There is a solid possibility that Afro Luffy was a homage to Gushiken popular Japanese boxer (Yoko Gushiken) who was distinguished by his permed afro, as Oda has homaged other famous people as the basis for his character designs.
Michał Żbik
2024-08-11 08:33:19 +0000 UTC
Afro Luffy is probably one of the top 5 most iconic Luffy looks in the entire series.
Like with Enel-Eminem, Oda once again references a specific celebrity.
This time it's a Japanese boxer from the late 70s, Yoko Gushiken.