“One Piece”: A Candid Review of Netflix’s Excessively Loyal Manga Adaptation

Netflix‘s Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Is Loyal to a Fault: TV Review

Anime Adaptations: A Cursed History

As a school of adaptation, the live-action take on anime and manga is known to be fraught with challenges. However, 2023 seems to be a banner year for both anime-based adaptations and video game-based adaptations. In January, HBO premiered “The Last of Us” to critical acclaim and success, defying the trend of underwhelming adaptations. Following suit, the “Super Mario Bros.” movie replicated this feat at the box office, despite mixed reviews. Netflix, cognizant of this trend, has now released its own live-action adaptation of the popular manga “One Piece,” which has been written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda for many years.

Netflix‘s Checkered History and Intentions

Yet, Netflix is not unfamiliar with the challenges faced in adapting anime and manga. The streaming service has had its fair share of notorious flops, such as “Ghost in the Shell” and “Dragonball Evolution.” It also produced widely panned projects like “Death Note” and the swiftly canceled “Cowboy Bebop.” However, with its vast resources and global reach, Netflix is well-positioned to introduce “One Piece” to a new audience worldwide. With Eiichiro Oda’s public blessings and the showrunners’ careful development of the series, Netflix hopes to satisfy both the loyal fans of the anime and manga and attract newcomers to the franchise.

The Effectiveness of Loyalty

“One Piece” is a nautical fantasy that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a teenager with dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates. Throughout the season, Luffy assembles a crew, and they embark on a quest for a mythical treasure against the marines who aim to maintain law and order. The world of “One Piece” is known for its whimsical and cartoonish elements, including magical abilities, fantastical creatures, and exaggerated characters. The live-action adaptation successfully recreates this vibrant and imaginative world through a combination of CGI and practical effects. The combat scenes are particularly impressive in their choreography, and the scale of the story is effectively conveyed.

However, the adaptation is still limited by its attempt to faithfully recreate a world designed for two dimensions. The visual chaos and exaggerated acting styles often bring to mind the awkwardness of trying to translate the artwork and animation of “One Piece” into live action. While the live-action adaptation is a commendable homage and serves as a primer for newcomers, it raises the question of what it truly offers that the original anime and manga cannot.

The Frictionless Quality of Adaptations

“One Piece” joins the ranks of other Netflix genre adaptations, such as “The Witcher,” “The Sandman,” and “The Umbrella Academy.” These shows have achieved immense popularity, yet they often lack the cultural depth and novelty found in other series. They are binge-friendly and unchallenging to the audience, offering a frictionless viewing experience. While this approach may attract a broader audience, it risks diluting the uniqueness and complexity that made the original content so beloved.

Preservation over Novelty

However, the goal of “One Piece’s” live-action adaptation seems to be preservation rather than seeking true novelty. Just as the characters in the series never give up on their dreams, loyal fans of “One Piece” may appreciate the effort to bring their beloved story to life, even if certain aspects are lost in translation. Netflix‘s adaptation, despite its flaws, serves as a gateway for new viewers to explore the extensive world of “One Piece” and ignite their curiosity to delve further into the anime and manga.

In conclusion, Netflix‘s live-action adaptation of “One Piece” is a faithful homage to the original anime and manga, but it struggles to fully escape the limitations of the medium. While it may not offer anything entirely new, it allows both loyal fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in the fantastical world of “One Piece.” As streaming platforms continue to adapt beloved anime and manga, it remains crucial to maintain a delicate balance between staying true to the source material and exploring new creative avenues.