One Piece is a franchise I’ve mostly encountered through cultural osmosis. I haven’t read the manga, nor have I dipped into the 1,000-plus-episode anime. But when Netflix announced a live-action adaptation, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to give it a try. Yes, the casting of Mackenyu and the sheer, sunshine-powered charm of Iñaki Godoy absolutely influenced that decision. No regrets.
For those of you who, like me, are coming in with little to no familiarity with the original property, Netflix’s One Piece is a high-seas fantasy adventure about Monkey D. Luffy (Godoy), an endlessly optimistic young pirate whose body gained rubber-like abilities after eating a mysterious Devil Fruit. Luffy sets out to find the legendary treasure known as the “One Piece” and become King of the Pirates, assembling a ragtag crew of misfits along the way.
Each member of his growing team carries their own dream, trauma, and reason for sailing, from a sword-wielding bounty hunter to a thief navigating survival in a ruthless world. Together they face rival pirates, corrupt marines, bizarre powers, and a globe that feels equal parts storybook wonder and dangerous carnival. Beneath the swashbuckling spectacle lies a surprisingly heartfelt story about friendship, freedom, found family, and the stubborn refusal to let the world define who you are.
In short: it’s a series about superpowered pirates who are also emotionally damaged, but through the power of found-family start to heal. Plus, they’ve got a captain (Godoy) whose smile could power a small city.
As a series, it’s incredibly engaging, and one of the most colorful (and fun) to be produced by the streaming giant. My only criticism is that this was a series where more episodes would have been nice. While every single one was important, by the time I realized I was on the last episode, I was heartbroken. Luckily, season two is right around the corner – as it drops on 10 March – so I’ll be able to binge before I move!
Plus.. Monkey’s clearly been working out on the ship!
There will be more One Piece soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 