The Dark Depths of Robin | The Anatomy of One Piece 

Robin is the most grounded character of the crew. I also love that her "gag" is just having a wild childsh imagination she didn't have proper time to express when she was younger.

I did love how in Wano, she started making exaggerated expressions. Most recently, her reaction to hearing about Saul was heartwarming.

I don’t think Chopper was skipped. Robin was technically introduced first on Whiskey Peak, two islands before Drum Island. That’s probably the reason we got this video first

It doesn’t get talked about much, but there is something REALLY sweet about the interaction Brook and Robin have after she defeats Black Maria. It’s not undercut by a pervy joke or anything, it’s just Brook welcoming her back as if she never changed and then she collapses. I wonder if Mark will touch on it in the Brook video

I remember seeing a click baiting article about how the live action needs to cast Robin as closer to the crews age. What a silly thing to say, one of the best parts of Robin’s character is her maturity and life experience.

For me, the thing that I find so special about Robin, and why she's my favorite Straw Hat, is the message behind "No one is born into this world to be alone." A character, hated, abused, and rejected simply for existing, finding acceptance, love, and a family in the Straw Hats is one of the most human things in the series. Finding those people that accept you, love you, and care about you to that degree isn't always easy, but when you do find them? It's incredible the changes they can bring. Robin is a perfect example of that being lived out. She's been my favorite since she joined up, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

"Robin being one of the most under appreciated characters" That's new op fan talk only Robin is one of the few that never catches strays in most debates

Wow I never connected all the time’s Robin chuckles early in the series to Saul’s advice. More incredible writing

29:50 You know i've never really thought about it, but this coping mechanism she developed to joke or laugh in the face of danger or stress, could this be where the running joke of her making morbid observations comes from? Like, she's thinking up the worst possible scenario's and trying to make light of them as a way to mask that she's genuinely stressed out about somebody being in danger?

One quirk I like about robin is her attitude towards cute things like Chopper and Ryunosuke(RIP the goat). It's like she wants to play with animals and showered them with love because she wasnt able to do it or receive much of it growing up.

One of my favorite moments from Robin is during Zou when Nekomamushi brings up how effectively the entire world will go after her due to her knowledge and past. Without even a beat she immediately smiles and reassures him that she doesn't care because she has reliable people by her side. While brief, tells so much to the audience just how close and comfortable she is now towards the crew.

Robin is my favorite One Piece character by far. She gave me the will to live when I most needed it and continues to give me hope. The Robin Agenda lives on and we feeing off this video fosho!

One thing that I like about post time skip Robin, or rather, post Enies Robin is that she lets her guard down finally. All her personality quirks, her sense of humor, aspects of herself that she wanted to hide starts peeking through and she becomes a much more honest character. It's easy to overlook, but also easy to have a relatable feeling to how the crew reacts to her with a "WTF" feeling at first to a more "That's Robin" feeling now in the current comics. It's fun because the subtleness to it as well as the reason behind this change feels realistic. There are parts to our personality that we can't help but to show, even when we are trying to be sneaky and hide it, but there are also aspects of our personality that we hide because we don't know how well we trust someone. That said, when we do, we let that aspect show, and I think that is what is fun and relatable about Robin's character. Of course, it's also a funny contrast to Luffy, a rather more aspirational character that feels honest to a fault in that they always say what they are thinking and don't ever try to hide their thoughts nor seems to care what you think of their character, even though... reality is Luffy ends up keeping lots of secrets that often take his crew by surprise. It's a funny contrast, imo.

I loved it when Sanji called for her help. Shows how he’s now more willing to ask for his friends’ help, and just how much stronger Robin has become.

She's been my favorite strawhat since I rewatched/reread the series, I love her so much. I do wish she still wore cowboy hats though.

To some degree every member of Straw Hat's backstories got me to cry, but Robin got me to bawl my eyes out from chapter to chapter.

I love Robin, shes my favourite female character in all of media. Her backstory and declaration of wanting to live always leaves me teary-eyed.

Oda: so, how much do I want this character to suffer? Also oda: yes. Her and law have some of the most tragic backstories so far that I've seen in the anime. Just fucking brutal, especially for how much her and law suffered when they were just kids literally. Also the whole I want to live scene is honestly one of the most powerful scenes I've seen in an anime pretty much ever. Without question, I mean to literally give someone a second chance at life like that's just.... Truly something else.

My favorite thing about Robin post timeskip is that she always makes her crew laugh. They're always smiling and laughing when she's around even if she's being extremely macabe. It's like she learned it from Luffy. She had jokes her first day on the crew😂

Your comment about how important smiles are to One Piece was a revelation to me. I just really hadn't thought about it. Aside from characters' expressions, especially smiles, standing out a lot in this story, so much centers around them! The biggest and most obvious example is the legend of Joy Boy who is meant to bring joy (smiles) to the world. Also, the contrast between most of the heroes and villains with the former smiling far more often than the latter, who sometimes never smile. And while some villains do smile, Teach and Doflamingo as prime examples, I would argue that they are also Pirates. Pirates are the natural antithesis of the World Government who seeks to limit and control the world. Even the SMILE fruits kind of highlight the bastardization of forcing fake smiles onto people. I'm sure someone could explore this much better than me, but it was just a strong revelation for me in that moment!

Bruh this just made me think about the current stuff in the manga. Luffy crushing the log pose that would have avoided Little Garden just saved their asses big time

I have always loved that detail that Robin until Post-Enies Lobby refers to everyone by their position or a prominent feature and not their actual name. It's such a subtle way to let us know that she is distancing herself from them, not sure how permanent of an arrangement her journey with the Straw Hats is. One of my favorite One Piece images I've seen on the internet was the two panels of Robin yelling " I want to live" and then her telling Black Maria "No thanks, I'd rather die" with the caption "Character Development." I thought it was hilarious. But it's also 1000% true. Robin found her home and her family with the Straw Hats and will do anything to defend it, including sacrificing her life as she did in Water 7. Now that you've pointed it out, I really hope the new WIT anime adaptation adapts those beaming smile panels because I don't think the Toei anime did.

Robin holds a special place in my heart. She always felt to me like the older sister, ready to sacrifice herself for her younger sibling, who always ends up in trouble. She is mature, confident and is usually pretty serious, but has a soft side to her, a side she used to hide and feels liberated to show that side, now that her "younger siblings" (aka her crew) are able to get themselves outta the trouble they caused. I know it sounds weird but that just the vibe I get from her.

Robin is definitely one of my favorite stray hats. My favorite thing about her is that she has this dignified, intelligent vibe about her, but at the same time she’s not too different from Luffy on the inside so she has her occasional goofy moments as well. It’s a good mix of her dark past along with being able to keep up with the straw hats antics that make her so charming to me

This might sound insane but I honestly consider Robin to be on Par with Zoro in terms of Loyalty to Luffy. Like Sanji is ofc incredibly loyal but he will absolutely debate against Luffy if he chooses to do something stupid. Whereas Zoro and Robin will follow what he says without question as long as it isn't life threatening (There's a couple times they've both spoken out but not as much as Sanji). Honestly I'd consider Brook to be up there as well.

i cant believe people skip jaya and skypiea its such a good arc

I don't think Robin is underappreciated. In the last and first global poll she was 6th after monster trio, Law and Nami. I think she is one of the best written characters in one piece and my favourite one. It's just so great and cathartic watching her development through these years. Love her so much❤

Idk who your editor is but WHEW that like 30 seconds of Robin accepting who she is at 34:30 was beautiful

A character so great, an entire arc was dedicated to her development. You don't see that often.

In One Piece, Robin is my favorite. The adventure that she is about to embark on seems to have just begun for her. Robin's adventure in One Piece is intriguing because of the mystery surrounding her past and the secrets she holds. As an archaeologist, she has access to ancient knowledge and artifacts that could potentially change the course of history in the One Piece world. Her journey promises to uncover hidden truths and bring about significant revelations, making her story captivating and full of anticipation.

Robin video is great. Robin is amazing character and I loved her starting as a villian who then gave up after being betrayed. Luffy saving her emotionally and physically was amazing

One of my favorite moments that I think you understandably skimmed over was in Zou. When she reveals she can read the glyphs to Dogstorm and Catviper they tell her she needs to go into hiding because the Government will be after her and she simply smiles and says something along the lines that she doesn't need to because she has strong friends who will protect her and most of the crew blush.

Bro the outro to this video was intense, had me tearing up. 😢 Amazing highlight on Robin's importance to the story!

It's insane that you made a video on Nico Robin just as what's happening in the latest chapter in the manga.

The fact that a physically strong, mentally locked in, emotionally grown, and backstory rich character, only way to get development was to literally get more radicalized, is golden. But the fact that instead of coming back all Edgy and antigov; she just came back beaming a smile of happiness for being back with her friends is just, damn man, tears in my eyes.

I wouldn't have noticed the name thing if I didn't see Log Horizon. In season 2, the main character has to team up with a former rival, for which he always has some cute nickname for. Even through a tough raid he still wouldn't bring himself to use the person's actual name. Part of the conclusion is realizing the team really can't come together if you're the one holding it apart, so he relents. In Robin's case she reaches a resolution and then calls people by the proper name, whereas in Log Horizon it was calling people by the proper name as a method of bringing the team together for the resolution. Its still a great analysis, as One Piece further hide's Robin's version of addressing people with Luffy's surface level naming convention. Pidgeon. Bull. And the many times he just won't get a name right. Luffy's unrelated trait of misnaming people helps mask the fact Oda is doing it with Robin. A happy accident or god-like planning.

Bro … your breakdowns brings tears to my too my eye, and bring a justice to the writer …

Wasnt expecting a devilman reference

Your reviews of the series convinced me to final start reading One Piece. These character breaks downs have also been really fun.

Godammit Mark, once again with the amazing soundtrack. That Ori theme pulls my heart strings

My favorite line she uttered in this series was: "If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it."

yesss always good when my favourite series returns

That edit at 34:50 is one of the greatest thing's I've ever seen.

Mark is gonna love Egghead

Depths as dark as her jokes. Robin is a delight to follow but wish she'd share more knowledge that she has.

34:51 made me burst into tears at work. The editing along with the music you chose was absolutely perfect! Robin has been my favorite One Piece character since I was a kid. I used to get so excited whenever she was on screen or an episode centered around her. With so many new and amazing characters being developed and introduced it’s nice to look back at the long journey we’ve been on. Robin will always continue to have a special place in my heart.

I really appreciate these videos a lot of work has to go into these and it just shows the love we all have for this anime!

Awesome video. My wife is watching the series with me for the first time and we just started Enies Lobby. You really hyped me up for it!

Your way of exploring the rich world of One Piece is incredible! I enjoy these videos a lot, and they just reinforce my high regard to this world. It is so cool, keep at it!

i'm an archaeologist with major depressive disorder and I have never encountered a character I relate to more than Nico Robin and I super appreciate the care you put into your video about her! I was excitedly waiting for her turn in your video series!!

Music is always on point in these videos, that Ori ost hit hard during the video! Great choice!

"A man dies when he is forgotten!" rip Chopper. Robin is my favourite Strawhat though so I'll be enjoying this regardless

The acustic version of that opening at the end is soooo good. Thanks for making this vid. Stay awesome

Honestly, she should’ve kept her cowgirl hat throughout the entire series. That was a nice look.

I watch your channel and understand that true happiness lies in simple moments. Thank you for your modesty! 🌻

I don't know why this emotion almost broke out. But from around 32:13 , the simple fact of an instrumental version of "Memories" was playing in the background, for some reason almost brought tears to my eyes. Mark (or anyone here) by any chance has a link to this wonderful version of the song?

Im always gonna love Robin because she has a lot of depth for a female character, hell, dare I say not only in anime but in general in female characters in media. I also love how during pre-timskip sometimes she would overkill the enemies, rather than hesitating.

Robin is my favorite member of the Straw Hats, and probably my favorite character overall. I also love her relationship with Luffy in particular. Thanks for the video.

I feel like this is the best time for this video to come out because of how vegapunk is trying to complete ohara’s will and the fact that the elder star that caused ohara’s complete destruction is attacking

That was beautiful! Thanks for sharing this! Robin is loved for all these good reasons and more!

im a bit late to the party but thank you for doing my favourite character justice, she is such a loveble and deep character

Thanks, your video is a beautiful work! I love how pure, fragile, and human Robin feels. Her scene is today, one of my favorites.

these videos bring so much more light on small details i never even thought of or went over my head, thank you all for this video, they brighten my soul!

I absolutely love these One Piece video essays! Thank you for putting so much work into creating these.

Such an amazing video, one of your best in this series.

Great choose of Last Stardust for that montage of Robin, made me cry man.

Mark, your videos give me life. Appreciate all the time and hard work you put in

"Why call anyone by their name when you can communicate how emotionally distant you are by calling them by their profession instead?" Usopp: professional Long Nose

I named my vehicle after Robin, she's my favorite. Her story of overcoming struggle hits home in a special way.

Awesome work Love that deep dives

I always felt that Igaram being alive was an ex machina but thinking about it now Robin might not have been trying to kill him but make it seem like she did.

I love One Piece so much and the community that has been built around it, it allows people like you to make videos like these and go in so much detail about things that the regular viewer can't even see, I'll never get tired of watching these type of videos❤

These reviews are so good and in depth it’s hard not to tear up when Mark brings up the dark parts of each characters pasts. I always tear up…

Love her dark humor and finding stuff cute and silly imagination moments

What a wonderful video! I am always enjoying Mark's videos, both in script and in visual. It seems like they worked extra hard on this one and the result was marvellous ❤ Many thanks to Mark and all his associates 🙏

Really good analysis, I like that you took into account details that I no longer remembered about Alabasta (I read it a decade ago).

Nico Robin has always been my favorite Nakama, she is the jewel of humanity hidden away in the depths of our heart.

Thanks for the video, Mark! I'm glad you understand Robin's importance in the series.

One of the best parts of being alive is the fact I get to enjoy one piece. Thanks for putting together this excellent excellent piece of work. Can’t wait to watch the other characters’ video essays.

Ok who ever put last stardust is awesome I always love you videos for how high quality they are and what they go over but also the amazing editing and great music choices keep going man.

Man something about the way you do your narrations, whether it be for dragon ball or one piece, it always brings a tear to my eye, you my good man are truly amazing at what you do and I am very much glad you take all this time to put out this content for us. Thank you!

Love these analysis'! Keep'em coming!

Your videos are a masterpiece ❤️

You put some excellent editing together for this video :)

Man... I'm loving these series so much. I actually teared up again reminiscing about Robin's story and at the little quick montage near the end that summarized her character arc.

to have this episode come out as the same time as the newest chapter is so perfect

Your video didn't bring me any particular new insights on Robin (this isn't meant as an attack or an insult, I mean it in the sense that I had reached your conclusions and thought points on her too), but it did something else, and something I really needed. It made me realize the impact her being turned into a toy had on Usopp. I couldn't help but feel that his running away while the screaming Tontattas kept proclaiming to their torturers their absolute faith in him was completely out of left field and more in tune with what the Usopp of the East Blue arc would do than anything his growth had given him since. It made me loathe him for the rest of Dressrosa, really. It wasn't until now that I made the connection between him not being there for Robin in Enies Lobby and him not undergoing further growth through Sogeking. So, both for the excellent video and the new insights, thank you ❤

Good stuff as always!

I'm actually tearing up watching this. Robin is my favorite character in One Piece and this video breaks down why better than I could. I'm so glad I got to experience most of her story blind and I'm so happy to see how her relationship with the crew has evolved over time (compare Water 7 to Wano). Like I've seen other fans say, I can't wait for the day that she "wins" and uncovers the truth she's been looking for.

Great video as always, and amazing music choices. Huge props to using Last Stardust for 34:50 (it plays for a while before that, but this is where the lyrics kick in). Such a great song that fits beautify. On that note, now I can only think of having Mark go through the 3 routes of Fate/Stay Night (song was used in UBW route's anime adaptation). If this ever happens, I can die happy.

Egghead was heavy on Robin ... I imagine Elbaph and laftel will be too... Great video!!!

Nico Robin is probably the saddest character in One Piece. Her entire life was ruined as a child by the World Government and they don't feel bad about it one bit. In fact they are proud of the genocide they committed in the name of so called justice. She was branded as a criminal before she was old enough to know what that meant. What's even sadder is that she can't even called the Marines out on the part they played because it would reveal that they missed one. She had to seek the help of powerful and dangerous people to get what she needed because no one else wanted her around. It's one of the major character arcs that highlights just how broken the system in that world is.

Kudos once again to the editor with the music choice. I heard Bravely Default OST and Last stardust (Fate Stay Night UBW OST). Very nice.

Damn.. I remember before you started reading One Piece... and now you're giving me so much information :) Thanks man.

In the german localisation Robin was call 'Miss Bloody Sunday'. That only enforced the early mistrust against her.

Robin is one of the best. Great video.

Robin with the cow boy hat and Robin without the cow boy hat, are two different Robin’s and no one can change my mind….. Unless you are Robin, she is good at changing minds.

I really enjoy this series of your videos Mark, I hope (of course once all the straw hats are discussed) you do some of the best written characters. like Kuma, Doffy and...

This truly felt like it could have (and probably should have) been a two-parter. Really good stuff.

LITERALLY MY FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER IN ALL OF ANIME