perhaps, one of the most interesting characters in the One Piece universe — and one who had their story cut so tragically short.
Though his legacy lives on in the main series and his sacrifice is a major turning point for the series, I always wondered at his past and his adventures on the sea.
This book is, by no means, a comprehensive deep dive into the character but I think it is quite an enjoyable read for anyone who, like me, craves more content on Ace and his history leading up to the main series.
Would overall recommend to all my manga fans out there~
For fans of One Piece, I think this is is a really fun, insightful glimpse into the background of such a beloved and tragic character.
Ace is, perhaps, one of the most interesting characters in the One Piece universe — and one who had their story cut so tragically short.
Though his legacy lives on in the main series and his sacrifice is a major turning point for the series, I always wondered at his past and his adventures on the sea.
This book is, by no means, a comprehensive deep dive into the character but I think it is quite an enjoyable read for anyone who, like me, craves more content on Ace and his history leading up to the main series.
Would overall recommend to all my manga fans out there~
May 6, 2020
This was soooooo gooood. I'm crying. 😭😭😭
This is from Deuce's point of view and tells the story about the formation of the spade pirates.
You know that feeling when you didn't know you needed something until you had it? Reading this gave me that feeling.
I'm falling in love with Ace all over again, and the dynamics of the spade pirates brought joy to my day.
Deuce -no matter what anyone says- is also very articulate, and reading about a captain from his subordinate's view point was insightful. The manga has shown glimpses of the themes discussed here but the novel can take its time to really explore them.
All the characters are very likable and contain that specific One piece charm™
I don't even know what to write without spoiling it.
This is from Deuce's point of view and tells the story about the formation of the spade pirates.
You know that feeling when you didn't know you needed something until you had it? Reading this gave me that feeling.
I'm falling in love with Ace all over again, and the dynamics of the spade pirates brought joy to my day.
Deuce -no matter what anyone says- is also very articulate, and reading about a captain from his subordinate's view point was insightful. The manga has shown glimpses of the themes discussed here but the novel can take its time to really explore them.
All the characters are very likable and contain that specific One piece charm™
I don't even know what to write without spoiling it.
January 9, 2023
ace never fails to make me sad
December 13, 2022
You know, I ended up liking this way more than I expected.
I largely picked up Ace's Story on impulse because a) I was doing a pirate themed reading challenge, b) I'm a huge weeb and c) Portgas D. Ace. I've read published tie in novels and spin off mangas and the like before and found them middling if not outright bad, and in terms of plot Ace's Story does fit the former description, but I was impressed by how well it captured the spirit of what makes One Piece so engaging and downright loveable. I think that's something that's especially surprising because when I think of One Piece, I'd definitely foremost consider its style and how it looks, so managing to translate it to prose form strikes me as a feat.
Ace's Story is told from the perspective of 'Deuce', a man stranded on a deserted island who bumps into Ace under the same predicament. He takes a while to come around to him, but eventually forms a close enough bond with Ace to become the first member of Ace's original pirate crew; The Spade Pirates. An aspiring writer, Deuce takes it upon himself to chronicle his adventures under Ace's flag, starring Ace as the main protagonist (though Deuce perhaps wouldn't admit that) and the rest of the book takes us through a couple of different scenarios of things that happened to the Spade Pirates; a fight scene to introduce us to the rest of the crew, and the things they got up to in Sabaody.
I would have liked more of an overarching plot to the book - it kind of had one in the form of a navy officer who was tailing them, but quite a lot with her was implied to have happened off page - but it was still a fun, easy on the brain read that I easily whizzed through in one day. Even though little was actually happening in the narrative, I did find myself still itching to read on. The characters were fun, fitting into Oda's usual style of camp eccentricity with a more subtle undercurrent of something sadder or darker. Ace was portrayed well, coming across largely as his oddly polite, admitted himbo self, but the narrative did also hint at his (semi-mild one piece spoilers) own anxiety, and his fear of being unlovable. We see how he reacts to rejection a very different way from One Piece's protagonist, Luffy, Ace accepting it but internalising a lot and immediately believing it's a reflection on his own worth. My only criticism of him is that I felt he gave Deuce bits of his life story that, in One Piece, it's implied he tends to hide a bit too willingly. Deuce was a good, grouchy narrator who as narrator still offered up his own personality, and the rest of the crew appeared less but were none-the-less vivid characters you could easily imagine in the main One Piece canon. I also really liked that the volume included sketches of the characters appearances and a time line of Ace's life that covered the tidbits of new information the story gave us too, such as how he found the mera mera no mi.
It's not the kind of book that's going to blow you out of the water, but it is one I think any fan would get at least a kick out of, and it serves a great reminder of just how expansive the One Piece universe is and how you can believe every character, even minor ones, has their own life and history that led them to cross into the main story, however briefly. All in all, loses a star because the more I think about it the more I realise very little actually happened, but eh. Whatever. I still enjoyed reading it.
I largely picked up Ace's Story on impulse because a) I was doing a pirate themed reading challenge, b) I'm a huge weeb and c) Portgas D. Ace. I've read published tie in novels and spin off mangas and the like before and found them middling if not outright bad, and in terms of plot Ace's Story does fit the former description, but I was impressed by how well it captured the spirit of what makes One Piece so engaging and downright loveable. I think that's something that's especially surprising because when I think of One Piece, I'd definitely foremost consider its style and how it looks, so managing to translate it to prose form strikes me as a feat.
Ace's Story is told from the perspective of 'Deuce', a man stranded on a deserted island who bumps into Ace under the same predicament. He takes a while to come around to him, but eventually forms a close enough bond with Ace to become the first member of Ace's original pirate crew; The Spade Pirates. An aspiring writer, Deuce takes it upon himself to chronicle his adventures under Ace's flag, starring Ace as the main protagonist (though Deuce perhaps wouldn't admit that) and the rest of the book takes us through a couple of different scenarios of things that happened to the Spade Pirates; a fight scene to introduce us to the rest of the crew, and the things they got up to in Sabaody.
I would have liked more of an overarching plot to the book - it kind of had one in the form of a navy officer who was tailing them, but quite a lot with her was implied to have happened off page - but it was still a fun, easy on the brain read that I easily whizzed through in one day. Even though little was actually happening in the narrative, I did find myself still itching to read on. The characters were fun, fitting into Oda's usual style of camp eccentricity with a more subtle undercurrent of something sadder or darker. Ace was portrayed well, coming across largely as his oddly polite, admitted himbo self, but the narrative did also hint at his (semi-mild one piece spoilers) own anxiety, and his fear of being unlovable. We see how he reacts to rejection a very different way from One Piece's protagonist, Luffy, Ace accepting it but internalising a lot and immediately believing it's a reflection on his own worth. My only criticism of him is that I felt he gave Deuce bits of his life story that, in One Piece, it's implied he tends to hide a bit too willingly. Deuce was a good, grouchy narrator who as narrator still offered up his own personality, and the rest of the crew appeared less but were none-the-less vivid characters you could easily imagine in the main One Piece canon. I also really liked that the volume included sketches of the characters appearances and a time line of Ace's life that covered the tidbits of new information the story gave us too, such as how he found the mera mera no mi.
It's not the kind of book that's going to blow you out of the water, but it is one I think any fan would get at least a kick out of, and it serves a great reminder of just how expansive the One Piece universe is and how you can believe every character, even minor ones, has their own life and history that led them to cross into the main story, however briefly. All in all, loses a star because the more I think about it the more I realise very little actually happened, but eh. Whatever. I still enjoyed reading it.
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