One Piece has captivated anime enthusiasts worldwide, igniting passionate debates over the prowess of its diverse characters. Among the many discussions, the Shanks vs. Mihawk debate stands out as particularly contentious, given the extensive roster of formidable fighters created by Eiichiro Oda.
Interestingly, this spirited discussion has captured the attention of the actors portraying these iconic figures. Steven John Ward, who plays Dracule Mihawk in Netflix’s adaptation of One Piece, has recently shared his take on this rivalry. Unsurprisingly, he sided with his character, asserting that Mihawk is superior to Shanks. However, his lighthearted rationale sparked laughter among fans.
Mihawk’s Actor Claims His Character Surpasses Shanks
Ward Struggles to Justify His Position
During his appearance at a recent GalaxyCon event, Ward fielded numerous inquiries about his role. Among these was the ever-popular question regarding the rivalry of Shanks and Mihawk. Without hesitation, he stated that, in his view, Mihawk holds the title of the more powerful character, a declaration that caught the interviewer off guard. Curiosity piqued, the interviewer pressed for Ward’s reasoning behind his conclusion.
In a hilariously candid moment, Ward found himself at a loss for a solid argument, resulting in a joyous exchange between him and the interviewer. This amusing acknowledgment resonated with fans who recognized Ward’s inherent bias as the actor of Mihawk. Despite his inability to provide a compelling defense, he steadfastly maintained his belief in Mihawk’s superiority over the beloved pirate captain, Shanks.
While many fans viewed Ward’s opinion on the rivalry as a humorous anecdote, it ignited renewed discussions within the fanbase. The footage quickly circulated across various social media platforms, with individuals sharing their support or counterarguments regarding the actor’s stance. Fortunately, this playful debate has not escalated into any negative reactions within the community. Enthusiasm is also high for Ward’s return as Mihawk in the upcoming season 2 of Netflix’s One Piece.
Why Are Shanks and Mihawk Frequently Compared?
Longstanding Rivalry Between These Powerhouses
Is Mihawk Really Stronger Than Shanks?
Shanks Might Have Gained Greater Strength Over Time
The One Piece manga artfully cultivates intrigue around the dynamics of Mihawk and Shanks’ rivalry. Though clues suggest that Luffy’s mentor may currently be the strongest, there are indications that Mihawk could have been slightly ahead in the past, as evidenced by his esteemed title of the Strongest Swordsman in the World. Nevertheless, Shanks seems to have outpaced Mihawk over time, transforming into a notorious pirate whose mere presence incites fear even among the bravest Marines.
Mihawk’s apparent disinterest in combat following Shanks’ sacrifice of his arm to protect Luffy adds another layer to the debate, hinting at Shanks’ potential superiority. Despite being a master swordsman, Mihawk has lacked formidable opponents to challenge and refine his skills in recent years. In contrast, Shanks has relentlessly aimed to bolster his strength, ascending from a respected pirate to one of the most legendary Emperors of the Sea.
Ultimately, Ward’s remarks may have rekindled the rivalry between Shanks and Mihawk enthusiasts, ensuring the debate remains vibrant for years to come. This also highlights the continuous passion of actors like Ward, who bring One Piece to life and share a genuine enthusiasm for the source material, contributing to the show’s status as one of Netflix’s most celebrated offerings.
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