Fans Disappointed by Major Final Saga Villain in One Piece: ‘He Lost All His Aura’

This article contains spoilers for the One Piece anime and manga.

Overview

  • Fans expressed disappointment over Garling Figarland’s blond hair, expecting a red hue like his sons.
  • Oda, not the anime studio, is behind the distinction in Garling’s hair color from Shanks.
  • The lineage revealing red hair originates from Shanks and Shamrock’s mother, not Garling.

The One Piece fandom has been notably critical of Toei Animation’s adaptation at times. The latest episode has sparked another round of debate, focusing on Garling Figarland, a significant villain in the series. Fans’ discontent does not stem from animation quality but rather from the character’s portrayal.

Garling Figarland’s Official Color Scheme is Finally Revealed

Garling is Blond, Unlike Shanks

Young Garling FigarlandGarling Figarland

In the recent release of One Piece Episode 1129, anticipation ran high for a flashback centered on the God Valley Incident. However, reactions soured upon revealing Garling Figarland as a major antagonist—a character known to be the father of Shanks. Fans were particularly taken aback by his blond hair, a departure from their expectations of aligning Garling with the vibrant red hair characteristic of his sons.

Despite having seen an older portrayal of Garling displaying light blond hair, viewers presumed this was merely an effect of aging. The latest episode confirms that this color has been consistent even in his youth, leading to disappointment among fans who anticipated red locks akin to those of Shanks and Shamrock.

It Was Already Known That Garling Wouldn’t Be Blond

Oda Colored Garling’s Hair Differently Than Shanks

Shanks Defeats KidShanks at Roger's ExecutionShanks and the Red Hair Pirates

Contrary to popular belief among fans that this design choice was an oversight by the animation studio, the differences in hair color are intentional and stem from Oda’s original vision. The manga’s illustrations made it apparent that Garling was not a redhead, with his hair depicted as a lighter color. Oda’s artistic choices clearly differentiate Garling from Shanks and Shamrock—whose hair textures vary significantly.

Interestingly, this revelation suggests that the iconic red hair now linked to Shanks and Shamrock is inherited from their mother, whose identity remains a mystery. This dynamic hints at more narrative significance in the forthcoming arcs. Oda has cleverly curated this detail, ensuring that Shanks’s red hair—a fundamental aspect of his character—carries considerable weight in the overarching story.

Where to Read One Piece?

Available on Manga Plus

Gear 5 Luffy SmilingGear 5 Luffy in Egghead

Attention, fans: One Piece Chapter 1149 will experience a delay, with the new chapter set to release on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 12 AM JST. Most international readers can enjoy it shortly after on May 25. The chapter will be available for free on Manga Plus.

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