One Piece: How Bon Clay Became One of the Series' Best Characters

Characters in One Piece have a funny way of subverting the expectations of the audience. With outlandish character designs, anatomically impossible bodies, and goofy laughs, finding any deep character in these ridiculous characters seems like a difficult task, especially from an outsider’s point of view. In reality, these goofy designs actually help enhance the characterization of One Piece’s cast, revealing that looks can be deceiving.

This is especially true for the One Piece character Bon Clay, who went from being a stereotype to one of the most beloved characters in the entire series. With a goofy appearance, complete with deadly Swan Shoes and Mascara, Bon Clay seemed like just another silly One Piece villain in the beginning. However, as the series progresses, the audience quickly learns that Bon Clay is far more complex. This all culminates in a moment that cements the former Baroque Works member as one of the best characters in the series.

Who Is Bon Clay In One Piece?

A Friend to the Straw Hats

Bon Clay is first introduced during One Piece’s Alabasta Saga when he is tasked with eliminating Galdino, who failed his mission on Little Garden. After failing to find him and returning to Alabasta, Bon Clay finds the Straw Hat Crew, quickly becoming their friends. The group parts ways, until the final parts of Alabasta when Sanji defeats Bon Clay during the arc’s final battles. After this, Bon Clay has a change of heart, helping the Straw Hats escape the Navy on Alabasta, and going to prison instead of them.

After this, Luffy is finally reunited with Bon Clay during One Piece’s Impel Down Arc. When reuniting, the duo act like old friends, creating a touching moment. Sadly, by the end of Impel Down, Bon Clay realizes for everyone else to escape, he must stay behind, saving Luffy and his friends, but sacrificing himself.

Bon Clay Has an Amazing Character Arc in One Piece

From Villain to Hero

Throughout the One Piece series, although the time the audience spends with Bon Clay is limited, the character has some of the best character growth. Bon Clay rose through the ranks of One Piece popularity for three simple reasons; his amazing personality, his loyalty and friendship with Luffy, and his unwavering ideals. As the audience learns more about Bon Clay and these three ideals, it’s easy to see why the former Mr. 2 is so fondly remembered.

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As for Bon Clay’s character, despite seeming like a bit of a stereotype at first, Bon Clay is completely unashamed about being himself. He completely owns his over-the-top personality, shrugging off any objections from outsiders and casually defining the gender norms of anime. Despite not finding a place to fit in until meeting Ivankov in Impel Down, Bon Clay truly loves his style, and the more the audience gets to see it, the more they love it too.

Luffy and Bon Clay Have an Amazing Friendship

An Unbreakable Bond

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On top of his amazing personality, Bon Clay and One Piece’s Straw Hat Captain also share a bond that no other villain could share with Luffy in the entire series. Both being on the goofier side, rather than fighting on their first encounter, the two dance and party, having an amazing time. Additionally, while Luffy refers to most people by a random nickname he gave them, Luffy refers to Bon Clay as, “Bon-Chan”, showing that he has a deep respect for and a genuine friendship with him.

Additionally, One Piece’s Bon Clay, at his core, is an extremely kind person, especially to those he considers to be friends. Even after a brief, yet fun interaction with Luffy, Bon Clay is ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of the Straw Hat Pirates. The same goes for Impel Down, when the goofy former villain defies all expectations, seemingly facing death all to save Luffy’s life.

For these three reasons, it’s easy to see why fans love Bon Clay so much, even among all the amazing One Piece characters. He’s just a genuine person who stays true to himself and his friends. In the end, Bon Clay perfectly encapsulates the struggle of One Piece as a whole; trying to be free in a world that wants to restrain freedom.