The One Piece: Strong World movie's special tie-in OVA can now be viewed for free on the franchise's official YouTube channel for a limited time. Episode 0 is considered lost media, with very few physical copies of both the OVA and the manga volume in existence. This YouTube upload provides a rare opportunity to watch the short animation from an official source. The tie-in, written by One Piece author Eiichiro Oda, is considered part of the story's canon timeline. However, due to the scarcity of copies, it has been difficult to watch. Additionally, the YouTube upload lacks English subtitles, posing a challenge for English-speaking fans. Furthermore, the lost episode will only be available for three months.
Strong World Episode 0 is free to watch - for three months, sans subtitles
Episode 0 serves as a prequel, chronicling the rise, fall, and escape of Gold Lion Shiki, the antagonist of the movie and also a rival of Gol D. Roger. However, accessing this content can be quite challenging. The physical manga was only distributed to the first 1.5 million people who watched Strong World in theaters. Additionally, the OVA itself is even more elusive, with only 3,000 DVDs given away by House Foods in 2009, as part of their collaboration to create the adaptation. The OVA's release was timed to celebrate the reappearance of the One Piece: Red movie in theaters.
Regrettably, the video is primarily tailored for Japanese fans, lacking English subtitles, despite the video's description being in English. For international fans, this means that the upload's value lies more in its historical significance, as it presents the best opportunity to experience the OVA in its original form, showcasing Toei's exceptional art and animation without any degradation from being transferred onto discs. Nevertheless, the lucky owners of the DVDs will have the last laugh, as the video will soon vanish, leaving Episode 0 to reside in the realm of forgotten media and become an ultra-rare, highly coveted collector's item.
Fortunately, Episode 0 primarily functions as a unique addition, providing 18 minutes of fast-paced backstory. Its rarity highlights the significance of preserving any and all animation, if only for the sake of future generations. The YouTube upload confirms that Toei possesses a master copy, suggesting that they may choose to re-upload the OVA in the future to commemorate another milestone in One Piece. For now, fans must content themselves with these limited months to experience this mysterious segment of One Piece: Strong World.
One PieceManga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast. |