One Piece isn't too long, you're just impatient: 5 reasons to start it

By Trần Thy Vân 7.1

The Japanese series “One Piece,” written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, has over 516.6 million sales to date, making it the best-selling manga of all time. It tells the adventures of a boy named Monkey D. Luffy, who aspires to become the next Pirate King and find the One Piece treasure with his crew—the Straw Hat pirates. This series has been going strong since 1997, with 6 wins, 13 nominations for anime awards, and Guinness World Records for 2015 and 2022. However, despite all that, many are hesitant to start it—since it’s “too long” or “too childish.” Hence, as a fan of 4 years, below are 10 reasons why I believe One Piece is absolutely worth your time and commitment!

By: Eiichiro Oda/Viz Media

The length builds up the story:

One Piece has over 1000 episodes and chapters each, but skipping just one could lead to you not fully understanding what’s happening for the next couple arcs. Aside from fillers, each chapter, or episode, could introduce a new character, new power-ups, an update on the arc’s or characters’ progression, or the World Government’s plans. Skip once or twice, and you might be completely lost as to why your favorite character “suddenly” passed!

Reflects real-world problems:

If you think One Piece is too childish, think again. At first glance, it’s a series packed with fan service (post-timeskip) that revolves around piracy and defying the world government. Crimes are commonly included throughout the series, like 1st through 3rd degree murder, enslavement, drug usage, drug import, as well as implied pedophilia and sexual assault. Additionally, One Piece reflects problems happening in the actual world, such as child labor, racism, government corruption, animal cruelty, and more. 

Relatable characters:

Despite their unrealistic looks, One Piece characters are undoubtedly relatable and unforgettable. Most of their dreams aren’t to become the hero the world needs, but to become the hero that they need. Unlike most shonen protagonists who win on the first try, Luffy often faces hardships and defeats the further he goes on his journey. Some of his crew members aren’t as courageous as the others too, making them relatable in a way—because what sane person wants to fight tyrants with magical powers? 

Beautiful scenery and country representations:

Solid worldbuilding is crucial, whether it's for a book, movie, or comic. Each island that the Strawhats travel to is vastly different in aesthetics and culture, giving readers the feeling that they’re on the same voyage. Since the islands are a homage to many countries, cultural aspects play an important role in shaping scenery. For example, Water 7 exhibits the iconic canals and craftsmanship found in Venice, while Skypiea honors indigenous cultures with its unique language and architecture. 

Simple power system:

Unlike most action anime, One Piece has a simpler power system. Devil fruits give characters unique abilities in exchange for their weakness to seawater. They’re classified into 3 types: zoan (transformation into an animal), logia (natural element), and paramecia (superhuman abilities). On the other hand, “Haki” leans towards the spiritual side and comes from manifesting willpower. They’re classified into 3 types too, including armament haki (armor on the body), observation haki (sixth sense), and supreme king haki (assert domination). 

In the end, although starting One Piece may seem intimidating at first glance, you never know unless you try! In addition to reflecting real-world tragedies, its storyline and power system are perceptible as well. Give it a chance, and I promise that you’ll love it as much as I do—or more!