Romance Dawn

Very first encounter with Mugiwara

Sigh...a trip down memory lane. I don't even remember how many years ago I first watched these episodes. So the story begins with the Romance Dawn Arc, the first ever in the East Blue Saga. It is also known as the Captain Morgan Arc, but honestly Romance Dawn is exactly what I would call it. It is just the beginning of a beautiful, fantastical journey. In this arc you'll meet several characters including Luffy!

 I don't know, I think that an introduction of our main character bursting out of a barrel is the most appropriate way, dontcha think? Within the first episode there are several important characters including Coby. Coby is a cowardly boy who becomes inspired by Luffy.

The ugly thing is Captain Alvida of Probably the Most Insignificant Pirate Crew Ever. As meaningless as her existence is, I guess she's pretty fundamental to the development of Coby's character, who becomes significantly less whiny and annoying later on after finding courage to leave her ship.

Coby's reaction when Luffy tells him he plans to become the Pirate King

Luffy's interaction with Coby really reveals a lot about him and the sole reason behind his reckless actions. Luffy explains that he isn't afraid of death, and he is willing to die fighting to become the man with the most freedom. Well, isn't that just beautiful. Anyways, after this little talk, Coby decides to fight for his dreams of becoming a marine. Luffy's and Coby's friendship is significant, not so much to the storyline as to our understanding of Luffy's character. He is an inspiration, a friend, a comrade to friends and "foes" alike. Although Coby wants to be a marine, the greatest obstacle to Luffy's dreams of finding the One Piece and becoming the Pirate King, Luffy still encourages his dreams, because for Luffy, that is what his life is about.

made me seriously lol. she rips off her dress to reveal a bandana on her head?

There was one thing especially that was pleasantly surprising. It's one of those moments where you recognize someone important: "OMG I KNOW HER. JUST WAIT. YOU'LL SEE, JUST WAIT." Nami continuously makes small appearances in ways that portrays her character perfectly.

Nami discovering that the map has already been stolen

Not only do we get a clear image of Nami, but she also helps the views set their sights on the big picture: the Grand Line.

We also meet Zoro for the first time, and I can honestly say that I've loved Zoro the moment I saw him in all his intensity. After Luffy's encounter with the ugly thing, he decides that the Pirate Hunter would become his nakama. We learn of Zoro's ambitions and also get a glimpse of Kuina, his old rival and friend who we will fully meet in the next arc or so. I love this arc because we really see Zoro and Luffy working together from the bat. They have chemistry, they have bromance! Zoro's trust in his sencho really buds from here. I know that Luffy doesn't really have a first mate, but if he did have such a title, you know it would be Zoro.

First ever team work

They defeat Captain Morgan and his annoying ass son Helmeppo (remember him!). Captain Morgan is kind of a tyrant who abuses his strength and title. Which is why when Luffy and Zoro finished him off, the entire town regarded them as saviours, and were sent off like so:

I don't have anything really else to say about Captain Morgan, except when he witnessed Luffy's power he mentioned the Devil Fruits, which are supposed to be so rare, they are regarded as mere legends.

So yeah, apparently our main protagonist is something special. Anywhos, with the defeat of Captain Morgan, it brings us to the end of the Romance Dawn arc. From here on they'll face even harder obstacles (ahem* actually hard obstacles) and find even more nakama (comrades) to join their crew. I'm still trying to see how I should format each posts and what I should include in it, but for now I'll leave you with this, hasta la vista!