When thinking about the Skypiea arc in One Piece, I have to admit that I wasn't as impressed by the story when compared to the others (i.e. Alabasta, Water Seven, Impel Down, etc.), so I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to re-read the arc for this review.

After going through the latest 3-in-1 volume of One Piece (covers volumes 25-27), I have to say I was pleasantly surprised about a couple things: 1. Reading a good chunk of the arc in one go really made a difference in how much I enjoyed the arc, and 2. It's SO much funnier than what I remembered, mostly thanks to who I consider the star of the arc, Usopp!

The Set-Up

The Straw Hats have shook the world up with their antics in Alabasta. Not only did they defy a Warlord of the Sea (a government-sanctioned pirate) and the World Government, but they also picked up Nico Robin,  a notorious new crew member who's considered one of the most dangerous people in the world!

Their travels after Alabasta take them to the island of Jaya, where the romantic pirate Mont Blanc Cricket resides. While there, they learn about the fabled sky island Skypiea, and Luffy being Luffy, he decides that Skypiea is their next destination. Problem is, no one knows if it truly exists! And that's not their only concern. To get there, they'll have to be blasted up by an incredible burst of water known as the Knock-Up Stream. However, there are major consequences. Should their calculations be off or should there be no sky island, the crew will tumble down from the sky, crashing to their deaths in the murky depths below.

3-in-1 Means...

You get to read 29 chapters of One Piece in one volume (volumes 25–27)! This particular volume covers the Straw Hats as they begin their adventures in Jaya all the way up to their conflict with the Kami in Skypiea. It's one intense ride and well worth the price of admission.

Anything Involving Usopp Means...

You'll be busting a gut at all his antics! Here's a few just to get your appetite whetted.

1. Usopp's reputation as a liar precedes him!

A long time ago, there lived an adventurer named Noland who braved the seas and came upon the island of Jaya, full or riches and gold. However, when he returned with his king in tow, the island he once knew was no more! After that, he was mocked and ridiculed for his lies and died misunderstood. His tragic story became a famous children's tale in the North Blue.

Just like Noland, Usopp is renowned for his fibbing abilities. From the countless new diseases he seems to catch at the sign of danger to the hordes of minions under his command, his imagination knows no bounds! But there are some drawbacks to being the world's best liar...

2. Usopp's prowess as a swimmer!

And of course, the inevitable happens...

3. Usopp'll scare the pants off of you! Or himself...

4. If anything, Usopp makes for good horse feed!

Usopp's just one character in the epic world of One Piece. The Straw Hats have encountered numerous memorable characters, places, cultures, etc. It can get quite daunting considering the amount of One Piece manga that's out there. But now with the 3-in-1s, you not only get the manga at a better price, but you get more of the manga as well! Truly a dream come true!

One Piece 3-in-1 volume 9 is available now at VIZ.com!

by Sean Baylor