Who Is Whitebeard In One Piece? All You Need To Know
One Piece, the much-loved manga and anime series, has gifted us a treasure trove of memorable characters, each with their own quirks, tales, and superpowers. Among these legends is Edward Newgate, better known as “Whitebeard.” In this article, we’ll dive into the life and lore of Whitebeard, exploring his backstory, appearance, and the enigma surrounding his character.
The Backstory and Rise to Fame
Before he became the fearsome Whitebeard, Edward Newgate started life as an orphan on Sphinx Island. His voyage into piracy began when he joined the infamous Rocks Pirates, a legendary crew known for their audacious exploits. Later, he ascended to the ranks of the Four Emperors, the rulers of the perilous New World. Whitebeard’s extraordinary journey came to a dramatic end during the Summit War of Marineford, marking a tragic conclusion to his life.
In his prime, Whitebeard stood as a rival to Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, demonstrating his colossal power and indomitable spirit. Following Roger’s passing, Whitebeard earned the title of the “Strongest Man in the World.” This claim was reinforced by his having the highest active bounty while alive and the second-highest in the annals of piracy. His alliance with Monkey D. Luffy during the Marineford Arc played a pivotal role in shaping the series’ narrative.
The Iconic Appearance of Whitebeard
Whitebeard’s appearance mirrors his legendary stature. In his youth, he sported an open dark gray vest and a black bandanna, lacking the signature crescent-shaped mustache that would later define him. As time passed, Whitebeard cultivated his iconic mustache, becoming instantly recognizable.
At a towering height of 21 feet and 10 inches (666 cm), Whitebeard cut an imposing figure. Unlike other giants, he boasted a well-proportioned physique. His face, etched with the wear and tear of age, featured numerous wrinkles around his eyes. His battle-hardened chest bore a tapestry of scars. His muscular frame, particularly his biceps, seemed to bulge whenever he unleashed his quake-based powers.
A shared tattoo of the Jolly Roger on their backs marked the unwavering loyalty of Whitebeard and his crew. His eye color varied between the manga and anime, depicted as brown in the former and yellow in the latter.
Whitebeard’s attire was as distinct as his persona. A black bandanna adorned his head, while a white captain’s coat, embellished with his Jolly Roger symbol, draped loosely over his broad shoulders. In combat, Whitebeard consistently went shirtless, wearing loose pants tucked into imposing black boots. A dark pirate sash cinched around his waist completed his formidable ensemble. In his later years, health issues necessitated his use of oxygen and medical sensors.
Remarkably, over his 72-year-long career, Whitebeard never suffered a single wound to his back, a testament to his unwavering courage and determination.
As a child, Whitebeard’s attire was far more modest, featuring a light-colored sleeveless shirt with the word “Power” emblazoned on it. This unassuming beginning marked the inception of his remarkable journey towards becoming one of the world’s most renowned pirates.
The Enigma of Whitebeard’s Scar
Though Whitebeard’s life and exploits are well-documented, a compelling mystery shrouds the massive scar adorning his chest. The series has never explicitly unveiled the individual responsible for this ominous scar.
In a pivotal moment in Chapter 434 of One Piece, Shanks meets Whitebeard to implore his assistance in preventing Ace from pursuing Blackbeard. During their conversation, Whitebeard mentions the scar for the first time, hinting at its significance. However, it becomes evident that Shanks wasn’t the one responsible for it; rather, someone strikingly similar to Shanks.
The plot thickens with the revelation in One Piece Chapter 1095. It unveils the man behind Whitebeard’s scar – Garling Figarland, known as the God’s Knights Commander. Garling shares a deep connection with the God Valley Incident, which led to the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates and the death of their captain, Rocks D. Xebec.
In the flashback within Chapter 1095, Garling’s resemblance to Shanks is uncanny, sparking speculations about their relationship, including the possibility of them being father and son. Garling’s ability to grievously wound Whitebeard during his prime underscores his formidable power.
In conclusion, Whitebeard is an integral character in the One Piece universe, celebrated for his unrivaled strength, commanding presence, and legendary status. His journey, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the Four Emperors, is a testament to his enduring legacy. While the mystery of his scar remains unsolved, it adds another layer of intrigue to the rich tapestry of the One Piece world.
