Genre: Fantasy Adventure | Writer/Artist: Eiichiro Oda | Release Date: 1998
Publisher: VIZ Media
Usopp warns of a pirate attack, but no one believes him. The Straw Hats clash with the Black Cat Pirates, revealing Klahadore’s true identity as Kuro. Amid fierce battles, alliances form, truths emerge, and Luffy prepares to face Kuro.
Writing
Volume 4 of One Piece (Chapters 27–35) continues to escalate the Syrup Village Arc with a perfect blend of comedy, suspense, action, and strong character moments. The volume opens with Usopp desperately trying to warn Kaya and the villagers about Klahadore’s plot, but his reputation as a liar undermines his credibility. This narrative thread plays on classic “boy who cried wolf” themes, creating tension and emotional payoff when his warnings are finally validated. Usopp's commitment to protecting his village—even alone—gives him newfound depth, showing a brave, selfless side that redefines his character beyond comic relief.
The arrival of the Straw Hats is hilariously chaotic and perfectly in character: Luffy runs the wrong way, Zolo ends up stuck in a swamp, and Nami prioritizes treasure hunting. These comedic beats never undermine the stakes and instead reinforce how distinct and unpredictable this crew is. The fight sequences against the Black Cat Pirates are some of the most engaging so far, mixing humor with inventive choreography. The Meowban Brothers, Butchie and Siam, stand out for their stylized gimmicks and intense fight against Zolo, which shows off his tenacity and cleverness despite being severely handicapped.
Kuro, as an antagonist, delivers on all fronts. His calm, manipulative persona becomes utterly terrifying once his mask drops. He’s a villain who balances intellect and cruelty, and his five-minute ultimatum sets the stage for a climactic showdown. Meanwhile, Kaya’s development as a character shines when she defies her frailty to confront the truth about her butler and fight for what’s right. The dialogue is sharp, emotionally resonant, and often laugh-out-loud funny. The stakes feel real, and the volume ends with multiple cliffhangers that make it almost impossible not to move straight to the next.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Eiichiro Oda’s art in Volume 4 is vibrant, expressive, and bursting with kinetic energy. His ability to balance exaggerated cartoonish expressions with dramatic, impactful action scenes is on full display here. Usopp’s expressions—ranging from comedic panic to stoic bravery—perfectly match the story’s shifts in tone. The same applies to Kuro, whose cold, smug demeanor explodes into violent fury, depicted through unsettling stillness followed by frantic, blade-slicing chaos.
The character designs remain a major strength. Butchie and Siam, with their feline motifs, feel uniquely Oda—quirky but deadly. Their “Pussy-Willow March” attack is both hilarious in name and thrilling in execution, showcasing fast-paced paneling and dynamic layouts. The choreography in Zolo’s battle against the Meowban Brothers highlights Oda’s strength in visual clarity, even when swords and limbs are flying in all directions. Zolo’s eventual triumph with the “Tiger Hunt” technique is rendered with heavy impact lines and dramatic shading that makes the moment land with weight.
Backgrounds remain detailed yet never distracting, providing just enough context to enhance the mood—be it the eerie mansion, the chaotic battlefield, or the misty village roads. Django’s hypnotic antics are drawn with a whimsical surrealism that pops off the page, adding to the unpredictability of every encounter. Panel transitions are smooth and intuitive, guiding the reader’s eye even through cluttered action.
Oda’s ability to mix emotion with visual exaggeration is what keeps One Piece’s aesthetic timeless. Whether it’s Luffy hilariously berating Usopp for not knowing north or silently glaring down Kuro before an epic clash, the illustrations serve the story with perfect synergy.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, One Piece, Volume 4 hits all the right notes with intense action, laugh-out-loud humor, and strong emotional beats. Usopp steps into the spotlight with a heroic arc, while Kuro solidifies himself as a cunning and dangerous villain. With standout fights, clever visual storytelling, and cliffhangers that demand continuation, this volume encapsulates what makes One Piece so beloved. A must-read for any fan of adventure manga. One Piece, Volume 4 earns an emphatic 4 out of 5.
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