One Piece: Is Kuma a Villain? 

Among the many intriguing characters in One Piece, few are as fascinating as Bartholomew Kuma. Introduced as a fearsome Warlord of the Sea, Kuma’s presence became synonymous with destruction. As a cyborg wielding immense powers who was subservient to the World Government, there was good reason to believe that Kuma was a villain.

However, throughout the series, there were several inconsistencies in Kuma’s actions that clashed with his “evil” identity. During the events of the Egghead Arc, the cyborg’s backstory and connection to Jewelry Bonney were shown. This revealed how Kuma was not a villain but rather a tragic hero manipulated due to his kindness.

Most of his consciousness had been wiped out due to a ploy by the World Government, but there remained traces of his original personality. Kuma allowing the Straw Hats to leave from Thriller Bark and transporting them to different locations during the time skip served as the first proof of how he was far from an evil antagonist. His moment of valiant resistance against the World Government in Egghead cemented his fate as an individual that should be celebrated rather than hated.

To paint a picture of Kuma, it is important to track his development from his past in One Piece. Bartholomew Kuma, born as the son of a Buccaneer and a human, had been enslaved by the Celestial Dragons for most of his early life. He had lost all his family but held faith due to his belief in Nika and managed to find joy along with his friends Ginny and Ivankov.

Kuma and his comrades finally saw freedom during the God Valley Incident, where they broke their chains and escaped to Sorbet Kingdom. His life was filled with hurdles ever since then, as he worked as a priest in his kingdom, led a revolt against the corrupt ruling powers and even joined Dragon’s Revolutionary Army.

However, when Ginny was abducted by the Celestial Dragons and died due to the Sapphire Scales disease, Kuma decided to settle down and adopt her daughter, Bonney. He learned to be a father and worked towards curing Bonney, who suffered from her mother’s disease. After a desperate search, he finally discovered that the talented Dr. Vegapunk could cure her through his scientific prowess.

In exchange, Kuma agreed to take part in Vegapunk's new Pacifista project, aiming to make clone soldiers that would protect the peace. Regrettably, both individuals were taken advantage of by Saint Saturn, who was eavesdropping on their conversation. As payment for Vegapunk curing Bonney, Saturn demanded that Kuma be turned into a mindless cyborg who would serve the World Government.

Shockingly, the father happily accepted if it meant his daughter would be saved. Through these series of events, Kuma fell under the control of the World Government. The Pacifista project, which was an honest attempt by Vegapunk to do good ended up causing harm.

As a result, Kuma and the clones resembling him became the face of the World Government’s misdoings. However, Vegapunk ended up betraying Saint Saturn by not making Kuma completely heartless and leaving portions of his original personality. He also instilled instructions that no Pacifista could ever harm Bonney.

Bartholomew Kuma - One Piece’s unsung Hero

Bartholomew Kuma is a hero in every definition of the word. He selflessly sacrificed his sense of self if it meant his adoptive daughter could be saved. Even after becoming a cyborg, he protected the Straw Hats and was drawn towards Bonney.

When his daughter was threatened by the World Government in Egghead, Kuma jumped into the scene to protect her. His feelings were conveyed through the Pacifistas, too, who rebelled against the Marines. Their combined efforts allowed the heroes to defeat the World Government’s forces. By the end of the One Piece arc, Kuma reunites with Bonney, and the duo stares into the horizon.

Trending

To conclude, Kuma is far from a villain in One Piece. His compassionate nature was taken advantage of by the World Government, turning him into the face of fear. Nevertheless, his spirit eventually came out on top, allowing him to have a happy ending with his daughter.

While Kuma’s original consciousness has not completely returned, there have been several positive signs. Bonney is also working with Lilith to completely fix her father, indicating a hopeful future in One Piece.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback