Boa Hancock and Chi-chi [One Piece Spoilers]

[MisterFlashdude]

If you somehow overlooked it in the topic title, I'm definitely about to reference the most recent happenings in One Piece. Consider yourself warned. Twice.

We know Oda is an admirer of Toriyama's work and was inspired by Dragon Ball in his youth. Hot on the heels of Oda indulging in one of Toriyama's favorite story telling techniques (the time skip), I'm getting a lot of déjà vu from the interactions between Hancock and Luffy.
There are few aspects of Dragon Ball I dislike more than Goku and Chi-chi's relationship. I've had the chance to express that a few times around here, and I cannot put into words just how amused I am at Luffy's repeated flat-out refusal of her desires for marriage.

It really seems to me like Hancock's spontaneous infatuation with Luffy and her need to marry him is a bit of a jab at Chi-chi. In particular...


Am I alone here?

[Kaboom]

The main difference between Goku and Chi-Chi's relationship and Luffy and Hancock's "relationship" is which member is clueless. In DragonBall, it was Goku who had no idea what was really going on, having proposed marriage without even realizing it. In One Piece, however Hancock is the one constantly mistaking things Luffy says or does as declarations of love or proposals of marriage, when in reality he has a clear and utter lack of interest.

It's quite an interesting comparison, but primarly because of how much contrast the two scenarios actually have.

[Chuquita]

I have been enjoying the contrast between the two "couples" immensely. Luffy and Hancock are just so funny. Even though I do feel kinda bad for her (because she's got it so bad for Luffy, but he obviously has no romantic interest in her), the comedic aspect of their relationship over-rules all of that and those two do make me laugh.


Wasn't Oda interviewed at one point about One Piece and characters falling in love, and his reply was something along the lines of 'they are in love...with adventure!' XD

I wish Toriyama had thought as far ahead with his storytelling/retained his passion for his series like Oda does.

[MisterFlashdude]

Hancock, to me, seems like an extreme exaggeration of Chi-chi's initial tendency to assume everything Goku does (such as knowing her name or tapping her crotch with his foot) is a sign of affection. I believe Hancock once interpreted one of Luffy's hugs as confirmation of marriage? Sounds like Chi-chi logic to me.

Since Luffy is, in a way, Oda's Goku-analog, I can't help but imagine this is his tongue-in-cheek way of saying, "If Goku would have known what marriage was, he'd have refused outright."

[Kaboom]

Wasn't Oda interviewed at one point about One Piece and characters falling in love, and his reply was something along the lines of 'they are in love...with adventure!' XD

I'm pretty sure that inquiry was specifically in regards to the Straw Hats themselves. Outside of that main cast, however, is obviously a different story!

[Big Momma]

I'm more surprised that Hancock is much older than Luffy. (Has her age been stated? I'd say she's at least a good 10 years older)

[JulieYBM]

The romantic in me supports Luffy x Hancock. She's hopelessly delusional but it's a funny gag, similar to how Chichi is a gag. She'll probably win him over once the story ends. Hopefully.

I'm more surprised that Hancock is much older than Luffy. (Has her age been stated? I'd say she's at least a good 10 years older)

From #598 onward she is thirty-one. Luffy is currently nineteen

[Goku100xKamehameha]

I'm more surprised that Hancock is much older than Luffy. (Has her age been stated? I'd say she's at least a good 10 years older)

She's 29 in her debut and 31 after the time skip.

[Ahiru77]

Well done Oda.

Now jab at Vegeta too.

[The Time Traveller]

There was a time skip in One Piece?!

I once said that when Nami and Luffy first meet I thought "they're definitely ending up together in the future!" then someone pointed out that that's not going to happen, and I would have probably thought the same thing if I had JUST started Dragon Ball, only with Goku and Bulma.

[JulieYBM]

There was a time skip in One Piece?!

Aside from chapter #1 (where there was a ten year timeskip)...in chapter #597 the Straw Hats take two years off from pirating to train. #598 begins the reunion arc.