The Legendary Beginning: Unveiling the Thrilling World of One Piece in Episode 1!

Live-action anime adaptations typically fall into three categories. First, there are genuine success stories like Speed Racer. Then, there are reworkings that are inoffensive but ultimately pointless, such as the Rurouni Kenshin movies. Finally, there is a category filled with disastrous adaptations that are borderline slanderous, like Cowboy Bebop, Dragonball Evolution, Netflix's Death Note, and many more. Currently, One Piece falls into the second category, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable.

Netflix's first attempt at adapting Oda's epic story is brought to the small screen by director Marc Jobst, who has previously worked on popular shows like Daredevil, The Punisher, and The Witcher. Writer Matt Owens, known for his work on The Defenders and Luke Cage, joins Jobst, along with longtime writer/producer Steven Maeda.

One Piece commences with a brief elucidation of its extraordinary circumstances. Adored and accomplished pirate, Gold Roger, awaits his execution on the stand. Prior to the Marines carrying out his demise by stabbing, he proudly proclaims that his inconceivably vast assortment of treasure lies somewhere out there. The crowd, along with a substantial portion of the entire world, embarks on a journey across the sea based on his advice. The Golden Age of Piracy truly commences. In enters Monkey D. Luffy, an enthusiastic teenager who harbors aspirations of discovering that very treasure, the renowned One Piece, for himself. Luffy exemplifies boundless energy. He is exuberant, good-natured, innocent, and vehemently resists the notion of authority. Furthermore, he possesses the unique attribute of being made entirely of rubber, and he is in search of a capable crew.

Luffy is always attracting trouble, but he manages to inspire courage in a young pirate named Koby, who becomes a close friend. In order to find the One Piece, Luffy must obtain a map of the dangerous and unpredictable Grand Line, a route that only the legendary Gold Roger has successfully sailed. Along the way, he encounters Roronoa Zoro, a serious bounty hunter with three swords, and Nami, a skilled con artist with the same goal of acquiring the map. Despite their differences, circumstances bring the trio together and Luffy is convinced that he has found the first two members of his crew. This is a great opportunity for the main character and his first two recruits to showcase their skills in action scenes, allowing their unique personalities to shine through. With the addition of a comical villain with an axe for a hand, they have created a promising pilot.

One of the most debated aspects of any adaptation is the cast. Fans will forever argue over whether a performer truly embodies the spirit of their favorite character. With the establishment of three notable figures, it can be said that the series has made some intriguing choices. Iñaki Godoy, formerly seen in the underrated superhero series The Imperfects, appears to have been hand-picked by manga artist Eiichiro Oda. Oda's meeting with Godoy was even released as a promo for the series, and it is a genuinely heartwarming moment. Godoy immediately endears himself to viewers and effortlessly exudes charisma in the role. It can be challenging to strike the right balance without coming across as abrasive, but Godoy is nailing it so far. Mackenyu, known for his roles in several live-action anime adaptations, brings intensity and intimidation to the character of Zoro. Although his voice may not be a perfect match, he excels in the action scenes. Emily Rudd delivers a solid performance as Nami, but it may take a few episodes for her to fully establish her portrayal. The current cast is strong, but there are still many more characters to be introduced.

One Piece is a captivating experiment that never fails to fascinate. Renowned for its peculiar sense of humor and uniquely peculiar character designs, the anime embodies an otherworldly unreality when translated into live action. Drawing inspiration from classic swashbucklers like Cutthroat Island and the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean movies, the series seamlessly blends elements from both the anime and these renowned pirate tales. The spectacle of traditional movie pirates engaged in fierce gun battles and swinging from ropes is taken to a whole new level when someone stretches their arm half a mile or thrusts a sword into their mouth. It's a charmingly bizarre experience that never ceases to amaze. While the live-action adaptation may not capture the same level of anarchy as the original anime, witnessing cartoon logic unfold within the real world is consistently satisfying. It immerses viewers in an endearing way, although it is undeniable that animation remains the superior medium for telling this extraordinary tale.

The existence of Netflix's One Piece seems to lack justification, however, as a standalone experience, it is quite enjoyable. While the plot elements are mostly borrowed from the original story, they have been rearranged or reimagined. The first episode, "Romance Dawn," is entertaining and offers a glimmer of hope for the future episodes. One Piece fans can breathe a sigh of relief as it surpasses the negative expectations we had. Perhaps it may even reach the pinnacle achieved by Speed Racer in the upcoming episodes.