Mihawk's origins in One Piece may involve Imu

Modified Jan 10, 2025 17:30 GMT

Dracule Mihawk is one of the most intriguing characters from One Piece, given his mysterious origins and unspecified race. Although most fans expect him to be a human, that might not be the case, given that the ex-warlord resides on Gloom Island. Interestingly, his origins might be explained through a past anime film that also links him to the Supreme Leader of the World Government.

Mihawk might be a Dhamphir (Vampire + Human). His race might be one of the few that founded the Ancient Kingdom — all hinted at in the 1985 anime film Vampire Hunter D. The key hint from the film is the main character was named 'D.' Moreover, the one who created 'D' was a leader, someone who might have created Mihawk's race. This 'creator' might be Imu, linking him to the Marine Hunter.

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One Piece: Exploring the link between Dracule Mihawk and Imu

Mihawk as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Dracule Mihawk is one of the former Warlords of the Sea. Formerly known as the Marine Hunter, he was known for his rivalry against Shanks. He is known for his title as the 'strongest swordsman of the world,' being the final target of the Straw Hat Pirates' Roronoa Zoro. The Marine Hunter is also one of the few characters about whom fans hardly have any knowledge.

Not only are fans unaware of Mihawk's origins, but his race might also not be human. During the One Piece time skip, Mihawk resided on Gloom Island, a place hardly fit for any human. Moreover, his significant difference in power from that of a normal swordsman might also be a hint that he could be someone else. So, what could Mihawk be?

D as seen in the anime (Image via Ashi Production and Ajia-do)

Some hints regarding the Marine Hunter's truth might be given in the 1985 anime film Vampire Hunter D. The story featured the journey of a Dhamphir (an offspring of a vampire and human named D). From the get-go, the name signifies its relationship with One Piece through the D (D clan).

Some similarities between D and Mihawk might be their overpowered potential and both having extraordinarily long swords. Additionally, both of them roamed the world alone. The immortal Sacred Ancestor created D, and the latter was the only successful experiment by the former.

Imu as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

What is interesting about the connection between these two characters from Vampire Hunter D is how they could parallel the relationship between Mihawk and Imu. While the series has yet to highlight any relationship between them, they might be related to the time before the Void Century.

Imu, presumably a D clan member, created the Dhampir race, and, just like D, Mihawk was their only successful experiment. Mihawk's early occupation as the 'Marine Hunter' might parallel the 'Vampire Hunter' job of D. A key hint connecting Imu and the Sacred Ancestor might be the eradication of Lulusia Kingdom, whose leaders resembled vampires.

Analysis and final thoughts

Take this theory with a huge grain of salt as only a single canon point (eradication of Lulusia Kingdom's leader) might seem valid to Imu's connection with Mihawk.

Moreover, Mihawk being a vampire might also be a far-stretched point (even though it is a popular theory amongst fans). Luckily, Vampire Hunter D Blu-ray will get a remastered edition on March 26, 2025, so fans can witness the connection themselves.

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Edited by Shreya Das