‘One Piece’ Live Action vs Manga Differences: Fans Couldn’t Ignore 3 Major Changes in the Netflix Show
One Piece, the infamous Japanese manga, illustrated and written by Eiichiro Oda is one of the best-selling manga series in the world. Its anime adaptation increased the series’ popularity multifold. When Netflix announced the much anticipated live-action adaptation of One Piece, fans around the globe were overjoyed.
With the show out now, fans couldn’t stop appreciating the talented cast. Despite all the praise received from fans and critics regarding the series, Netflix’s fresh take on the story, and straying a little too far from the original source didn’t sit right with fans.
Subpar Character Introductions in One Piece Live-Action
Character introductions are crucial, irrespective of the fiction form. In the original series, the characters’ introductions are memorable and iconic. Fans first meet Luffy when he all but rolls out of the barrel, while Zoro is first seen when he is captured by the Marines. In the Netflix adaptation, these scenes are completely changed. The same is the case with Garp and many other characters.
The approach Netflix took is certainly interesting, and those new to One Piece will love it. However, since Straw Hats are One Piece’s heart, the difference in their introduction wouldn’t sit well with the manga and anime fans.
The One Piece Crew Formation
The first meeting of the Straw Hats Crew is altered significantly in the series. In the manga and anime Luffy first meets Helmeppo and Zoro when they’re fighting. In the case of the original story, Luffy heard about their fight from a little girl who gave him some rice balls. Even his first encounter with Nami is hilarious in the anime, but that, too, got changed.
In One Piece live-action, Usopp and Luffy met when the former worked on Going Merry. However, this isn’t how the anime fans might remember it. In the anime, Luffy gets threatened by Usopp and later recognizes him as the son of Yasopp. For long-term fans of the series, these meet-ups in the Netflix adaptation will be out of place.
Read More: Netflix’s One Piece Series Hires ‘The Witcher Composers for Iconic Score
Live-Action Ruined the Unbeatable One Piece Comedy
There isn’t any doubt that One Piece is inherently hilarious. Whether it’s Luffy meeting Koby, the fight he had with Arlong or the overall interaction of the crew, everything is chaotic.
Compared to the chaotic and hilarious notes of the anime, One Piece live-action incorporated a toned-down version of these themes. The seriousness is probably because the series has been made to accommodate older audiences but how well it is received is yet to be found out.
The above-mentioned changes might affect the show negatively in some way but overall, it has caused serious buzz in the fandom. The rumors about a possible second season have started to make rounds, but the viewership of the first season can change things.
Meanwhile, enjoy the first season of One Piece live-action on Netflix.
Source: Dextro
