Written by 8bitkevin / OPMerchandise
Enel (OP15-118) has been revealed as the Manga Rare card for One Piece Card Game’s 15th main set – Adventure on KAMI’s Island.
Theme
OP15 Adventure on KAMI’s Island theme revolves around the Skypiea Arc; at least, this is true for about one-third of the set. However, we can dial in on the theming a bit further and see that it’s focused on Enel’s God complex and his battle against Monkey D. Luffy.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the panels selected for the Enel Manga Rare and how it aligns with this theme!
Panels
One Piece Vol.30
The main image used for Enel comes from the cover of One Piece Vol.30.
Enel towers over Luffy with the light source coming from below. This illustrates Enel’s God complex and how he views himself in comparison to others. No one is above him, not even our protagonist.
Chapter 254
“Did someone say… Kami?”
Enel is introduced to us in Chapter 254 after his vassals assemble at the temple.
While Enel’s throne is empty, Yama says the word “Kami” to the vassals in reference to Enel. As if he was summoned at the mere mention of the word, Enel nonchalantly enters the scene.
In Japanese, “Kami” translates to deity, god, or divine essence.
Chapter 263
Kamakiri races to reach the top of Giant Jack to face off against Enel, however, Enel confidently reveals himself. What does Enel, a God, have to fear against a mere Shandian Warrior?
For context: The Skypieans have stolen the Upper Yard from the Shandians and have occupied it as if it was their right.
Chapter 264
Enel sits there, allowing Kamakiri to strike any fatal blow he can, but none of the attacks have any effect. With the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Enel is lightning. He is the divine providence. He is God.
Chapter 270
The Skypieans and Shandians engage in battle, Enel appears to ensure that his prophecy becomes reality. The all-knowing Kami.
That being said, this is probably the weakest panel on the card. It feels a bit redundant with the Chapter 254 panel. With it being placed on the bottom left and barely visible, it definitely felt like more of a filler in comparison to the rest of the panels.
Chapter 273
As the number of characters fall to fulfill the prophecy, there is one too many. Enel offers them a choice: to fight amongst each other or for him to eliminate one person. However, their choice was clear; Enel is the one who should disappear.
Enel exhibits the same arrogance he’s had the entire arc. No one can touch him. In his eyes, he gave them an easy out. Instead, they chose the worst possible choice.
Chapter 275
After Wyper deals what should have been a fatal blow, Enel restarts his own heart. He awakens to announce that “People do not fear the Kami. Fear is the Kami.” With his overwhelming power and the idea that the wielder of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit is practically invincible, Enel instills fear into the combatants. He cannot be stopped.
Chapter 300
Despite his defeat at the hands of Luffy, Enel’s goals are unchanged. The Ark Maxim is still functional. He can still reach the Endless Varse, the legendary sacred land where he aims to become the new ruler.
Enel “Meme” Face
“Missed opportunity to include the Enel face.”
The Enel face comes from Chapter 279 after he sends a volley of attacks at Luffy, but soon realizes that his attacks are ineffective. This is due to Luffy being a rubber man, so he isn’t conductive.
While I love the Enel face, it is counter to the theming of the Manga Rare and everything that makes Enel who he is. It’s the moment that he realizes that he isn’t all-powerful. It’s the moment he realizes that there is a being that can challenge his status of “God”.
As we’ve seen in every panel included, Enel is showing his arrogant confidence. However, the Enel face shows every ounce of that confidence being ripped away. Therefore, as iconic as it is, it does not belong as a panel for this card.
Final Thoughts
Enel as the choice for the Manga Rare for OP15 Adventure on KAMI’s Island just makes the most sense. If Bandai had chosen any other character, the name of the set would make no sense. The only exception could possibly be Nico Robin as the archaeologist of the crew because we could explore the Poneglyphs and how Skypeia is important arc to the greater story. But, even then, it’s a bit of a stretch.
While self-proclaimed, Enel does exhibit the characteristics of a fearful God. He is arrogant, he is powerful, and he does not bend to the will of those he sees beneath him. All the panels selected help to demonstrate that and fit perfectly with the theme presented to us. Bandai got it right this set.
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