One Piece is one of the longest-running anime series. It consists of multiple arcs, each of which has its own unique charm. Despite having so many story arcs, the One Piece anime is universally adored because of its excellent plot.
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One Piece has some incredible story arcs in its expansive history, with these examples being the best of the bunch.
Another reason that makes the anime so special is its rewatch value. Many arcs in One Piece can be rewatched simply because the story and the fights are too good. But in some cases, rewatching an arc helps viewers to better understand themes and the actions of certain characters.
This post contains spoilers for One Piece.
Fish-Man Island Arc
Highlights The Racism In The Story
- Hody Jones was the perfect villain for the arc
Most of the time, the Fish-Man Island arc is brushed off as a mediocre arc, as it does not have an overpowered or cool antagonist. However, some fans fail to understand that the arc is not just about the Straw Hat Pirates showing off their new powers.
The Fish-Man Island arc is about racism. Hody founded the New Fish-Man Pirates because of his hatred towards humans. While it is true that humans were racist towards Fish-Man Island and its inhabitants, Hody Jones wasn't just driven by this reason. He hated humans so much that he killed his own kind who didn't support him. The arc highlights the complicated relationship between humans and other races. Considering Oda wanted to tackle racism, Hody Jones and his motley crew were the perfect antagonists. They were fueled by hatred and would do anything to ensure that their philosophy prevailed.
Skypiea Arc
Has A Lot Of Information About Important Historical Figures
- The debut of Observation Haki
The Skypiea arc is one of the best pre-timeskip arcs in One Piece. It is a phenomenal arc that reveals a lot of details about important historical figures like Calgara and Noland. Additionally, the arc also disclosed new information regarding Shandora and its history.
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The Skypiea arc also includes a Poneglyph, on which Roger left a message. On the first watch, the arc may not seem as important, but that changes once fans catch up to the story and learn about Nika.
Whole Cake Island Arc
Revealed Sanji's Turbulent Past
- Features one of the most emotional moments in the entire story
When the Whole Cake Island arc was released, it received mixed reviews from the audience because it wasn't as action-oriented. Another reason why the arc is despised is because the Straw Hats were separated, and some fan favorites like Zoro, Robin, and Franky were missing. Additionally, many viewers were expecting Sanji to receive a major power-up, but that wasn't the case.
The purpose of the arc was to show Sanji's past and his growth as a person. After being shunned by his own father and siblings, Sanji had no option but to escape. After many hardships, he found his place with the cooks of Baratie and then with the Straw Hats. After rewatching the arc, it becomes clear the focus was never about Sanji becoming stronger physically. It was to highlight Sanji's growth as he came face-to-face with his worst fears.
Wano Country Arc
Shows The Ill Effects Of Tyranny
- The culmination of decades of struggle
The Wano Country arc is considered by many to be the best arc in One Piece. It's primarily focused on Luffy's fight against Kaido. The arc also features many enthralling battles, all of which were animated beautifully. Unfortunately, the action overshadowed some important messages that were present in the arc.
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For instance, how the wealthy resigned supreme, and they didn't care about the well-being of others. A kid like Otama was deprived of basic needs like food and clean water. She had to work tirelessly for hours to be able to afford some food. The arc also highlighted Oden's struggle as he tried to open Wano's borders to the rest of the world. He didn't want the country to be isolated, so he tried to ensure that the future generations would be able to mingle freely.
Sabaody Archipelago Arc
Shows The True Nature Of The Celestial Dragons
- Themes of racism and poverty are overshadowed
The Sabaody Archipelago is fondly remembered for the debut of the Supernovas and Admiral Kizaru. The latter's arrival at the place caused widespread chaos among pirates, as they knew the strength of an Admiral. Silvers Rayleigh was also introduced in the arc. Clearly, it consisted of some extraordinary moments, but the true message is overshadowed by them.
The Sabaody Archipelago Arc shows the sick and sordid side of the World Government. There was an auction house in Sabaody where human beings and people from other races were sold to the highest bidder. Once sold, these people would remain enslaved until their final breath. The arc also highlighted the superiority complex of the Celestial Dragons, who consider everyone else beneath them.
Thriller Bark Arc
Included Characters Whose True Identity Was Revealed Much Later
- Emphasizes how people handle grief differently
The Thriller Bark arc is arguably the spookiest arc in One Piece. It is set on a massive ship that belongs to Gecko Moria. What makes the arc so special is that instead of fighting individually, the Straw Hats fought as a unit to take down Gecko Moria.
The arc also introduced characters like Captain John, Ryuma, and Lola, who at the time didn't feel all that significant. However, after the recent reveals, it makes the characters feel more important. Also, it plays up the importance of dealing with grief in the right manner. Brook lost his entire crew, but he didn't become a malevolent person. He lived alone, but eventually his patience paid off and he found the Straw Hats. On the other hand, after Moria's crew was destroyed by Kaido, he changed his ways and tried to build an immortal crew by stealing shadows.
One Piece
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 20, 1999
- Network
- Fuji TV
Cast
-
Mayumi TanakaMonkey D. Luffy (voice) -
Kazuya NakaiRoronoa Zoro (voice)
