Netflix's One Piece vs Anime: 10 Biggest Differences
The changes don't affect the story in any meaningful way, but they do significantly alter the storytelling approach.
Ahoy, fellow pirates and all who sail the seas! Netflix's One Piece has left us eagerly anticipating the announcement of the second season. Why the high praise for One Piece? Primarily because of its fidelity to the original manga of the same name by Eiichiro Oda and the subsequent anime adaptation.
While the writers' reverence for the source material is appreciated, loyal fans have spotted some deviations. Let's delve into those discrepancies, be they major or minor.
10. Overall Tone
While the manga and anime touch upon grave themes of authoritarianism, tyranny, and oppression (it's a pirate tale, after all), the overall mood remains light, courtesy of its humour, action sequences, and vibrant style.
Conversely, the TV series leans towards a more graphic and brutal representation in both visuals and narrative. Moreover, the live-action version lacks the comedic element that defines the original.
9. Usopp Pirates
In the anime and manga, before Usopp's alliance with Luffy's Straw Hat Pirates, he was seen with three youngsters in Syrup Village. Usopp's transition to becoming a bona fide pirate was marked by a poignant moment where he inspired them to hold on to their dreams.
8. Baroque Works
Introduced in the inaugural episode, the Baroque Works criminal syndicate's spy, Mr. 7, tried recruiting Zoro, only to be slain. This revelation came much later in the manga's 21st volume, and the Baroque Works wasn't introduced until Luffy's crew ventured into the Grand Line.
However, the series hints that this syndicate may be a central adversary in the upcoming season.
7. Luffy's Faith In Koby
While Luffy is a laid-back character, his deep compassion is evident, especially concerning his comrades. It came as a surprise to many that Luffy didn't confront Koby. In the original, aware of Koby's aspirations to be a Marine and how their friendship could jeopardise that, Luffy formally severs ties with Koby, an action that perfectly showcases Luffy's caring nature.
6. More Screen Time for Koby and Helmeppo
In the series, Koby and Helmeppo get considerably more attention. They're introduced early on, with Koby's significant development occurring later. This contrasts with their limited presence in the original. The live-action rendition offers deeper insights into their training under Garp and tells the story of how Garp used Koby to track down Luffy.
5. Garp's Role
A notable change is Garp's early introduction in the series. Upon discovering Luffy's piracy in East Blue, Garp starts his pursuit, eventually tracing him to Coco Village. This storyline underlines Luffy's lineage, as he's revealed to be the grandson of the renowned Marine Hero.
In contrast, the anime doesn't properly introduce Garp and his relation to Luffy until much later in episode 313.
4. Hatchi’s Absence
Hatchan, a six-armed octopus fish-man swordsman popular among fans, is missing from the series. Despite being a member of the ruthless Arlong Pirates who enslaved Coco Village, Hatchan is also portrayed as the kindest of them all and as being genuinely sorry for what his crew did to the villagers, especially Nami. Unfortunately, this character never made it into the Netflix adaptation.
3. Buggy's Expanded Role
Buggy has an extended presence in the live-action series, coming off as far more menacing. However, the live-action adaptation does not feature the scene where Buggy's crew decimates Orange Town with his potent Buggy Balls cannonballs.
2. Usopp And Kaya
The romantic undercurrent between Usopp and Kaya has always been a subject of fan speculation. Although the source material only hints at their relationship, the live-action adaptation featured a long-anticipated farewell kiss.
1. Nami's Backstory
While Nami's motives align in both the original and Netflix versions, the series overlooks the nuanced relationship between Nami and the Coco villagers. The manga depicts a heart-wrenching twist where the villagers feign disdain for Nami, knowing her intentions and wishing for her to prioritise her own well-being. By contrast, in the live-action series, their animosity towards her is genuine.