Bon Clay

Highlights

Like Luffy, Bon Clay has a Paramecia Devil Fruit, Mane Mane no Mi, which allows him to imitate the appearance and abilities of others.
Originally part of Baroque Works, Bon Clay makes memorable appearances in One Piece, showcasing his leadership qualities and loyalty.
Bon Clay’s lovable personality, leadership skills, and unwavering loyalty to Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates have made him a fan favorite.

Although One Piece’s main focus revolves around Luffy and his pirate crew, the anime also features a multitude of colorful characters, both allies and villains, who gain 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 has a Paramecia Devil Fruit.

Bon Clay as Luffy

First appearance
Episode 78, “Is Nami Sick? Besides the snow that falls into the ocean!”

Broadcast date


August 26, 2001

There are three types of Devil Fruits 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 .

Devil Fruit Paramecia grants the user the ability to alter the user’s body or give them special powers. Just like Luffy’s Gum-Gum Fruit, which gives 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 with baroque works

Bon Clay, also known as Bentham, is a former agent of the criminal organization Baroque Works, operating under the codename Mr. Baroque Works is a secret criminal syndicate with numerous agents spread across the world.

Their main objective is to accumulate 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.

Bon Clay also appears throughout the series

Bon Clay kicking Sanji

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

Bon Clay Goes to Prison in Water 7 Saga Cover Story

Bon Clay in prison

Manga appearance
Operation Miss Goldenweek: Meet Baroque Works

Release date of
2005-2006

In the Water Saga 7, specifically during the events of Operation Miss Goldenweek: 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 Navy 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 free Mr. 4, Miss Doublefinger, Miss Merry Christmas and Lassoo, Bon Clay is found tied to Mr. and was defeated by Hina in their rematch.

Subsequently, Bon Clay, along with Crocodile, Daz Bonez and Galdino, are 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 faces various challenges.

Bon Clay sacrifices himself in the Impel Down arc

Bon Clay in Impel Down

Appearance
Episode 431, “The Saldeath Guard Chief Trap – Hunger Hell Level 3”

Broadcast date
December 20, 2009

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 joins Luffy, helping him navigate Impel Down.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including confronting powerful beasts and helping Luffy recover from poison, Bon Clay ultimately sacrifices himself to open the Gates of Justice, allowing Luffy and his allies to escape.

He faces Magalhães, deputy director of Impel Down, in a final confrontation, expressing pride in his actions and sacrificing himself for his friends.

Although it is thought so, Bon Clay is not dead

Bon Clay in Chapter 666

Manga appearance
Chapter 666

Release date of
May 14, 2012

Although many fans believe Bon Clay to be dead after his fight with Magellan, it was revealed that he survived and remained incarcerated in Impel Down.

Over the next two years, he became the new queen of Newkama Land in level 5.5, where he was shown leading his followers in dance.

So why do fans love Bon Clay?

Bon ClayBon 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 an adorable personality

Bon Clay and the Straw HatsBon Clay’s over-the-top personality and comedic antics make him a beloved character among fans. His exaggerated 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” posture, are a great source of humor when he is on screen.

His ability to find humor in even the most dire situations, such as his banter with Luffy during their escape from Impel Down, shows his charm.

He is a good leader

Bon ClayBon Clay’s leadership qualities are evident throughout the series, as he demonstrates a remarkable ability to inspire and guide others.

Not only does he lead by example, but he also takes joy in teaching the principles of the “okama way” to those around him, like the Billions under his command.

Despite his occasionally harsh treatment of his subordinates, Bon Clay cares deeply 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 the respect of allies and adversaries alike.

He is a great friend of Luffy and the Straw Hats.

Bon Clay and Luffy

Although initially a villain, Bon Clay demonstrates his loyalty to Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. While Luffy and his crew were escaping from Alabasta, Bon Clay helped them by hiding his ship, the Going Merry, when the Marines were searching Alabasta.

By disguising himself and his men as the Straw Hat Pirates, they drove away the Marines. Later, after breaking out of his cell and reuniting with Luffy in Impel Down, Bentham fought alongside Luffy to reach Ace.

Throughout their meeting, he helped Luffy through the prison’s various dangers and ultimately supported Luffy and several other prisoners, sacrificing himself to open the way to their freedom.

Although his ultimate fate remains uncertain, Bon Clay’s unwavering loyalty and selfless actions endear him to Luffy and fans of the series.