On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the release date and runtime of the Monsters anime were announced. Based on a one-shot manga by Eiichiro Oda, the adaptation will consist of a single 25-minute episode. It is reportedly set to premiere globally on Netflix on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Although this news may not be well-received by fans unfamiliar with the original manga, those who know the source material are thrilled with the confirmation of the anime's format.
Monsters anime seemingly disappoints fans with 25-minute adaptation despite being based on a one-shot
The upcoming production has now officially confirmed its release information, as indicated on the Netflix platform's listing for the Monsters anime. Although not specified, the January 21 release date is most likely based on the Pacific Standard Time zone, rather than the Japanese Standard Time zone as with most traditional anime releases.
The latest
The original one-shot manga that inspired the Monsters anime was created by Oda before the One Piece series. Although initially separate from Oda’s flagship series, the introduction of Shimotsuki Ryuma in the Thriller Bark arc canonized the one-shot into the world of One Piece. Ryuma has since been consistently featured in the series, particularly during the recent Wano arc.
The adaptation of the one-shot manga appears to be further solidifying this canonization with notable changes, as evident from previously released promotional material. In the original one-shot, Ryuma does not wield the Black Blade he is known for in the One Piece series. However, in the anime adaptation of the one-shot, Ryuma will be depicted with the Black Blade from the Thriller Bark arc.
Despite the exciting news, some fans appear to be let down by the confirmation that the anime will consist of a single 25-minute episode. The disappointment likely arises from confusion about the source material the Monsters anime is based on. As a one-shot, it was never expected to be longer than a single episode. While those familiar with the source material understood this, it seems that others are now feeling disheartened.
The initial one-shot manga debuted in Shueisha's 1994 Shonen Jump Autumn Special and was subsequently included in a 1998 collection of Oda's earlier stories. The anime adaptation was officially revealed by E&H Production at the One Piece Day 2023 event in Japan. Stay updated on all One Piece anime, manga, film, and live-action developments throughout 2024.
Editor's P/S
As a die-hard fan of Eiichiro Oda's work, I am thrilled about the upcoming Monsters anime. The announcement of its release date and runtime has left me eagerly anticipating its premiere on Netflix. The fact that it will be a single 25-minute episode is perfectly in line with the original one-shot manga, and I appreciate the faithfulness to the source material. I believe that this format will allow the anime to capture the essence of Oda's storytelling while leaving room for future adaptations of his other one-shot works.
However, I can understand the disappointment of fans who were expecting a longer series. The Monsters anime is a unique opportunity to explore a different side of Oda's creativity, and I hope that its success will encourage further adaptations of his one-shot mangas. Regardless of its length, I am confident that the Monsters anime will be a treat for One Piece fans and anime enthusiasts alike.