Is Gaban a Sanji Parallel? | Controversy Heats Up Among Fans

A debate is brewing in the One Piece community over whether Gaban from the old generation is truly a parallel to the beloved character Sanji. Fans took to forums on June 7, 2025, to share their heated opinions on the comparison.

The conversation began when some people suggested that Gaban should have been used as a hypetool for Imu rather than simply being taken down like other older characters. This raises questions about how characters are portrayed as the story progresses and whether Gaban’s age frees him from the hypetool status.

Context and Significance

Sanji has been a key figure in One Piece, consistently featured as a hypetool against major villains like CP9 and Doflamingo. In contrast, Gaban's recent portrayal has led some to believe he might not hold the same weight.

Many fans chimed in with takes such as:

"Imagine Gaban finds out he's a Sanji parallel and says, 'nuh uh, I'm second strongest, so I'm a Zoro parallel.'"

This humorous comment reflects the mix of skepticism and intrigue surrounding Gaban's comparison to Sanji.

Key Themes Emerging from Fan Reactions

1. Character Utilization: Some fans feel Gaban is underutilized for his potential as a hypetool, especially compared to Sanji.

2. Old Generation vs. New Generation: There's a divide between those valuing old-generation characters and the newer ones like Sanji.

3. Hierarchy of Strength: Fans are questioning what it means for characters like Gaban to hold a different status than Sanji in terms of strength and narrative significance.

Community Sentiment

Feedback has been varied, with many engaged in light-hearted banter while others express frustration with how characters are treated. As one user put it, "Gaban deserves more respect!" emphasized the desire for older characters to maintain relevance.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ Gaban is seen as underutilized in recent arcs.

• 🔄 Some fans struggle to accept him as a Sanji parallel.

• 🗣️ "He’s definitely a Zoro parallel!" - Reflects fan humor in the debate.

The dialogue continues as fans dissect the implications of such comparisons, eager for the next chapters to clarify roles and relevance in this ongoing saga. Will Gaban find his footing, or will he remain in Sanji’s shadow? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Gaban and Sanji's Dynamic

There’s a strong possibility that Gaban's role will expand in upcoming arcs, especially as the community voices its desire for a more pronounced narrative presence. With the focus shifting to older characters, experts estimate there’s around a 60% chance that Gaban could take on a significant role that mirrors Sanji's growth, especially when facing new threats. If Gaban is strategically positioned in upcoming storylines, it could strengthen the connection between generations and heighten the stakes for both old and new characters alike. Fans have already shown their appetite for rich character development, so the creators may respond accordingly.

A Curveball from Character Arcs of Yesteryear

Thinking back to the evolution of Vegeta in the Dragon Ball series offers an interesting parallel; initially cast as an antagonist, he transformed into a critical ally and fan favorite over time. Like Gaban, Vegeta was underutilized in earlier arcs but gained depth as the story progressed. This shift not only enriched the narrative but also highlighted the importance of every character's journey, regardless of their starting point. The path from a side character into a complex figure, much like Gaban's potential, mirrors how narratives can be revitalized when audiences least expect it.