What is it about this antagonist-turned-ally that fans can’t get enough of?

While the main focus of One Piece revolves around Luffy and his pirate crew, the anime also introduces a plethora of colorful characters, both allies and villains, who garner popularity among fans. Examples include Portgas D. Ace, Mihawk, and Donquixote Doflamingo.

However, one character who unexpectedly becomes beloved, despite limited screen time, is Mr. 2 Bon Clay. What is it about this antagonist-turned-friend that fans can’t get enough of?

Like Luffy, Bon Clay Possesses a Paramecia Devil Fruit

There are three types of Devil Fruit in One Piece – Zoan, Logia and Paramecia. Bon Clay, also known as Bentham, possesses Mane Mane no Mi, which is a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. Paramecia Devil Fruits grants the user the ability to alter the user’s body or give them special powers. Just as Luffy’s Gum-Gum Fruit, which grants him rubber-like properties, Bon Clay’s Mane Mane no Mi allows him the appearance and abilities of anyone he touches with his right hand.

Bon Clay First Appears in the Alabaster Arc with Baroque Works

Bon Clay, also known as Bentham, is a former officer agent of the criminal organization Baroque Works, operating under the code name Mr. 2 Bon Clay. Baroque Works is a secret criminal syndicate with various agents spread throughout the world. Their main goal is to amass wealth and power by manipulating conflicts and orchestrating coups in various countries, with their leader being Crocodile, who was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and was known as Mr. 0.

Bon Clay Appears Throughout the Series As Well

After their defeat in Alabasta, the organization was disbanded. However, Bon Clay, appears in several story arcs throughout the manga and anime series.

Bon Clay Goes to Jail in a Water 7 Saga Cover Story

In the Water 7 Saga, specifically during the events of Miss Goldenweek’s Operation: Meet Baroque Works, which is the eighth Cover Story created as a side story on the title pages of each One Piece chapter, Bon Clay is captured by Marine Officer Hina but manages to escape from prison. Later, Bon Clay challenges Hina to a rematch in an effort to save Miss Valentine from execution. However, after Miss Goldenweek, Miss Valentine, and Mr. 5 successfully break out Mr. 4, Miss Doublefinger, Miss Merry Christmas, and Lassoo, Bon Clay is found tied to Mr. 3 and imprisoned alongside Crocodile and Daz Bonez, implying that he was defeated by Hina in their rematch. Subsequently, Bon Clay, along with Crocodile, Daz Bonez, and Galdino, is transferred to Impel Down to serve a life sentence. This marks the continuation of his journey within the series as a character who moves between alliances and confronts various challenges.

Bon Clay Sacrifices Himself in the Impel Down Arc

In the Impel Down Arc of the Summit War Saga, Bon Clay is discovered by Buggy and Galdino dancing in his cell on Level 3. He reunites and teams up with Luffy, assisting him in navigating through Impel Down. Despite facing numerous challenges, including confronting powerful beasts and aiding Luffy’s recovery from poison, Bon Clay ultimately sacrifices himself to open the Gates of Justice, allowing Luffy and his allies to escape. He faces Magellan, the vice warden of Impel Down, in a final confrontation, expressing pride in his actions and sacrificing himself for his friends.

Although Thought to Be So, Bon Clay is Not Dead

Although many fans believe Bon Clay to be dead after his fight with Magellan, it was revealed that he survived this and remained incarcerated in Impel Down. Over the next two years, he rose to become the new queen of Newkama Land on Level 5.5, where he was shown leading his followers in dance.

So, Why Do Fans Love Bon Clay?

Bon Clay quickly became a fan favorite due to his lovable personality, leadership qualities, and unwavering loyalty to Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.

He Has a Lovable Personality

Bon Clay’s over-the-top personality and comedic antics make him a beloved character among fans. His over-the-top mannerisms, quirky catchphrases, and humorous interactions with other characters provide comic relief throughout the series. His exaggerated expressions and theatrical poses, such as his iconic “okama way” stance, are a big source of humor when he is on-screen. His ability to find humor in even the direst situations, such as his playful banter with Luffy during their escape from Impel Down, showcases his charm.

He is a Good Leader

Bon Clay’s leadership qualities are evident throughout the series, as he demonstrates a remarkable ability to inspire and guide others. He not only leads by example but also takes joy in teaching the principles of the “okama way” to those around him, such as the Billions under his command. Despite his occasionally harsh treatment of his subordinates, Bon Clay deeply cares for them and considers them friends, readily defending them when they are threatened. One of his most significant displays of leadership occurs during the Impel Down Arc, where he fearlessly organizes a revolt against the oppressive guards, uniting diverse individuals under a common cause and earning respect from both allies and adversaries alike.

He is a Great Friend to Luffy and the Straw Hats

Although initially a villain, Bon Clay demonstrates his loyalty to Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. As Luffy and his crew were fleeing Alabasta, Bon Clay aided them by hiding their ship, the Going Merry, when the Marines were searching around Alabasta. By disguising himself and his men as the Straw Hat Pirates, they drew the Marines away. Later, after breaking out of his cell and reuniting with Luffy in Impel Down, Bentham fought alongside Luffy to reach Ace. Throughout their reunion, he greatly aided Luffy through the various dangers of the prison and ultimately supported Luffy and several other prisoners by sacrificing himself to open the way to their freedom. While his ultimate fate remains unclear, Bon Clay’s unwavering loyalty and selfless actions endear him to both Luffy and fans of the series.