Immediate next arc: Long Ring Long Land. Charlie may very well drop the series, haha.

I can't wait to hear the rest of his thoughts once he catches up

i think something that got many people into one piece, is that we started watching it as kids, so the first arcs that were more 'childish' set pretty well with us. Then the story kind of matured with its readers

i feel that the crew having a somewhat easy time with the first half of the grand line sets up really well for the redline and the challenges the crew has from then on, turd hits the fan kind of moment

I honestly think you will really enjoy the next big arc: water 7/eneies lobby. Amazing character development across the board and phenomenal story/world building.

It takes a serious turn with Water 7, the depth given within the story made my jaw drop. Also Sanji’s character goes through a big breakthrough as well.

You mentioned Pell not dying. It was originally written that Pell was to die, but Oda changed it because that chapter for the mange released at the around the same time as 9/11. Oda felt that it would be distasteful to have a character die due to a terrorist attack after the events of 9/11. Thus making the "Will of P"

You'll appreciate Skypiea a lot more if you read the manga. The payoff from Jaya to the Calgara and Noland backstory to Luffy hitting the bell was insane. Amazing writing, but the arc was probably a little longer than it needed to be and the fake out deaths are just bad.

Oda’s early writing has definitely shifted from lighthearted kid friendly stories to very serious, world reflecting stories. As the show goes on, he brings in very serious aspects of real life into this weird funny show

Skypiea is definitely one of those arcs where you don't really appreciate it until you've caught up with the anime/manga and then view it for the second time around. It's riddled with so much of the story's lore and mystery and is the centerpoint for a lot of big One Piece theories. I actually just finished Skypiea today because I've been rewatching One Piece to ease the pain of waiting for new chapter releases, and I never realized just how important that arc really is and all the shit I missed the first time around. Still, there were a lot of times, even second time around, where I was skipping forward because there were so many filler moments. Either way, I hope he decides to stick with it all the way because it's either now or never with how fast it seems One Piece is finally coming to an end. This is peak fiction.

One of the reasons why Oda doesn't make Luffy kill any of his ennemies is because accodring to Oda, killing them is not a punisment for Luffy he wants them to still be alive and see that he crushed their dreams and beliefs and that they'll never be able to accomplish them as long as he is around.

Once you learn more about luffy its pretty much impossible not to like him, and understand why he is the way he is. Never change Luffy, never change. Also, I dont really think luffy doesnt try to kill them, some times they just live, youll be glad they live though.

I feel like when charlie sees some of luffy’s backstory, he will be able to understand why he was so easily able to defeat some villians in the beginning

As someone who’s been watching/reading one piece for 19 years and hearing the hate solely because of amount of episodes it has I truly appreciate you taking your time to watch and actual review big respect.

At the part where he's talking about "if he's not coming back just kill him" a few of the villains we see in the new world/grand line will return after being defeated and the logic of the villains not returning ,from the arcs that consist of the east blue sea, it is most likely from them being terrified of the grand line since it has a pretty scary reputation of pirates entering it and never coming back alive. But in the one piece universe down the line this works due to them showing the villains powering up and returning back into the story.

the amount of fake deaths Koza had in Alabasta annoyed me so much. he gets shot through the chest 3 times and "dies" but then in the next scene he's alive and the bullet holes through his body and clothes are gone like he didn't just get shot 3 times point blank through the chest. like wtf

I never had an issue with Luffy's goofiness or childlike personality, but I do get where Charlie is coming from. It will be interesting to know his opinion on when Luffy "matures" after the Impel Down and Marineford arc And now the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs come, which they are just PERFECTION...like just damn perfect

Enies Lobby is a really fantastic arc, if you get that far it'll definitely be something you enjoy

A friend got me into one piece by starting me at Water 7. I had already watched up to Alabasta as a kid so it wasn't a huge leap but starting at water 7 got me so hyped on One piece that I binged until current (1st episode of Wano at the time) in about 7 months. It's a different moment for everyone but at some point you just realize that Luffy is going to be king of the pirates. Going back and rewatching Skypeia I can say that it is definitely the most dragging arc in the anime but it is also one of the most significant so it's sort of a band aid you just need to rip off.

I had the same kind of thoughts about one piece when I was where he is in the show, but I’m so glad I took the time to catch up because it’s now my favorite anime. Please don’t stop doing these I love these little updates!

Personally, my favorite part of Skypeia was Noland's backstory, I find it very touching; how he was introduced as a character that told big lies to become famous, only to find out he was very honest and hardworking and in his final days waiting for his execution he wasn't thinking about his own predicament, but rather, what happened to his friend, hoping that he was somehow still okay. I enjoy the Noland scenes very much, because it is all to common that is how actual history plays out as well. Most of the villains are locked away in the underwater prison Impel Down (which is based off Dante's Inferno; the prison is divided into 6 levels and each level has a distinct theme for crime and punishment). Eventually you'll see some previous enemies pop back up, turns out there imprisoned in Impel Down.

As someone who is now 680 episodes in, I can say that it does get VERY good. The first 200 so episodes are good, but nothing too much. Once you get to Water 7, Enies Lobby, Sabaody Archipelago, Impel Down, and Marineford, it is just INCREDIBLE. The amount of character development, world and story building is next level. You just gotta keep pushing and it will pay off more than you could have known. I’m currently on Dressrosa. Best arc since Marineford.

Little thing about your arlong park opinion: I don't think at all, that the arc was spend hyping up arlong as a strong villain. What was done was making him hateble by getting to see his actions(which btw will greatly change in fishman island because he gets a lot nore depht there)but if I really correctly it was only mentioned a few times how strong arlong was. It wasn't an arc fovused on defeating a strong opponent but rather an arc focused on emotions and the personal demons of a straw hat. Arlong park for me was when the series went from really good to absolutely amazing because of how well namis Trauma was used and rather than luffy beating arlong beeing the climax of the arc, I see nami finally asking luffy for help and luffy accepting without a question asked as the climax. Idk if Charlie or anyone at all is gonna see this but I'd like a statement of opinion on this if anybody does

PEll was originally gonna die but due to the 9/11 attacks oda and the editors felt it insensitive at the time considering the tower and bombings therefore made the change.

Please keep with the story! Enies Lobby is probably the first time we see Luffy truly challenged and the emotional payoff throughout the show is incredible. Oda doesn't just forget his characters and characters you thought meant very little have a big role to play in the over arching story! It is totally worth it in the end I promise!!!

I like how Charlie is showing the beginning of what all one piece fans feel but on a larger scale. The characters and story slowly grow on you throughout the extremely long course of the story and eventually you are hooked on 25-30+ characters and you can’t wait to see what they do next. It’s just whether or not you get there is the question

My take on anyone who is choosing to start One Piece: I started One Piece anime back in like 2008ish? and I was probably just 12y.o at that time. I now know I was a PRIME target audience for a shonen anime, and I NEVER for a second thought the pacing was horrendous. Why? Because the concept of "better pacing" did NOT exist to me. Netflix, crunchyroll, or any social media (reels) did not exist yet, so my developing brain was not rotting away with fast dopamine. I was still watching this series on 1 mb/s dial-up internet (or even less). The concept of "binging" a series wasn't a thing, there is no "quick content" and pre-streaming a 30minutes episode was the best I got, so I was watching every minute of it. Furthermore being so young, the slower pacing is better for kids, so that's by design! All kids shows (if you go watch any) is really slow. Also this being my first shonen, ALL the shonen concepts were new to me. If you do choose to start One Piece's anime journey, I got to preface and say it IS long, and the beginning is a slow slow burn. However, just take your time. Part of why I love One Piece, is that I'm growing up with the crew and the story. So to me, it's more of a 15+ year journey, it's my first anime show and to me One Piece actually shaped me greatly. I think Charlie's take is a 1000% super accurate take, because he's watching this as a "seasoned" anime watcher now, but I'm super glad he's still sticking with it.

It was not until Water 7 did I realize that OP was gonna be something special. So far the story had some great moments but mostly felt like a light hearted show and Skypeia was definitely a slog, but the last bit really paid off and was worth the slog. And in retrospect the arc has a lot of foreshadowing which you only realise much much later on. So it is a very important arc. But until Water 7 you never really get the idea what One Piece is really all about, Water 7/Ennies Lobby is where it really starts to hit you. It is one of those shows which really keeps growing and growing. Luffy once you get to know his backstory is waaaay more likeable. And I completely agree with Pell. He got such a powerful moment but that was ruined. I think it is because it came out during 9/11 and the editors asked Oda to keep him alive. Anyway people will die in One Piece, and oh boy when it happens it is gonna fucking hit really hard. You get the expectation that characters won't die and you think everything is gonna be alright and bam an important character dies and you are just left in disbelief.

I felt that way about Usopp until the Water 7 arc. He shows his insecurities. He doesn’t become a bad ass, but he’s much more relatable.

The no death thing in the beginning of the series, Oda does give a reason for this if I remember right. In a Q&A SBS, he promised his Grandmother it wouldn't be a violent manga.

The other thing you should have noticed already about Luffy's character that is smart, is his emotional intelligence. He always knows who is being abused/fucked over and knows exactly what to do that is best for them. For example with Nami with Arlong. This becomes more and more apparent as this is a key aspect of his character.

if one piece piques your interest enough to watch 200 episodes, it's worth finishing, it gets exponentially better and better by the arc

IDK if Arlong Park is one of the best arcs in one piece, but it's a fairly decent indicator as to what the show is like. it showcases how oda can take some time to build up a story, has a solid emotional core to it, shows the crews bonds, etc. it's a good glimpse at what one piece is really about.

The thing i like about the manga are the extra opening panels with extra story or showing what old characters are up to. Great world building.

I’m reading One Piece for the first time and loved Skypiea. Maybe it’s different in the anime, but the payoff of Luffy ringing the bell is so satisfying, and the whole battle royale type of thing going on in upper yard was so cool to me. The only thing I don’t like is how some of the characters survive the most ridiculous things, Wyper being the best example. Bro used the reject dial like 3 or 4 times, everytime someone saying “if he uses it again he’ll die!” and then got struck with a few million of vaults of electricity, and not only survived, but recovered fully in like a couple days. I just think those fakeout deaths happen a little too much. Other than that, one piece has quickly become one of my favorite manga, & I’m actually so hooked 🙏🔥

The pay off of Arlong park is Luffy destroying the person and establishment that kept Nami in slavery, evident with the way that Luffy is absolutely furious when he sees the literal blood, sweat, and tears nami has poured in the the maps in the room that was essentially her prison cell. Seeing all the abuse Nami had gone through in that room made luffy realize the only way to end this was to destroy the entire establishment, which was a monument of Nami's slavery.

Skypiea is a very retrospectively important arc. It ages well as you go down the road. Not an excuse just an experience I personally had.

Important to understand that villains don't die normally because the Straw hats crush their dreams instead. Dreams (goals) are very very important in the One Piece world. Also a lot of the villains are sent to impel down after they have been defeated so characters will eventually return.

Love his honest analysis! Picked One Piece up again like a month ago at the start of Impel Down (now im finishing Punk Hazard) cause I read up to about halfway through Fishman Island last year and have watched up until the timeskip a few years ago. I TOTALLY get the complaint about the lack of Luffys development, but as other comments said, you start to see him grow as a character a little bit in the next few arcs. He's pretty OP in the East Blue but as they venture into the Grand Line he does start to get his shit rocked a bit more. He develops but it is SLOWWWWWWW, it wasnt until post Marineford I really noticed him making choices/showing restraint he never would've done pre-Marineford. I can def see how his personality can be grating, but coming at it from the perspective that he's viewing his journey as his "adventure," he treats everything lightheartedly because thats what adventures are! He's so certain he'll win and achieve his goals that there's rarely any need to be truly concerned! Idk thats how I look at it. Hope Charlie doesnt drop the show before Waters 7 because Im dying to know his opinion on Franky my beloved.

I do agree in situations like Pell, is pretty annoying that he doesn't die. I generally hate when one character sacrifice himself and later we discover he isn't dead. But for the other instances, I disagree. The fact that in One Piece chatacters don't die often makes so much more impactfull when someone actually dies and you will discover that soon. And theres always a chance some characters will show up again in the story, even if they hadn't so far. Oda is notorious for bring back charactees and showing other sides of their personality.

Something I've mentioned to a lot of people about/for one piece if they say they don't like the pacing of the anime is to try watching through One Pace. It's a fan project that cuts out a lot of filler moments and brings it closer to the manga. Also, about the people not dying, it's a very real and valid complaint. On the side of Luffy killing, I believe that Oda mentioned that Luffy prefers to kill the dreams of his enemies, because he believes that's worse

The rising of the stakes and lowering of the goofiness is something that progresses with the acts, you're still in act one, so that has a couple more big jumps where they rise pretty quickly! Have fun watching!

Skypeia is such a rollercoaster in the manga, like I was actually loving every bit out of exploring a sky island. It's one of my favorite parts Oda ever wrote.

You gotta stay through the next arc because the one after is Water Seven, legitimately one of the best arcs in the series with a ton of emotional moments, a couple big character moments, and overall character development.

The problem with not killing characters is also one of the communities biggest gripes. It's called the Will of P, named after Pell

Skypiea was definitely one of the hardest arcs to get through for me, there are a lot of moments where literally nothing is happening, on the other hand this arc has some of the most fun and interesting fights in the series, and a lot of other badass moments, it's just that they are intertwined with extremely long and boring side plots.

Hey Charlie, just so you know, I felt mostly bout the same way you did about the arc too. That being said, other than a few downs here and there, the story starts to beef up in interest so much more once you get past Skyepiea. All of the legendary characters you hear about earlier begin showing up, more powers are being delved into, and the world building actually begins to settle in so that every time something isn't happening with the main cast of Straw Hats, there's always something going on in the rest of the world to keep u interested so I'm sure you'll love it.

After Skypia I stoped watching OP for 6month but water7 and Enies Lobby Arc made me hook again

Without getting into spoilers Luffy doesn't change too much over the series in terms of goofiness, however he does go through some very good character developing experiences and although the goofiness doesn't go away he becomes much more endearing. I've just caught up to the most current arc over the course of 7 years so my memory isn't the best on events earlier in the series but at least to me he becomes a much more likable character.

One huge factor with the early parts also is that that happened like 10 years ago or more for people that have been watching/reading it from the start. The early arcs are probably not that great but in my mind they were as hype as the current stuff is.

If you don’t love one piece by Arlong park, you don’t need to force yourself to watch the rest. You’ll just miss one of the greatest pieces of fiction.

Luffy being the worst Strawhat is the spiciest take I’ve ever heard. If Charlie doesn’t get Luffy right now, hopefully Enies Lobby changes his mind. Otherwise, I don’t think he’ll ever understand

skypiea is basically the start of a lot of mystries which you may have missed but are extremely important in the future, lets say mantra seems like a very overpowered single villian ability but later it turns out to be a big part of the story, the poneglyphs, roger visiting skypiea, impact dials, these are some things which originated from skypiea but are part of the story as a whole

I had similar thoughts on Skypeia, but everything for me was brought around at the end of Water 7 and Enies Lobby, could not stop watching and it became easily my favorite show ever. Skypeia was good but long. Enies Lobby is just perfect in every way

On the topic of Luffy being dumb and silly all the time, I would say he seems to get smarter and more serious going forward. He still has dumb/silly moments, but he changes as he becomes more experienced.

Sabody will rock his whole perception on one piece I a few years back watched all naruto I came into the story at dress dressrosa or a bit before speedran it so fast I caught up 20 to 30 episodes before the end and I've been loving it ever since

What’s good to keep in mind from early one piece is that up until alabasta luffy is a big fish in a small pond. What made me stuck with the series was lougetown. To me, that’s the arc that really gives the viewer a sense of scale for how big the world really is. The straw hats almost get taken out by a marine, luffy almost gets killed by buggy, and then gets his ass saved by a mysterious stranger. It gives the impression that there actually is stuff out there that luffy can’t beat yet, he just hasn’t had a real challenge. They mention that east blue is the weakest sea when they reach the grand line. Then they explain how there’s 5 more seas and how the grand line is the most dangerous one. From skypiea onward to timeskip I got the impression that luffy was finally fighting people around his level and was only winning in the east blue because everyone there was a chump. Which is true! Arlong, don krieg, kuro, and buggy are all pirates who couldn’t make it on the grand line so they went to the east blue to terrorize people who couldn’t fight back.

The stakes and payoff in One Piece are based on emotion. Emotion is the reason why Luffy destroying Arlong Park is an amazing moment. Just thinking about Luffys reaction to seeing the room that Nami was using when she was forced to draw maps makes me happy. These moments are why people love One Piece. If they do not land for someone, One Piece is probably not something they will ever love. Since Charlie is commited to force himself through all of it, I am interested if later arcs will be able to grab him with the emotion, but if the next saga does not do it... I am not going to be expecting anything to do it.

Don't worry Charlie i felt alot like you at Skypiea arc. Luffy's development is literally what you said about him being creative vs Eneru. He stays dumb but by the end he is similar to Zoro. You are at the point where you can see Oda's growth. Death begins to happen from here on. Alot more often.

The thing about one piece is that its supposed to be goofy but what it does alot better is that every arc you watch teases something in the future that you never expected

one piece is my favorite piece of fiction, its the perfect balance of emotion and adventure. From the silly and wholesome moments to the dark and depressing moments, it really feels like I myself am part of the crew.

Can't wait until he gets to Whole Cake Island. That was one of the most creative emotional rollercoasters in the anime and where Sanji develops the most

it took this man two years to get to the end of skypia, i just finished it, i started one piece last month.

(no spoilers) You get to understand each character so deeply over the span of the series, if you pay attention. And One Piece is a story about themes, which also become more and more clear. I'll try to be clear about what I have to say. Luffy doesn't have to change (mostly). And whenever he does change, it lasts. Luffy is stupid. Very, very stupid. That by itself isn't bad design, the world of one piece is often not very realistic - it's often extreme and absurd, you have to just accept that and look at everything else the series offers, otherwise you won't like it. There is so much more to Luffy: his surprising emotional maturity, his humility, willpower, sense of justice that he doesn't repress... After Nami betrayed Luffy, even literaly threw dirt in his face, he remains 100% confident in her character. He risks by choosing to put his trust into her, but he wagers that risk because he believes in her, her kindness and the genuine bond they formed. He knows nothing about her sad backstory, he just knows he can AFFORT to make that wager. Like Shanks, he knows there are battles that don't have to be fought. One of his coldest moment that is certainly going to bear fruit in the future, by proving Bellamy wrong. Additionally, just like Shanks, the moment he found out Bellamy hurt his friend (be it physically or emotionally) he was resolute to bring him down. This also supports the fact that he learnes from his mistakes and actualy remembers the lessons. He is deeply aware of (most of) his flaws and completely understands and accepts when he needs help. This is really a lesson many people struggle with in the real world and seeing the main protagonist, the powerful Luffy, so easily admit he can't sail, can't use a sword, can't cool and can't lie (for better or worse) always sends a shiver down my spine. After Vivi criticised him for reacting impulsive and agresively towards the Drum island villagers, he recognizes she is right and puts the importance of his crew over his emotions and bows to them. Like I said, he listens and the lesson sticks: When meeting Dr. Kureha completely puts his emotions aside and only asks her to help his friends, despite also being in need of treatment. This is a somewhat weak example but other examples happen later in the story (or I can't remember them). This event with Vivi begins a streak of moments where Luffy's leadership is put into question and he has to rise above the challange. Luffy is a very 3 dimensional and always continues to be explored, like all other major characters. I'm sorry, I genuinely don't understand why you wouldn't like Luffy outside of his intellect. Particularly Skypiea is more slowly paced. The pacing becomes considerably worse after about episode 300, so if you want to continue at that point I would recomend the Manga.

I will say Charlie, it is a slow burn. For someone who is reading the manga and watching some of the major battles just to catch up, it does get better. Some parts are really slow but once you hit the Arc known as Water 7, I feel like that's when you'll truly start to fully grasp the excitement and slowly build up more impatience of wanting to know what's next. Keep it up! Glad to know you're enjoying the series now!

I like luffy because he is so carefree in such a serious world. He is stoic in a childlike and humorous manner. His way of bringing people together and overcoming odds by using his body in creative ways makes him cool to me. He always plays risky wild cards and willing to die for his goal. He isnt discriminatory based on strength but whether they're a quitter. Don't matter if you're a chopper or a zoro as long as you don't have a shitty attitude you ait with luffy. Like sometimes the anime makes irritating scenes period but luffy is cool.

Charlie i agree with everything you say the first halfof the series is really underwellming (exept for alabasta and another arc that is spoilers for you) but when you get through that you find the beginning has a lot of lore and connects really well with the latter half of the series imo the later half is better but it is a great and well worth it journey and i hope you complete it whole heartedly

"No actual characters are dying" Me: Cries over a boat.

One thing that Oda has continually stated throughout interviews, is that Luffy is being distracted throughout arcs because if he got to the villain right away, he would end everything much too quickly. I know that may sound like an excuse to some people, but I do like the fact that Oda gives a narrative reason for it. That doesn't mean you have to like it of course, but Luffy's childlike zaniness is exactly what makes him so lovable, in my opinion. And the series will make sure to show you he can get extremely serious when needed. About the Arlong park thing. It kinda makes me sad that that's the way you view it. Especially considering it didn't get finished in one blow. There actually was a fight, but that doesn't matter as much. What did matter was the emotional weight behind that final blow. That's what makes One Piece conclusions so good. Behind each of Luffy's punches isn't his own malicious intent, but his will to fight for other people. And that's where the impact of him defeating enemies lies. But yeah, Luffy was just way too strong for the East Blue to pose him an actual challenge.

I think the arc you’re about to go into (water 7/enies lobby) will be your favorite so far. Water 7 takes a step back from a lot of the journey but instead focuses on the character relationships and character conflicts. Hope you keep enjoying it!

my guy at the end there basically summarised My Hero Academia, Lmaooo

Honestly if you wanna see ONE PIECE taking a turn you wanna watch ONE PIECE movie 6. It’s a twist compared to normal ONE PIECE

I think Oda goal with the lack of deaths was to make real deaths more impactful but for me when ever I see anyone “die” it has no impact as I automatically believe he or she’s still alive.

this man is going to have a blast with the Enies Lobby Arc cause chopper goes crazy.

Charlie just keep watching it, the moment you make it to Sabaody Island Arc, everything will change. Believe me One piece will blow your mind. It just keeps getting better and better.

I’m sorry, when this man said he’s been watching for 2 years I thought “oh ok, so he’s probably caught up by now. He’s in Wano. Cus I started about a year n a half ago and even stopped watching for a few months after dressrosa and I’m in wano now.” Only for this man to say he JUST finished skipea??😨😨

Currently on episode 843, and it gets sooooo good. I wish there wasn’t so much recap and fluff but it’s worth it for sure. Really stoked you’re going through your watch too, definitely gonna track your progress

If you don't like the arlong arc, you just don't like one piece

The new episode gives you your “Sanji Carving.” 👌

I love watching people get into One Piece and having broad stroke takes. It really makes you appreciate Oda's writing and the various shifts that take place. Week to week consuming One Piece vs. All in one shot is such a different experience.

Can't wait to hear your opinions on Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs. There's some really good character development, iconic character moments, world-building, lore, and intense battles. Also, certain plot points in the two make for a very refreshing story rather than the cliche, trope-y stuff we're used to.

Never forget the shop owner that died and his dog stayed to defend the shop until it burned down

Someone please introduce this man to onepace. It really is the only reason I actually withstood the whole anime.

One thing about Pell’s sacrifice scene, he was originally going to die. The manga chapter was published shortly after 9/11 so Oda and his publisher thought it would be better to change the ending regarding his death. Oda gets into his groove in the next arc. It’s the first taste of what One Piece really is going forward. Hope you enjoy it.

After water 7, I feel like you’d think that that arc created a lot of character development and story building overall. And after this point is where I feel the story becomes interesting and the crew kind of grows in some ways. Btw, I think that to my knowledge lots of people die later on in a couple arcs (maybe) based on memory, though my memory may not be the best.

One Piece is for dragonball fans that go STRAIGHT into One Piece after finishing DBZ as 10 year children. It’s impossible for a working critically thinking adults who have seen many Anime to start OP from the start and enjoy it.

I love how all the comments are saying, “Wait til you get to the 200th chapter it gets good” unironically

Perpetual goofiness is one of those traits where it only works with certain characters i feel and that goes the same for any franchise, series or other media.

Water 7/Enies Lobby is still probably my favorite arc, and I’m currently up to the Zou arc. Amazing characters and action and emotion

Enies Lobby gets so good and makes me love One Piece more now.

Well about the killing villains That is because one piece is centered around the concept of dreams As in breaks the spirit is more brutal then killing (in one piece) Dreams are like a vary big thing

I feel like Charlie really would enjoy the manga more, especially with the cover stories and how characters get reintroduced,the pacing is much better in the manga also so it doesn't feel like they're just filling in time, I know he already committed to the anime but he should definitely at least read the cover page stories to get that extra bit of lore and world building

Charlie, you're in for a wild ride. I agree with you with not killing any character but when Oda did so, it hits deep in your soul. I started watching One Piece in my 1st year of college because it got me curios and I finished it in two months and became my #1 piece of media ever created. I've watched a lot of anime and movies prior to watching One Piece and nothing really compares what it made me feel like One Piece did. Sure it has some annoying traits and plot holes but it doesn't ruined it for me. Once you gon caught up to it you realize it was not enough and end up reading the manga. I understand that One Piece is such a slow burner of a series but the long wait is worth it. The lore and world building is I think is One Piece's greatest strength. Trust me I watched the entire One Piece series THREE TIMES just to recreate what it made me feel lmao. I envy you charlie for not knowing what's ahead of the story. Keep on you're own pace man. I'm waiting for your reaction after you caught up to One Piece.

There is actually a reason the main villians or atleast those defeated by luffy never die. Here is a direct quote from Oda "The reason Luffy doesn't kill is this: In his era, men live by their beliefs and risk their lives to defend them. Luffy shatters the beliefs of his enemies by defeating them. For them to suffer defeat and to have their beiefs destroyed is as bad as death. Killing their bodies is beside the point. I feel that, as a pirate, Luffy and his enemies care more about victory and defeat than they care about their lives."

shocked to hear that charlie dislikes luffy, he's usually people's favorite. Mine too, because he manages to strike a good balance with how he's dumb, but also like, THE MOST emotionally intelligent character of all time. like he understands people from the moment he meets them, he does not let rumors and hearsay color his perception of someone he hasn't met, unless that description comes from someone he trusts. He sees people for who they are in the moment, and understands exactly what they want and need. Not to mention how immaculately excellent he is as an avatar of the series' themes and messages, and how his character design is perfect, he's always utilized in really funny ways, and he has the most versatile and fun power of any protagonist.

I watched the anime up until water 7 until I started reading the manga, the manga really is the way to go. You can read 5 chapters in the time it takes to watch a single episode. Restarted a while back and im currently on chapter 764 after reading for 5 months. Been watching one piece for like 10 years but im determined to be caught up by the end of this one

Regarding Pel, he was apparently suppose to die, but Oda and his staff decided ti change that since it was around 9/11 and he thought it would have been in bad taste

Worst part about one piece isn't the fans or the anti fans, its that people go into a 1000 page epic and read 10% of it thinking they know the entire story and why people love it. Yes 3 episode rule is stupid but people will still follow it cause it works most times. But most stories cant do anything but the hook in a short time and we've seen most hooks with the advent of the internet, it means we need to concede and assume something selling more than almost any comic in the world and over 1000 chapters isnt just trash and overrated. It may not be for us, but we can assume that in 1000 chapters it has more to say than the basic character tropes you assume in the first 10% of the story. Not speaking on the review just in general. Its like reading harry potter (3 ep rule) and getting to him going to the school and thinking "overrated trash, why do people like this boring story about a boy doing nothing but sulking this sucks dropped." and feeling validated, vs reading the entire thing and saying "This was a hero's journey I felt different due to the length and time I put in, glad I didn't just quit cause my tiktok adhd.

[[[[[ No spoilers ]]]]] If you just finished or are just finishing Skypiea; The next 'proper' arc (Water 7 + Enies Lobby) is one of the high points of the series, so definitely do another one of these whenever you conclude that, assuming that you ever do. When it comes to characters dying... It's not really established on the nose, but the strawhats don't want to kill people. Like it's a dark, evil thing and frankly unnecessary to them. Whereas, they would get killed in a lot of scenarios if they were defeated. Back when I was watching the early parts of the series, I really enjoyed the East Blue stuff early on. And the first half of Skypiea, before stuff starts to go down, was definitely a bit of a slog as you said. There are highs and lows, as one might expect from a 1,000+ ep thing and some things will drag on for longer than they frankly should while some other things are kinda breezed through, but it's a journey, and I'd suggest it's a good one. It probably won't be very long until it concludes and after all this time, really looking forward to finding out how.

I think the reason a lot of villains are not "killed" is that Oda may think that they can be used in the story later on. Well .. few of them are. So it's like having the option open all the time 😅 And i think oda intends to continue their story BUT the main story is already too long so most of them end up forgotten (axed) I do want some characters to die (if done well ofc)