Devotees of the iconic One Piece series should brace themselves for some disappointing updates. Following the debut of chapter 1130, the beloved pirate manga will enter a two-week hiatus. Similarly, the One Piece anime, currently in the midst of the Egghead Arc, will also pause its episodes, but for a significantly longer duration, extending until April 2025.
In recent years, Toei Animation has maintained an impressive production schedule, rolling out episodes of movie-caliber quality each week despite the pressure. The animation team has decided to take a well-earned break over the next six months to enhance both the pacing and visual fidelity of the adaptation. Nevertheless, fans will still find something to enjoy during this period.
Beginning on October 27, 2024, a special anime presentation will fill the time slot traditionally occupied by One Piece. This series will remake the Fish-Man Island Arc but will feature fewer episodes while significantly upping the quality compared to the initial version. Toei Animation will lead fans back into the delightful underwater escapade of the Straw Hat crew, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh narrative.
Unpacking the One Piece Fish-Man Island Arc Anime Remake
A Creative Initiative: One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga
Originally, the Fish-Man Island Arc spanned 58 episodes, which unfolded over a year. This revamped adaptation will condense the story into just 21 weekly episodes, enhancing the pace significantly. The One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga will incorporate remastered footage, providing a more polished viewing experience.
Toei Animation has streamlined the content by cutting unnecessary filler, while reimagining the episodes with the more refined shading and aesthetics found in the Wano Arc adaptation. These visual upgrades will create a stronger three-dimensional appearance.
The underwater world of the Fish-Man Island Arc is characterized by dazzling waters, vibrant creatures, and breathtaking architectural marvels beneath the sea. The newly enhanced visual palette will accentuate the stunning surroundings that the Straw Hats confront as they venture beneath the waves.
On the audio front, the introduction of Dolby Atmos technology promises to elevate the overall experience. Viewers can anticipate a fresh original soundtrack (OST), new sound effects, and an added ending theme, “Sailing”by BE: FIRST. The opening will retain Hiroshi Kitadani’s “We Go,”but will be delivered in a special rendition performed by the voice actors from the Straw Hat crew.
It’s important to note that this initiative is separate from a future remake planned by WIT Studio for the One Piece anime. This project represents Toei Animation’s effort to refresh their adaptation, making it more accessible and enjoyable for newcomers who missed the original airing, as well as for long-term fans disheartened by the impending six-month pause.
Many viewers have voiced concerns over the sluggish pacing of the original One Piece anime. This pacing was a conscious choice by Toei Animation in order to avoid catching up with the manga. Over time, fans have launched various projects to re-edit the One Piece anime by excising filler episodes.
Now, however, Toei Animation is officially launching this revamped adaptation, pairing an improved pacing with cutting-edge visuals. This refreshing approach is designed to enrich the narrative of the Fish-Man Island Arc, which is intricately linked to the overarching One Piece storyline.
A Summary of the Fish-Man Island Arc
After two years of preparation for their expedition in the New World, the Straw Hat Pirates come together again at Sabaody Archipelago. Each member of the crew has seen considerable improvement in their skills, particularly Monkey D. Luffy and his loyal companion, Roronoa Zoro.
Luffy trained under the expert guidance of Silvers Rayleigh, the former first mate of Gol D. Roger, while Zoro honed his abilities with Dracule Mihawk, the world’s top swordsman. Their tutelage has significantly bolstered Luffy and Zoro’s capabilities, which are showcased in their upcoming quests.
Prepared with a special coating for underwater navigation, the Straw Hat Pirates traverse the deep sea, decisively overcoming foes like Caribou and the colossal Kraken. The Monster Trio particularly demonstrates their newly acquired skills in this epic showdown.
A flashback reveals the story of Fisher Tiger, a Fish-Man who valiantly fought against the World Government to liberate captured slaves, ultimately sacrificing his life while saving a young human girl.
In the present day, Hody Jones schemes to usurp the rightful leaders of Fish-Man Island to place Fish-Men at the pinnacle of power. Hody harbors a deep-seated hatred for humans, driven by his resentment over Fisher Tiger’s demise.
Several years prior, Hody had assassinated the gentle-hearted Queen Otohime of Fish-Man Island, who endeavored to foster unity and understanding between Fish-Men and humans. Her heartfelt outreach even transformed the perspective of a Celestial Dragon, Saint Donquixote Mjosgard.
Hody Jones embodies the extreme consequences of racism and prejudice as he distorts Fisher Tiger’s beliefs, in stark opposition to Otohime’s ideals. The legacies of both Fisher Tiger and Otohime serve as poignant narratives interwoven into the fabric of this arc.
Luffy develops a friendship with Mermaid Princess Shirahoshi, the daughter of King Neptune and Queen Otohime. Meanwhile, Hody launches his coup, attacking Neptune’s palace and coercing the island’s residents to adopt his anti-human rhetoric.
Roronoa Zoro confronts Hody Jones, who has subjected himself to a significant boost in strength through the use of Energy Steroids. Nevertheless, even with the advantages granted by the underwater setting, Hody stands no chance against Zoro, promptly falling to a single, decisive blow.
Zoro’s swift strike leaves Hody in dire condition, and he is only revived by his followers with another dosage of Energy Steroids, leading to a drastic change in his physique.
Intent on capturing Shirahoshi, Hody confronts Luffy. Their clash sees Luffy dominating Hody, launching a relentless barrage while Luffy’s comrades handle Hody’s subordinates. The mercenary Hyouzou, recruited by Hody, similarly consumes Energy Steroids, undergoing a transformation akin to Hody’s.
However, Hyouzou quickly falls to Zoro, while Sanji and Jinbe effortlessly overpower Wadatsumi, and the remaining Straw Hats deal with Hody’s minions. Franky, Robin, Brook, Chopper, Nami, and Usopp all showcase their revamped skills acquired during their recent training.
After enduring several of Luffy’s attacks, including the formidable Gum-Gum Red Hawk, Hody ultimately succumbs to Luffy’s devastating Gum-Gum Elephant Gun technique. Meanwhile, the enormous ship Noah is on a collision course with Fish-Man Island due to the effects of Vander Decken’s Devil Fruit.
Luffy attempts to halt the falling “Ship of Promise”with his Gum-Gum Elephant Gatling to save Fish-Man Island. At that moment, Shirahoshi pleads with Luffy to cease his assault, as a group of Sea Kings emerges to avert the disaster. The intense struggle takes its toll on Luffy, causing him to faint from loss of blood caused by the injury Hody inflicted earlier.
In a bold move, Jinbe provides Luffy with a blood transfusion, a significant gesture in front of everyone, considering the long-standing taboo against Fish-Men donating blood to humans stemming from Fisher Tiger’s passing. With Hody’s threat neutralized, the locals celebrate their victory, realizing that humans do not have to be their foes.
Why the Fish-Man Island Arc is Crucial to One Piece
Although the primary antagonists of this arc may lack the strength to present a legitimate threat to the Straw Hats, it remains an essential part of the One Piece narrative. Fisher Tiger’s tragic fate propelled Arlong’s actions, which drastically impacted Nami’s life. Moreover, this arc signifies a pivotal turn in the relationship between humans and Fish-Men.
The arc introduces the character of Joy Boy and reveals Shirahoshi as the current incarnation of the Ancient Weapon Poseidon. Additionally, the Fish-Man Island Arc contributes significantly to the worldbuilding aspects of One Piece post-timeskip, highlighting major events such as Marshall D. Teach’s ascent as one of the Four Emperors and Akainu’s victory over Aokiji, which secured his position as the new Fleet Admiral of the Navy.
Luffy extends an invitation to Jinbe to join his crew, to which the former Warlord agrees, pending the resolution of his obligations concerning Big Mom. This foreshadows future events in the Whole Cake Island Arc, particularly since Big Mom previously coerced Fish-Man Island into producing candy for her, leading Luffy to issue a direct challenge to the Emperor.
Not to mention, the arc features spectacular battle sequences, including Luffy defeating a staggering 50,000 Fish-Men pirates with a single use of Conqueror’s Haki, and Zoro’s effortless victory over Hody Jones in an underwater confrontation. Luffy’s performance of Gum-Gum Red Hawk as a tribute to Ace stands as an iconic moment in the journey.
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