One Piece manga chapters 1087 and 1088 have left fans in a state of shock, wondering if Monkey D. Garp is really dead.
Vice Admiral Garp is a character undoubtedly placed among other legendary characters like Gol D. Roger, Kaido, Whitebeard, etc. So, it came as no surprise when long-time One Piece enthusiasts started to debate whether or not Garp’s recent moves led to his untimely death. It’s time to ask if Garp is dead in One Piece. Is this is a moment of rebirth for the controversial Marine officer? Let’s start with everything that led up to this potential end; both the relationships and events.
Monkey D. Garp’s Past With Blackbeard
Garp’s relationship with Blackbeard, also known as Marshall D. Teach, is a complex narrative filled to the brim with conflicting ideologies and personal history. Garp, a renowned Marine Vice Admiral, and Blackbeard, a notorious pirate captain, find themselves on opposing ends of the law. Garp’s unwavering dedication to justice and his commitment to upholding the law put him in direct opposition to Blackbeard’s role as a pirate. Garp’s long-standing allegiance to the Marine ethos and his years of service make him a stalwart defender of order and morality in the Grand Line. In contrast, Blackbeard’s is fueled by ruthless ambition and willingness to embrace darkness. All of this to achieve his goals place him among the most feared and unpredictable pirates.
Their relationship takes a more personal dimension due to a significant event in the past: Garp’s clash with the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Blackbeard, then a member of Whitebeard’s crew, witnessed this legendary battle, which left a lasting impression on him. This encounter potentially influenced Blackbeard’s pursuit of power and his desire to claim Roger’s title.
Despite their fundamental differences, Garp’s encounters with Blackbeard hint at a begrudging respect. Garp recognizes Blackbeard’s formidable strength and the threat he poses to the world. At the same time, Blackbeard acknowledges Garp’s reputation as a powerful Marine and a living legend. In the ever-shifting landscape of the Grand Line, Garp’s relationship with Blackbeard remains a dynamic and multifaceted aspect of the One Piece narrative. Their interactions embody the central theme of choice and consequence. Both characters navigate their paths amidst conflicting ideals and personal motivations.
Wano Country Arc
Prior to the most recent events, following the Levely, Garp accompanied Neptune and his family to Fish-Man Island. During a conversation with Neptune, Garp recounted an incident related to Arabasta that transpired subsequent to their departure from Mary Geoise. As they departed Fish-Man Island, Garp perused a report which informed him of the alliance between Kaidou and Big Mom, much to his vexation.
The Egghead Arc: Koby Is Kidnapped By The Blackbeard Pirates
Several weeks later, news emerges that Koby is a captive under the Blackbeard Pirates. Responding swiftly, Garp set sail for G-14 before proceeding to Hachinosu. In this critical juncture, his fellow Vice Admiral, Doll, attempted to prevent Garp from embarking on a likely suicide mission with an Emperor, urging caution. Dismissive and focused, Garp brushed aside her concerns and summoned Helmeppo to accompany him in the daring rescue of Koby.
With a team comprising members of SWORD – and the capable Tashigi – the Marine forces embarked on their mission to Hachinosu. Spirits were high, but everybody knew the stakes. SWORD initiated their assault on the island and Garp’s ship neared its target. Following, a dramatic maneuver saw the vessel propelled from the oceans’ bonds to hover above the land below.
Addressing the assembled pirates, Garp emphasized the profound significance of Koby to the future of the Marines and his own legacy. His rallying cry was noble, and it helped fuel what was to come. Channeling his inner strength, he infused his fist with the formidable Haoshoku Haki and unleashed a devastating blow upon the island using the awe-inspiring Galaxy Impact technique. The resulting impact obliterated the surrounding area. It really showcased the sheer power at Garp’s command and underlined the gravity of his determination.
Garp’s Landing
Garp then landed safely and stated he was disappointed that he lost touch with his attack. This snarky remark was immediately met with the shock and surprise of the Blackbeard Pirates. Garp was then confronted by Kuzan, who froze Hibari and stated he would not let Koby escape. Garp then demanded Kuzan to unfreeze Hibari, set Koby free, and return to the Marines, but Kuzan rejected his demands, stating he always loved that Garp did what he wanted.
Kuzan then froze Garp with Ice Ball, asking Garp if he could kill his old protégé to protect his new one, but Garp only stated that he had told Kuzan that he should live in the moment and that wavering would be a sign of weakness. He then imbued his hand with Busoshoku and Haoshoku Haki and grabbed Kuzan mid-air, slamming him into the ground below with Blue Hole. This was a crushing blow, as illustrated in the manga.
An Epic Fight And A Signal Failure
Garp’s meteoric attack sequence sent Sanjuan Wolf hurtling into the unforgiving sea. This led to an enraged response from the Blackbeard Pirates, who rushed to rescue their comrade from the clutches of drowning. In a fiery bid to subdue Garp, Vasco Shot attempted to engulf him in flames. The seasoned marine adroitly employed nearby pirates as impromptu shields, deflecting the searing assault. The situation escalated further when Shiryu, leveraging his invisibility, launched a strike aimed at Koby. In a swift and selfless gesture, Garp interposed himself, bearing the brunt of the attack intended for his subordinate. It was a devastating blow and an example of Garp’s boundless loyalty to the cause.
Avalo Pizarro sought to obliterate Garp’s ship along with its contingent of marines and liberated slaves using an immense handcrafted from earth and stone. Then, Garp issued commands to Grus, Helmeppo, and Koby. Their coordinated effort successfully diverted the colossal hand’s trajectory while Garp engaged the gargantuan stone skull. Pizarro took a lot of damage from the strike. The tides turned as Koby and the SWORD operatives managed a successful escape from the island. Yet, Garp’s unyielding resolve came at a price, as he found himself pierced once more, this time by Kuzan’s icy assault through the chest. Undeterred, Garp’s steadfast smile conveyed a poignant message through the Den Den Mushi, reminding all present of their pivotal role as the future vanguards of the Marines.
With adversaries converging – Wolf, Shiryu, Pizarro, Shot, and Kuzan closing in – Garp’s laughter reverberated, a testament to his indomitable spirit, and the transmission concluded.
The Fate of Monkey D. Garp
With everything laid out on the table, it doesn’t look good for old Garp. He quarreled with demigods of the sea and – in his heyday – sent fear into the hearts of most seaworthy men. That said, he took a lot of damage from Shiryu’s assault and Kuzan’s blade. A stabbing from a swordsman that skilled in the One Piece universe just might be the ticket. On the other hand, Garp was laughing at the end of the transmission! It’s quite possible he got the last laugh and is MIA in some remote location. Plus, the manga and the anime could diverge a little bit here, allowing Garp to dodge the reaper with his incredible plot armor. Only time will tell.
