Eiichiro Oda has a knack for giving One Piece characters interesting designs with distinctive features. Despite being one of the most influential figures in the world of One Piece, fans have only seen Dr. Vegapunk's silhouette. That finally changes in Chapter 1066, as Dr. Vegapunk makes his offical debut in the manga. Interestingly, his character design resembles Albert Einstein's famous photo.
Dr. Vegapunk is the genius behind most of One Piece's advanced technology. He is the one who created the Pacifistas, Seraphims, and an Artificial Devil Fruit. He has also discovered a way to make inanimate objects consume Devil Fruits, as well as the various utilization of the seastone. Without a doubt, he is the smartest character in the entire franchise.
Dr. Vegapunk's Character Design Then And Now
Chapter 1066 revealed two of Dr. Vegapunk's character designs. One was from the past -- back when the scientist had just joined the World Government -- and the other is at present. The younger Vegapunk dons a towering head, which is two to three times taller than his body. His forehead takes up most of his face, though the backside of his head was brimming with black hair. The genius scientist also has a straight mustache. But what makes him stand out more is his constantly-stuck-out tongue, which reaches down to his waist.
The older Vegapunk maintains a few of his defining features. He still has the same haircut and mustache, though his hair has already grown white. And his tongue is still as visible as ever. Compared to his younger self, Dr. Vegapunk's head is noticeably shorter. It is still big, but not as big as before. The top of his head seems to have been removed. It is now replaced with a hovering appletop.
Dr. Vegapunk is Reminiscent of the Esteemed Albert Einstein Meme
Albert Einstein is one of the smartest humans that ever lived. The theoretical physicist is famed for his great contributions in understanding how the universe functions. However, he is also famed for one other thing -- a picture of himself sticking his tongue out. The picture was taken on the scientist's 72nd birthday, where a photographer asked him for a commemorative photograph. In jest, he stuck out his tongue, probably in his attempt to ruin the photo. His plan backfired -- the picture was released and became one of Einstein's most popular images, which had then been turned into a meme.
The younger version of De. Vegapunk may look a bit weird, but it perfectly matches One Piece's humor. However, the older Vegapunk's design has undeniable resemblance to Albert Einstein's famous photograph. The most obvious similarity is the tongue, but even their hairstyles and mustaches are similar. And it's not really that surprising. After all, Eiichiro Oda loves incorporating real-life inspirations to One Piece. Given that Dr. Vegapunk is the smartest guy in the series, it is only proper that his real-life inspiration is just as intelligent and whacky.