One Piece side comics

One Piece side comics is an umbrella term which applies to a variety of short (less than 5 pages each) manga drawn by Eiichiro Oda and featuring the characters of One Piece, but unrelated to the plot of the series. This is in contrast to the chapter title page mini-arcs, which are part of the main story, and "Romance Dawn", which was a prototype for One Piece. These comics are also distinguished by being drawn in super deformed (SD) style, giving all the characters large heads and tiny bodies. The three-page SD comics are also collectively known as "Straw Hat Theater", after their anime adaptations.

One Piece BLUE 4-Panel Comics
The first appearance of these comics is in the book One Piece BLUE: Grand Data File. Included among the various information sections were 8 new 4-Panel comic strips, referred to collectively as . Each strip featured one of the Straw Hat Pirates including Vivi in absurd situations. Of particular note here was the comic devoted to Tony Tony Chopper, entitled , which is the first appearance of the "Chopper Man" character. Here, he is asked to save the people from a rampaging giant robot, but becomes lost in a daydream about flying through the sky on its back.

Straw Hat Theater
The more well-known group of One Piece side-comics were born from the Log series. The Logs were magazine-format compilations released initially between the end of 2005 and April 2006, which covered the beginning of the series up until the end of the Baroque Works Saga. These short bonus comics were featured at the end of the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th Logs, and advertised as . According to the author, for each comic he was given three sheets of blank paper by his editor and told to "draw anything", with these being the result.

These initial five comics were brought to television as , airing as shorts alongside One Piece episodes 279 through 283 in October 2006. The episodes of the show during this period were made up of filler and flashback material, so it is generally believed to have been a move on the part of Toei Animation and Fuji TV to give viewers an incentive to keep watching, until the start of the fight against CP9. These shorts are narrated by Masaya Takatsuka (in contrast to the usual One Piece narrator, Mahito Oba).

In August 2007, a new comic was released with the 10th-Anniversary commemorative magazine One Piece: 10th Treasures; the most recent addition to the series was published in April 2008, in the 10th Log compilation (featuring the end of the Skypiea arc).

The original five LOG bonus comics have since been reprinted in One Piece YELLOW: Grand Elements,which was released on 2 April 2007. These are accompanied by a new original bonus comic, "Space Time," featuring Franky as a character. The two most recent installments in the series postdate the publication of this book, and will most likely be collected at a later date.

Report Time
The first of these comics, "Report Time", was published in November 2005 in The 2nd Log: "SANJI". Of the bonus comics that appeared in the Logs, it is the only one to feature Luffy and crew in-character, as themselves. The one addition to the cast is "Affiliate Yakuza Reporter" Tsubaki, who interviews the Straw Hat Pirates about what life was like before Sanji joined the crew. The reporter's favorite phrase is "I'm so happy, I can't express it in words." Chopper and Robin do not appear, as The 2nd Log focuses on Sanji's introduction and acceptance into the crew, long before the two of them are introduced. Its anime version aired alongside One Piece episode 280, on 8 October 2006, with the role of Tsubaki voiced by Keiichi Sonobe.

Obahan Time
The second comic, "Obahan Time", was published in December 2005 in The 3rd Log: "NAMI". The anime version aired along with episode 281, on 15 October 2006. "Obahan", derived from the Japanese "Obasan", meaning "aunt" and applied more generally to middle-aged women, refers to a stereotype of middle-aged housewives who tend to be rude and demanding. In this comic, the author investigates the hypothetical situation of "if the Straw Hat Pirates were Obahan, who would be the strongest?" The story follows Mrs. Luffyzaki as she attempts to get soy sauce in order to cook a variety of meat dishes, but eventually ends up fleeing to Mrs. Robino's in order to avoid the wrath of her landlady Mrs. Namijima. The author concludes that Mrs. Namijima is, indeed, the strongest.

In December 2006, at Shueisha's annual Jump Festa event, Eiichiro Oda and the voices of all current Straw Hat crewmembers except for Ikue Ohtani (Chopper) and Yuriko Yamaguchi (Robin) appeared on stage dressed as their "Obahan" incarnations. For Oda, this meant a pink apron and matching pink afro.

Characters
; : This version of Luffy appears to be obsessed with cooking all kinds of meat. She is on a mission to find more soy sauce, but isn't having much luck. She likes rice cakes.
; : This version of Zoro is making sashimi for dinner, inadvertently cutting both the kitchen and her bottle of soy sauce in the process.
; : This version of Chopper seems to have a voracious appetite, bringing rice into the samples area and greedily inhaling the food samples there.
; : This version of Sanji, despite being a woman, is a pervert. She attempts to grope the women in the supermarket and causes a stampede, earning the ire of Mrs. Namijima.
; : This version of Nami is the stern, irascible landlady of the other characters. She does not tolerate inappropriate behavior, or late rent payments. Oda declares her to be the most powerful of the obahan.
; : This version of Usopp still likes to tell lies, and is a gossip. She likes Robino's pickles.
; : This version of Robin is soft-spoken and demure, and seems amused by the others' antics. Mrs. Luffyzaki and Mrs. Usokawa try to hide in her house in order to escape Mrs. Namijima. She is the only obahan who doesn't suffer from Mrs. Namijima's wrath.
; : Tashigi also makes an appearance in this comic, as a supermarket employee troubled by both Mrs. Chopamori's and Mrs. Luffyzaki's abuse of the free samples.

No Code-of-Honor Time
The third comic, , was published in February 2006 in The 5th Log: "CHOPPER"." The anime version of this story aired alongside One Piece episode 282, on 22 October 2006. The comic is apparently the dream of a bored moai statue, and features a mafia theme. Don Luffyone wants all the meat to himself, so he and his rival bosses Don Zoroscia and Don Sanjino set out to be the last man standing, as each of the Straw Hats is killed off one by one. Eventually, only Luffyone is left, though he is now terribly lonely. Note that "jingi" in the title more accurately translates to "humanity and justice", a byword for a kind of moral code that is said to be lacking among yakuza. In fact, the title header for the comic seems to have been ripped directly from the title card for the 1973 yakuza film .
Characters
; : This version of Luffy is also obsessed with meat. He apparently dislikes breathing fresh air (thinking it as "dandy"), and counters it with a cigar in his mouth. Interestingly, this incarnation of Luffy bears a strong resemblance to Crocodile, with the exception of the facial scar extending only just below the left eye and that both hands are his own.
; : This version of Zoro is rather competitive and more than eager to criticize Don Sanjino's appearance. He was the one who declared an all-out war with the three of them to determine who should be the boss, though he really had no reason to do so. His hairstyle makes him look like Smoker.
; : This version of Sanji has his hair on the right side of his head slicked backwards, leaving the rest forward. This fully exposes his curly eyebrow, but leaves his consistently-hidden left eye obscured. Don Luffyone made fun of him for this, saying that a man who only slicked half his hair back didn't deserve to be boss.
; : An assassin working for Luffyone. This version of Usopp was short-lived, instantly killed in an attempt to assassinate Don Zoroscia.
; : An assassin version of Chopper, working for Don Sanjino. His life is also cut short, as he is instantly killed while trying to assassinate Don Luffyone.
; : An assassin working for Don Zoroscia. The first hired gun to actually succeed, she ended Don Sanjino's life. Her victory was short-lived, however, when she took the keys to Don Sanjino's vault and "died" out of happiness after opening the safe and witnessing the riches inside.
; : Don Zoroscia's second assassin. This version of Robin betrayed her boss and killed him. Unfortunately for her, Don Zoroscia was able to use the last moment of his life to take Robita to the grave along with him.

Chopper Man
The fourth comic, "Chopper Man", was published in March 2006 in The 6th Log: "ARABASTA". It is notable for building on the previously-introduced "Chopper Man" character, as well as its page-and-a-half of introductions prior to the page-and-a-half comic itself. The anime version aired alongside One Piece episode 279, on 1 October 2006; it has since spawned a Chopper Man CD with a theme song sung by Chopper and an audio drama, as well as a full-length episode of the One Piece anime (episode 336) devoted to another Chopper Man adventure.

In this story, Chopper Man infiltrates the lair of the evil Dr. Usodabada, tames his henchmen with the power of his cuteness, and makes friends with Usodabada's secret weapon, Giant Luffy Bomber, which he uses to destroy the Doctor's castle. He intends to fly in the Giant Luffy Bomber to face his next foe, but he comes home to find that his assistant Namifia has already sold it.

Monster Time
The fifth comic, "Monster Time", was published in April 2006 in The 7th Log: "VIVI". In this, Luffy and company are all mythical beasts at the "carefree monster town", Monston. The anime version aired alongside One Piece episode 283, on 29 October 2006.
Characters
; : A centaur version of Usopp, who wants Lugyao's mystical horns for himself.
; : A dragon version of Luffy, who is fishing for a mythical fish while under attack by Usoppaka.
; : A kraken version of Chopper, who was scouring the sea floor for mystical treasures when he was hooked by Lugyao's bait.
; : A mermaid version of Nami, who is angry at Chopaken for trying to steal her mystical treasure.
; : A kappa version of Sanji who offers to beat up Chopaken on behalf of Stronami. He later threatens to take Zoromilk's mystical golden nosering in retaliation for the creature's own threats against him.
; : A minotaur version of Zoro (though he looks more like a holstein), who wants to take the mystical dish on the top of Sanzara's skull for himself.
; : A gorgon version of Robin, who wears sunglasses to keep from turning others into stone. She recently lost her mystical earrings, causing the other monsters to try and find replacement treasures for her. When she finds out what they're doing, she cries with gratitude, and her glasses fall off. She turns to thank them, but accidentally turns them into stone.

Space Time
The sixth comic first appeared as a bonus comic in One Piece YELLOW: Grand Elements, released on 2 April 2007. It is the first four-page side comic and the first comic to feature the newest member of the Mugiwara crew, Franky. In this story, which features a science-fiction theme, San Vader and Zorodadener plot to invade the Moon with their giant space robots. The Queen of the Moon, Robiya-hime, orders her soldier Luffytarou to search for the space hero Mugiwaraman, unaware that Luffytarou secretly is Mugiwaraman. En route, Luffytarou transforms into Mugiwaraman in order to save Planet Namitan from an octopus-shaped asteroid. Unfortunately, he deflects the asteroid into the moon, destroying it.

All the characters speak "Space-ese," which is accomplished by sticking out one's lower jaw in an exaggerated grimace while speaking. It refers to the facial expression that accompanies the utterance of popular comedian Ken Shimura's nonsensical catchphrase, "Ai-in."

Characters
;Robiya-hime : This version of Robin is Queen of the Moon. Her name refers to Kaguya-hime, the Moon Princess of Japanese folklore.
;Luffytarou : This version of Luffy is a Lunar Special Defense Force Soldier. His true form is Mugiwaraman, who resembles the tokusatsu hero Ultraman. If Luffytarou remains as Mugiwaraman for over five minutes, he'll contract glycosuria and become unable to eat meat for the rest of his life.
;San Vader : This version of Sanji is a Martian Martial Artist with tentacles and pointed ears. To invade the Moon, he forms the Universal Association of Darkness Pact with Zorodadener. His name is a play on Darth Vader.
;Zorodadener : This version of Zoro is a polearm-wielding Venusian Swordsman who wears a dark, Sithian cloak and has a long scar over his left eye. To invade the Moon, he forms the Universal Association of Darkness Pact with San Vader.
;Usoshakeen : This version of Usopp is a giant space robot owned by San vader. He resembles a suit of samurai armor. In Japanese, shakiin is an ideophone suggesting swift movement.
;Frangashahn : This version of Franky is a giant space robot owned by Zorodadener. This marks the first appearance of Franky in a side comic. In Japanese, gashaan is onomatopoeia for a smashing sound.
;Choppasmith : This version of Chopper is a Lunar Special Defense Force Spy who uncovers the plot to invade the Moon. He has an afro hairstyle and dresses like the Men in Black of UFO conspiracy theories. The name likely refers to Will Smith, star of the 1997 science-fiction comedy Men in Black.
;Namitanian : This version of Nami is a humanoid from planet Namitan. Mugiwaraman saves her planet from an octopus-shaped asteroid. With giant pincers, Namitanian resembles a Baltan alien from the Ultraman tokusatsu series.

Red-Hair of Class 3-Sea Time
The seventh comic in the One Piece Theater series, published in the commemorative 10th-Anniversary One Piece: 10th Treasures magazine. It is a parody of a clichéd storyline found in various Japanese media, about an inspirational teacher who manages to turn around a problem class. This is the first comic to feature Brook, as well as many other characters voted on by fans. The comic involves the Straw Hat Crew as juvenile delinquents of varied types (excluding Luffy and Brook). Many teachers at the school attempt to deal with the problematic Class 3-Sea, until one day the principal, Bon Kurei, calls in "Mr. Red-Hair" (Shanks) to set them straight. In spite of a rough start, the students of Class 3-Sea grow to love him. Mr. Red-Hair leaves them with words of becoming pirates, leaving behind an irate Principal Bon Kurei.

Characters
;Franori : This version of Franky is an Iron Man Bully who demands bottles of cola from other students.
;Chopahiko : This version of Chopper is a Monster Bully who holds his secret of being cute towards Red-Haired Sensei. He demands cotton candy from others.
;Zoromichi : This version of Zoro is a Deadly Weapon Bully with a mohawk and a rebellious attitude, using foul language quite often.
;Namie : This version of Nami is an Electric Shock with a skimpy outfit that demands payment if anyone sees her body.
;Sansuke : This version of Sanji is a Smoking Bully with a great amount of hair and bad attitude towards dress code. Mihawk comments that his eyebrow is against school regulations.
;Usoya : This version of Usopp is a Secret Uber-Hacker who is a master of technology. He hijacks the school's broadcasting system and crosses the wires of Den-Den Mushi all over the world.
;Robika : This version of Robin is a Black-Marketeer who takes money in secret forbidden deals.
;Luffyshirou : This version of Luffy is a model student who strives to do his very best so he can get into Harvardy University. He is angered if anything interferes with his studies.
;Principal Bon Kurei : This version of Bon Kurei is the principal of Straw Hat High School, hiring Mr. Red-Hair to set the delinquents straight. He is given a mustache.
;Mr. Red-Hair : This version of Shanks is the homeroom teacher of Class 3-Sea, who teaches the problem students that being a pirate is fun. He has longer hair than his canonical self.

Additional Characters
These are characters who are voted on to be featured by fans. They are ordered from the most voted to the least voted and there roles in the comic are listed as well.
*1. Shanks — Mr. Red-Hair
*2. Ace — teacher confronting Zoromichi
*3. Bon Kurei — Principal
*4. Vivi — female student, Robika's lackey
*5. Paulie — teacher confronting Namie
*6. Mihawk — teacher confronting Sansuke
*7. CP9 — crowd behind Franori and Chopahiko and Subordinates to Robika
*8. Whitebeard — Teacher in crowd behind Franori and Chopahiko
*9. Pandaman — not seen
*10. Super Spotted Duck Squad — teachers around Luffyshirou
*11. Brook — another teacher near Luffyshirou
*11. Buggy — student beaten up by Franori

Märchen Time
The eighth and most recent comic, "Märchen Time", was published in April 2008 in The 10th Log: "BELL". In this, Luffy and company are fairy tale characters, drawn primarily from The Three Little Pigs and Snow White. Aside from his cameo in 3-SEA, this is Brook's first appearance as a member of the Straw-Hat crew.
Characters
;Lubuu: The oldest pig brother version of Luffy, who built a house of straw.
;Chobuu: The middle pig brother version of Chopper, who built a house of sticks.
;Broobuu: The youngest pig brother version of Brook, who built a house made of bricks.
;Fragarr: A big bad wolf version of Franky, that was punished by the Pig Brothers and rebuilt their homes.
;Zoro White: The unfortunate princess version of Zoro, who ran away because of her evil stepmother and went to live with the Pig Brothers.
;Usocchi: An honest fairy godmother version of Usopp that transformed poorly dressed Zoro White into a creepy princess.
;Nami Queen: The evil Queen version of Nami, that sent poisoned apples to Zoro White to eat.
;Prince Robipri: A prince version of Robin, that lost his axe in the lake.
;Sanchuu: The Lake Goddess version of Sanji, that retrieved two precious axes to Prince Robipri in exchange of herself.

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