Hey Greg, any chance you could shed some light on exactly how many non-canon characters Oda's really contributed designs or art for and how seriously he takes the process of creating them?
AFAIK in most cases, Toei approaches him with the basis for the character and he creates the designs for them.
Greg, the reason strong world, Z and Gold are called One Piece Films is because of Odas involvement with them, am I right?
Correct!
Also why isn't Stampede called One Piece Films? Wasn't Oda involved with the ending?
Involved? Yes. Did he write/make the ending on his own? No. The story was entirely developed by Toei well before Oda lent his hand to it.
I have entirely forgotten if there was any reason given for why strong world couldn't have been canon. Feels pretty self-contained and without effect on the greater story.
It was mentioned as being Luffy's last 'Adventure' as a 17-year old by Oda.
Since Impel Down came before that and that was also an 'Adventure', that would place it after ID and…well.... -__-;
@Greg In the last chapter we learn that Shanks was said to have become a yonko 6 years ago. Is it a typo like Flampe’s birth rank or does that mean that the databook Vivre Card is not reliable anymore?
oof! Good question. I might actually mention that to the editor ^_^; That could go either way. I'd trust the manga over a Vivre Card but you'll probably get a definitive answer when the tank comes out. If it's changed in the tank, there's your answer.
Also: Greg, we all want to know your thoughts on the latest chapter! What do you think about Rocks role in the story?
I've been tweeting all morning so I'll take a bit of a break but I love that Oda was able to establish an enemy that may or may not be a force still in the world with greater potential than our heavy hitters now.