Netflix's One Piece Resolves an Epic Straw Hat Crew Debate Unseen in the Original Anime
Netflix's One Piece shakes up the Straw Hat crew dynamics by officially appointing Zoro as Luffy's first mate Discover how this change aligns with the anime and manga, making perfect sense for the beloved pirate adventure
WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Netflix's One Piece season 1.
Summary
In Netflix's rendition of One Piece season 1, Zoro is portrayed as Luffy's inaugural mate, a position that lacked explicit definition in the original manga and anime.
Zoro's appointment as first mate primarily stems from his steadfast allegiance and unwavering faith in Luffy, rather than solely his proficiency as a pirate.
In One Piece season 1, Zoro is the perfect fit for the position of first mate, despite arguments that Usopp or Nami may be more suitable. Zoro's longstanding partnership with Luffy and his strength make him an ideal choice, even if it is more symbolic. The live-action series on Netflix brings to light an unanswered question about Luffy's Straw Hat pirates that was never resolved in the manga or anime. While creator Eiichiro Oda was involved in the show's production, changes were made to the source material, including the pacing and reinvention of the story for the new format. Furthermore, the relationship between the characters, such as Zoro's role in Luffy's crew, differs from the original narrative.
In Netflix's One Piece, several significant changes occurred in the Baratie segment compared to the anime. One notable difference was the replacement of Don Krieg with Arlong. It was during this segment that Zoro declared his allegiance to Luffy and promised to be by his side as a member of the Straw Hat pirates. While Zoro's loyalty to Luffy originates from the original story, his official role within the Straw Hat pirates was a creation exclusive to the Netflix adaptation.
Netflix's One Piece Officially Makes Zoro Luffy's First Mate
Netflix's adaptation of One Piece differs from the original manga and anime by explicitly establishing Zoro as Luffy's first mate. After Zoro's duel with Mihawk, Luffy acknowledges him as such, and Zoro, upon waking up, pledges his unwavering loyalty to Luffy as his first mate. While it may seem natural for Zoro, the crew's initial member and one of the series' most powerful characters, to hold this position, the manga never explicitly designated him as such. However, Netflix's One Piece takes it a step further, emphasizing Zoro's trust in Luffy and his unswerving loyalty to his friends.
The role of a first mate on a ship is crucial, second only to the captain. In the absence of the captain, the first mate assumes responsibility and takes charge. Although Zoro has a poor sense of direction, a flaw shared with Luffy, he has the potential to be a capable captain depending on the circumstances. While Zoro may not be a flawless leader, Netflix's One Piece portrays him as the captain of the Straw Hat crew primarily based on his deep admiration for Luffy rather than his pirate skills. By solidifying Zoro's position as Luffy's first mate, Netflix's adaptation resolves a question left unanswered in the original manga.
What The One Piece Anime & Manga Say About Zoro Being First Mate
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In both the manga and the anime, Zoro was never acknowledged as Luffy's first mate. To be precise, Luffy's crew doesn't officially have a designated first mate. None of the original members of the Straw Hat Pirates are ever referred to as Luffy's first mate, enhancing the notion that each member holds equal importance to him. However, if there were to be a first mate, besides Zoro, the most fitting contenders would be Nami and Usopp. Nami, the crew's second recruit, possesses exceptional navigation skills that guide the Straw Hat Pirates through their adventures.
Despite his embellished tales, Usopp, also known as "The great Captain Usopp," always aspired to become a pirate and understands the qualities required to be a good captain. Interestingly, a One Piece interaction hints that Usopp may assume the role of Luffy's first mate. On one occasion, Luffy granted Usopp authority to act as the captain in his absence, aligning with the responsibilities of a first mate. Nevertheless, Luffy never explicitly uses the term "first mate" to refer to any character in One Piece. Consequently, designating Zoro as the crew's second-in-command represents a minor yet significant deviation from the original source material.
Why Zoro As Luffy's First Mate Makes Perfect Sense
Despite being a creation for the show, referring to Zoro as Luffy's first mate is highly meaningful. Zoro was the first individual to believe in Luffy's quest and join the future Straw Hat pirate crew. Following his battle with Mihawk at the Baratie, Zoro discovered the level of alignment between his dream and Luffy's and made a lifelong commitment to follow him. Having fought alongside Luffy since the very beginning and having absolute trust in him, Zoro is the ideal candidate for the position of the Straw Hats' first mate.
In terms of the technical aspects of ship management, either Usopp or Nami would be better suited as a captain compared to Zoro. However, the notion of the first mate in Season 1 of One Piece is more focused on the exceptional bond between Luffy and Zoro rather than the official responsibilities of a first mate. By embracing his role as Luffy's second-in-command, Zoro affirms his unwavering loyalty and dedication regardless of the circumstances. Furthermore, Zoro holds the title of the second strongest member of the Straw Hat pirate crew during the East Blue saga, further bolstering his suitability as Luffy's first mate during Season 1 of One Piece.
