Eiichiro Oda surprised me with a great series. It starts getting better even from the very beggining, just after the three first (and tinier) arcs. The story, after the first three villains, tends to get more complex, intelligent and well-written.

Even though most of the characters is crazy, their personalities are built around a great story that surprises by the level of complexity in a shonen. It's not like it's difficult to understand it (as it is made for teenagers and focused on pure entertainment), but yet by some parts of the plot and specially by the questions section, (where the readers ask what they want to the writer), we can notice how the author has a great knowledge of science and history, which greatly enriches the quality of the work.

That can be easily perceived by some commentaries of Oda about the weapons of the time, the story of the real pirates, and even scientific explanation of real and fictional phenomena during the series. And that doesn't nullify the great humorous ability of the writer in several comical situations.

Also does very good in emotive/sensitive parts. Passes in a very good way the feelings of the characters. Can easily make yiu feel truly sorry for a character that is suffering, want to kill some other, and cry with the third one, and scream with happinesswith a fourth.

The art is different than those from many other manga, but it's very funny sometimes and very serious some other times. Expressions always translate well the characters mood, form angry to sadness, form joy to depression.

It's a must watch for fans of a good comedy, well elaborated stories and action manga. One of the best shonen ever made.