One Piece is among the greatest anime in history. Here’s a look at why the series’ complexity is its biggest strength – not a weakness.
One Piece, one of the longest-running anime ever, is known for its lighthearted tale of action, adventure and comedy. The story follows a young pirate named Monkey D. Luffy, who sets out to the sea in hopes of becoming the king of the pirates and acquiring the greatest treasure in the world known as the “One Piece”. It starts as an exceptionally cheerful adventure story but, as more mysteries unfold, fans learn exactly how dark its world truly is.
Despite having the complexities of multiple storylines, the series places everything on a proper track. The mysteries of the Void Century, the last island and the One Piece that started over 25 years ago all remain. It makes the narrative all the more appealing as viewers anticipate the new episodes even more. These complexities may be viewed as a weakness by some fans — but they are actually One Piece’s greatest strength.
One Piece Is Complex Thanks to Its Multiple Storylines
The complexity of multiple storylines is actually among One Piece‘s best aspects. There’s so much going on all at once that fans don’t really get bored of it. The manga is broken down into 11 sagas, each having multiple arcs within it. Needless to say, these arcs are never redundant and readers always get to see something new.
The setting of each saga, along with the protagonist, completely dictates the plot. For example, the “Sky Island” saga’s big bad is Enel — but had he been in any other saga, the story would not have worked. Other examples, such as the “Thriller Bark” saga and “Fish-Man Island” arc, prove how creator Eiichiro Oda incorporates each new setting to its full potential.
Each saga contains multiple ongoing fights, with every one having importance to the plot’s development. The Straw Hats are known to carry out miracles because they shine in every arc. Even with so many characters, Oda never leaves any out of the spotlight. Zoro’s fight against 100 bounty hunters is astounding, while Sanji shows his wits and strength with his Mr. Prince bit and saves his crew from Banana Gators. Nami’s fight with Miss Doublefinger proves she never deserts her friends despite being afraid of strong opponents. Usopp’s proclamation of Luffy being the future Pirate King remains one of his most iconic moments to this day. Even with so much going on, it’s always easy to keep track of what’s happening in each arc.
All of One Piece’s Complex Storylines Connect at Some Point
Despite having so many arcs, nothing in One Piece is ever redundant. Each arc contributes to the story and somehow connects in a way that will be important in the final saga. For example, the “Dressrosa” arc is quite long thanks to many new characters and their skills being introduced. It takes a lot of time to show everyone’s powers, and they all start respecting Luffy and decide to follow him after Doflamingo’s defeat. Though it may seem like introducing so many characters deviates from the main plotline, the narration suggests all these followers will have a crucial role to play in the future.
The Straw Hats have discovered new poneglyphs in almost every saga since Nico Robin was introduced, all of which lead to something that will be useful in the end. Even the characters’ tragic backstories do more than simply give them depth and aid their development; they help to lay down the story’s foundation. For example, Robin’s past regarding Ohara and Jaguar D. Saul are all important for revealing the World Government’s true face — but also for eventually leading to the Revolutionary Army’s founding. And now that the “Egghead Island” arc has revealed that Saul is alive, he will play a crucial role in the future.
One more example of multiple storylines connecting to one point is Princess Vivi. She is introduced as a weak and eccentric bounty hunter, but later reveals herself to be the only Princess of the Alabasta Kingdom. Needless to say, she ends up becoming an important ally for the Straw Hat Pirates. Although Vivi has no special powers to speak of, the mysterious man sitting on the empty throne shows interest in her — which further proves that she’ll be crucial to the final saga.
One Piece’s Endless Mysteries and Foreshadowing Keeps Fans Hooked
Because One Piece has so much to offer, it is inevitable that plenty of questions remain unanswered to this day. Keeping fans hooked on a story for a few decades requires more than just beautiful world-building and powerful characters. Therefore, these lingering questions end up being a great strength for the series; probably no single anime holds as many mysteries as One Piece. The truth behind the Void Century, the treasure of One Piece, the use of Ancient Weapons, the Will of D. and the mysterious ruler of the world are only a few mysteries in this ongoing tale.
For example, Sanji’s Mr. Prince bit is actually a foreshadowing of his true identity as the Third Prince of the Germa Kingdom. Zoro also calls him Prince as a joke in the “Long Ring Long Land” arc. However, fans only realize those previous hints once Sanji’s identity is revealed. Moreover, the Wano Country and Kaido were foreshadowed back in the “Thriller Bark” saga. At the very start of the series, Shanks intimidates the Sea King with an intense glare; only later do fans realize that was his Conqueror’s Haki. Various such examples are seen throughout the series.
Ever since the “Wano” arc’s conclusion, more mysteries have appeared as fans question Kuma’s heritage, Sabo’s condition, Nefertari Cobra’s fate, Saul’s motive and more. Likewise, Luffy himself remains one big mystery. Almost nothing is known about his mother and the truth behind his secret name. With each arc, however, fans come one step closer to finding the truth behind everything. Regardless of the mysteries, One Piece is consistent in foreshadowing and giving hints so subtle that fans often miss them. Oda has repeatedly shown that he’s one of the very best at this, constantly leaving little clues behind for major events in the future.
Src: cbr.com
