What’s the deal with One Piece?
Created by Eiichiro Oda and running since 1997, One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy, a rubber-bodied, adventure-obsessed teen aiming to become the Pirate King. Along the way, he builds a motley crew—the Straw Hat Pirates—including swordsman Zoro, navigator Nami, sharpshooter Usopp, and flirtatious cook Sanji. Together, they tackle pirates, marines, secret agents, and a bunch of weird and wonderful creatures, all in pursuit of the legendary treasure known as One Piece.
This is Shonen at its finest: action, friendship, humor, and heart, with sprawling world-building that rivals anything else in anime history.
Manga or anime? Pick your poison
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Manga: Fast-paced, no filler, and perfect for bingeing. One volume per day, and you could catch up in just over three months. Available legally via Viz Media or Shonen Jump.
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Anime: Colour, music, and voice acting bring the world to life—but it’s slower and has some filler. Must-watch arcs include Arlong Park, Enies Lobby, Marineford, and the recent Wano Country and Egghead Island arcs. One filler arc worth it? G-8 (episodes 196–206).
Pro tip: Start with the manga if time is short, then dip into the anime for the big, iconic battles and laughs.
Where to watch and read
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Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix.
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Manga: Shonen Jump app and Viz Media, free or discounted digital volumes. Pacing yourself is key.
Want a quick taste? Try Netflix live-action
The Netflix live-action adaptation covers five arcs from the East Blue Saga and condenses the story into eight episodes—perfect for newcomers who want a snapshot of the tone, humour, and adventure. Season 2 will tackle Alabasta, so if the live-action hooks you, the anime and manga are waiting for the deep dive.
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories—from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features.
A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fandoms through her writing.