Pandaman

Pandaman is a joke character created by the author, Eiichiro Oda, whose appearance is that of a muscle bound figure with a panda face for a head (whether this is a mask or his real face remains to be seen). He makes numerous background appearances throughout the series for the viewer to try and spot. He is also a playable character in One Piece Grand Battle 2 for the Playstation. Pandaman is first spotted near the Black Cat pirate crew during the Captain Kuro arc. The second time he is spotted while Luffy is fighting Don Krieg. . He is later spotted a few panels (referring to the manga) after Buggy is struck by lightning while trying to decapitate Luffy. He is also seen in the anime dressed as a civilian in a short battle between Ace and Smoker.

Pandaman was originally created for a comic selection a few years back. He originated from Tibet and age is unknown. He is 6'6" and weighs 270 lbs. His mortal blow techniques: S.P.D-- Bamboo Leaves Panda Drop, and Giant Panda Deathstock. His Explanation: Abandoned in a bamboo thicket as an infant, Panda Man was raised by Giant Pandas. (all of these mentioned are not seen in the One Piece manga or Anime, and as such it should be taken with a grain of salt.) He is a demon superhero who resolved to become strong because when he told people he had seen Kaguyahime, they didn't believe him and picked on him. (Kaguyahime was a princess who was found inside a bamboo stump, according to Japanese legends.) Pandaman was originally created for the anime/manga series Kinnikuman.

According to Oda, Pandaman is a rich guy living on a certain island. He is often seen in the same panel as one of the Tomato Gang. There is a debt collector on the lookout for Pandaman, trying to collect the money Pandaman owes (which is why Pandman is often seen running away on appearances).

In a recent Japanese Fan Poll, Pandaman is currently ranked the 31st most popular character in One Piece.

Pandaman also appears in One Piece Grand Battle! popping or hiding in the background. In some stages he might appear in more than one place.