Hmm… looks like I got here a little late to the discussion. It sure was a pretty chapter though, and there were a few things I wanted to promote discussion on, so here we go:
1. First of all, to those assuming that the Fisher Tiger death by racism story must be one sided, I think you are being naive. The american military kept a segregated blood bank throughout WWII, which is ironic considering the hematologist who developed the methodology for preserving blood plasma, Dr. Charles Drew, was himself african american. The mixing of blood is a very disturbing symbol to those with racial prejudice, who believe very strongly in the "purity" of their bloodlines. While there may be more to the story, it is certainly feasible that Fisher Tiger was denied a transfusion. Of course, there may indeed be more to the story, but sometimes an atrocity of justice happens without anyone involved speaking out.
2. While some seem to be unimpressed by the Hammond and his gang, I think the more interesting element of their battle is the hint at Luffy's new abilities. He seems to use a CoA open palm repulsion to deflect the net attack to the left (so that it misses Chopper and the rest) as he dodges to the right and instantaneously adopts Gear 2. This is the first full body gear 2 that we have seen Luffy use, and the results are even more impressive. His Jet Pistol is now Jet Semi-automatic as he can now hit three targets simultaneously. It's going to take me a while to get used to just how much of a powerup he's received. How much do you want to bet that his next string of battles are going to be with major environmental disadvantages (while bubbled underwater, while injured) so that Oda can show off Luffy's new caliber more gradually?
3. I for one really liked the three princes design. I'm surprised that no one has noticed that the second son has the fish base of the same species as the royal yacht : Oarfish
I'm having a harder time tracking down the exact moonfish variety the third brother could be based on, as moonfish is the common name for acrap load of different looking fish, but this chubby guy seemed like a good bet, especially with the funky ear fins :
The first brother seems a bit too generic as a standard shark base. Does anyone who speaks japanese know if there was a specific kind of shark mentioned as his base? Also, I love how we have operatic singer man-oarfish, the mambo partier man-moonfish, and the straight man man-shark. These guys are going to have a ridiculous frivolity to them in the anime.
Speaking of which, I'm really looking forward to when these chapters or characters get colored for a volume cover or in the anime. The tall coral and sponge buildings with conch shell roofs were just what I was hoping for, and the bubble pipe roads look like rainbows, and the roman column supported coral shelves are so odd. I'm loving the design so far this arc.