Throughout the years, One Piece has introduced some truly unforgettable characters. The iconic anime has been running for over two decades and is widely loved for its extensive world-building, fun storytelling, and colorful personalities. From pirates like the Straw Hats to Marines like Smoker, fans have come to love the story’s diverse cast.
A character’s design is more than just artwork – it’s a combination of their appearance, personality, and behaviors. Some characters are written well but have forgettable designs. The opposite effect is less common, but it’s seen with many of One Piece‘s minor characters, such as the children of the Charlotte Family. Overall, the series boasts some of the most creative and memorable character designs in anime.
10 King the Conflagration
All-Star of the Beast Pirates
During his childhood, Alber was held as a test subject on Punk Hazard. After meeting another hostage named Kaido, the two escaped the facility and formed the Beast Pirates. His companion gave him the name “King”, and he became the captain’s right-hand man. During the Raid on Onigashima, King crosses swords with Zoro, who unlocks his Conqueror’s Haki and overwhelms his opponent. As the Beast Pirates’ second-in-command, the villain is reputed for his immense power and pyrokinetic abilities as a Lunarian.
King’s character design is both fascinating and unsettling. His spiked mask and piercing eyes fit with his ruthless personality, and create the image of a grim reaper. However, the villain’s true appearance evokes a fallen angel aesthetic with wings and silver hair from his Lunarian heritage. The contrast between King’s masked and unmasked forms is an unexpected but welcome surprise.
9 Enel
Former God of Skypeia
After eating the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Enel ruthlessly destroys his home and takes the position of God in Skypeia. He uses Observation Haki, also known as “Mantra”, to monitor the island and strike down anyone who opposes him. The thunder deity has an excellent command over his Devil Fruit, whose power is thought to be invincible. He is eventually defeated by Luffy’s rubber form after revealing his plans to annihilate Skypeia.
Enel bears an uncanny resemblance to the rapper Eminem, who is thought to have inspired his appearance. The drum ring above his head is said to be based on that of Raijin, the Japanese thunder deity. Enel’s design is rather unique in the series and includes motifs from different cultures. Despite its simplicity, his appearance is majestic, and it perfectly embodies his god complex. His unique quirks and unusual style make him one of the most memorable villains in the series.
8 Yamato
Former Heir of Kaido
After witnessing Kozuki Oden’s execution, Yamato idolized the daimyo and hoped to fulfill his dream of opening Wano to the outside world. The samurai is a rare individual who can use all three types of Haki. Their perspective causes them to clash with Kaido, who often subjects his child to cruel treatment. Yamato acts as a major ally to the Straw Hat Pirates and nearly joins the crew; however, they decide to follow in Oden’s footsteps and explore Wano Country first.
Yamato’s design is colorful and eye-catching, resembling an Oni from Japanese folklore. Their turquoise hair contrasts with their red hakama pants and horns, and their nio dasuki makes them stand out in every scene. Like their vibrant personality, Yamato’s Devil Fruit transformation is powerful and visually striking. Overall, their appearance complements their hyperactive personality and embodies the concept of freedom.
7 “Surgeon of Death” Trafalgar D. Water Law
Captain of the Heart Pirates and Former Warlord of the Sea
Law is a doctor, a pirate captain, and a former Warlord of the Sea. As the sole survivor of Flevance, he was afflicted with Amber Lead Syndrome. His life was saved by Donquixote Rosinante, who betrayed his brother and fed Law the Op-Op Fruit. After curing his illness, the doctor dedicated the next 13 years to taking down Doflamingo and avenging his savior. Despite his reputation as a ruthless pirate, Law is committed to saving lives and dislikes unnecessary bloodshed.
Law’s character design is distinct enough to make him stand out in the world of One Piece. He makes many fashion statements by including the Heart Pirates’ Jolly Roger on his clothes (and his back) and pairing them with a spotted hat. His effortlessly cool style matches with his calm personality, and his trademark sword gives him a serious, dignified look. Law is unafraid to display his unique tattoos and pair them with simple, but memorable outfits.
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The preview for the next One Piece episode teases the colossal battle between Law and Blackbeard’s pirate crews that’ll likely surpass the manga.
6 “Ghost Princess” Perona
Former Commander of the Thriller Bark Pirates
Perona first appears in Thriller Bark, where she raids Thousand Sunny and later torments the Straw Hats with her Negative Hollows. Apart from conjuring ghosts, her Devil Fruit allows her to astral project, fly, and generate explosions. As a member of Thriller Bark’s Mysterious Four, she also commands an army of zombies. The Ghost Princess is eventually sent to Kuraigana Island, where she spends two years with Zoro and Mihawk.
Perona’s pink hair and quirky style are some of her most memorable features. The Ghost Princess’ whimsical pre-time skip design combines her whimsical nature with her love of cute things. However, her post-time skip design takes a darker approach by evoking a Gothic Lolita aesthetic. Perona’s spooky but stylish looks make her a standout character in the brightly colored world of One Piece.
5 Donquixote “Corazon” Rosinante
Marine Commander and Second Corazon of the Donquixote Pirates
After being humiliated by the World Nobles, Rosinante was taken in by Sengoku and raised as a Marine. He infiltrates the Donquixote pirates on an undercover mission and becomes Doflamingo’s second-in-command. After hearing about Law’s background, he avidly searches for a way to cure the boy’s Amber Lead Syndrome and later saves his life by feeding him the Op-Op Fruit. Upon discovering his brother’s betrayal, Doflamingo mercilessly shoots and kills Rosinante. The Marine Commander’s actions have a profound effect on Law, who dedicates his life to avenging him.
Despite only appearing in a flashback, Rosinante quickly became a fan-favorite character. While this is partly due to his role in Law’s story, his unusual design also captivated audiences. As the “Corazon” of the Donquixote Pirates, Rosinante incorporates the heart motif in his bizarre appearance. His makeup is clown-like, while his dark feather coat symbolizes his difference from Doflamingo. Unlike his intimidating demeanor as Corazon, the Marine Commander is a warmhearted and clumsy person who truly cares about others.
4 “Desert King” Sir Crocodile
Former Warlord of the Sea and Co-Founder of the Cross Guild
Crocodile is one of the longest-running villains in One Piece and the first major antagonist to defeat Luffy. He is introduced as the president of Baroque Works and a Warlord of the Sea. A pragmatic and cunning individual, Crocodile has strong Devil Fruit powers that he uses to take over Arabasta. He is defeated by the Straw Hat Pirates, but allies with Luffy during the Summit War. In an unexpected twist, the former Warlord later teams up with Mihawk to establish the Cross Guild.
Crocodile’s simple but stylish design oozes sophistication. He conveys the image of an old-school crime boss with his cravat and button-down vest, completing the look with his cigar. The former Warlord’s golden hook adds to his mystery and contrasts with his dark apparel. Crocodile’s suave appearance complements his nonchalant attitude and makes him the definition of the word “cool”. Despite his crimes, he continues to be loved for his stylish design.
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3 Charlotte Katakuri
Sweet Commander of the Big Mom Pirates and Minister of Flour of Komugi Island
Katakuri is the third child of the Charlotte Family and the strongest member of the Three Sweet Commanders. Possessing all three types of Haki, he specializes in Observation Haki and uses an advanced technique that allows him to see the future. Katakuri is a master of his Devil Fruit and an excellent combatant, as demonstrated by his many victories. After his battle with Luffy, he tastes defeat for the first time and comes to respect the Straw Hat Pirate.
Katakuri’s trendy biker look distinguishes him from the rest of his family. His hulking figure and stoic demeanor enhance his commanding presence, and everything about his aesthetic screams “cool”. In contrast to his menacing appearance, Katakuri cares deeply about his siblings and has a strong sense of honor. While he becomes significantly less intimidating during his merienda, it only adds to his charm as a powerful but quirky character.
2 Dracule “Hawk Eyes” Mihawk
Former Warlord of the Sea and Co-Founder of the Cross Guild
Mihawk wields the legendary black blade Yoru, and holds the title of “Strongest Swordsman in the World”. A former Warlord of the Sea, he once had a famous rivalry with Shanks that ended after the Emperor lost his arm. Mihawk effortlessly defeats Zoro at the Baratie, and later becomes his sword-fighting master during the time skip. He eventually returns to his roots as a “Marine Hunter” when he establishes the Cross Guild and puts bounties on Marines.
Mihawk radiates elegance and proves that his classic look is timeless. The swordmaster’s Gothic style and majestic sword make a memorable fashion statement. However, his most striking features are his eyes, which resemble those of a hawk. Like his colleague Crocodile, Mihawk’s classic design maintains an air of sophistication and mystery. With his piercing gaze and enigmatic persona, he steals the scene every time he appears.
1 “Heavenly Demon” Donquixote Doflamingo
Captain of the Donquixote Pirates and Former King of Dressrosa
After losing his World Noble status, Doflamingo established the Donquixote Pirates. He becomes the King of Dressrosa after overthrowing the Riku family, but is later defeated by Luffy and Law. In addition to his awakened Devil Fruit and Conqueror’s Haki, the former Warlord has exceptional charisma that allows him to manipulate people and the World Government. His complex characterization and antagonistic relationship with Law have made him one of the story’s most beloved villains.
Despite his flamboyant nature, Doflamingo is one of the most terrifying characters in One Piece. While many of the series’ antagonists follow a darker style, the captain of the Donquixote Pirates is as flashy as can be. His trademark sunglasses and pink feather coat have since become iconic, and his smile has become synonymous with danger. The former Warlord’s bizarre style perfectly suits his twisted personality and establishes him as a style icon. His extravagant persona is a highlight and his character design is the best in One Piece.
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One Piece
Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a multimedia franchise that began as a manga series and follows the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as led by Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy, an enthusiastic pirate with a thirst for adventure, is afflicted by a mysterious curse that gives him various powers he uses to protect himself and his friends. The manga eventually gave way to the anime series, with the two being some of history’s longest-running anime and manga series. Along with over fifty video games made over the years, the series entered the live-action world with Netflix’s 2023 adaptation.
