Before the world knew the name Monkey D. Luffy or the legendary treasure known as the One Piece, a young, ambitious mangaka was already honing his craft within the pages of *Weekly Shonen Jump*. That artist was Eiichiro Oda. For any self-respecting "otaku erudito," the short story collection titled "Wanted! Eiichiro Oda Before One Piece" is not just a curiosity; it is a sacred blueprint of the greatest selling manga of all time.
Demographic and Context
Published as a tankōbon in 1998, *Wanted!* is a quintessential Shonen anthology. It targets a young male audience but possesses that universal "Oda charm" that appeals to all ages. The collection serves as a time capsule, gathering five one-shots created between 1992 and 1996. It showcases the evolution of Oda’s art style—from the rough, angular lines of a novice to the dynamic, expressive character designs that would eventually define an era.
A Journey Through the Stories
The anthology is composed of five distinct tales, each exploring different genres while maintaining a cohesive thematic core.
1. Wanted! (1992): The titular story follows Gill Bastar, a bounty hunter with a massive price on his own head. In a Wild West setting, Gill is haunted by the ghost of a man he killed. This story introduces Oda’s love for "the noble outlaw" and his penchant for blending supernatural elements with high-stakes action.
2. God’s Gift for the Future (1993): This whimsical tale centers on Bran, a professional pickpocket who is given a second chance by God himself. After God accidentally tries to erase Bran from existence, he hands him a notebook that can make anything written in it come true. It’s a hilarious exploration of fate and morality, showcasing Oda’s early mastery of visual gags.
3. Ikki Yakō (1993): A story about a cowardly monk named Gengoro who is searching for a place to spend the night, only to encounter a man-eating monster. This piece highlights Oda’s ability to subvert expectations, turning a traditional "monster hunter" trope into a story about courage and hidden strength.
4. Monsters (1994): Perhaps the most significant entry for *One Piece* lore. It tells the legend of Ryuma, a wandering samurai in a world plagued by a dragon. Fans will recognize Ryuma as the legendary hero of Wano Country. This story is officially canon to the *One Piece* timeline, providing the backstory for the man who would eventually encounter Roronoa Zoro in the Thriller Bark arc. It is a masterpiece of Shonen action, focusing on the "spirit of the sword."
5. Romance Dawn (1996): This is the second version of the prototype for *One Piece*. It features a young Luffy, the Gomu Gomu no Mi, and a pirate named "Red-Haired" (though his role differs slightly from the final version). It serves as the ultimate bridge, showing the exact moment Oda’s vision for the Grand Line began to crystallize.
Main Themes
The themes in *Wanted!* are the pillars upon which *One Piece* was built:
* Inherited Will and Legacy: Whether it’s a samurai’s honor or a pirate’s dream, Oda explores how the past shapes the hero.
* Justice vs. Law: Many protagonists are "criminals" or outcasts who possess a higher moral code than the authorities pursuing them.
* The Power of Dreams: Even in these short bursts, the characters are driven by singular, burning desires that push them beyond human limits.
* Humor in Adversity: Oda’s signature "Don!" (the dramatic sound effect) is present here, punctuating moments of both extreme tension and ridiculous comedy.
Conclusion
For fans of the medium, *Wanted!* is an essential read. It allows you to witness the "Big Bang" of the Oda-verse. You see the seeds of Wano, the origins of the Straw Hat, and the development of a visual language that would conquer the world. It is a testament to the fact that before Eiichiro Oda was a master, he was a dreamer with a pen, proving that every legend has a beginning. If you want to understand the DNA of modern Shonen, look no further than these early sparks of genius.
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