A pirate in One Piece is only as good as their Jolly Rogers. This isn’t true, but we’re doing this anyway. The first traditional pirate flag, found in the real world, was most like unfurled by Emmanuel Wynn. Since then, pirate-themed stories have made it a staple. That is very much the case in the One Piece universe. Jolly Rogers is often emblematic of the crew’s traits and skills. It’s a way of telling the rest of the seas that you are a force to be reckoned with. So, what are the top 10 Jolly Rogers in One Piece? Disclaimer: This is a very subjective topic. Some of you won’t agree with the results. Here we go.
10. Usopp Pirates
The Jolly Roger of the crew resembled those found in the One Piece universe, with one distinct difference: rather than sporting a conventional jaw with teeth, the skull featured a vertically elongated, open mouth. Although incredibly simple, It kind of resembles “The Scream,” which is kind of metal in a way.
9. On Air Pirates
The depicted Jolly Roger takes on a comical portrayal of a classic skull design. However, it deviates from tradition by substituting the upper teeth with an extended arrangement of piano keys, resembling Apoo’s distinctive upper teeth. These keys form a wave-like pattern, mirroring his musical theme, and the emblem also incorporates his recognizable braided hair tail. Instead of the typical crossbones backdrop, a lightning bolt is featured, possibly alluding to Apoo’s unique hairstyle once more. It’s a unique aesthetic for sure.
8. Fallen Monk Pirates
Similar to numerous Jolly Rogers within the One Piece universe, the flag carries a semblance to the crew’s leader. The crew’s emblem takes on a playful depiction of Urouge’s countenance, complete with his customary grin and distinctive pierced ears. Accompanying this are wing motifs, while his signature red bead necklace shapes a circle in the backdrop. There’s something nice about the extra creativity put into it.
7. Blackbeard Pirates
The flag of the Blackbeard Pirates features three scowling skulls: one gazing to the left, another facing forward, and the last turned to the right. Adjacent to these skulls, cross-intersected bone arrangements stand alongside the traditional pair, completing the design. There is something about this Jolly Roger that exemplifies the Blackbeard MO in the One Piece universe.
6. Kuja Pirates
As stated previously, many of One Piece’s Jolly Rogers showcase the theme among the pirate crew. The Jolly Roger of the Kuja tribe showcases a diminutive skull lacking a jawbone and devoid of crossbones. In its place, nine serpents emerge from behind the skull, gracefully curving to the right. It’s a very fitting look for the Boa sisters, and it shows the enemy exactly what they are about to face.
5. Jolly Roger: Roger Pirates
You knew this one was coming. The Roger Pirates Jolly Roger in One Piece features a classic skull and crossbones motif, adorned with a distinctive wavy mustache like Gol D. Roger himself. This emblem symbolizes Roger’s legacy as the Pirate King and his unyielding spirit. The skull’s grin exudes an air of audacity and freedom, capturing the crew’s adventurous nature. This iconic Jolly Roger serves as a reminder of the Roger Pirates’ indomitable journey and their pursuit of the fabled One Piece treasure.
4. Jolly Roger: Baroque Works
The Baroque Works Jolly Roger may not be held by a specific crew exactly, but it is a Jolly Roger nonetheless. And it is stunning. The organization aligned itself with a conventional Jolly Roger. In it, this emblem stood out with rapiers replacing the conventional crossbones, accompanied by a background adorned with light-purple wings. It has a very clean look and is one of the most memorable.
3. Jolly Roger: Beasts Pirates
The Beasts Pirate’s flag might not be colorful, but it stands out over most Jolly Rogers in the series. The crew’s emblem features a centrally positioned skull, situated above a configuration of four intersecting crossbones. These crossbones include one in a vertical orientation, another placed horizontally, and a pair forming a diagonal, resembling the arrangement seen on the Blackbeard Pirates flag. The skull itself departs from the conventional form, showcasing a slimmer structure with a mild frown denoted by its narrowed eye sockets. It possesses upward-curving horns akin to those of Kaidou, while on either side, two elongated rectangles extend, gently bending into outward-facing arcs. It really stands out, and it deserves to take third place on the list.
2. Jolly Roger: Red Hair Pirates (Pre-Marineford)
This is another clean look from a fan favorite. Sometimes detail isn’t everything, and this goes double for the Red Hair Pirate’s Jolly Roger. The previous Jolly Roger of the Red Hair Pirates features a lifelike skull, complemented by a duo of intersecting sabers positioned behind it. It has a really honest aesthetic that demands universal respect. Notably, the emblem incorporates two crimson stripes outlined in black, crossing diagonally over the left eye socket of the skull. There’s a story here. These stripes symbolize the scars borne by their leader from the clash with Blackbeard.
1. Jolly Roger: Straw Hats
There are very few Jolly Rogers that are as iconic in the world of One Piece as the Straw Hat Pirates’ atop their vessel. It’s a skull with that trademark Luffy spirit that fans have grown to appreciate throughout the series. It even has a bit of a backstory with its creation. Because of Luffy’s somewhat challenged artistic talents, it was Usopp who took on the task of crafting the flag. Alongside its presence on their emblem, the Jolly Roger has also been proudly displayed on both the sails of the Going Merry and the Thousand Sunny.
When one sees this flag, we are instantly reminded of all the travels and hardships we’ve seen the gang face over the years. Jolly Rogers like this are not only emblematic of the sailing crew, but they tell a story. We can look at this flag and expect great things. In many ways, The Straw Hat Jolley Roger is the harbinger of promise; a symbolic gesture to those that need saving.
The Importance of Jolly Rogers In One Piece
In the world of One Piece, Jolly Rogers holds significant importance as an iconic symbol that encapsulates the essence and identity of each pirate crew. These distinct emblems not only differentiate one crew from another but also convey essential information about their beliefs, aspirations, and reputation. Jolly Rogers serves as a visual representation of the crew’s values, ambitions, and overall character, making them a crucial aspect of the series.
Lastly, Jolly Rogers establishes a crew’s unique identity. Just as a flag represents a nation, a pirate’s Jolly Roger signifies the crew’s distinct society on the open seas. These flags often incorporate imagery and elements specific to the captain’s personality, history, or theme, ranging from symbols of their strength, affiliations, or aspirations. The design of a Jolly Roger is often an extension of the captain’s persona, reflecting their traits, goals, and history. It’s a powerful thing. We greatly appreciate it.
