Unveiling the Untold Backstory: How One Piece Anime Reveals the Hero's Forgotten Past Skipped in the Manga

Warning: Spoilers for Episode #1066 of the One Piece anime.

Episode #1066 of One Piece showcased the ultimate showdown between Kid and Law as they faced off against the formidable Pirate Emperor, Big Mom. This episode also delved into Kid's backstory, revealing details that were not covered in the manga. The Wano arc, which has been beautifully adapted with updated artwork and improved pacing, is quickly coming to a close in the anime. However, the first American director of One Piece, Henry D. Thurlow, aimed to make a lasting impression with episode #1066. Thurlow delivered a stylish and unforgettable battle, pitting our heroes against one of the series' most formidable opponents, Big Mom. Alongside the epic fight scenes, the episode featured incredibly dramatic moments that shed light on Kid's past.

Episode #1066 of One Piece, titled "Here Comes the Main Act! Powerful Techniques of Shockwave and Magnetism", commences with a pitch-black screen accompanied by the sound of labored breathing. Gradually, an image emerges, showing Captain Kid in a state of extensive wounds, drenched in blood. Intense black-and-white visuals then portray a young Kid laboring over the assembly of a toy robot amidst a junkyard. The narrative promptly alternates between the current predicament of the beleaguered pirate from the Worst Generation and mesmerizing glimpses of his tumultuous past. The illustrations, crafted by the talented French Comic Book artist David Tako, serve as a visual representation of Kid's life flashing before his eyes, incorporating significant moments that diverge from the original manga of One Piece.

One Piece Finally Shows Kid's Past In Full

The introduction of episode #1066 showcases a visually striking art style, portraying various moments from Kid's life. These glimpses delve into his past, which have been previously shown in the anime. Examples include his encounters with Luffy and Law at the Sabaody Archipelago, as well as the unexpected appearance of Kaido in front of Hawkins, Apoo, Kid, and his first mate, Killer. However, the scene also incorporates images that Oda revealed about Kid and Killer's background in the Q&A section of One Piece Vol. 104.

On the South Blue Island where Kid and Killer grew up, both of them held leadership positions in outlaw groups. In their quest for justice, Kid united with other outlaw leaders on the island to overthrow the gang that oppressed its inhabitants. The tragic loss of a dear friend named "Victoria S Doruyanaika," who was also the object of affection for both Kid and Killer, fueled their determination. Following the defeat of the island's tyrannical gang leader, Kid's newly formed pirate crew embarked on their ship, named "Victoria Punk," as a tribute to their fallen comrade.

Kid is a well-liked character in the series, admired by many fans as Luffy's ultimate rival. Despite their rivalry, Kid and Luffy have developed a begrudging respect for one another and even joined forces temporarily to take down powerful foes like Kaido and Big Mom. However, Kid's journey took a turn for the worse when he rashly challenged Shanks, resulting in the devastating defeat of the Kid Pirates. Understandably, fans of Kid were left disappointed by this turn of events. Yet, they can find solace in the exceptional treatment that Kid and his captivating story received in episode #1066 of the anime.

One Piece Gives Kid Justice In The Anime

Previously criticized for its pacing, the One Piece anime redeemed itself with Kid's intro in episode #1066. His ultimate Damned Punk laser attack served as the climatic conclusion, intensified by a peek into Kid's life flashing before his eyes after enduring Big Mom's brutal Mother's Visit Cannon: 3,000 Leagues of Misery assault. This cinematic and powerful start set the stage for one of the series' finest episodes. By respecting viewers' time and showcasing David Tako's incredible artwork, the moment Kid unleashed his final attack on Big Mom became even more spectacular.

Watch One Piece on Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Sources: Twitter (@henry_thurlow, @TakoDavid)