Eiichiro Oda’s massively popular One Piece saga paints a sprawling canvas of a world teeming with diverse characters and ever-unfolding storylines.
To help fans navigate this expansive universe, the franchise has produced a series of reference books known as databooks. These databooks serve as compendiums, gathering a wealth of facts, figures, and insights related to the manga’s rich tapestry.
Among these reference materials, the sixth installment, dubbed One Piece Vivre Card, stands out. Instead of a traditional book format, it adopts a unique approach by presenting information through a series of collectible cards. Since its inception in September 2018, close to 400 cards have been issued.
Each card delves into the essential details of a character, offering glimpses into their background, allegiances, contributions to the story, combat prowess, and more.
While the Vivre Card series primarily consolidates existing knowledge, it occasionally unveils fresh tidbits, adding layers of depth to the lore. This raises the question of whether these newfound details should be considered canonical within the One Piece universe.
The Authority and Reliability of One Piece Vivre Card Databook
The One Piece Vivre Card databook holds true to the canon of the series, as confirmed by its creator, Eiichiro Oda, in the recent SBS of volume 108.
Vivre Cards are canon. Oda acknowledges it. Period. #ONEPIECE#SBS108 https://t.co/Lpt6QsrYPL
— The Will of Marco (マルコの意志) (@TheWillOfMarco) February 29, 2024
Oda explicitly endorsed the legitimacy of the Vivre Card by reiterating information from it regarding “Big News” Morgans’ avian characteristics, demonstrating its accuracy years ahead of its mention in the manga.
Moreover, Oda validated another revelation from the Vivre Card concerning the name of Gol D. Roger’s sword, Ace, further cementing the databook’s reliability.
Takuya Naito, Oda’s editor for One Piece, revealed that Oda personally oversees the production of the Vivre Card databook, ensuring its accuracy and completeness. Naito emphasized that each card undergoes Oda’s scrutiny, with any missing details added according to his judgment.
Additionally, Naito disclosed that the Vivre Card includes previously unrevealed information such as blood types and birthplaces, with rough sketches of Oda’s character settings occasionally included.
All forthcoming cards will continue to undergo Oda’s supervision, affirming the databook’s status as an authoritative source within the One Piece universe.
The recent SBS session with Eiichiro Oda definitively authenticated the information within the One Piece Vivre Card databook, solidifying the claim of his involvement. Rejecting any detail from the Vivre Card would essentially mean dismissing Oda’s own endorsement.
Oda’s acknowledgment of the databooks as reliable sources is evident in past SBS sessions. In volume 47, he directed readers to consult the fan book One Piece Yellow for details on Devil Fruit’s abilities. Similarly, in volume 91, Oda emphasized the SBS and guidebooks as resources for curious fans, underscoring his trust in these supplementary materials.
While the Vivre Card has encountered occasional errors, it represents a minute fraction compared to its vast content. Furthermore, the databooks avoid major spoilers, sometimes resorting to intentionally vague language, as seen in the case of Sabo’s fate.
It’s essential to recognize that minor inaccuracies don’t invalidate the entirety of the databook. Even the manga itself has undergone revisions and corrections. Notably, Charlotte Katakuri’s Devil Fruit type was initially misidentified, and later corrected on the official Vivre Card website.
The commitment to accuracy is evident through the dedicated page on the Vivre Card website, addressing and rectifying errors promptly. This dedication underscores the meticulousness of the staff behind the Vivre Card project.
