Why does everyone like one piece?

[Likely]

whenever i look for a new series to watch/read i somehow always return to onepiece, since everyone loves it, as im sure you guys do. but why? my take on chapter one of the manga, with no preconcieved biasness: story 4/10; artwork 3/10; character design 3/10. the anime was no better.

now im sure things pick up later. but how can anyone get into this franchise initially? i dont get it. the most recent manga ive read is bakuman. i was hooked on every panel from chapter one; the art, story, everything is first class. now you compare bakumans popularity vs one piece, and well, theres really no comparison. is it the gaping big mouths you guys like? what am i missing?

[tenshi_a]

I got into it from the anime. It hooked me from the beginning just because I liked Luffy's attitude. He managed to straddle being completely unreasonable and absurd, and being really fair and balanced with a strong sense of what's right and following your dreams... despite what the rules of his world say are lawful or unlawful.

I just latched onto that and continued watching, and that's how I got into it. ^_^

[Kizoku Keenan]

The constant focus on following you're dreams and being the best you can be is a really huge moral plot for One Piece which nearly everybody on this planet can relate to it and One Piece doe's a great job of giving you hope, giving you that sence that any dream can come true, It has sooooo many relateable characters and the plot just keeps getting thicker, interestng and just plain badass with each and every episode.

[Soluzar]

What tenshi_a said is important, plus the whole idea that freedom is the most important thing. After all, you have to consider that Luffy and the gang are really pirates in name only. They don't loot and plunder, they don't ravage and rape, they don't pillage and lay waste to towns. Pretty much they just raised the Jolly Roger as a symbol of their intent to freely travel the seas of the world without regard for any laws that say they should not.

When you really think about it, what have they ever done wrong as a crew? Not a great deal, until the Marines and the World Government started pursuing them. Some of the individual members do admittedly have a bit of a past, but nowhere near enough to justify the force with which they are pursued.

The main reason they are pursued is because of their connection with the ancient texts known as Poneglyphs, and with the downfall of Crocodile, a member of the Shichibukai. I have to question if either of these are genuinely bad things. The World Government is so concerned with covering up the message of the ancient Poneglyphs that they were willing to raze Nico Robin's village to the ground.

The Straw Hat pirate crew aren't the most selfless and decent people in the world, but they really aren't particularly bad when left to their own devices. They pretty much just travel around, doing whatever they think is right. I like that, and I like the idea of a corrupt government that will probably eventually fall due to their own actions.

The point of all this? One Piece isn't a series for someone who can be biased against an unusual art style, and it isn't a series for one who wants instant gratification. You watch the first handful of episodes or chapters and the biggest thing they have to offer is potential. Luffy's attitude, the sheer vibrance of the characters. You probably have to hear from someone how good it is before you'll persist long enough to find out for yourself.

If you don't persist though... the only one who loses is you.

[Maikeru-sama]

Most people find One Piece fascinating because Oda-Sensei has carved out an extremely interesting story and a larger than life world filled with wonderful and very interesting characters.

With the above said, One Piece forces you to keep watching because you come to really care about the characters and like all good stories, you have a strong desire to find out the mysteries presented throughout the plot.

Also, One Piece has not be utterly destroyed by fillers like the first Naruto Series and Bleach.

One Piece is one of the best stories I have ever read and seen animated and I put it up there with some of the best non-anime series such as The Wire, The West Wing, Six Feet Under, The Sopranos etc etc.

The current events of the Manga are quite simply brilliant storytelling.

[Levon]

Its a very fun wacky adventure show that's full of life. Similar to Dragon Ball.

The show does improve as it goes when more & more new fun characters join the story.

[Mr. sickVisionz]

I've only seen the first 104 episodes, but I like it because it makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis. I'm still waiting for the part where it blows away Bleach and Naruto in every way, shape and form though.

[Bernard_Monsha]

whenever i look for a new series to watch/read i somehow always return to onepiece, since everyone loves it, as im sure you guys do. but why?

Well this is a big reason why

http://i44.tinypic.com/2vnlvs9.png

[Thousand Eyes]

^ HAHAHA. ^____^ so true.

One Piece has been consistently progressive and is capable of remaining fresh. You have endless adventures and a wide range of respective antagonists that Luffy comes across one point or another. You just never know what's going to happen next and what Luffy is going to do next.

Bleach is very tiresomely formulaic. Basically a battle of powers and that's all it has been for a while now. There's nothing new or interesting about it. Right up till the Soul Society arc it was pretty good. After that? It got lazy.

Naruto is the same thing. The only difference between its main antagonist and Bleach's main antagonist is that one is extremely apathetic and one is extremely bitter.

[f2akid]

The reason why I love One Piece is because it has a bit of everything and it does everything so well. It's the kind of show that can appeal to many different people from different walks of life, granted you can't please everyone at the same time but One Piece's appeal is so broad without compromising anything in the way of storytelling. It is for this reason why I love it so much.

For me it's definitely the best show I've seen, I rank it higher than any TV show or film I've seen because it's hit all the right notes with me. The fact that an entirely fictional show of all things can make you feel every emotion between complete overflowing joy to overbearing sadness says a lot about not only the quality of the story but also how well developed the characters are that you would sympathise and empathise with them so often.

A lot of people look for excuses not to like the show when they start watching (like artwork for example) but I agree with Soluzar that it is only them that's losing out in that scenario.

[superplough]

Everyone else has already made the good points... I say everyone likes One Piece because it's awesome.

[Bernard_Monsha]

I almost forgot Pandaman.

[Dark_Knight]

I got into it initially because it was just out there. The characters were zany, yet likeable, and the story was pretty decent. And it's just never lost steam. Unlike Bleach or Naruto, it's never been a chore to read the chapters (although Bleach is getting better).

The story's also been getting VERY intense, particularly in recent chapters. Along with HUGE helpings of epic win.

[old hat]

It's fun to read. I like the characters. It's inventive. Things like that. I read it because I like it. Why else would I read a manga?


I liked it a lot it a lot better once the crew started to fill out.

[Likely]

ok im up to episode 13 of the anime. its not the best thing ever, but for now its watchable. my interested finally sparked when they toned-down all the nonsensical laughing.

ill keep watching for a while. see how it goes.

[Maikeru-sama]

ok im up to episode 13 of the anime. its not the best thing ever, but for now its watchable. my interested finally sparked when they toned-down all the nonsensical laughing.

ill keep watching for a while. see how it goes.

I personally didn't start liking One Piece until I got to Logue Town.

I was like you, when I first started watching One Piece I didn't understand all the ballyhoo and high ratings the show received but it got extremely good once they get to Logue Town.

[Likely]

what are the movie break points? there are like 10 of them that i see.

[Bernard_Monsha]

what are the movie break points? there are like 10 of them that i see.

None, except for 10 none are directly related to the manga or anime.

[Likely]

well im caught up. thanks for the recommendations everyone, it's a great series.

(spoiler alert)
i only have one comment on this thing, and that is my dislike of blackbeard having such a central role in the current affairs. i think a good villain needs more depth, and be less uninteresting. sadly, blackbeard just isnt that kind of guy. he's thus far gotten everything he's wanted, including an immeasureable power-up, without having to face much struggles. plus he looks like a fat slob. you can compare him to another villain like magellan to see the discrepancies. magellan has a lot of things to worry about, being the head of the big prison. he's got a subordinate whose disloyalty he lets slide, all the while still caring for his well-being. he's funny, and also powerful. every scene magellan is in is interesting. you almost want him to win. it's a shame he plays such a small role in op while someone as flat as blackbeard eats the cake.

but theres a lot of story left. so maybe blackbeard gets some needed developement. it wouldnt be bad if he lost about 100 lbs too. Zeheheheh! <--- the only good thing about blackbeard.

[Maikeru-sama]

I think Oda is still developing Blackbeard as the main antagonist or "anti-Luffy" of One Piece. Personally, Teach is one of my favorite and will probably cause the most upheaval in the New World.

Also, a great argument could be made that of all the characters in One Piece, Blackbeard is the most prominent character that actually acts like a "Pirate".

[Len]

The people who don't like One Piece more than likely didn't see the original JP version.

[goddessofanime]

The people who don't like One Piece more than likely didn't see the original JP version.

I'll admit, that was one reason why I didn't watch this sooner.

The 4kids version scared me off. And then Viz started to censor the manga

[goddessofanime]

I'm starting to get into it, because as much as I still do like Bleach, the constant trolling and plothax of certain characters are seriously pissing me off.

[Arnold]

I just started the manga (through chapter 15) and while it's not -that- good yet, enough people whose opinions I respect on anime and manga do say it's an excellent series that I'm more than willing to keep going at this for a while. I have read series that have picked up incredible steam after the first several volumes, so it wouldn't be the first if it were to happen.

My only fear is that with so many chapters, and as long as the series is, it would become repetitive or collapse under its own weight. Still, a fun enough start and am more than willing to keep on with it.

[Levon]

I just started the manga (through chapter 15) and while it's not -that- good yet, enough people whose opinions I respect on anime and manga do say it's an excellent series that I'm more than willing to keep going at this for a while. I have read series that have picked up incredible steam after the first several volumes, so it wouldn't be the first if it were to happen.

My only fear is that with so many chapters, and as long as the series is, it would become repetitive or collapse under its own weight. Still, a fun enough start and am more than willing to keep on with it.

I never read the manga but I've seen about 200 episodes so far and oddly enough it doesn't feel repetitive like a lot of long running shows. The stories always feel fresh and even when there is filler its actually fun and not lame like other shows filler(Naruto & Bleach).

[Bernard_Monsha]

I just started the manga (through chapter 15) and while it's not -that- good yet, enough people whose opinions I respect on anime and manga do say it's an excellent series that I'm more than willing to keep going at this for a while. I have read series that have picked up incredible steam after the first several volumes, so it wouldn't be the first if it were to happen.

My only fear is that with so many chapters, and as long as the series is, it would become repetitive or collapse under its own weight. Still, a fun enough start and am more than willing to keep on with it.

Oda leaves lots of little threads in his story that might not make sense for 100 or more chapters. One of the things I enjoy in OP is remembering those little seemingly meaningless things that suddenly become central to the plot. Little things like Ace's tattoo take on a whole different meaning. Plus it is always great to have a manga were the characters don't become annoying.


Don't worry about it becoming repetitive, this last arc had everyone shocked with how much awesome Oda packed into each chapter and how each chapter kept topping the last. It is that way the entire series from the Arlong Arc on is that way, One Piece is one of those mangas/animes that is easy reading/watching. It also has a lot of rewatch value.

[Bristecom]

Well I initially thought One Piece was pretty stupid too when I first started watching it on TV in America (by 4kids). But then I decided to try the original sub and I still didn't really get into it until Zoro and Nami came into the picture. I began to realize the scale of the adventure and the depth of the characters. It just has the perfect blend of humor, action, and drama for me. Nearly every episode makes me laugh, the fight scenes are usually pretty good and are easy to follow, and you get some really touching moments of sacrifice, although it's kind of meaningless because nobody ever really dies. It's kept me watching for years and now I can't wait for the new episodes to be released every week or so.

[Arnold]

I'm now through chapter 44, and I gotta say this is pretty good so far. I still don't like the art, but the humor and storytelling is pretty well done. Nami's pretty cute, and Zolo is a badass; I can see them becoming my favorite characters.

[superplough]

Zolo

http://2.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kstjn3SRTe1qzdrz4o1_500.jpg

[Arnold]

http://2.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kstjn3SRTe1qzdrz4o1_500.jpg

Er, Viz romanized the name as "Zolo". Considering that's my only real exposure to OP so far, can you blame me?

(Then again, this is the same publisher who called Xerxes "Cselksess"...)

[Bernard_Monsha]

Er, Viz romanized the name as "Zolo". Considering that's my only real exposure to OP so far, can you blame me?

(Then again, this is the same publisher who called Xerxes "Cselksess"...)

That is not Viz's fault that is Shueisha and Toei making them match with the 4-Kids production. Outside of that don't' spoil yourself by jumping ahead. It is the only long running shonen series I have ever seen that is one giant story arc and it is not quiet half done yet.

[old hat]

http://2.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kstjn3SRTe1qzdrz4o1_500.jpg

That can be Romanized either way.

[Clayton]

I think it's the idea of being king of the pirates. That and the treasure. And the cool fruit that gives you superpowers. And the hot girls.

http://data24.sevenload.com/slcom/xj/qu/kqjjoid/smzphknooole.jpg~/One-Piece-Robin-Nami-01.jpg


Plus a lot of the characters are pretty cool. You have to respect how Gold Roger went out

http://www.willlifedesign.co.uk/Anime_Manga/One_Piece_Images/Gol_D_Roger.png

[Bernard_Monsha]

Oh, one of the books in japan released pehysical stats for the seven warlords. Boa Hancock is a J cup :lol:

[Ryvius]

For me, probably because it's simply the second show next to DB/Z that feels like I'm watching a huge, epic, and incredible JRPG. It gives off a huge sense of adventure that I don't get from many other shows and other shonens.

[Mistakes13]

Well, I like it because it's a great anime, it has lots of comedy, action, adventures and friendship. (Romance isn't needed, as they only love adventure)
People judge it because of what happened with 4kids, and of the childish-looking main character (which probably caused 4kids to think it was a child's anime,...it's definately not). The art flows with the story, it gives it originality and impact, many manga/anime don't have much of those (specially shojo).
Maybe people like it because of the fights, or because of the pirates, or because of their goals. But, it's a really good manga/anime (in fact, the best seller in japan), so people should learn to not judge a book by it's cover. :)

[Levon]

I remember nearly 10 years ago I thought it looked like a stupid kids show and this was long before 4Kids got their evil hands on it. So I don't think 4Kids is fully to blame for everyone's ignorant view on it.

I thought the same about Cardcaptor Sakura as well.

Both are now top favorites of mine ^_^

[old hat]

Yes, everyone likes One piece and it's because of Nami's boobs....except for a few cases where it's because of Robin's boobs.

[Mickeymac92]

I wonder that myself sometimes, but I guess it does have its strong points. I just can't stand how obnoxious Yuffie is, he just makes the whole show unwatchable.

[Bernard_Monsha]

I wonder that myself sometimes, but I guess it does have its strong points. I just can't stand how obnoxious Yuffie is, he just makes the whole show unwatchable.

Yeah he is always stealing materia from people.

[Mickeymac92]

Yeah he is always stealing materia from people.

...I just got that. I meant Luffy. They're both annoying anyways.:P

[Hellsartist]

I have had lots of friends, and even myself, not initially get into One Piece. Tried watching it before 4kids dubbed it and i thought it was childish and stupid. I came back to it about a year ago and once the Arlong arc kicks in the Show really hits its stride. I ended up watching it all the way up to the Whitebeard arc in about 2 months lol... that's a lot of episodes. Most of my friends who initially hated it have also come to love it. I tell everyone now "Watch it through the first few arcs, if you don't like it after the Arlong arc you won't like it at all."

I personally like it just for the creativity of it all. Where else will you find a giraffe man who takes himself utterly serious. Where else can you find a shounen anime that gives such great development to the main cast (i love Naruto but one big complain is the lack of development some of Naruto's generation gets, and we won't even go into Bleach). Where else do the heroes not just gain "new powers" but actually train and learn how to better their existing powers? Plus Oda is a mad genius sooooo...

[OtakuPrincess]

I will say that One Piece is consistently and criminally overrated. :D But it's still a great entertaining series. :)

[superplough]

It's not over rated if it's actually as awesome as everyone says it is.

[LISA HAYES]

One piece in my opinion offers us dreams we had when were young enough to appreciate them.Story about robots ,pirates ,princesses, its different from story about dark future in cuberpunk animAS (ALTOUGH I LIKE THEM ).And main character is not some silent badass with sword or some dark powers.He is not half demon or shy schoolboy. He is simple-minded but genius in his own way.He is our favorite Rubberman.

[Bristecom]

One piece in my opinion offers us dreams we had when were young enough to appreciate them.

Yeah, and I think most of all it portrays the pursuit of happiness and ultimate freedom that everyone desires. Like having the courage to fight off government and all the forces working against you in order to achieve your goals in life.

[Atticus]

One Piece anime is garbage but the manga is good

[Levon]

Why is that?

I don't read the manga but from what I hear the anime was very accurate to the manga.

[Atticus]

Have you heard the voices? They're lolbad

[Levon]

Are you referring to the 4kids voices? Those are "lolbad", everyone knows this and considers that version garbage. Its edited so badly that its not the same show. Its a disgrace.

I thought both the Japanese & FUNi English cast were great.

[superplough]

The Japanese voices are amazing

The 4kids voices are hilarious

The FUNi voices are meh

[Atticus]

Well I don't speak jap

[superplough]

Subtitles FTW

[Levon]

I watched around the first 170 episodes fansubbed but then stopped when FUNi saved the show and now I just watch the DVD's dubbed. One Piece in 5.1 is epic. I love both the Japanese & English but the track with the 5.1 is the winner for me. :headbang:


4Kids version scares me :x

[Atticus]

Subtitles FTW

I don't want to hear a language if I can't understand it

[Hellsartist]

Your loss.

[Bernard_Monsha]

I don't want to hear a language if I can't understand it

But then you miss all the Ze Ha Ha Ha, Fu Fu Fu Fu, Ki Shi Shi Shi, Fos Fos Fos Fos and Gura ra ra ra ras as they are meant to be.

[Levon]

Press mute & then turn on subtitles. Now do you think the anime is great?

[old hat]

Wouldn't want to miss the 'horo horo horo horo'. You just can't 'horo horo horo horo' like that in English.

[Daichi]

I don't want to hear a language if I can't understand it

What is so wrong with it, there are subtitles. Japanese versions are the best of the best so why would you not want to watch it.

[Sephrim1]

I'm not sure , but I just got into it recently and it's great. I love the humor of it, it's seriously hilarious. I love the action and the story is very descriptive and unique. I've just reached episode 42 in the anime and although it took me a while to get into it, I'm hooked now.

[Bernard_Monsha]

One piece is the most awesome thing ever because it's on the cover of weekly Playboy


http://i4.imageban.ru/out/2011/02/07/4108e4446bb623a7deb7516334bbca84.jpg

[old hat]

Everyone just loves that mangy straw hat.

[Holy Knight]

Way to go, Monkey D. Lefner. Finally saw the merits of the Amazon Lily, eh?

[superplough]

Playboy Luffy reverse trap... not sure if want...

[old hat]

Why not? She's cute and looks like she would look good naked.

[Kuru Me]

This is one of the coolest things i saw today :O

[LordGdawg]

That's not really Playboy is it?Hugh Hefner's playboy?Naked chicks, martini recipes; advice on buying a million dollar yacht playboy?.....I don't know how i feel about that.....:blink:

[Lightning Leo]

Don't let the first few arcs of One Piece fool you. Even I couldn't understand how it could be so popular, since it looked like the same old staple shonen adventure story. The style of it even seemed off-putting to me.

As the work gets farther along, however, you start to realize that it's not just a slapped-together, trite adventure you've seen a million times before. It's an incredibly well-woven EPIC. One Piece slowly begins to define itself as a once-in-a-lifetime work of legendary proportions that seriously redefines the genre. It treads beyond the highest heights of our imaginations and to the deepest depths of our emotions. All whilst unflinchingly centering itself about a resounding, iconic message of "following your dreams".

Even the earliest, most arbitrary and ignorable parts of the series eventually reveal a significant and important role in the overall context of the work. The art, which initially appears rude and unattractive, comes to reveal itself as unexpectedly eclectic, imaginative and expressive. The characters become iconic "rockstars" of the manga world, sporting bizarre fashions and even more bizarre abilities.

I groaned my way through the beginning, but the point does come along when your ears start to perk at the subtle changes, and the blindingly relentless rollercoaster ride en route to the One Piece truly begins.

It's like Yotsuba's jersey milk. RECOMMENDABLE!!

[isak1121]

i have found one piece half a year ago and i think its nearly as good as naruto it has less fillers than naruto and hadn't got any worse like naruto but i like ninjas and the action in naruto just hit my heart but one pice just behind it now i am up to date with one piece in both manga and anime, and i have watched and read bleach witch os a bet worse than one piece but one piece and have a lot of amazing charekteres. :naughty: