One Piece Dub Release Schedule: Unraveling Episode Timing
Get ready for the highly anticipated release of the next batch of One Piece dubs, set to hit screens in late November 2023 Join the ongoing debate among non-Japanese fans as they choose between the captivating sub or the thrilling dub
The debate among non-Japanese One Piece fans revolves around whether to watch the anime with English subtitles (sub) or with dubbed English voices (dub). The sub version is released on the same day as the original Japanese episode, while the dubbed version is typically released later.
You can find the One Piece dubs on the Microsoft Store and Funimation. Although Crunchyroll also has the rights to the English dub, they release it at a later date. Fans were eagerly anticipating new episodes of the One Piece dub, initially slated for release in the first half of November. However, since that did not happen, there is now even more anticipation surrounding the upcoming releases.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.
The next batch of One Piece dubs is expected to be released in the second half of November 2023
The image above shows Gear 5 Luffy as depicted in the One Piece anime.
The Microsoft Store is the first platform to make One Piece dubs available to fans. The most recent set of episodes, comprising episodes 1013 to 1024, was released on October 3, 2023. Since then, more than a month has passed, including two weeks into November, without any new episodes being released. With limited information regarding future releases, it is understandable that fans are growing increasingly impatient.
Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming platform globally, also adopts a batched release format for One Piece dubs. However, it lacks a regular schedule.
Traditionally, the episodes become accessible on Crunchyroll approximately three to four weeks after their availability on the Microsoft Store. Though a potential release in December appears probable, precise information is currently unknown. Nonetheless, fans should stay alert on Tuesdays, as that has been the preferred day for most previous One Piece dub releases on both the Microsoft Store and Crunchyroll.
Kaido can be seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation).
Fans are eagerly anticipating the exciting Gear 5 episodes, where Luffy finally awakens his Devil Fruit. Additionally, the Wano arc's conclusion will feature characters such as Admiral Ryokugyu and Shanks, whose appearances are highly anticipated. However, these characters have only made recent appearances in the anime and are not expected to be dubbed until 2024.
Dubbing involves extensive steps beyond simply reading lines. It involves thorough preparations like casting and selecting appropriate actors, as well as meticulously translating the content. Subtitles and dubbed dialogues often differ because voice actors must match their lines with the lip movements of the characters.
The subtitled version is favored by many for several reasons. It stays current with the latest Japanese releases, provides a more accurate translation of the dialogues, and enables the audience to fully appreciate the Japanese voice actors.
On the flip side, the convenience of the One Piece dub appeals to viewers as they can enjoy watching without the constant need to read subtitles, resulting in a more immersive experience. Despite some criticism surrounding the quality of the dubbing, the majority of voice actors deliver a pretty decent performance.
Luffy, Law, and Kid as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)
The voice cast for the One Piece dub includes talented actors who bring the characters to life for English-speaking audiences. Colleen Clinkenbeard voices Monkey D. Luffy, Christopher R. Sabat portrays Roronoa Zoro, Luci Christian gives life to Nami, Sonny Strait portrays Usopp, Eric Vale voices Vinsmoke Sanji, Brina Palencia portrays Tony Tony Chopper, Stephanie Young voices Nico Robin, Ian Sinclair voices Brook, and Patrick Seitz brings Franky to life. In the Wano arc, important additions to the voice cast include Matthew Mercer as Trafalgar D. Water Law, David Sobolov as Kaido, Robbie Daymond as Kozuki Oden, and Michelle Rojas as Yamato.
Editor's P/S
As a One Piece fan, I have mixed feelings about the release schedule for the dubbed episodes. On the one hand, I am excited to finally see the new episodes in English, but on the other hand, I am frustrated by the long wait between releases.
I understand that dubbing is a time-consuming process, but it would be nice if the episodes were released more frequently. I also wish that Crunchyroll had a more regular schedule for releasing the dubbed episodes.
Overall, I am happy with the quality of the dubbing and I think that the voice actors do a great job of bringing the characters to life. I am looking forward to seeing more of the Wano arc in English and I hope that the wait between releases will not be as long in the future.
