Drawing Parallels: A Resemblance Between Kuma and One Piece Anime's Worst Father

Parents have a significant impact on the development of their children's character, and the One Piece anime is no different. Whether the parents or guardians meet with tragedy or fall short of being the ideal role model, it shapes the characters, leaving them to either endure or overcome the challenges they face.

In a similar vein, two father figures from One Piece have come into focus: Bartholomew Kuma and Vinsmoke Judge. These characters, who have garnered various names, seem to represent opposite ends on the spectrum of fatherhood. However, they share a common link - both characters are voiced by the same actor, Hideyuki Hori.

The best and worst fathers of One Piece anime share a similarity

User @Sadie65 recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) that One Piece anime fans may have overlooked an interesting detail. The voice actor for "best dad" Bartholomew Kuma and "worst dad" Vinsmoke Judge is the same. Hideyuki Hori, known for his roles in Dragon Ball Z and Mobile Fighter G Gundam, has provided the voices for both of these One Piece characters. While Hori is more recognized for his portrayal of Kuma, he has also lent his voice to the antagonistic character Judge, who is the father of Sanji and the King of the Germa Kingdom.

Fans' reactions on X (Image via Our Website)

This small but intriguing detail appears to have gone unnoticed until this point. Based on the comments received on the post, fans of the series were left puzzled.

The fact impressed some and took others by surprise, while some found humor in the details and admired the "duality of [the] man". Many fans also praised Hideyuki Hori's skill in playing contrasting roles. His voice roles include Roberto Hongo in Captain Tsubasa J, Adult Nobita in Doraemon, Tokajin in Inuyasha, and Coach Kawasaki in Slam Dunk, among others. He has also done voice work for movies like Hot Shots! and Rain Man, as well as video games.

Bartholomew Kuma - Best Dad in Eiichiro Oda's magnum opus

Bartholomew Kuma in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Bartholomew Kuma boasts an impressive list of accomplishments in the One Piece anime, including his former role as a Warlord of the Sea, previous position as King of the Sorbet Kingdom, and founding membership in the Revolutionary Army. As a solo-pirate crew, he has garnered a bounty of 296,000,000 Berries. His fatherly nature was evident in his caring and protective treatment of his adoptive daughter, Jewelry Bonney. Kuma's unwavering love and devotion to Bonney, especially in the face of her illness, further demonstrated his endearing and compassionate character. Upon learning of her condition, Kuma tirelessly sought a cure for her, exemplifying his tireless dedication to her well-being.

He was prepared to give up almost anything to give Bonney a shot at life. This was clear when he interacted with Vegapunk and later with the World Government, consenting to let them conduct experiments on his body and mind.

Vinsmoke Judge - Worst Dad of the series

Vinsmoke Judge, also known as Garuda, is a dominant figure in the Germa Kingdom and serves as the head of the Vinsmoke family in the One Piece anime. Having formerly been affiliated with MADS, Judge possesses exceptional scientific expertise and is credited with co-discovering the Lineage Factor, pioneering the creation of NEO MADS, and genetically enhancing his own offspring into formidable super soldiers.

Sanji's biological father, Judge, fell far short of being a "Dad of the Year." After the passing of his wife Sora, he underwent a drastic change. Judge pushed Sanji too hard due to the failure of his genetic modification, blaming him and seeing him as a painful reminder of his late wife. He stood by while Sanji's siblings bullied him, refusing to intervene. He labeled Sanji as a "complete waste of space and air" and the one flaw in his life. Judge was quick to imprison him and was pleased when Sanji chose to leave the Germa Kingdom. He wanted nothing to do with him, considering him an embarrassment to the family name.

Editor's P/S

As a dedicated One Piece fan, I find the comparison between Bartholomew Kuma and Vinsmoke Judge to be both intriguing and thought-provoking. The fact that these two vastly different characters are voiced by the same actor, Hideyuki Hori, adds an additional layer of depth to their portrayal. Hori's skillful voice acting effectively captures the contrasting personalities and emotions of these two fathers, making their characters all the more compelling.

The juxtaposition of Kuma's unwavering love and devotion for his adoptive daughter, Jewelry Bonney, with Judge's harsh treatment of his biological son, Sanji, highlights the profound impact that parents can have on their children's lives. Kuma's willingness to sacrifice his own well-being for Bonney's health stands in stark contrast to Judge's neglect and cruelty towards Sanji. These characters serve as powerful reminders of the importance of parental love, support, and understanding in shaping the development and happiness of children.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.