One Piece is a series well-known among anime fans for the fanbase’s constant debates about which characters are more powerful. Due to the impressive number of mighty warriors that live in the world created by Eiichiro Oda, the results of these discussions tend to be controversial, and none perhaps more than the neverending Shanks vs. Mihawk debate.

While fans of the series usually carry out the debates, it seems that even the actors who play the characters have their opinions on who is stronger. Steven John Ward, who brought Dracule Mihawk to life in Netflix’s One Piece adaptation, recently ed the debate about who is the strongest between the former warlord and his rival, Shanks. As expected, he placed his character above Luffy's beloved mentor, although his reasons for doing so have caused fans to laugh earnestly.

Mihawk’s Actor Believes His Character Is Stronger Than Shanks

Ward Could Not Give a Real Reason To Defend His Position

As a part of the recent GalaxyCon, Steven John Ward was a special guest, making an appearance on several of the convention’s videos while answering questions about his role. As expected, one of the topics that fans brought up was his opinion on one of the franchise’s biggest rivalries, Shanks vs Mihawk. The actor immediately answered that his opinion could be controversial, but he believed that Dracule Mihawk was the most powerful of the two. The answer shocked the interviewer, who asked Ward why he held that belief.

In a purely comedic moment, the actor struggled to come up with a reason, which led to both participants laughing with joy. Fans on social media shared the sentiment, understanding that Ward was understandably biased towards Mihawk, the character he has brought to life through his impeccable acting. Yet, despite not arguing to defend his position, the man did not change his answer, remaining firm in his conviction of Mihawk being stronger than the fan-favorite Red Hair Pirates captain.

Even though most fans found Ward’s opinion on their rivalry a light-hearted response, his words did reignite the fire of both sides, recommencing the heated discussions of who is more powerful. The video has spread across all social media platforms, with several comments either agreeing or explaining why they believe the actor’s stance is false. Fortunately, the video has not led to any inappropriate reaction from the fandom. Fans are excited about the possibility of seeing Ward return to his role as Mihawk during the season 2 of Netflix's One Piece.

Why Are Shanks and Mihawk Compared So Often?

These Powerful Pirates Had Been Rivals for Many Years

The debate of who is more powerful between Shanks and Mihawk is a long-held tradition among One Piece fans. This discussion originates from the early years of the story, during which Oda explicitly states that the two warriors had been rivals for more than a decade. While a battle between them has never been portrayed in the series, fans are aware that Shanks and Mihawk used to fight regularly during their youth. Seeing as they are undoubtedly among the strongest characters in the series, it is natural for fans to wonder who holds the most power.

Is Mihawk Truly Stronger Than Shanks?

​​​​​​​The Red Hair Captain Could Have Become More Powerful Than His Old Rival

The One Piece manga series has done an incredible job of keeping the truth behind Mihawk and Shanks’ rivalry a mystery. Still, many hints point at Luffy’s mentor currently being the strongest warrior among the two. Although it is possible that Mihawk was slightly stronger than Shanks in the past, as proven by his title of the Strongest Swordsman in the world, his rival has sured him several times throughout the years. Shanks has become one of the most fearsome pirates in the world, capable of causing panic even in the bravest Marines.

The fact that Mihawk also lost interest in fighting after his rival lost his arm protecting Luffy, only adds fuel to the theory of Shanks’ being the strongest among them. The swordsman is by no means a weak fighter, as he is still incredibly skilled and agile. However, the lack of worthy opponents has kept him from bettering himself for many years. Shanks, on the other hand, has done nothing but increase his strength, going from a respected pirate to one of the strongest Emperors of the Sea in history.

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Ward’s statement might have reignited the flames of Shanks and Mihawk’s fans, ensuring that their battle for dominance continues for many years more. It is an amazing reminder that the actors who have brought One Piece’s world to life are also avid fans, a distinction that has helped the show remain one of Netflix’s biggest successes.