Top 5 One Piece Characters from Cover Stories You Need to Know

Cover stories in One Piece play an essential yet often understated role in enriching the series’ narrative. These single-panel segments not only keep track of characters who may not be central to the main storyline but also provide valuable insight into character backstories and motivations. For instance, pivotal plot developments, such as Koby’s ascension through the Marine ranks and Buggy’s first encounter with Alvida, began as cover stories. More importantly, these narratives sometimes introduce new characters who eventually become integral to the overarching plot. Let’s explore some notable characters introduced through these captivating tales.

5. Baburu

Debut: Caribou’s Kehihihihi in the New World (Vol. 15, Chapter 690)

Baburu, an elderly woman with a nurturing spirit, first appears when she tends to Caribou after he is stranded on a stormy island. Despite Caribou’s selfish tendencies, she generously offers him hospitality, sending him off with provisions for his journey. As events unfold, Caribou encounters revolutionaries being attacked by Scotch, a subordinate of Kaido, which pushes him toward becoming more heroic.

Intriguingly, Baburu mistakes Caribou for her deceased grandson, Gaburu, which leads to a gripping revelation as her home is ransacked for harboring him. In a rare moment of growth, Caribou influences his crew into taking a stand against oppression, ultimately defeating Scotch, though his journey leads him to captivity by X Drake. Baburu’s gentle nature brings out an unexpected side of Caribou, hinting at potential complexities in his character as he evolves in upcoming arcs.

4. The Automata

Debut: Enel’s Great Space Operations (Vol. 4, Chapter 433)

The Automata, robotic beings with an uncanny resemblance to Chopper, first capture Enel’s attention during his lunar adventures. Upon discovering one of them, First Lieutenant Spacey, defeated by the Space Pirates, Enel utilizes his electric powers to revive him. This act ignites a quest for revenge against their enemies, showcasing the Automata’s deep-rooted emotional ties to their creator, Dr. Tsukimi, who met a tragic end while working on the moon.

As Enel teams up with the Automata, this subplot leaves intriguing questions about their future relevance in the series. These robotic beings not only represent a significant lore expansion but also set the stage for possible future interactions within the broad tapestry of One Piece.

3. The others

Debut: Jango’s Dance Paradise (Vol. 36, Chapter 171)

Serving as a rear admiral, Hina plays a pivotal role in binding the relationship between Jango and Fullbody, two characters with conflicting backgrounds as a pirate and a marine, respectively. Her leadership in the Black Cage Corps fosters a supportive environment that allowed both characters to navigate their complex identities while maintaining their friendship.

Hina’s unique power, the Ori Ori no Mi, serves as an invaluable asset during confrontations with criminals, underscoring her importance in various arcs involving the Marines. Her influence has not only elevated Jango and Fullbody to lieutenant captains but has also solidified her position within the marine hierarchy.

2. Camie and Papag

Debut: Hatchan’s Sea-Floor Stroll (Vol. 12, Chapter 195)

Camie, a mermaid, and her starfish mentor, Papag, are introduced when they are rescued from a Sea Boa by Hatchan. This initial bonding over a shared crisis later unfolds into a meaningful alliance, particularly when Luffy frees them from a Sea King, fostering deeper connections between the Straw Hats and their allies.

Ultimately, Camie and Papag enable Hatchan to connect with Luffy’s crew, which proves critical in securing valuable resources for navigating the underwater realms. Their presence reinforces the theme of unexpected friendships that drive the narrative forward, providing additional layers to the Straw Hats’ adventures.

1. Monkey D. Garp

Debut: Diary of Koby-Meppo (Vol. 9, Chapter 92)

Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp, a formidable figure in the Marines, is not only the mentor to young recruits like Koby and Helmeppo but also bears a familial connection to some of the series’ most notorious figures, including his grandson, Monkey D. Luffy, and his son, Monkey D. Dragon. Garp’s physical prowess and staunch principles stand as a counterbalance to the more anarchic views of his descendants.

Despite his strengths and capabilities that rival an admiral, Garp’s refusal to accept higher positions stems from his opposition to the World Nobles, emphasizing his complex character. His cover story lays the groundwork for the mentorship dynamic with Koby and Helmeppo, highlighting how mentorship shapes the future of the Marines. The layers of Garp’s character add depth to the narrative, connecting various plot lines through the lens of familial bonds and divergent philosophies.

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