I started watching One Piece and I think you should too
On Fridays, my partner and I watch One Piece together. It's become our weekend ritual - we order take out and watch One Piece until it's time for bed. We used to watch it whenever I remembered or was in the mood to. We didn't make much progress doing it that way, and besides, my partner wanted to watch it more regularly.
Initially, I was hesitant to start watching One Piece. It's long, like really long. We're talking over 1000 episodes and counting. Not only is it long, but apparently the anime can be a slog to get through. And yet, One Piece is still one of the most popular series out there. I knew that it had a large following, but I didn't understand why. I would have to see for myself what all the fuss was about.
I'll admit, it took me some time to get into it. Although, to be fair, it had been years since I last watched any anime. At first, I feared it would be just like any other Shōnen anime. Going into it, I had low expectations. I never imagined there would be dynamic characters, let alone a plot. I knew then that I was judging the show prematurely. I would have to set aside my presumptions if I was to give it a chance.
The more I watched, the more invested in the series I became and the more I grew to appreciate it. My first impressions of the show were pretty surface level. I really liked the art and animation quite a bit. The first episode of One Piece aired in 1999. It's a little rough around the edges, but I think that's what makes it charming. As much as I enjoyed the janky animation, what I really loved was Oda's style. It is so unlike the styling of other mangaka. His use of curved lines, simplified shapes, and exaggerated forms gives his work a playful feel. This "playfulness" is most obvious in Oda's character designs. There are so many great designs it's hard to choose just one, so here are a few of my favorites:
Top: Bananawani settei (reference sheet), Bottom: F-Wani settei (reference sheet)- the Bananawani, a crocodile with a banana shaped protrusion on top of its head. Or its speedy cousin, the F-wani.
- Pell, a character that can transform into a hawk, carries a blade with a hilt designed to look like a fighter jet.
- Enel's character design takes inspiration from the Japanese god of thunder and lightning, Raijin. When I first encountered him, he reminded me of depictions of the bodhisattva, Guanyin.
Top: Enel's introduction, One Piece Chapter 254Bottom left: Guanyin of the Southern Sea via Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Bottom right: Raijin via Sanjūsangen-dō TempleIt's design choices like these that give the impression that Oda is having fun. It's nice to see an artist enjoying themselves. This is further evident in the show's humor. There are so many silly moments that have made me laugh. Then there are the moments that have made me cry. The emotional impact that this show has had on me is a testament to Oda's writing. He balances these high emotional moments really well. When things get a little too intense, he'll throw in a funny gaff to cut the tension.
These moments wouldn't be nearly as effective if it weren't for the Straw Hats. They're the reason I keep watching. They're great characters, yes, but there's more to it than that. Their commitment to protecting and supporting their friends is what I find most endearing about them. When their convictions are based in compassion, I can't help but root for them.
I want them to succeed, because I believe in what they're fighting for.
There was more I wanted to say, but this feels like a natural place to end things. I'm sure I'll have more to say the further along in the series I get. For now, I'll leave it there.
