Ok so I just finished the Thriller Bark arc. (I skipped over CP9 because I will summarize that at a later time)
The premise of this arc was good, but once I was a few chapters in, it will started to sag. It was basically like an episode of Scoobydoo. Having a chapter based around Usopp, Nami and Chopper was nice, but having several in a row annoyed me. Really, I thought i'd never like this arc... until Moria showed up along with the rest of the strawhats. The arc quickly went from being mediocre to top tier. The shadow concept is really fucking cool and unique, and I like how it gave the straw hats an excuse to face themselves. Especially Luffy... Oz w/ Luffy's Shadow was a total boss. This arc also excelled in the team coordination. Almost everyone get a chance to shine throughout several fights. Special shout outs go to Robin and Usopp for being really useful party members. Speaking of Usopp, his fight vs Perona was awesome! First time he's ever defeated a devil fruit user, and it didn't feel hollow or empty. Perona's powers were really something though, she had no problem taking down some of the strongest straw hat fighters !_!
Moria's fight with Oz vs the strawhats (minus Luffy) was incredible. The action was intense, the strats were great and the art was mind boggling. So much to absorb...! I fist pumped when Robin successfully landed a "clutch" on Moria. (but my mouth swung wide open when he escaped)
Brook was a character I wasn't too fond of in the past, but I've really come to appreciate his character. Yeah his jokes are corny, and he doesn't usually add much but his backstory was incredible. I was almost moved to tears when we finally saw his flashback, seeing his crew mates die one after another was depressing as hell. I know if I were him i'd go insane...
There wasn't a single easy day.
Me: (Mouth full of tears)
All in all, it was a great arc with a slow start.