1100 Chapters and Usopp Is Still a Bum
Usopp is probably one of the worst characters in the One Piece franchise as of this writing. And yeah, I know that’s a controversial thing to say. A lot of people won’t agree with it. But I genuinely think there’s more than enough evidence to back it up.
In fact, I know a lot of readers will quietly agree with me.
Usopp has become one of the biggest disappointments in the entire series. And a big part of that isn’t even his fault. It’s Oda’s. Oda hasn’t given him the limelight, the growth, or the meaningful development he deserves. Not for a very long time.
The last time Usopp had anything resembling a major character moment was in Dressrosa. And even that moment was… questionable.
Yes, he sniped Sugar.
Yes, he scared her into unconsciousness.
Yes, “God Usopp” was born.
But let’s be honest, that wasn’t real growth. That was luck, fear, and a gag turned into a plot device.
Now let’s go back to the beginning.
Usopp has always claimed to be a brave warrior of the sea. From day one, that was his dream. A lot of fans believed that one day, through accident, circumstance, or genuine growth, Usopp would actually become that brave warrior.
It’s been over 1100 chapters.
We still haven’t seen it.
The closest we ever got was Sogeking.
And Oda completely abandoned that.
Not bringing Sogeking back after Thriller Bark was one of the biggest missed opportunities in the series. That alter ego actually gave Usopp confidence, presence, and impact. But instead of evolving that concept, Oda just dropped it.
Now let’s talk about Water 7.
Water 7 gave us the best version of Usopp. He stood up for what he believed in. He challenged Luffy. He fought his own captain. Even if he was wrong, it was powerful storytelling. It showed insecurity, pride, and emotional depth.
Then he became Sogeking.
Then he went to Enies Lobby.
Then he stood against CP9 with the crew.
That entire stretch was peak Usopp.
Post–Enies Lobby, his apology and return were handled beautifully. Thriller Bark also gave him moments to shine when nobody else could.
Pre-timeskip Usopp had purpose.
Even in Sabaody, even during the timeskip with Heracles, there was hope.
Then the timeskip ended.
Get Shahzaib Hassan’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Muscle Usopp was introduced with hype. New weapons. New confidence.
And yet… he was still the same scared, running, panicking Usopp.
Dressrosa happened. He got his “God” moment. And after that?
Nothing.
Whole Cake Island. Nothing.
Wano. Nothing meaningful.
Onigashima. Barely present.
The toad oil incident in Wano was especially bad. Selling fake medicine that harmed innocent people wasn’t funny, it was just ugly. And after that, Usopp completely faded into the background again.
Right now, as I’m writing this, a large part of the One Piece community considers Usopp a bum. That’s the reality.
And what makes it worse is that Elbaf was supposed to be his arc.
Ever since he met Dorry and Brogy back in the Little Garden saga, fans believed Elbaf would be the place where Usopp finally becomes the brave warrior of the sea. The second Noland. The legend he always talked about.
But Elbaf hasn’t been about Usopp at all.
It’s about Loki.
It’s about Luffy.
It’s about Xebec.
It’s about flashbacks and lore.
Usopp is once again on the sidelines.
At this point, I don’t think anyone genuinely believes Oda will give Usopp the push he needs. The redemption. The growth. The payoff to 20+ years of buildup.
Nami hasn’t been treated great either, but at least she has her role, her competence, and her backstory. Usopp’s entire identity is built on becoming something he still isn’t.
And now it feels like he never will be.
Some people say Franky is in the same situation. Egghead was supposed to be Franky’s arc, just like Wano was supposed to be Zoro’s. But Zoro got his moments. Frankie didn’t.
Still, Frankie had the Egghead mural moment. He had emotional weight. The Egghead arc was chaotic, so you can give Oda a pass there.
Usopp doesn’t get that excuse.
His stagnation has been intentional.
Which is why I think Usopp is facing a real identity crisis as a character. And Oda’s writing for him has been sloppy. People love to praise Oda, but when it comes to Usopp, the execution has been weak.
At this point, Usopp has always been a bum.
And unless something drastic changes, he probably always will be.
