In the world of comic collecting the term “key” is used to denote issues of importance for a particular series, creator, or character. In the world of manga zasshi (magazines) this same concept applies, but with the number of series published in zasshi at any given time it can be hard to keep track of the ones you may care about most. We aim to help unlock that information with a series of easy to reference lists to help collectors, established and newcomers alike.

At the time of writing One Piece is sitting at just under 1200 chapters, with nearly 30 years of continuous publication. A story this huge is certain to have an absolutely massive cast of characters, and One Piece in particular takes things to The Simpsons levels of characters both main and supporting. Forgetting the popularity of the franchise, the size of the cast is so expansive that it makes it perfect for exploring as a collector. With so much to work with, I figure the best starting point would be the origin of the series itself and the Straw Hat crew. 

Shonen Jump 1996 Summer Special

First one-shot: Romance Dawn

This particular issue was the final of the standard seasonal issues Jump would publish before re-branding to Akamaru Jump for Winter 1996 which may have contributed to a lower print run than previous specials. Oda has also said that the Romance Dawn one-shot contained in this issue was not meant to be published here. Regardless, this is the very first appearance of Monkey D. Luffy, Shanks, and supporting antagonist Gally. It also features a prototype for Nami named Silk, who would appear in the anime as part of a special episode that adapts this one-shot.

As an added bonus, this issue also contains Bleach creator Tite Kubo's debut one-shot, Ultra Unholy Hearted Machine.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1996 no. 41

Second one-shot: Romance Dawn version 2

This second version of Romance Dawn was published in the pages of the main Weekly Shonen Jump magazine only about a month after the first version was released. It’s rare for 2 pilot one-shots to be released in such close proximity, which may have been due to Oda’s statement about the mistake with the first version. This one-shot is very different from the first one, with only Luffy making a repeat appearance. Many of the cast have never appeared in the main series outside of an anime adaptation of this one-shot, but an early version of Monkey D. Garp is introduced with a similar overall look and referred to only as Luffy’s Grandfather.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1997 no. 34

First chapter of One Piece

Even though this issue doesn’t contain any true first appearances (although Nami appears on the cover and color splash page 8 issues before her debut) it would be irresponsible to not include it just due to its significance alone. The first canon chapter of One Piece, titled “Romance Dawn” (Oda really liked that name huh?) sets the stage for a grand adventure that at the time no one could have expected would still be running strong decades later.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1997 no. 36

First appearance of Roronoa Zoro

The introduction of the man who would become first-mate of the Straw Hat pirates and Luffy’s ride or die, and man did Oda make sure to set him up as a badass right from the get go. Everything from the way he looked in his first panel appearance to his general attitude, there was no doubt from the very beginning that Zoro was destined to become a major player in the story.

Future Marine and Garp protege Helmeppo also makes his debut in this issue.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1997 no. 42

First appearance of Nami

Nami was originally intended to appear in the first chapter of One Piece, but due to some last minute story changes her introduction was pushed back just a little bit. Another major player early on, Nami’s position as the crew’s navigator has made her indispensable, and her dynamic with all of the other characters makes her one of the most fun members of the Straw Hat crew.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1998 no. 7

First appearance of Usopp

Introduced in this chapter as a “boy who cried wolf” trope, “Captain” Usopp’s first appearance wasn’t what one might call eventful, but his conviction and desire to become a brave warrior makes him a truly endearing character. He’s also had his fair share of surprising and fist-pump worthy moments throughout the years, making him a valuable member of the straw hats..

Weekly Shonen Jump 1998 no. 28

First appearance of Sanji

Following the trend of the other Straw Hat members to this point, Sanji is introduced as a troublemaker and framed as a hard-headed badass from the get go, laying the smackdown on “Iron Fist” Fullbody in the middle of the Baratie. He’s a lover and a fighter, often to humorous effect and his antagonistic relationship with Zoro has become such a beloved element that official merchandise based on his “marimo/moss head” nickname for Luffy’s first mate has been created. He also has the best wanted poster, no question.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1999 no. 41

First appearance of Nefertari Vivi (as Miss Wednesday)

Vivi is probably going to be a contentious inclusion on this list to some people, but many still consider her a member of the crew. Factoring in recent developments in the story, it’s also very clear she’s going to have a huge impact. Vivi is one of 2 former Baroque Works members who teams up with Luffy, who helps her with the plight of her home country of Arabasta.

This issue also has one of the coolest Yu-Gi-Oh! covers ever featured on a Weekly Shonen Jump issue.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1999 no. 52-53

First appearance of Nico Robin (as Miss All Sunday)

The second Baroque Works member to join the straw hats, Robin originally appears to be a truly menacing antagonist when she’s revealed. Her history and motivations prove to be much more complicated, and she forces her way onto the crew after Luffy refuses to let her die during the resolution of the Arabasta Arc. As a survivor of Ohara and as one of the last know people who is able to decipher the Poneglyphs scattered around the world, she is both a threat to the world government and one of the most fascinating characters in the entire series.

Weekly Shonen Jump 2000 no. 23

First appearance of Tony Tony Chopper

Much more than a mere mascot, Chopper is introduced as the meek assistant to Dr. Kureha when the Straw Hats seek help for a sick Nami on Drum Island. His initial introduction portrays him in proper reindeer form, but his adorable bipedal form is what fans have come to love. Despite being the most meek member of the crew, he has come in clutch time and time again in battle and his skills as a doctor have proven invaluable on more than one occasion.

This issue also marks the debut of Akira Toriyama’s Sand Land, which makes it even more desirable amongst collectors.

Weekly Shonen Jump 2004 no. 34

First appearance of Franky

Franky’s first appearance was as an antagonist who robs the Straw Hats so he can buy the thing he has always wanted. As the Water 7 arc continued, he and his Franky Family became allies and he would eventually join up with the crew. He sometimes feels less utilized in favor of other more popular members of the Straw Hats, but his inventions have saved them over and over again, and as the designer and chief builder of the Thousand Sunny he has contributed in a major way to Luffy’s quest to become king of the pirates.

Weekly Shonen Jump 2007 no. 9

First appearance of Brook

Tied with Chopper for being the most fantastical member of the Straw Hats, Brook has been a humorous addition to the cast since his first appearance when the crew finds him on a ghost ship in the Florian Triangle. As the musician of the crew, the “Soul King” helps keep spirits within the crew high, and some of his perverted antics that come out of left field are good for a laugh as well. He joined the crew at the end of the Thriller Bark arc and despite being a living skeleton has proven to be a capable fighter with some wild devil fruit abilities in the time since his introduction.

Weekly Shonen Jump 2009 no. 8

First appearance of Jinbe

A former warlord of the sea, Jinbe is the newest proper member of the Straw Hat crew and despite being introduced way back in 2009 it took him 10 years to actually join the crew. Even though he’s only been part of the main cast for the past 6 years he’s had quite a few significant moments during the Wano County, Egghead, and Elbaph arc. Although I don’t think there’s any intentional connection, his introduction is reminiscent of when we first met Zoro as well with him chained up beside Ace and holding true to his values despite captivity, which set him up as a badass right from the get go.

Honorable Mentions

In the world of comics, usually it’s the active characters who hold the most importance to collectors but any One Piece fan will tell you that their ships are just as much a part of the crew as any living members. As such I’ve decided to include them on this list accordingly, especially since there would be no ongoing adventure without them.

Weekly Shonen Jump 1998 no. 26

First appearance of Going Merry

After helping save Kaya from Kuro and his underlings, Luffy and crew are gifted the Going Merry as a reward for their bravery. The faithful vessel would be with the crew through the end of the Enies Lobby arc, participating in many adventures and surviving some of the most ridiculous situations for a lot longer than one would expect.

Featuring an early One Piece cover, this issue has also received increased significance amongst collectors as of late.

Weekly Shonen Jump 2007 no. 1

First appearance of Thousand Sunny

Designed and built by Franky as a replacement for the Going Merry, the Thousand Sunny is a considerably bigger ship constructed from the incredibly durable wood of the Adam Tree. It’s also full of surprises, often receiving upgrades or revealing secret features built in by Franky when wild situations arise and the crew is in a bind.