Eiichiro Oda's One Piece has enthralled audiences with its diverse characters and their complex moral compasses. Of particular interest is Monkey D. Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army and father to the series' main character, Monkey D. Luffy. His mysterious actions have sparked debates among fans, leaving them to question whether he is on the side of good or evil.
One Piece: The Enigma of Monkey D. Dragon
There has been an ongoing debate among fans about whether Monkey D. Dragon could be portrayed as a villain in the story. They point to his leadership of the Revolutionary Army, a group dedicated to overthrowing the World Government. The army's actions, like inciting rebellions and causing chaos, could be viewed as disruptive and harmful to civilians. Additionally, Dragon's enigmatic background and unwillingness to reveal his intentions only fuel speculation about his potential villainous nature.
The image above depicts the leader of the revolutionary army in One Piece, as portrayed by Toei Animation.
A prevailing theory within the One Piece community posits that Monkey D. Dragon's end goal may revolve around establishing a global order in which he holds absolute authority. According to this theory, his actions mirror those typically attributed to an antagonist seeking to dismantle the system for their own benefit.
One Piece: Evidence supporting Monkey D. Dragon's alignment with Good
Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that these are still theories and speculations as the true motives and objectives of Monkey D. Dragon have not been fully revealed in the storyline.
Nevertheless, some fans argue that Monkey D. Dragon is actually on the side of good. They see him as a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive World Government, which has often been portrayed as engaging in immoral actions in the series. Led by Monkey D.
Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army, led his followers in an unwavering fight for freedom, equality, and the liberation of oppressed nations. Their mission was clear - to bring about meaningful transformations for a better world. Portrayed as a revolutionary figure, Monkey D. Dragon dedicated himself to opposing tyranny and injustice. His actions, such as rescuing lives during the burning of Gray Terminal, and his relentless pursuit of the truth about the World Government's cruel acts, demonstrate his motivation to create a more equitable world for all, rather than seeking personal gain or power.
Final thoughts
Monkey D. Dragon's first appearance (Image via Toei Animation)
The debate over whether Monkey D. Dragon is a hero or villain in the One Piece world continues to be a hot topic among fans. While some speculate that he may be motivated by self-interest and be on the side of evil, the majority of evidence supports his alignment with the forces of good. As the leader of the Revolutionary Army and a staunch opponent of the World Government, Monkey D. Dragon champions principles of freedom, equality, and justice.
Monkey D. Dragon's true nature remains a mystery in the series, allowing for more exploration and surprises. Despite being seen as an enemy of the state, his actions may have a significant moral impact.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I find the character of Monkey D. Dragon to be intriguing and complex. While his actions can be seen as disruptive and harmful, it is important to consider the context in which he operates. The World Government in One Piece is often portrayed as corrupt and oppressive, so Dragon's rebellion against it can be seen as justified. Additionally, Dragon's willingness to risk his own life to save others, such as during the burning of Gray Terminal, suggests that he has good intentions.
Overall, I believe that Monkey D. Dragon is a complex and morally ambiguous character. While he is willing to use violence and deception to achieve his goals, he ultimately seems to be motivated by a desire to create a more just and equitable world. I am excited to see how his character develops in future One Piece arcs and learn more about his true motivations.