The Figarland bloodline was first mentioned in non Canon Material:
- the name “Figaraland” was first mentioned in the Film RED movie in relation to Shanks bloodline by the 5 elders
- that movie is NON Canon material so it should not matter what is mentioned there, but this seems way to specific to ignore
- now in the most recent chapter we get Saint Figarland Garling, another member of that bloodline and God Valley
- also Oda revealed in a Volume related to film RED (Volume Volume 4000000000 titled “RED”) that Shanks was found as an infant at God Valley
- this paints a picture how Shanks is closely linked to the World Government, the Celestial Dragons and God Valley even before it is stated in the Canon story
So now my opinion:
- canon secrets should not be revealed in non Canon material first, because it blurs the line between canon and non canon material, making it more difficult to see what actually is the truth for the average fan.
- this also blurs the line as to what can be seen as a valid argument in theory crafting. Now even non canon material is cited as a source for a theory, even though this is still invalid and should always be mentioned
- this seems to be a (admittedly smart) money making trick: reveal facts in non canon material to spur fan engagement
- there is still a chance that shanks bloodline does not matter to the actual story, but as hints get more and more specific this becomes unlikely.
Canon material is being released in sbs even
I agree that it is weird, and profitable, movie here, movie there, databook…but I think we can pretty much say yea that’s shanks’ uncle or something and now we get a line on the interworkings of the wg plus shanks backstory material.
I don’t know why anyone would care about the non-canon reveals or not. Ultimately what should matter is what people will read when they read the One Piece canon, and all other stuff is pretty much irrelevant cheap fanservice that will be forgotten.
That being said, considering the actual canon material and not the other bollocks, I would say I quite like the idea of Shanks being related to the Celestial Dragons. It pretty much explains his relevance and apparent untouchableness in the One Piece world.
