The One Piece Podcast – Episode 892: “The Dad Zone”
Date: November 10, 2025
Host: Steve Yurko (with Alex and Josh)
Episode Overview
This episode dives into the latest One Piece manga chapter, 1165 "Reverberations," with an intimate three-person crew: Steve, Alex, and Josh. After updates on the live-action cast and playful pop culture banter, the team embarks on a detailed manga recap, dissecting action, character moments, lore expansion, and fan responses. With no anime recap this week, the main focus remains on manga and community discussion. The tone is lively, opinionated, and self-aware, mixing deep One Piece insight with humor and candid critique.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Live-Action Casting Announcements (03:31–08:47)
- Cole Escola as Mr. 2 Bon Clay (Search Party, Oh, Mary!)
- Universally praised as "probably the best casting they could have gotten."
- “Anybody who’s in New York or close to New York should go see [Oh, Mary!].” – Alex (04:10)
- Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai)
- Hosts note the excitement of a Latino actor as Ace; some discussion on his previous work and fitting the character dynamic with Luffy's actor, Iñaki Godoy.
- “It’s great. I think also getting another Latino actor for Ace is good… And it seems like he also gets along really well with Iñaki.” – Steve (07:58)
- Banter about the endless extent of Cobra Kai and legacy casting in media.
2. Manga Recap – Chapter 1165: "Reverberations" (09:41–42:00+)
Opening Impressions and Cover Page (10:13–12:53)
- Discussion of the cover page: Beppo sleeping on Zeus, Law also present, snot bubbles all around.
- Fluffy, lighthearted contrast before heavy chapter content.
God Valley Battle – Action & Visuals (12:53–29:17)
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Detailed play-by-play of the fight between Garp, Roger, and Rocks D. Xebec:
- Telepathic, emotionally raw Xebec begging to be killed, his attacks infused with “demonic energy”.
- Visual metaphors, such as the island’s division mirroring the trio’s clash.
- "If you look at this spread… This is the shit that you want to see when you’re reading a comic." – Alex (15:43)
- Noted return to strong action layouts by Oda.
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Sky splitting (classic haki clash), God Valley’s destruction, Navy and pirates retreating, as Garp and Roger unite against Rocks.
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Observations of visual and thematic metaphors—parallel between the environment splitting and alliances breaking down.
Pirate & World Government Fallout (29:17–38:00)
- Flash to various characters’ reactions and side battles (Kaido, Big Mom, Whitebeard, Stussy, Gil Bastar).
- Introduction of “Pologram,” Marco’s dad, and banter about family legacies.
- Revolutionary Dragon’s radicalization moment: rescuing civilians at gunpoint, foreshadowing his future arc.
The Final Clash & Rocks’ Defeat (38:00–42:00)
- Roger and Garp’s joint ultimate attacks: "God of Fire: Ace" and “Infinitum Explosion.”
- Parallels between Roger, Garp, and their future descendants.
- Rocks’ defeat depicted as tragic and visually stunning.
World Government Coverup (35:50, 41:34)
- The “official story”: records expunged, population erased, God Valley’s existence denied.
- “The downfall of Rocks D. Xebec and his lawless band... cast unmistakable reverberations that shook the very world.” (narration, 41:34)
- Hosts note the recurring One Piece motif of history manipulation and erasure.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Kaido in this flashback has definitely been more fun than Kaido has ever been in the series. And I don’t think I’m alone in that.” – Alex (47:29)
- “There’s nothing to talk about [re: Davey bloodline] because we don’t really know much about it. It’s still being talked about pretty casually… I think it could just be as simple as these were just people that opposed the world government and they were wiped out because of it.” – Alex & Steve (77:00)
- “I think what One Piece does that no other… adventure manga does is the struggle of people trying to achieve their dreams—or what they believe in. That’s what sets it apart.” – Josh (119:19)
Community Questions & Thematic Reflection
On Garp’s Complicity/Role in the Marines (62:55–68:53)
- Garp’s refusal to abandon the Marines, knowing he can protect “the rank and file”.
- Hosts spotlight the nuance: “It does kind of suck, because I’m like, no, Garp, no. The government’s awful… But maybe that’s the tragedy of Garp here.” – Steve (62:55)
- Discussion of parallels to real-world institutional complicity vs. trying to change from within.
- Josh: “Garp’s the one who’s going to set this track up for Koby, Smoker, and the rest of SWORD… to use the Marines for their proper purpose.” (62:55–65:52)
The “Famous Dads” Critique (50:30–54:06, 79:37–80:11)
- “I’m at capacity, but I’m still within, for sure.” – Josh, on being nearly done with constant revelations about legacy characters.
- Concerns over the “everyone is related to greatness” trope making One Piece feel like Star Wars.
- Consensus: one or two are fine; overuse undercuts the found family theme central to the Straw Hats.
Chapter’s Strengths and Oda’s Recent Artistic Choices (43:09–50:06, 98:53–99:55)
- Praise for improved panel layouts and action readability in recent chapters.
- “Action’s not his strong point… But those splash pages have so much weight and grit…” – Steve (99:55)
- Recognition that reading the flashback in one go makes pacing issues less bothersome.
Reader Questions & Piece Together Segment Highlights (84:46–152:18)
- Fans ask about traveling in Japan, favorite obscure Rocks pirates, whether a God Valley movie could work without the Straw Hats, and prospects for spinoffs post-manga.
- Steve and Josh repeatedly state they’re satisfied with One Piece ending, and don’t want endless new spinoffs—“Old Man in the Grand Line” energy.
- “Sometimes things are best left to your imagination.” – Steve (112:00)
- Extended, honest answers showing appreciation for the audience: “We always want to give you the most well thought out answers… You deserve our time.” – Steve (152:27)
Timestamps for Major Sections
| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------|-------------| | Banter & Cast Announcements | 00:00–08:47 | | Manga Recap (Start) | 09:41 | | God Valley Battle Details | 12:53–29:17 | | Fallout & Character Moments | 29:17–38:00 | | Final Clash & Cover-Up | 38:00–42:00 | | Chapter Discussion & Opinions | 43:09–54:06 | | Garp Discussion | 62:55–68:53 | | Piece Together Segment Start | 84:46 | | Reader Q&A Highlights | 84:46–152:18| | Closing & Sign-Off | 152:18–end |
Final Thoughts & Closing
- The skeleton crew delivers an in-depth, sometimes “old man yelling at clouds” but deeply loving critique of One Piece and chapter 1165.
- Despite pacing gripes and overuse of familial legacies, the hosts enthusiastically anticipate the future fallout of this flashback.
- The episode is laced with humor, honesty, and tangible affection for both One Piece and the listening community.
For New & Returning Listeners
If you haven’t listened:
This episode distills the God Valley flashback’s key themes—legacy, government control, tragedy, and the cyclical nature of One Piece’s world—while exemplifying the thoughtful, passionate, and candid community The One Piece Podcast has fostered since 2009.
Episode in One Sentence:
A handful of superfans celebrated and critiqued a pivotal, lore-rich chapter—ranging from casting news to fictional dad jokes, raw emotion, and institutional critique—with the warmth and candor of friends who love One Piece and each other.