Unveiling Gear 5: Was the Hype Worth It?
The highly anticipated Gear Fifth transformation finally made its animated debut in One Piece But did this long-awaited moment meet the fans' expectations? Find out if the hype train derailed or if the flawless animation delivered an unforgettable experience
Highlights
One Piece is a massively popular anime franchise with a dedicated international fanbase, known for its long duration and successful manga and anime adaptations.
The debut of protagonist Monkey D. Luffy's new power upgrade, Gear 5, in the recent episode, received mixed reviews from fans. There were complaints regarding animation style inconsistencies and excessive recaps and flashbacks. The disappointment can be attributed to the fan hype and unrealistic expectations surrounding the episode. However, the subsequent episode redeemed the series by showcasing an impressive display of Gear 5 in action.
One Piece is rapidly gaining popularity among international anime fans. Fans of the series eagerly anticipate new manga chapters and anime episodes. It has become one of the most successful anime franchises, with over 1000 manga chapters and anime episodes released. In addition, One Piece has a collection of well-received anime movies, including the recent hit, One Piece Film: Red, which was a box office success in 2022.
One Piece continues to achieve impressive milestones and set various records. The airing of episode 1071 of the anime adaptation broke numerous broadcasting records and generated immense online buzz. Official streaming platforms crashed due to the overwhelming traffic from fans eager to watch the episode. The main reason for this excitement was the introduction of the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy's highly anticipated power upgrade, called Gear 5. With such high expectations, fans eagerly anticipated Luffy's debut of Gear 5. However, now that some time has passed since the episode aired, did it meet the hype? Let's examine the answer.
Flawed Animation
The Gear 5 episode has divided fans due to two main criticisms. Firstly, some fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the animation, finding it inconsistent with the established style of the Wano Country Arc. The animation in the Gear 5 episode stands out and does not seamlessly blend with the rest of the arc. Secondly, viewers have complained about the excessive use of recaps and flashbacks, resulting in limited screen time for Luffy's Gear 5 in action. It can be frustrating for viewers when an episode that should be exciting and enjoyable is filled with unnecessary recaps and flashbacks.
However, the first complaint regarding the animation style is not entirely valid. The animators' decision to present Luffy in his Gear 5 form with a distinct animation style is intentional and aligns with key aspects of Luffy's personality, such as his silliness and unwavering pursuit of freedom. This bold choice effectively blends Luffy's character traits with the animation style, resulting in a visually unique and appropriate portrayal. It is refreshing to see animators and creators venture into new animation styles that enhance thematic elements and characterization, rather than playing it safe. This is especially important considering the significance of showcasing one of the most highly anticipated and beloved power upgrades in the history of the shōnen genre.
Hype Train Gone Wrong
Regarding the second complaint from fans about the Gear 5 episode, there is a simple explanation. The episode had an overwhelming amount of hype surrounding it, to the point where even if it had been perfect, it would still have received mixed reactions. This often happens when a story builds up anticipation and excitement, only to struggle to satisfy such high expectations. This is exactly what occurred with the Gear 5 episode.
One Piece has an immense global following, and fans worldwide were incredibly eager to see this episode. As a result, they generated an unprecedented level of hype and unrealistic expectations. While the episode was good, it did have its flaws, such as issues with its structure.
The disastrous Gear 5 episode, number 1071, was redeemed by its successor, episode 1072. In this episode, fans were delighted to witness Gear 5 Luffy effortlessly overpowering Kaido, treating him like a mere plaything. Finally, there were no complaints from fans regarding the animators or the creators of the One Piece anime adaptation. They were pleased with Luffy's Gear 5 form and appreciated the unique approach taken by the anime in introducing it, which differed from the manga. Catch One Piece streaming on Crunchyroll.
