Chapter #1084, translated by Stephen Paul, delves more into the events of the Reverie. Prince Charlos, one of the Celestial Dragons that are the World Government’s nobility, tried to use Kuma to enslave the mermaid princess Shirahoshi, causing various members of Luffy’s Straw Hat Grand Fleet to attempt to stop him through force. Through the combined attacks of Leo and Sai, Charlos was stopped and killed in an incredibly disturbing way. The force of their blows caused his already grotesque head to fold like a macabre accordion. It is simultaneously a disgusting and hilarious moment that only works because of One Piece‘s cartoonish art style.

One Piece‘s Art Makes Charlos’ Death Downright Disturbing

This is just the latest example of Oda proving that his art style is actually perfect for the story that he is trying to tell. Luffy’s Gear Fifth abilities are the most clear-cut example of this, with its Looney Tunes style shenanigans fitting right in with One Piece‘s cartoonish art style. Oda has even used these Gear Fifth powers to unlock Luffy’s most disturbing attack back in One Piece’s Wano arc, showing the style can be used for horror as well as comedy. More generally, the art style often improves One Piece‘s darkest scenes by making them seem even more wrong due to the contrast between the horrific subject and the goofy art.

It is this same sort of contrast that makes Charlos’ murder much more horrific than it would be in a more realistically drawn manga. The morbidly silly nature of Charlos’ lethal injury would be an absurd distraction in a less stylized series. But given how well it fits One Piece’s style, Oda is able to convey the full horror of Charlos’ death in a truly shocking way. However, Oda hasn’t had many opportunities to make use of this unique aspect of his art style given the manga’s story so far.

One Piece Will Likely Feature More Brutal Deaths in the Future

Charlos’ apparent murder is even more shocking given One Piece‘s general aversion to killing off its characters. But given the manga is now entering its final Saga, Oda may be more willing to murder characters that have served their narrative purpose. He practically confirmed this by teasing a huge death during the One Piece panel at Jump Festa 2023, and now he seems to be putting this into action. If this is the case then One Piece fans can look forward to even more unique and brutal deaths made all the more shocking by the goofy way they are drawn.