BOOK REVIEW: One Piece Heroines, Vol. 2
By Kara Dennison
Published on July 29, 2025
The One Piece Heroines series stands out as a unique collection within the vast universe of Eiichiro Oda’s iconic manga. These anthologies delve into the lives of the female characters, presenting a refreshing perspective on their stories. Rather than expanding the overarching lore of the One Piece world, these volumes focus on slice-of-life narratives that reveal the personalities, values, and inner thoughts of these remarkable women when they are away from the chaos of their adventures. The inaugural volume introduced us to Nami’s shoe shopping spree, Robin’s quest to decipher ancient tablets, Vivi’s infatuations, and Perona’s indulgence in fine wine.
As we dive into Volume 2 of this captivating One Piece spinoff, readers can anticipate an array of engaging tales that spotlight characters like Tashigi alongside Nami and Robin. The new installment brings forth stories filled with humor, heartfelt memories, and delightful misunderstandings. Here’s a closer look at the standout tales featured in this volume:
Boa Hancock: A Comedic Misunderstanding
Among the highlights of the new volume is a charming story centered around Boa Hancock, the illustrious Snake Princess. This narrative, which kicks off the collection, ranks as one of the most humorous. While drama often thrives on miscommunication, this tale cleverly utilizes it for comedic effect.
In this story, Boa learns that Dahlia, a member of the Kuja Tribe, has just welcomed a baby into the world. Intrigued by the concept of family dynamics, she seeks to understand more about such experiences. Her loyal subject provides insights, but the narrative cleverly unfolds from two distinct perspectives. This duality leads Boa to draw several erroneous conclusions, particularly regarding her connection with Luffy. The result is a light-hearted, low-stakes escapade that showcases Boa’s adorable and flustered side, making it a delightful read for fans.
Vinsmoke Reiju: Reflections and Culinary Chaos
While her brother Sanji embarks on adventures with the Straw Hat crew, Vinsmoke Reiju finds herself back with her brothers—who, it turns out, are not exactly culinary experts. The third story in this One Piece Heroines volume captures Reiju’s efforts to assist her siblings in the kitchen, which leads to a series of amusing mishaps as they attempt to prepare a meal.
Despite their lack of culinary prowess, the story underscores the fond memories Reiju has of her brother Sanji, all while they struggle to bake bread and crack eggs. Ultimately, the outcome doesn’t matter as they find a way to enjoy a feast together. In addition to the heartwarming sentiment, readers are treated to humorous illustrations of the brothers’ kitchen antics, adding a visual element that enhances the comedic tone of the narrative.
Uta: A Nostalgic Adventure
For those who adore Uta, this volume is a delightful treat as it revisits her childhood, showcasing her vibrant personality as she spends time with Shanks. In this nostalgic tale, the duo ventures ashore to enjoy a festival late at night. While there are moments of tension when locals recognize Shanks from his notorious wanted poster, the overall tone remains sweet and endearing, highlighting their father-daughter-like bond.
Shanks indulges Uta with juice and cotton candy, even allowing her to stay up past her bedtime—a rare treat for a child. The accompanying artwork, courtesy of the talented illustrator Sayaka Suwa, perfectly captures the playful essence of their time together. Through joyful moments of bubble blowing and cotton candy feasting, readers are offered glimpses into Uta’s early dreams of becoming a musician, adding depth to her character.
With its engaging stories and exquisite illustrations, One Piece Heroines, Vol. 2 is a fantastic addition to the collection, inviting readers to appreciate the unique journeys of these beloved female characters. This volume not only entertains but also deepens our understanding of their personalities and relationships, making it a must-read for fans of the One Piece universe.
As a whole, One Piece Heroines, Vol. 2 continues to build on the charm established in the first volume. With its focus on character-driven narratives that blend humor and heart, this installment successfully brings out the individuality of each heroine. The book is now available, promising readers an enchanting experience filled with laughter and nostalgia. Whether you’re a long-time fan of One Piece or new to the series, this anthology is sure to leave a lasting impression.
