HOMEBOY.
I wasn't fond of thriller even though I really adored Brook.
It was nice to have a ghost/horror/zombie kind of arc but I felt there were great references to different horror films/michael jackson videos/ etc etc etc but there was less pure unbridled Oda originality. Just my opinion.
Yeah yeah I know I know I'm just bitter that Sanji saved Nami in a wedding dress because I'm a LuffyxNami shipper. [/is stoned to death]
but I really was kind of dissapointed by that fight.
I really didnt' like how Nami was portrayed during the whole arc. It seemed like the first time in a while where Nami was used mostly for fanservice and was reduced to a damsel in distress character again.
I didn't find any of the villains particularly compelling…
However, I loved Davy Back Fight which most people disliked.
I felt the anime turned it into filler crap and was extremely unhappy about it.
But in the manga I thought it was a great little reprieve from the longer, more serious, arcs. I thought the idea of the game was fun and getting to see the crew in an actual tournament environment instead of actual battles was kinda nice.
GAIMON ISLAND ROCKED.
It was short, sweet, and TOUCHING. I think it was the first time in One Piece where I was really moved. My heart went out to Gaimon.
wait.... actually.... chou chou and kuina moved me too..... well whatever it's still one of the most heart wrenching moments in one piece for me when you realize the chests are empty.