Dracule Mihawk, also known as "Hawk Eyes," is one of the strongest characters in One Piece. With the nickname "Strongest Swordsman in the World," this world-renowned character has nailed down extraordinary swordsmanship and keen eyesight, making him respected globally. He is so strong that Mihawk can slice a gigantic ship into two with just one strike.
Mihawk's nickname, "Hawk Eyes," attests to his truly extraordinary vision. It is said that he has sharp eyesight, with nothing eluding his vision. This is no empty statement, but instead a serious trait that greatly contributes to his combat performance. Indeed, in one fight, the Marineford arc, Mihawk managed to keep up with the fast movements of Monkey D. Luffy when he was, in fact, under the Devil Fruit's powers to move at a faster speed than normal. This example portrays the best in observation skills of how Mihawk can lock onto moving targets and react accordingly to subdue the swiftest of enemies.
What adds value to his already fearsome fighting skills is the ownership of Yoru, one of the 12 Supreme Grade swords in the entire world—specifically classified into the category of Saijo O Wazamono. Yoru is a black blade of immense size—resmbling a crucifix—having unparalleled destructive power within it. This destructive potential in Mihawk was realized with the ease with which he carved massive obstacles and opponents with surgical accuracy and devastating power.
Technique-wise, Mihawk's style is both graceful and deadly. One of his signatures really has to be the "Tsubame Gaeshi," through which he can attack an opponent from all directions at once. This technique speaks for his ability to perform hard-to-execute maneuvers faultlessly. This truly contrasts Mihawk's way of swordsmanship, because it isn't only about raw power but about finesse and control, unlike most other swordsmen.
The value of Mihawk transcends the technical points driven. Formerly an indifferent member of the Shichibukai, also known by his title, "Marine Hunter," he was considered to be as much a threat to pirates as he was to the World Government, which had seen the need to keep him on a leash. Be it that he's quit the Warlords, his bounty and reputation show his dangerous potential. This puts him at a higher bounty than most infamous pirates and shows the seriousness of the threat even without allegiance to one of the major factions.
Involving Mihawk with other main figures in the One Piece serves to further flesh out the character. Mihawk's relationship with one of the Four Emperors, Shanks, who lost his arm, was placed in a series of fierce duels, which was how he would finally come to respect Shanks's strength. That gesture speaks huge volumes concerning regard for worthy opponents and standards in the Way of the Sword.
Another strong suit of Mihawk's character is as a mentor to another main character in the series, Roronoa Zoro. Zoro comes to Mihawk after the time skip in order to train and polish his swordsmanship. Seeing the potential and determination that burns within Zoro to one day surpass him, Mihawk takes him under his wing. This mentoring is a rather defining factor in Zoro's growth to becoming a great swordsman and accurately reflects Mihawk's role in shaping the next generation of great swordsmen.
Mihawk's influence goes beyond the show's immediate characters. Having unparalleled skills and vision in his possession, Mihawk became one who has been sitting atop the pinnacle that many characters aspire to achieve. His existence within the story became a benchmark for other swordsmen, particularly Zoro, who wants to surpass him and be entitled as the world's greatest swordsman.
Powers and high esteem have made Mihawk a very popular character in the series, thus giving way to a number of different merchandise and collectibles. Most represent Mihawk in his iconic pose with Yoru: action figures, art prints, and other kinds of memorabilia most popular among the influencers and powerful characters in the One Piece fandom.