For all those familiar with the manga stratosphere, One Piece‘s humongous plethora of different arcs, timelines, and characters is what makes the story so completely engulfing and addicting. Considered to be the world’s most popular manga, One Piece has undoubtedly surpassed all barriers previously established in this literary genre, selling millions of copies with each volume out, as an increasing number of people are introduced to the story that would change their lives forever.
Although often tied to what may be a world often connected with children’s stories, the Shōnen genre has expanded its roots to the adult realm via its violent, sociopolitical, and even at times, suggestive content. Albeit masked in the surrealism that One Piece is known for, this pirate story has oftentimes introduced a moral pluralism in a contemporary sense, including racism, order versus traditionalism, and even the complex notion of good versus evil and how gray that notion and its ideals may be.
One of the greatest examples of the aforementioned theme is the existence of the revolutionary army — the only military group directly opposing the world government, aiming to dismantle it. Somewhat mysterious, with still bits and pieces missing from a full understanding of the military, the group is made up of a few key elements — including Koala.
Is Koala in the Revolutionary Army?
Initially introduced in the Fishman Island arc, Koala appeared during a flashback as a child, where the audience meets her heartbreaking past from the get-go. She was a former slave who had forgotten how to cry to avoid being killed — later set free during Fisher Tiger’s rampage on Mary Geoise — who sailed alongside the Sun Pirates before reaching her hometown. During this flashback, the viewers and readers were not yet familiar with Koala, believing that her role in the story was limited to the introduction of Fisher Tiger’s kindness, despite being associated with the negative press image from piracy.
Later on, Koala reappears during the Dressrosa Saga, where we are finally met with a grown version of the scrawny-looking kid reminiscing the one introduced a few arcs prior. Koala was now a part of the Revolutionary Army, led by Monkey D. Dragon (Luffy’s dad) and a high-ranking officer in this militia group. Working alongside Sabo and Hack, the trio works to help commoners and aid them against the vile acts of the world government. As a leading force of high-ranking officers in the Revolutionary Army, Koala is an undeniably essential figure in the upcoming war events that will soon follow.
Is Koala strong in One Piece?
Although not a pirate, Koala defies the World’s Nobles and the government, especially after years of resentment for falling prey under their hands, only freed at eight years old with severe trauma. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old has grown from the pain of her past and turned her into an expert in building plans, as well as an excellent and agile fighter capable of defeating much larger opponents than herself. In addition to her innate abilities, Koala is proficient in Fish-Man Karate, capable of defeating larger armed men with a single blow, despite not being a fish-woman.
Moreover, Koala also became a close ally of Straw Hats for several reasons. Not only does Koala share similar beliefs to those of the Straw Hats as they are known opponents and enemies of the World Government, but she has also some close relationships with some of the crew members. After spending two years with their archeologist, Robin, Koala helped train and eventually befriended the Straw Hat. Other than Robin, Koala is also indebted to Jinbe, who was a member of the Sun Pirates that granted her rescue twelve years prior, even though they still have to reunite in the story.
There is still plenty of information that will certainly be unveiled in its due time, but thus far, not much is known about Koala as a whole. It is likely that no more information will be given regarding her past, as she has served her purpose in providing a glimpse into Fisher Tiger’s role in the story. But we will certainly see more of Koala in the future as momentum builds up for the inevitable and imminent war that will occur between the World Government and the Revolutionary Army.
One Piece is currently available to watch and stream on Crunchyroll, with its literary format coming out weekly on Viz.