Kaido and Big Mom could've been One Piece's failed Joy Boy reincarnations given their dreams

Modified Jul 03, 2024 01:13 GMT

One Piece: Kaido and Big Mom are the failed Joy Boys (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece is known for its well-written side characters, antagonist, and their understandable motivations. Kaido and Big Mom are two of the most prominent examples of this. They symbolize an old generation of pirates, overthrown by the newer generation.

Although their stories depict them as villains, their end goals are respectable. Big Mom wanted to create a harmonious place where every race could live together, while Kaido aimed to improve the world using war. These things have led many fans to believe that Kaido and Big Mom had inherited Joy Boy's dream but failed to realize it.

Disclaimer- This article contains spoilers for One Piece.

One Piece: Kaido and Big Mom twisted Joy Boy's dream

Big Mom and Kaido fighting as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Both Kaido and Big Mom aligned with the overall individual freedom and the ability to do as one wishes, which has been established as an aspect of Joy Boy's will. It is possible that Kaido and Big Mom were among those who inherited Joy Boy's dreams, but ended up straying far from them.

In the case of Big Mom, it is clear that her personality regressed and became identical to her personality as a toddler, along with her age. Although the information about Big Mom from her time in the Rocks Pirate was limited, most of the brief flashbacks reveal that she was indeed a normal adult pirate with admirable goals, which contrasts starkly with her current volatile persona.

Initially, her dream was to unite all races to live in harmony, a goal she partially achieved with Totto Land. However, this dream became twisted, and she imposed forced coexistence among the races and ruled over them with tyranny. Big Mom's failure to control her whims and ambition hindered her from achieving Joy Boy's true dream in a just manner.

Instead of fostering genuine harmony, her methods became oppressive and cruel, reflecting her personal flaws and obsession with power, and eventually making her a “failed Joyboy.”

Kaido as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Similarly, Kaido’s philosophy can also be traced back to Joy Boy. Growing up in a war-torn place, war and fighting simply became a part of daily life for him, shaping his personality and the ultimate goal of reshaping the world order via war.

Kaido's wish to become Joy Boy was not simply motivated by the title, but by a deep desire to change the world. He envisioned eliminating the weakest and establishing the strongest as the ruling class, which is a misinterpretation of Joy Boy's true will.

Kaido's vision of life, focused on strength and dominance, possibly corrupted the essence of Joy Boy's dream. His obsession with war and reshaping the world through conflict stood in stark contrast to the peace and equality Joy Boy likely aimed for. Kaido's approach to realizing his dreams through war and destruction showcases how his flaws and environment influenced his inability to achieve Joy Boy's will.

Luffy as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

In comparison, Luffy's journey throughout One Piece illustrates a different approach. He befriends people of all races, and establishes equality and freedom without imposing force or dominance. It is possible that Joy Boy was similar to Luffy, having established peace between races during his journey. Luffy's actions suggest that he carries the will and dreams of Joy Boy, realizing them in a fair and just way.

While Kaido and Big Mom sought to realize their dreams through flawed methods, Luffy embodies the true spirit of Joy Boy, naturally fostering equality and freedom. Big Mom and Kaido may be unrealized versions of Joy Boy, individuals who inherited his will and dreams but were unable to realize them due to their personal flaws and obsessions.

Their inability to achieve their dreams in a just manner indirectly transmitted their dreams to Luffy. Despite not wanting to be a hero or perpetuate a will, Luffy finds himself carrying the dreams of all, fulfilling Joy Boy's legacy.

Final thoughts

The actual status of Big Mom and Kaido after their defeat in the Wano arc hasn't been confirmed yet. Both characters might somehow return and aid Luffy, to redeem themselves. One Piece chapter 1120 will be released on July 15, 2024, and will be available for reading on Shueisha's MANGAPlus platform.