The Most Gothic Characters in One Piece

Summary

Katakuri showcases 90s goth fashion and brooding personality.
Dragon emanates mystery and gothic vibes with his silent demeanor and dark attire.
Robin’s dark humor and persona, reminiscent of gothic characters, sets her apart from the Straw Hats.

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of “One Piece”, enjoys being imaginative and quirky with his character designs. It’s evident that he has drawn inspiration from various styles and eras when designing many significant characters found within the narrative. For instance, the gothic style, characterized by its dark, mysterious, and brooding nature, can be seen reflected in multiple characters within “One Piece”.

While the show typically boasts a cheerful and lively atmosphere, it’s not common to encounter characters reminiscent of gothic literature. However, there have been some exceptions, and these are the most prominent examples of One Piece characters who exude a gothic aesthetic in their appearance, personality, and overall demeanor.

7. Charlotte Katakuri

Katakuri Decided To Replicate The 90s Goth Fashion Style

First Appearance: Episode 825

Although Katakuri was only introduced in the Whole Cake Island arc late into the series, he quickly became one of the favorite villains due to his distinctive Mochi Devil Fruit powers and intriguing design that blends various styles from multiple eras, with a strong emphasis on the gothic fashion trend popular in the 1990s.

Wearing skintight black leather pants adorned with spiked collars, paired with a short dark biker jacket, this character exudes an aesthetic reminiscent of a particular era and style. Moreover, the constant presence of a large scarf concealing his mouth adds to his enigmatic, brooding, and somewhat intimidating demeanor.

6. Monkey D. Dragon

A Shady And Mysterious Leader Who Can Often Be Seen Pondering The State Of The World

First Appearance: Episode 52

In contrast to my chatty son Luffy, I, Dragon, am more of a man of few words. Mostly, you’ll find me deep in thought, gazing off into the horizon as I strategize for myself and my revolutionary crew. There’s an undeniable air of mystery about me, with my constant effort to hide my face and my preference for long black trench coats – a hint of gothic influence certainly played a role in my design.

This overlooks his rather grim demeanor, as it’s uncommon to catch him showing a smile. Instead, spectators might infer that he’s constantly preoccupied with the impending perilous circumstances awaiting him and his team, given his role as the leader of the Revolutionary Army, a position that undoubtedly subjects him to significant stress.

5. Victoria Cindry

A Once-Famous Stage Actor Who Was Brought Back From The Dead

First Appearance: Episode 340

Despite her brief appearance early on in Thriller Bark, Cindry’s heartrending history has left an indelible impression on fans. Originally a renowned actress, she met an untimely end when she fell off the stage, leading to her resurrection as a zombie at the hands of the obsessive scientist Hogback, who had long admired her from afar.

Cindry’s tale seems perfectly suited for a dark, gothic narrative due to its rich themes and elements typical of such stories. Her eerie appearance suggests something straight out of the gothic genre, lending her an intriguing allure despite her brief on-screen presence.

4. Nico Robin

Robin’s Mysterious Persona And Dark Humor Differentiate Her From The Other Straw Hats

First Appearance: Episode 67

As a lively and outgoing child, Robin lived happily on the island of Ohara. However, her life took a drastic turn when Ohara was devastatingly destroyed by a Marine Buster Call. To hide her true identity, Robin adopted a new persona – sly and enigmatic – working as Crocodile’s assistant. Eventually, she was rescued by Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.

One distinct trait that sets Robin apart from her teammates is her dry wit. She’s not shy about joking about the potential perils they face when visiting a new island, which can sometimes unnerve others, but it’s an unusual and endearing quality that seems to echo certain fictional gothic characters. Moreover, Robin’s terrifying Devil Form is as menacing as any character from Dracula’s novel.

3. Gecko Moria

One Piece’s Equivalent To Frankenstein

First Appearance: Episode 343

In the series “One Piece,” Gecko Moria is considered a human character, yet in this universe, humans can vary greatly in appearance. However, Moria takes this diversity to an extraordinary extent. As the captain of the Thriller Bark pirates, it’s fitting that he appears somewhat eerie. Interestingly, it seems as though the creator, Oda, may have been inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a iconic figure in gothic literature, when designing Moria’s appearance.

The seams tracing down his vast skull, a handkerchief peeking from his neckline, and his frighteningly sharp teeth create an impression as if Moria’s physique was crafted by human hands, contrary to what the narrative suggests. Additionally, it’s essential to note that Moria’s Devil Fruit grants him the ability to control people’s shadows, further emphasizing the gothic motif that sets Moria apart from other warlords.

2. Perona

The Spunky Former Thriller Bark Pirate Dresses Like She’s From The Nineteenth Century

First Appearance: Episode 343

Given that Perona first appeared during the Thriller Bark storyline, it’s understandable why she has such an unusual and non-traditional appearance. This part of the story seemed heavily influenced by horror themes. Despite her bright pink hair and body adorned with small, colorful decorations, Oda was actually aiming for a very traditional style when designing this beloved character among fans.

Example: Perona’s eyes are unusually large and black, giving them an unsettling appearance, particularly when combined with her threatening glare. This adds to the eerie atmosphere surrounding Perona, which mirrors her dismal personality. In the timeskip, Oda amplifies this design by emphasizing the gothic elements of her character even more.

1. Dracule Mihawk

The Legendary Swordsman Sports A Gothic Fashion Style To Intimidate His Enemies

First Appearance: Episode 23

It’s quite clear that the creator Oda drew inspiration from classic Victorian Gothic literature when developing the character of this ex-Sea Warlord, Mihawk, given how his name is just a letter shy of Dracula. Yet, even without knowing his name, a glance at Mihawk is enough to convey his nature. His dark attire and intimidating glare, which chills anyone who dares challenge him, hint at this.

In the narrative of One Piece, religion isn’t frequently discussed, but Oda’s decision to adorn Mihawk with a cross on his necklace subtly echoes the profound themes that are characteristic of gothic literature. Beyond his flamboyant combat style, Mihawk is an intriguing character due in part to his design, which appears to have been heavily inspired by the world of gothic artistry.

2025-07-24 08:36