As the Final Saga continues to grow, it’s time to address Vegapunk’s “Satellites.” In the grand scheme of things, we have different personality traits that define us. Whether we like it or not, one emotion tends to run the rest, making us the “angry neighbor” or the “loving friend.” Some stories take this to the extreme, isolating these modes of thinking in the form of separate entities. In One Piece, Vegapunk accomplishes just that by splitting his brain into six separate parts. So, who are Vegapunk’s Satellites, and what do they add to the overall narrative? It’s time to describe them individually, even if they come from the same brilliant mind. Caution: SPOILERS AHEAD.
6. Shaka: Punk-01
Shaka is a partial man of average stature. His head is concealed by an advanced metallic helmet with the number 01 prominently displayed on its face. In a way, it reminds one of Daft Punk. As the “Good” satellite of Vegapunk, Shaka possesses exceptional rationality, composure, and contemplative qualities.
He has unwavering loyalty to Stella, the original Vegapunk, and he firmly believes that safeguarding his well-being is their foremost responsibility. Shaka’s sharp analytical acumen proves invaluable in combat scenarios, as it prevents Lilith from recklessly launching attacks against the Straw Hats. That is, until he was killed by York while acting as a formidable ally during the Egghead Arc.
5. Lilith: Punk-02
As the designated “Evil” satellite of Vegapunk, Lilith embodies Vegapunk’s less tasteful characteristics. It’s important to note that – while all of Vegapunk’s satellites collectively identify themselves as Vegapunk – they individually represent distinct facets of Vegapunk’s personality, each possessing their own distinct wills and desires. This creates a lot of tension.
Consequently, they are essentially six unique individuals. Lilith heavily relies on mechas and cybernetically enhanced animals to bolster her combat capabilities. She pilots the colossal mecha known as the Vega Force 1. Lilith is identifiable by her impulsive and brash demeanor, often displaying a lot of derision. Due to her bold and confrontational nature, she ranks among the most assertively combative and audacious of Vegapunk’s satellites.
4. Edison: Punk-03
Edison is an interesting character for sure. Also, one can deduce from the name that this little guy is built for science. Their head resembles an American football, with two protruding appendages on the top. Edison exudes boundless energy, forever engrossed in devising fresh invention concepts and conducting experiments. Within the group, he assumes the role of the “Thinking” satellite.
Edison eventually teamed up with the Straw Hats, alongside Stussy and the other satellites, gathering in the control room to commence their quest for the primary Vegapunk. He also took a moment to commend their successful repair of Atlas. Notably, he stands out as one of the more cooperative members of the team.
3. Pythagoras: Punk-04
Another name inspired by a legendary intellectual. As Vegapunk’s designated “wisdom” satellite, Pythagoras in renown for his serene demeanor and profound interest in meticulously scrutinizing Vegapunk’s inventions. During the Egghead Arc, he aligns himself with the Straw Hat Pirates as an ally, until his unfortunate demise brought about by one of his own creations, S-Snake. Pythagoras is assigned to the meticulous collection of data from these experiments and the exhaustive examination of their potential scientific ramifications. That is until his head is turned into a cybernetic grape.
2. Atlas: Punk-05
She holds a distinctive appearance with a drooping ear and short, curly hair split between white on the left side and pink on the right. Notably, two lengthy hair tendrils cascade from each side of her head. Her style is reminiscent of something you’d see in an old SEGA game. There are evident mechanical aspects to her composition, as her face exhibited cracks and emitted wisps of smoke when subjected to physical damage. Her specialized gloves, known as Light-Pressure Gloves, grant her the unique ability to manipulate light as if it were a tangible substance.
Atlas tends to have a short fuse and is prone to outbursts of violence when provoked, aptly assigned as the “violence” satellite within Vegapunk’s group. It seems she fulfills the fundamental human need for aggression and, possibly, engages in physical training on behalf of the other Vegapunks. So far she has been surprising in the Egghead arc, turning Pacifistas onto the Marines!
1. York: Punk-06
Here we go. This is the big one. York is, at her core, a profoundly self-centered plotter driven by grandiose aspirations, even if it means betraying her fellow Vegapunks in pursuit of the coveted status of a World Noble. Her role as the “Greed” satellite of Vegapunk highlights her insatiable appetite and penchant for indolence. Her primary responsibilities seem centered around eating, sleeping, and attending to her own bodily needs, thereby ensuring that the other satellites can carry out their tasks uninterrupted.
Initially, she posed as an ally to the Straw Hat Pirates, but her true colors were eventually exposed. It was revealed that she had been a traitor all along, playing a pivotal role in instigating the Egghead Incident and numerous preceding events during the Egghead Arc. Throughout the arc, she attempts to negotiate with the Five Elders, even if it leads to the demise of the millions.
What Fans Learn From Vegapunk’s Satellites
In more ways than one, these characters represent the dangers of extremes, along with the harmony of balance. The presence of the satellites is both entertaining and insanely metaphorical. Once “Good” and “Wisdom” are destroyed, “Violence,” “Evil,” and “Greed” overcome “Thinking” in a way that leads to total destruction. While watching these characters, it kind of felt like an adaptation of Lord of The Flies. Ralph is ousted by once loyal friends and Piggy loses his sight, leading to a destroyed society. Luckily, in our narrative, the Straw Hats are there to bring balance to a crumbling world.
