Series & First Appearance
Mr. 2 Bon Clay, also known as Bentham, is a prominent character in the manga and anime series One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda. He made his first appearance in Chapter 202 and Episode 83 of the anime. The series is produced by Toei Animation.
Profile at a Glance
Bentham is an "okama" (a term used in Japanese for a queer individual) who appears to be in his late twenties. He serves as an antagonist in the Baroque Works organization but later becomes an ally of the Straw Hat Pirates. Bentham wields his unique martial art, Okama Kenpo, and possesses the powers of the Mane Mane no Mi (Clone Clone Fruit), granting him the ability to transform into an exact copy of anyone he has touched.
Personality & Motivations
Bentham is known for his flamboyant and cheerful demeanor, often breaking into song and dance. He embraces his identity as an okama with pride, which influences his vibrant personality. His motivations revolve around friendship and loyalty; despite being an antagonist initially, he quickly bonds with the Straw Hat crew. Notable quirks include his exaggerated gestures and stylish fashion sense, often accentuated by the swan-shaped accessories that resemble the number two.
Abilities / Powers
Bentham’s Mane Mane no Mi allows him to clone anyone whose physical form he has touched, mimicking their appearance, voice, and memories. This ability is incredibly versatile, enabling him to infiltrate and deceive opponents. His combat style, Okama Kenpo, is a flamboyant and acrobatic martial arts technique that incorporates dance-like movements. While his abilities are powerful, they are also hindered by his physical limits and the fact that he must have physical contact with the target to use his cloning powers.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Bentham first appears as a member of Baroque Works during the Alabasta arc, initially posing a significant threat to the Straw Hat crew. However, in a pivotal moment during the Impel Down arc, he aids Luffy in escaping from the underwater prison, showcasing his growth as a character. Bentham sacrifices his freedom by disguising himself as the prison’s co-manager and opening the gates to allow Luffy’s escape. This act of bravery solidifies his transition from antagonist to ally, demonstrating a depth that endears him to fans.
Notable Relationships
Bentham’s relationship with Luffy is crucial to his character arc. He sees Luffy as a symbol of freedom and courage, which inspires him to help him escape despite the risks involved. He also forms bonds with other members of the Straw Hat Pirates, particularly Sanji, who defeats him in battle but ultimately respects him. Additionally, his interactions with other Baroque Works members, especially his views on the roles of gender as an okama, further emphasize his unique standing in the series.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Bentham’s most memorable moments occurs during the Impel Down arc when he declares, “I’m going to break out! I’ve made a promise to Luffy!” (Episode 885). This quote represents his determination to aid Luffy despite the context of his own peril. Another significant scene is when he performs his signature dance at the end of the Alabasta arc, leaving a lasting impression on fans and showcasing his joyful spirit.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Mr. 2 Bon Clay is ranked among the favorite characters by fans, boasting 1,848 member favorites on some anime platforms. His name combines the term for a male Baroque Works agent (Mr. 2) with a “Bon” name, celebrated during the Bon Festival in Japan, which honors the dead. The character’s design and persona are largely influenced by Oda’s creative vision of representing diversity and challenging traditional gender roles. In the Japanese version, he is voiced by Kazuya Nakai, while in the English dub, he is voiced by Brian Dobson, whose performances capture Bentham’s flamboyance and complexity. His unique attributes have made him a beloved character in the One Piece universe, often discussed in terms of LGBTQ representation in anime.
Bentham’s journey from antagonist to ally, alongside his vibrant personality and powerful abilities, makes him a multifaceted character celebrated by fans worldwide.
