By Edwin Ronald Lambert 
Introduction
One Piece: Volume 2 – Buggy the Clown is the second volume of Eiichiro Oda’s legendary shonen manga, first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and later published by Shueisha in 1998. The English release followed in 2003 through VIZ Media. It continues the high-seas adventure of Monkey D. Luffy and his budding crew as they encounter a bizarre and bombastic new enemy—Captain Buggy the Clown.
Haven’t read Volume 1 – Romance Dawn yet? Start your journey from the beginning: One Piece: Volume 1 – Romance Dawn Manga Review: A Legendary Start to an Epic Journey
After the emotionally rich Romance Dawn, I expected some world-building and humor in this follow-up. What I got was an explosion—literally—of quirky characters, colorful fights, and early hints at deeper world dynamics. I’d rate this volume 4.5/5. It’s more setup than showdown, but the charm and tension build beautifully.
This is not just a manga about pirates vs. clowns; it’s about the cost of freedom, how far someone will go to achieve their dreams, and why loyalty and belief matter in a lawless world.
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary of “One Piece: Volume 2 – Buggy the Clown”
The volume opens with Luffy and Zoro arriving in a strange town under the explosive rule of Captain Buggy—a clown-themed pirate with a Devil Fruit ability that lets him separate his body parts. Before they can even figure out where they are, they meet Nami, a crafty and mysterious thief with a grudge against pirates. She tricks Luffy and attempts to steal from Buggy, inadvertently dragging everyone into a chaotic pirate turf war.
Chapters 9–17 cover the initial confrontation between Luffy’s trio and Buggy’s eccentric gang, including his sword-juggling lieutenant Cabaji and beast-tamer Mohji. The volume ends on the verge of a full-scale clash, with Luffy getting captured and Nami caught between betrayal and trust.
Analysis & Evaluation
Story & Writing
This volume is all about setup—introducing new characters, expanding the world, and sowing narrative seeds. While the big fight is still brewing, Oda skillfully creates tension between characters, especially between Nami and Luffy. Their conflicting values drive much of the volume’s conflict, even more than the villains.
The writing balances snappy comedy with light emotional undertones, and Buggy’s ridiculous villainy contrasts well with Luffy’s honest idealism. We also get a peek into Buggy’s past with Red-Haired Shanks, tying him to Luffy’s origin and adding a nice narrative thread.
Artwork & Visual Storytelling
Oda’s art really leans into theatricality here. Buggy’s exaggerated expressions, floating hands, and cannon-happy cruelty create dynamic panel compositions. Nami’s reactions—ranging from sarcastic to vulnerable—are well-drawn and layered with subtext.
A standout moment: Buggy’s floating hand sneaking up on Luffy while he’s trapped—classic Oda comedy-meets-suspense.
Character Development
- Luffy stays true to form—fearless, simple-minded, but unwavering in his sense of right and wrong.
- Nami is the most layered addition. She’s introduced as a money-obsessed thief, but her hatred for pirates hints at deeper pain. She challenges Luffy’s trust, leading to some great tension.
- Zoro remains the quiet powerhouse—cool in a fight, honorable in intent.
- Buggy is unhinged and petty, the kind of villain who’s more dangerous because of his unpredictability. Not menacing—yet—but very memorable.
Pacing & Structure
The volume’s pacing is steady, with each chapter moving toward a central conflict. While there’s no final fight, each interaction raises the stakes. The cliffhanger ending is effective, leaving us hanging just before the big battle with Buggy escalates.
Chapters like “Reckless!!” and “Versus!! The Buggy Pirates” are pure tension-builders, with lots of setup and short bursts of action.
Themes & Symbolism
- Trust & Betrayal – Nami’s internal struggle is a key focus: will she ally with Luffy or betray him for survival?
- Chaos vs. Honor – Buggy’s clownish mayhem clashes beautifully with Zoro’s honor and Luffy’s simplicity.
- Freedom – Luffy’s ideals are again tested, this time against a manipulative villain and a morally grey potential crewmate.
Memorable Quotes from Volume 2
“I’m gonna become the pirate king!!” — Luffy
Audience Appeal
This volume would appeal to:
- Fans of chaotic comedy – Buggy’s absurdity is a treat for lovers of exaggerated villains.
- Character-driven readers – Nami’s moral ambiguity adds real narrative spice.
- Those craving pirate mayhem – Explosions, swords, and betrayal? It’s all here.
To Whom Would I Recommend This Manga?
I’d recommend Volume 2 to:
- Shonen fans – It delivers high energy and quirky conflicts.
- Readers interested in early world-building – The lore connections (like Buggy and Shanks) start here.
- Anyone curious about Nami’s backstory – Her emotional arc starts unfolding here.
Other Manga Recommendations
If you liked Buggy the Clown, try:
- Soul Eater – For eccentric villains and wild humor.
- My Hero Academia – For exaggerated powers and emotional dilemmas.
- Rave Master – For a similarly adventurous crew vibe.
Conclusion
One Piece: Volume 2 – Buggy the Clown isn’t about the battle—it’s about the build-up. With clever humor, new alliances, and a villain that’s half terrifying, half absurd, it sets the stage for one of the earliest turning points in the series.
Nami’s arrival changes everything, and Buggy? He proves the East Blue is going to be more explosive than we imagined.
The cannon’s been lit. Volume 3 is where it explodes.
Previous Chapters:
Haven’t read Volume 1 – Romance Dawn yet? Start your journey from the beginning: One Piece: Volume 1 – Romance Dawn Manga Review: A Legendary Start to an Epic Journey
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