Joy Boy is a mysterious figure who lived during the Void Century in One Piece. His legacy transcends the boundaries of time.
One Piece doesn’t fall short of introducing mysterious characters. Yet, no other character is as important as puzzling as Joy Boy in the entirety of the series. Ever since the series revealed Luffy’s true powers, the hype around Joy Boy has increased tremendously.
However, the mysteries surrounding him increased just as much. First mentioned in the Fish-Man Island Arc, the series often mentions his existence, but it’s too subtle to figure out the truth from 800 years ago.
Vegapunk’s message in the Egghead Island Arc finally unravels a lot of mysteries behind this legendary figure. Zunesha says Luffy is Joy Boy, but what does that mean?
The message left behind by Joy Boy to foretell his return
Joy Boy was first mentioned in One Piece when Robin deciphered the poneglyph on Fish-Man Island. It was a letter written by him addressing his grief over not fulfilling his promise to the Mermaid Princess. He also expressed his desire to carry on that promise towards the future and fulfill it someday.
The future that he spoke of is the current era where Luffy will fulfill the said promise. For reasons unknown, people from the Void Century were aware of Joy Boy’s return over 800 years in the future.
Joy Boy is a title in One Piece and not a name
Joy Boy is always believed to be an individual. During Roger’s visit to Laughtale, he expressed his wish to be in the same era as Joy Boy. However, it’s unclear whether the ‘era’ Roger talked about is the past or the future.
What’s more, Luffy’s devil fruit awakening was sensed by Zunesha, and he claimed Joy Boy’s return. This meant that as soon as Luffy realized his true powers, he himself became Joy Boy. Kozuki Oden’s wife, Amatsuki Toki, came from the Void Century to meet the second Joy Boy.
The comrades of the first Joy Boy
The only people associated with Joy Boy are the Mermaid Princess of the Void Century and Zunesha. One of the ancient weapons, Poseidon, is the power inherited by the Mermaid Princess in the era when a great change was about to happen in the world.
While Luffy is a close ally to the Mermaid Princess Shirahoshi, the first Joy Boy has the same relationship as one from his era. On the other hand, the relationship between Zunesha and Luffy’s predecessor is even more mysterious. Momonosuke explained that Zunesha and Joy Boy were comrades, but the rest remained history.
It is also highly likely that Zunesha committed a crime for his comrade’s sake and got punished for it. Even centuries after his comrade’s death, Zunesha remembers him and is elated at his return through Luffy.
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Another character with close ties to Joy Boy is the Iron Giant, who attacked Mariejois over 200 years ago. In the Egghead Island Arc, it apologizes to him, suggesting it betrayed him or hurt him during his era.
The One Piece treasure is related to Joy Boy
The mysterious treasure known as “One Piece” is said to have everything the world has to offer. The world believes that it is Roger’s treasure, but the truth is far from it.
At some point in his life, the first Joy Boy traveled to an unknown island that was later named “Laughtale” by Roger. On that island, he left behind a treasure that would come to become known to the world as One Piece.
The first pirate in history
Vegapunk reveals he, a young man from the ancient kingdom, was set to the seas and became the first pirate in history. He fought against the 20 kingdoms during the Great War using the same Gear 5 as Luffy. One Piece Chapter 1115 also features Joy Boy fighting the rulers of the allied kingdoms single-handedly.
However, his defeat marks the end of the Void Century. Despite all that happened for over 800 years, Vegapunk cannot determine which side was right due to their opposing ideologies.
The real-life inspiration behind Joy Boy from One Piece
Eiichiro Oda is known for incorporating real-life inspirations into the world of One Piece. He draws inspiration from real-life locations, famous personalities, several religions and mythologies, and even literary works.
He is a figure mentioned in the “Encylopedia of Things That Never Were” by Michael Page and Robert Ingpen. Published in 1985, the book describes Joyboy as a figure from Caribbean folklore associated with humans’ need to dance, sing, and celebrate.
He was brought to the Caribbean islands along with West African slaves. He smiled at all the world’s problems and cured the ills of humanity by playing his drum. His dance and song are said to cast off the black veil of despair.
In the series, Luffy’s heartbeat took on the sound of the Drums of Liberation after awakening his powers. Gorosei also mentioned that the user of this power would gain enormous strength as the “warrior of liberation” and would fight with a smile on his face.
For more Straw Hats shenanigans, check out why Roger Pirates didn’t act after learning the truth and what is Vegapunk’s message.
