For the first time in 26 years, One Piece has released an unfinished manga chapter, Chapter 1098, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump over the weekend. And before fans could even complain, the creator released a formal apology, as seen on the new chapter’s cover, and it was written on Brook’s pants.
X (formerly Twitter) user @OP_SPOILERS2023 shared Oda’s message for the unfinished One Piece Chapter 1098, as translated by the known leaker, Redon. “I couldn't finish drawing in time. Sorry,” the mangaka wrote. However, he explained that the chapter was still a hundred percent readable, complete with vignettes and texts, though some pages weren’t completely drawn.
“Some vignettes only have the sketch prior to the final drawing [sketches with quite a lot of detail, not like the ones Togashi does in Hunter x Hunter], others have parts of the drawing that are 100% finished, but other parts are sketches, others do not have the shading patterns, some background,” he continued.
Oda released new chapters of One Piece every week for the past three weeks, and the weekly releases might have already taken their toll on him. That said, Oda must work on the illustrations and storylines at a fast pace. Hence, this might be the reason that he wasn’t able to finish Chapter 1098.
Will fans see a complete version of One Piece Chapter 1098?
Of course, Oda will never allow that fans won’t see a complete version of One Piece Chapter 1098. In his statement, he said its “perfect version” would be published in Volume 108, which release date is yet to be revealed. He promised that they would never leave it like that. He will also take a break from the manga, so the upcoming Chapter 1099’s release will be delayed.
But despite publishing an unfinished chapter, fans still lauded Chapter 1098 and even Oda himself. @PokemanZ0N6 said it was still one of the best chapters of 2023 by featuring Kuma’s flashback. Another said Oda couldn’t miss even if he did so, calling the unfinished chapter hitting even more. And with his good narrative and structure, @gulingmon claimed the artist’s sketches could still tell a story despite the incomplete drawings.
One Piece Chapter 1099 is scheduled for release on November 26. With a week of rest, Oda may finally complete his drawings this time.
