Joyboy's Debut in 'ONE PIECE', Luffy's Original Voice Actor Returns After 27 Years

Kapanlagi.com - One Piece surprises fans once again in the anime by showcasing the official debut of Joyboy. This moment is even more heated as the character is voiced by an actor returning after 27 years away from the One Piece anime. The series is now in its final phase, the Egghead Arc, and each new episode brings important developments before Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew finally escape the chaos in Dr. Vegapunk's futuristic laboratory.

As Vegapunk's research unfolds, a clearer picture of the Void Century begins to emerge, and various theories about Joyboy gain traction. The latest episode then shocked fans. For the first time in anime history, Joyboy's voice was officially introduced. This surprise is even stronger because the voice actor is the one who voiced Luffy long before One Piece was fully produced. Check out the details below!

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1. Joyboy's Debut and the Return of Luffy's Voice Actor After 27 Years

Latest Episode Clip of One Piece (Credit: x.com/@pewpiece)

In episode 1151, Luffy returns to using Gear 5 and his heartbeat awakens a giant robot that had previously roamed the Egghead island. The robot activates when it hears the same heartbeat rhythm as Joyboy, and this time it rises to save Luffy from the threat of one of the Five Elders. Through a brief flashback, fans hear Joyboy's voice in full for the first time in the history of the One Piece anime, and the voice sounds familiar to long-time viewers.

One Piece has officially chosen Urara Takano as the voice actor for Joyboy. Takano is a significant figure in the production history of the One Piece series as she was the first voice actor for Monkey D. Luffy, who appeared in the special OVA One Piece - Defeat Him! The Pirate Ganzack! at Jump Festa 1998. This OVA was released before Toei Animation received the green light to fully produce the series the following year. Fans assume that Takano's selection as Joyboy has its own special meaning.

2. Correlation Between Luffy and Joyboy

Latest Episode Snippet of One Piece (Credit: x.com/@pewpiece)

There have been many theories linking Luffy to Joyboy, and the series gradually reinforces the idea that Luffy is the direct successor of that legendary pirate. Joyboy's initial visual shows him wearing a straw hat, and now his voice is made similar to Luffy's. This resemblance strengthens the argument that the two have a deep connection. This revelation has led to much speculation about Luffy's role in the world of One Piece going forward.

With the similarities in appearance, voice, and even heartbeat, it seems that Luffy is not just the heir of Gol D. Roger, but rather a figure that is deeply connected to the Void Century and the mysterious legacy of Joyboy. The presence of Joyboy in the form of an official voice and his direct connection to Luffy marks one of the biggest narrative developments in the anime One Piece. As the Egghead Arc approaches its conclusion, this moment becomes an important part of the larger puzzle that will determine the next direction of Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew's journey.

(kpl/vaj)