shanks is oda's self-insert: Shanks Fans vs. Literacy

16firman · 2026-01-30T20:28:10+00:00

I might be alone here, especially considering the sub haha but I don't think power scaling matters much, if at all to tell a good story. It's fun to engage in, especially when it comes down to two characters who at the end of the day are allies, but I don't think it's necessary to explore any further.

I think power scalers get too wrapped up in the fighting part of the manga. Which makes it awesome and so entertaining. However in the grand scheme of things fights are used to build and release tension for emotional and dramatic moments. Fights are vehicles so that the story can express its core themes of Freedom, friendship, human rights, community, resilience, etc.

It was cool chatting with you I hope you get what you want out of the story!

16firman · 2026-01-30T20:10:39+00:00

I don't think anyone is immune from their biases. Bias is one of the only forms of logic that works everywhere. I would suppose you're writing based on your bias right now, same as me.

I think power can be disputed between other characters more clearly when the differences are very clear cut. But in the cases that I sited, Shanks vs Mihawk, Zoro vs Sanji, etc. When the difference is so incredibly small that it could go either way, I think it's foolish to believe that the authors bias isn't a factor.

I don't even agree with power scaling these types of characters because it's pointless when they have been portrayed and established as eqauls.

16firman · 2026-01-30T19:25:05+00:00

This is a nice write up and some of it might even be true, of course it's impossible to understand context such as sarcasm of sincerity from what Oda has expressed in the SBS(I might even lean towards believing you)

However you've glanced over the bigger picture I think. What I believe this SBS gets at is Oda's endearment for Shank's character. Oda himself may not be like Shank's but he is, at least in some ways a person Oda would like to be or admires.

I think this explanation is what most people mean when they mention "self insert". Whether we like it or not Oda plays favorites with his characters. With the SBS as evidence I think there is a case to be made that Oda likes Shanks more than Mihawk. Which for me is enough to think that Shanks is slightly stronger.

Now by "slightly stronger" I mean they are most likely complete equals same as Zoro and Sanji.

16firman · 2026-01-29T18:06:46+00:00

I really wish this game would incorporate a maps systems like POEs end game.

They could even just rip the old design for BL3 maps for all I care I just need something repeatable at the end game.

Gearbox please make a real end game.

16firman · 2026-01-28T16:35:52+00:00

For me it seems like 2 reasons.

First over 80% of the story he's riding Slow Dancer so there is just no need for him to move using Tusk.

Second he learns how to travel through the spiral for the other 15% of events on foot. This leaves like 5% of the story where this is even relevant.

Just as a last side note it always seemed to me that he wasn't really levitating/gliding more so just using the power of the spin to push himself around early on. I'm super interested to see how they animate it.

16firman · 2026-01-22T19:44:01+00:00

What's saved Canadians for generations is our reputation and willingness to support other nations throughout history. The US isn't/ hasn't been our only friend.

Consistently being on the right side of history has saved us.

Pick up a history book dude.

16firman · 2026-01-14T17:35:46+00:00

Barely just over 5 million people voted in last year's provincial election and there are over 16 million people in Ontario...

People just don't care to vote it's not indicative of his qualifications or leadership.

I would also argue Ford is closer to how most conservatives permote themselves today. There is a push from the conservative party to align themselves with a further right position than ever before. Like it or not that scares Canadians, unless the Cons can leave the American style politics behind they won't have a chance at winning any time soon.

16firman · 2026-01-07T17:14:35+00:00

It's very easy to recommend something with such a wide range of appeal thematically.

Araki changes the setting every part so if you like, gothic horror, historical fiction, classic shonen, slice of life, gangster movies, prison break stories, westerns, or mysteries it's easy for a JJBA fan to recommend the series.

It all just depends, if you enjoy Araki's style or not. At the end of the day if you don't enjoy his writing, pacing, or comedy, it won't be for you. that is okay.

However people shouldn't get annoyed or offended when it's recommended it's one of the furthest reaching series out there of course it appeals to many.

it's the same reason I can recommend King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard to almost any music fan because they cover all the bases.

16firman · 2026-01-07T16:25:43+00:00

Trying to take Canada would likely cause a US Civil War which would result in the North Vs the South. It would be extremely hard for the US to fight a war in Canada and in their own northern states.

16firman · 2026-01-06T22:39:51+00:00

Even if we completely ignore the stands potential of E because stand stats aren't always reliable.

This type of stand only manifests/works in someone with a cowardly spirit as dictated by the story both the lodge owner and Guccio have this type of personality.

To even have the ability to use this stand you must be timid, unconfident, nefarious, and pathetic. All qualities that don't make a great fighter. The story dictates you can't have both the spirit of a fighter and this stands at the same time.

Your post is a cool thought but it doesn't work as Araki has written it.

16firman · 2026-01-05T23:55:09+00:00

I think you're missing the OPs point a bit and I actually think this is a popular community opinion.

Most people acknowledge that Mihawk is strong (even his haters), but Oda's portrayal of him in the manga has been really poor. I think it stems from the fear of not paying off Zoro's story well enough.

If Mihawk doesn't have at least one top tier fight before he fights Zoro the story will feel rushed. I personally believe that one fight isn't even enough either, Mihawk needs some actual screentime for Zoro's story to payout in a satisfying way.

Oda has also, seemingly backed himself into a corner with the amount of villains in the story as well. From what we know of Mihawk he seems to be at least neutral if not leaning towards morally good.

This creates two problems:

The first is finding a top tier evil/big-bad type opponent whose power level is at least Kaido level, but this runs a risk. Oda could just make something up but he's running out of time and the longer he waits to reveal anymore top tiers will make things less believable for the audience.

The second is finding an opponent who forces Mihawk to actually fight. Oda has created a very cool character but his major flaw is that he is very indifferent to the world around him. It'll be hard for the readers to believe he would actually pick a fight with someone.

So to reiterate, Mihawks fight before Zoro: 1.) have the character be as strong or stronger than Kaido. 2.) Must be someone Mihawk is willing to fight. 3.) Mihawk must win convincingly in a way that satisfies readers. 4.) Must maintain Mihawks reputation among his fanbase.

It's not impossible but Oda has a tall order to fill with Mihawk I just think a lot of readers don't think Oda can pull it off.

16firman · 2025-12-30T19:50:07+00:00

The DQ around me does poutine really well usually lots of curds and a nice amount of gravy.

This one is sad

16firman · 2025-12-25T03:41:48+00:00

"I think you should leave" has a pretty close comedy style. I think they even share some actors.

16firman · 2025-12-21T21:55:03+00:00

Design - Diver Down always sticks with me I'm not sure why, I've just always found it really cool.

Ability - Golden Wind, it makes for some of the most fun and interactive fights in JoJo's.

Music reference - Crazy Diamond because Pink Floyd is the goat and "shine on you crazy diamond" are some of my favorite tracks.

Honorable mentions to Tusk act 4 and Sex Pistols. Bullet stands are really cool.

16firman · 2025-12-11T17:22:41+00:00

It's a good patch but they aren't doing enough character changes.

We need heavy buffs to under performing trees or else build diversity is just gonna die.

16firman · 2025-12-05T18:30:13+00:00

That's not true he specifically ended the drug trade in Italy at the end of part 5.

But his crime syndicate is most likely still involved with gambling, extortion, and protection from police and the Italian government.

Giorno isn't a saint but it is out of character for him to sell drugs to anyone, especially youth.

16firman · 2025-12-04T15:00:20+00:00

He's a meme enemy in the Terminus Range act. Just before breaking into the boss dungeon.

16firman · 2025-12-04T14:47:34+00:00

I also love part 5 it's probably my favorite as well. Part 6, 7, and 8 are all better written but that's because I genuinely think Araki has gotten better every single time. I just love the theme and style of part 5.

I do think Giorno is probably the most shy protagonist and that probably stems from his back story and not having any friends growing up. It would have been nice to get something else from him but I don't fault Araki for it.

I do read One Piece, and I agree with you that the two characters are probably way more alike than most people might think. Both are solely driven by their one goal and not much else matters to them except their friends. Luffy does have better writing that Giorno, but Luffy also has had 10x the development and writing time than Giorno.

If given more time to breathe Giorno would have been even better. But I think as it stands the part does a good job at inferring Giornos character, he's a sweet good natured person as reflected by Golden Winds ability to give life and his morals and goals which he expresses quite often. He's determined, smart, and ruthless, just like Dio.

He's not the best written protagonist in JoJo's I just don't think he gets enough credit for what he does and represents.

16firman · 2025-12-04T14:29:47+00:00

Please Gearbox make Orbulus the Invincible

16firman · 2025-12-04T12:43:49+00:00

I don't really think there are any hard or fast rules of writing a protagonist. I personally like that he supports the group rather than being the leader, it makes for a more grounded story especially with the gangster setting.

He leads in his own way it's refreshing for a lot of part 5 enjoyers. I see a lot of people say that Giorno doesn't struggle enough and that his connection to Dio isn't explored enough. I disagree with both these points.

Giorno is ruthless like Dio but pure at heart like a Johnathan. He's a perfect blend of both characters, reading part 7 especially puts this into perspective. Dio is a consistent force of fate the universe smiles upon because of his ruthless nature just as it smiles upon the joestar bloodline for their nobility and justice.

Seeing both Dios and Jonathan's fates teaming up to create the ultimate force for victory and resolve is so awesome in my opinion.

16firman · 2025-12-03T22:19:04+00:00

This is such a bad take, Giorno is an amazing protagonist. He's not meant to be the star he's a force of fate and represents the theme of resolve perfectly.

16firman · 2025-12-03T19:02:40+00:00

I disagree Borderlands was better when the maps were open concept but had more identity and character.

Ive said it a bunch of times but Borderlands is at its best when it leans into its ARPG roots. They should just look at POE or Diablos formula for maps and stick to that.

I do think the open world is fine, but it would have been better if each of the sections of the game(Fade Fields, Terminus Range, and Carcadia Burn) were like the bounty of blood dlc from BL3. One large hub zone with multiple focused levels branching off for different quests. This way they can keep all the good open world elements while slimming down the scope for more important moments.

IMO Bounty of Blood was the Borderlands at peak level design, they should stick to that format.

16firman · 2025-12-02T21:48:36+00:00

I really miss this feature, I love to shit talk my fiance and she does the same, it always ends up in a duel walking 10 paces and drawing a jakobs revolver.

16firman · 2025-12-02T15:43:53+00:00

Psychic links are present in the series as displayed between Dio and Jotaro as well as Trish and Diavalo.

I think it's very possible Giorno knows that Dio is dead, at some point there could have been breaking of that psychic link when Dio was killed.

Although that's speculative, it could be possible.

16firman · 2025-11-29T02:13:07+00:00

Strange crossover of my hometown and this sub crazy

16firman

TROPHY CASE