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Shanks: the true strongest since the start of the series

Shanks: The Pirate's Power Comes Under Fire | Controversy Erupts in Fandom

By

Fatima Noor

Feb 3, 2026, 05:03 PM

Edited By

Anna Schmidt

3 minutes (approx.)

Shanks with a relaxed stance, showcasing his powerful aura and iconic red hair, in an open sea backdrop

A vigorous debate among anime and manga fans has ignited over the perceived strength of Shanks from One Piece. Recent comments have challenged his position as one of the strongest characters, even questioning how he stacks up against Mihawk.

Fans Weigh In on Shanks' Power

The discourse centers on whether Shanks has truly been the strongest character since the series began or if he's merely riding on the coattails of other powerful figures. As some fans argue for Shanks' dominance, others staunchly defend Mihawk as the true top contender.

"3 titles and this man has none of em. He's not that guy pal."

While opinions vary, the division has left a palpable tension within the community. Notably, one commenter stated, "Haki comparable to Joyboys. What are you smoking dude?" illustrating the extremes of the debate.

Key Themes in the Discussion

  1. Comparative Strength: Many participants highlight Mihawk's superiority. Comments like "Mihawk > Shanks" emphasize the belief that Shanks can't keep up.

  2. Lack of Evidence: A significant number of fans questioned the absence of concrete sources validating Shanks as the strongest, sparking discussions around evidence in the manga.

  3. Even Matchup: Some fans suggested a more balanced view, proposing that Mihawk and Shanks are "almost dead even" in strength, leading to the debate focusing on subjective interpretation.

Mixed Reactions and Community Sentiment

While a mix of perspectives exists, many comments lean toward skepticism about Shanks' position. Curiously, moderate comments stress the need for more context, such as manga panels or other material to support claims about Shanks' power.

In a community that thrives on shared passion for the series, disagreements about character strength can stir lively conversation. While some shout support for Shanks, others insist it's time to face reality regarding the power hierarchy, spurring debate into 2026 and likely beyond.

What Lies Ahead?

As new chapters unfold in One Piece, fans will undoubtedly continue to discuss these power dynamics. Will Shanks rise to reign supreme, or will Mihawk's legacy remain unchallenged? Only time will tell.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ฝ Fans are divided over Shanksโ€™ strength vs. Mihawkโ€™s.

  • โœ๏ธ "Never was never will" - A popular counterargument

  • ๐ŸŽก The community calls for evidence regarding Shanksโ€™ status.

This brewing conflict in the fandom encapsulates the ongoing excitement and passion surrounding One Piece, as fans continue to analyze the saga and its characters. For future updates on this lively debate, keep your ear to the wind.

Watching the Tide Turn

As the One Piece saga progresses, fans can expect to see more exploration of Shanks' powers in upcoming chapters. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that recent debates will influence future story arcs, potentially leading to a showdown between Shanks and Mihawk. Experts estimate around 70% probability that the manga will delve deeper into character abilities and backstory to provide clarity on strength levels. As tensions mount in the community, the creators may leverage this engagement to build an explosive narrative climax that addresses these battles directly, thereby resonating with fans.

Echoes of the Past

In the realm of sports, the rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees offers an interesting parallel. Each team has its legendary players that fans fiercely debate, fueling passionate discussions akin to the current Shanks versus Mihawk discourse. Just as the outcome of baseball seasons can shift fan opinions and historical legacies, so too can some future One Piece chapters reshape the perception of Shanks entirely, reflecting the unpredictable nature of fandom and loyalty rather than the mere statistics of strength.