By Alayna Patterson
In a world full of giant islands, bigger sea monsters and magical fruit that gives the eater whacky powers, the greatest treasure of a lifetime awaits — if you’re willing to commit.
One Piece, the ongoing Japanese animated show, is an all-encompassing story filled with comedy, drama, intrigue and adventure. It centres around pirates and friendship — all to find the long-lost treasure mysteriously named the One Piece.
We follow Captain Monkey D. Luffy, alongside his crewmates the Straw Hats, navigating perilous seas to achieve his dreams of becoming the Pirate King by finding this treasure.
One Piece began in October 1999. As of today, the show sits at 1119 episodes, and is based on a manga of the same name. Due to its enormous cult following, it has spawned a live-action TV show on Netflix, with a second season in production.
What does it take to commit to a 25-year-old show?
”Each small step in this journey is its own contained arc, so you can just pop in,” said James Gray, a fan. ”It’s rewatchable … it does have the greater story arcs that take longer time to get to that you really only see in stories that are written to be long.”
One could argue the length is the show’s strength. Characters can take the time to develop and connect with all they stumble into.
Clearly, the formula has been working for Toei Animation. Viewers can watch unique stories and plots specific to various islands unfold. Characters fight one another over issues relating to racism, classism and betrayal. This is delivered in a format that is digestible for a family audience.
Each character has their own aspirations which we watch unfold on screen. When we are in the perspective of one character we experience each physical – or emotional – punch.
”One Piece deepens this hit when somebody dies or somebody fails or is defeated,” said Gray. “It makes it hurt more because you know what they were trying to do. There’s nothing more tragic than being so close and having it all fall apart.”
Want to set sail? One Piece is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Featured image: Ready to embark? Luffy is. Photo: Niz/CC/flickr