Cyborg without Organs: Bartholomew Kuma as a Nomadic Subject (A Collective Interpretation on Oda’s One Piece Manga)
Abstract
Considering comics or manga as legitimate objects of literary study can significantly contribute to the development of literary science. Popular fiction such as One Piece (OP) attracts widespread interest; however, many studies overlook its unique integration of text and visuals, resulting in incomplete interpretations. This study seeks to provide a collective interpretation of the OP manga, specifically tracing the transformation of Kuma's identity. The analysis employs Rosi Braidotti’s posthumanist theory, specifically the concept of nomadic subjectivity. Data collection methods include close reading and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), with critical discourse analysis as the analytical framework. Based on these concepts and methods, there are two cycles in Kuma's transformation. First, his fascist subjectivity is marked by the World Government’s oedipalisation process, which constrains his productive flows of desire and reinforces a sedentary perspective. Second, as a nomadic subject, Kuma transcends his existence, perceiving life across all organisms by dismantling the Oedipal regime within his desires. In this sense, Kuma can be considered as a ‘cyborg without organs’.
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