Written by 8bitkevin / OPMerchandise
Koby is one of two Manga Rare cards for One Piece Card Game’s 15th main set – OP15-EB04 Adventure on Kami’s Island. However, he is originally the Manga Rare card for the 4th special set – EB04 Egghead Crisis.
For context: It was announced in March 2025 that a simultaneous worldwide release was planned. In order to assist with catching up, EB04 was split and combined with OP14 and OP15 for the English and French release.
Theme
EB04 Egghead Crisis’s theme includes the events that take place during the Egghead Arc of the series. So that means we’ll focus on Kuma and his connection with Bonney, Vegapunk, and Saturn, right? Wrong.
Unfortunately, for this set, the developments in Hachinosu between SWORD and the Blackbeard Pirates also take place during the Egghead Arc. Instead, we’ll focus on Koby, his dreams, his growth, and how he is the future of the Marines.
Panels
Chapter 7
Koby is the first ally Luffy made when he set off on his journey to become the King of the Pirates. He had lofty dreams to become a Marine, but he was a weakling that was captured by Alvida and served as her cabin boy.
Through meeting Luffy, Koby was able to see someone who had a goal that was seemingly impossible but still had the conviction to chase those dreams no matter the odds. This begins to change Koby and gives him hope.
After the events in Shells Town, Koby is questioned by the Marines about his affiliation with Luffy. Firm in his resolve, Koby declares his goal of becoming a Marine.
Chapter 432
Garp becomes Koby and Helmeppo’s mentor. Through his tutelage, Koby becomes stronger and gains even more confidence; leaving the timid weakling appearance behind. He physically changes to the point he has to remind Luffy and Zoro who he is during their reunion in Water 7. He is no longer a chore boy. Koby is now a bona fide member of the Marines.
Chapter 579
During the events at Marineford, Koby begins to develop Observation Haki. Unfortunately, it allowed him to hear the pain, the suffering, and the extinguishing of life from his allies in the Marines.
“It’s a waste of human life!!”
Exhausted, Koby interrupts Sakazuki to attempt to put an end to the war. Koby wanted to halt the fighting when it no longer became necessary. He was tired of his allies laying down their lives even after the main objective was complete. His sense of justice allowed him to muster up the courage to stand up to Sakazuki despite his ranking and the difference in power.
Chapter 1080
Two years and some time later, Koby is now a Marine HQ Captain and a member of SWORD. Being a member of SWORD is the equivalent of turning in your resignation, but still operating on the behalf of the Marines. While Koby now has the freedom to do as he pleases without repercussion, the consequence is that the Marines are not obligated to save him should he get into trouble.
Some time during the events of Egghead Island, Koby is taken by Blackbeard due to his accolades in order to bait the World Government. Blackbeard believes they can’t ignore “The Hero” from being captured.
We, the audience, reunite with Koby with ball and chain, but still prioritizing saving innocent lives.
Chapter 1088
While Koby doesn’t quite understand his own potential, Garp sees it clear as day. Koby has worked tirelessly to stand amongst his peers. He has to in order to achieve his dreams and to protect those around him.
With absolute faith from Garp and without a chance to doubt himself, Koby decides to live up to Garp’s expectations. All of his hard work comes down to this moment. He has to destroy Pizarro’s fist on his own or else people will get hurt. It’s do or die.
“Honesty Impact!!!”
Chapter 1122
Vegapunk has revealed that the truth and the fate of the world lies with the person who claims the One Piece. The reality is that Luffy’s dream is now intertwined with the lives of innocent people. Regardless of how much Koby respects Luffy, he feels he must stop the One Piece from being in the hands of pirates. His dreams and ideals must clash against Luffy’s at the final stage.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the panels chosen demonstrate Koby’s growth as a character very well. The only issue I have is the main image chosen for this card. It just doesn’t do Koby any sort of justice as a character. While the context makes sense in regards to the set, it doesn’t make any sense in regards to the overall theme the designer was seemingly going for. Instead, my choice would have been the following panel from Chapter 903:
The context of this panel involves Koby coming in to save the royal characters of Dressrosa from a pirate attack. Koby comes in to redirect the torpedo with his bare hands. It still demonstrates his strength and his confidence while also acknowledging his status of “Hero”. Not only that, but it’s a really endearing panel for him!
Unfortunately, Koby’s choice as the Manga Rare for EB04 Egghead Crisis feels like a complete a miss. Don’t get me wrong. Koby absolutely deserves to have a Manga Rare. Just, not right now. This set was screaming for Bartholomew Kuma to be the Manga Rare. Without going into a long rant: the Egghead Arc had such a large focus on Kuma that it just didn’t make any sense for Koby to take the spotlight.
If you want to learn more about Koby and the panels that were selected, check out the following:
• One Piece Vol.1: https://amzn.to/4sLe3L2
• One Piece Vol.45: https://amzn.to/4uZngkr
• One Piece Vol.59: https://amzn.to/3NVsIE9
• One Piece Vol.107: https://amzn.to/4lXWDbB
• One Piece Vol.111: https://amzn.to/47rlezt
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