The One Piece franchise has recently seen significant expansions, with new developments coming from both the manga and the burgeoning merchandise scene. With the release of Chapter 1037 on February 15, fans are buzzing with new theories and revelations about beloved characters, particularly as the Elbaph arc presents opportunities for exciting narratives.
Chapter 1037, titled "Shamrock Takes the Stage," takes readers back to the exploration of Elbaph's castle. The chapter dives deep, shedding light on its historical figures, including King Harald and his conflicts with the villain Loki. New details about the Ancient Giant race, particularly their horned appearance, paint a vivid picture of their past, as King Harald has ripped off his horns, believing them to belong to history.
That said, the chapter isn't solely focused on history; it highlights Loki's strength, demonstrating his abilities as he takes down all but one of the giant warriors opposing him. This leaves much to explore about this lore, especially when paired with Hajrudin’s parallel motivations mirroring Monkey D. Luffy's own dreams.
Perhaps the most shocking moment from this chapter is the introduction of Shamrock Figarland. The character’s appearance seems to bear strong resemblance to Shanks—albeit without the scar, leading fans to speculate whether Shamrock could be Shanks’ twin. Positioned as the Commander of the Holy Knights, Shamrock's presence raises questions about the relationship between Shanks and the World Government, which appears convoluted and ripe for exploration.
Shamrock found himself embroiled with the World Government, where readers witness his non-resistance under torture, piling on heaps of intrigue. Fans recall earlier tie-ins from past chapters, particularly semi-cryptic references made during the Fish-Man arc, hinting at Shanks’ lineage and his connection to the Figarland family.
Connections build with Chapter 1095, where the introduction of Saint Figarland Garling offered possible familial ties. And with previous claims from the recently released "4 Billion" volume of One Piece Film Red illuminating Shanks' infancy post-God Valley incident, more dots align.
Shanks is not just any pirate; as one of the most influential figures within the One Piece universe, he was originally known as the cabin boy aboard Gol D. Roger’s ship. His character wields significant influence over the narrative’s flow, passing the iconic Straw Hat to Luffy and igniting his pirate ambitions.
Fans of the series received even more exciting news as the ONE PIECE anime announced its return on April 6, 2025. A stunning new key visual and trailer dropped during last month’s Jump Festa, reigniting anticipation. The series will soon return with the edited Fish-Man Island Saga airing meanwhile, offering viewers more One Piece content before the final arc's showdown.
Parallel to the manga's expansions and growing narratives, the franchise's fanbase will soon be able to engage with the story like never before through LEGO's thematic building sets. Teaming up with Netflix and Tomorrow Studios, the LEGO Group is launching its first collection of building sets inspired by the beloved anime series. This lineup arrives just as the second season of the live-action adaptation prepares its debut.
Scheduled to launch later this year, the LEGO sets represent the first series of products based on anime, aiming to immerse fans fully within the One Piece ecosystem. While specific designs have yet to be disclosed, expectations are high. This new wave will feature different levels of difficulty, appealing to builders of all ages.
LEGO mini-figures capturing Luffy and his crew will hopefully make their way onto store shelves, allowing avid fans to recreate their favorite scenarios straight from the Grand Line adventures. Anime-focused merchandise continues to grow, making this collaboration notable within the LEGO universe.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, expressed his excitement and joy over these LEGO sets via social media platform X, remarking how merging the series with child-friendly construction is especially thrilling. The exclusive collection, which will officially launch before Netflix's second season, is sure to resonate with both budding pirates and seasoned fans alike.
One Piece's recent chapter and merchandise expansions signal the continued growth and evolution of this beloved franchise, offering fans new ways to engage with its vast universe. The manga dives deep with familial lineages and surprising character insights, and the partnership with LEGO provides hands-on experiences concluding with brand-new adventures. Overall, the One Piece universe keeps thriving as stories grow ever larger, beckoning fans to explore more of what lies beyond the Grand Line.