One Piece: From ‘niche within a niche’ to global phenomenon

One Piece is a remarkable anime series that has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. It tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy with dreams of becoming the greatest pirate and finding the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. Luffy leads a diverse crew of pirates as they sail the seas, facing numerous challenges and adversaries along the way. The series has been running for over 1,000 episodes and is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024. Notably, it has garnered fans from all walks of life, including prominent figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and rapper Travis Scott. The original comic series, which inspired the anime, has sold more than 500 million copies, earning a Guinness World Record for its incredible success. Additionally, One Piece merchandise, including clothing and toys, can be found in stores across the country. The journey of One Piece began in 1997 when it was first published in Japan, created by the talented manga artist Eiichiro Oda. The narrative follows Luffy and his crew as they embark on thrilling adventures, battling rival pirates and the government while utilizing unique powers gained from consuming 'Devil Fruits. ' As the series has evolved, both creators and fans have shared insights into how One Piece transformed from a niche interest to a global phenomenon. In the early days, particularly in the United States, One Piece was relatively unknown. Zach Logan, who launched a podcast dedicated to the series in 2009, recalls a time when anime conventions had only a handful of One Piece fans. He humorously describes those early gatherings as being attended by just a couple of people and their baby dressed as Chopper, a beloved character who is a reindeer-human hybrid. In contrast, One Piece quickly gained popularity in Japan, where it was first published in the magazine Shonen Jump. The magazine was struggling to keep up with its competitor, Shonen Magazine, but the introduction of One Piece helped it regain its status as the most-read manga in the country. Hiroyuki Nakano, the current editor of the One Piece manga, vividly remembers the excitement he felt when he first encountered the series. He expressed his amazement, stating, 'An incredible comic has begun. ' One Piece has significantly impacted the manga industry since its inception. In the mid-1990s, manga was at its peak, with billions of copies sold. Popular titles at the time included Dragon Ball, Slam Dunk, and Doraemon. However, Nakano believes that One Piece revolutionized the industry by focusing on character development and crafting intricate storylines that build toward emotional climaxes. He noted that prior to One Piece, manga often relied on cliffhangers that could lead to disappointment if the story did not meet expectations. Logan also emphasized that the anime adaptation of One Piece delivers a more profound emotional experience compared to other series. He pointed to the Drum Island arc, where viewers learn about Chopper's tragic backstory, as a particularly moving segment that resonates with audiences. The first episode of the anime aired in October 1999, but it took over a decade for it to gain traction outside Japan. The initial English dubbed version, released in the US in 2004, faced criticism for its lackluster voice acting and censorship of certain scenes. Many viewers were put off by the early adaptation, which altered battles by removing blood and replacing weapons with water guns. However, the pandemic played a crucial role in boosting the show's popularity. Logan described it as 'gasoline on a fire,' as people had more time at home to binge-watch the extensive series, which boasts over 900 episodes. In the post-pandemic world, One Piece has developed a substantial following in America, even making an appearance in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. While some may feel daunted by the show's length, Nakano believes this is one of its greatest strengths. He remarked that the sheer number of characters and ideas created by Oda-sensei is unmatched in any other work. Logan likened One Piece to the long-running series Doctor Who, suggesting that while viewers can skip certain episodes, they risk missing out on vital and brilliant content. He used to advise friends to skip parts, but now he feels it would be a disservice to do so. Fans often start by expressing concerns about the show's length, but by the end, they find themselves wishing for more episodes. One Piece is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing new viewers to join the adventure.