A simple trick
Each strawhat had to be first introduced and for that Oda used a simple trick. By picturing each of them as somewhat of a threat first to the character or the readers Oda twisted our expectation right at the beginning. This trick allowed him to make those characters instantly memorable.
Those characters didn't need to be seen as real ennemies, in the case of Jinbe or Zoro, the fact that we have already talked about the character like a threat combined with a menacing shading on their first appearance panel is enough.
Luffy is introduced like a tiny threat to the readers and himself. By stabbing himself Luffy establishes a narrative.
Zoro is presented as someone very dangerous, so we are lead to fear him. Oda just had to picture him with a menacing shading on the first panels of his introduction.
Nami is seen as a Pirate thieve on her introduction, meaning a threat for our current protagonist, Zoro and Luffy.
Usopp is first presented as the boy who cries to wolf. He would be an exception to the rule if he hadn't try to trick Luffy at their first encounter by lying about an army hidding in the bushes.
Sanji's actions against fullbody and the reputation of the restaurant puts him into a threatening light.
Chopper is believed to be a snow monster by Usopp before his introduction. This is enough to twick our expectation
Robin was a real threat at first as she was introduced working with Crocodile.
Franky was also a real threat during his introduction and fight with Luffy.
Brook is introduced as the last drop of horror in a scary setting or scary things. His mysterious singing and design are enough to scare the strawhats.
Jinbe was introduced as a threat first because of his relationship with Arlong, Oda just had to add an introduction with dark shadings.
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